There is little data to support a strong relationship between diet and PMDD. However, dietary patterns that emphasize eating a variety of whole foods (e.g., fruits, vegetables, nuts), while reducing the intake of ultraprocessed foods, salt, caffeine, and alcohol, are associated with a lower risk of premenstrual symptoms.[1][2] Diets rich in calcium, zinc, magnesium, and B vitamins may also reduce the risk of PMS.[2][3] Whether this data applies to PMDD is unclear, but adopting a healthful diet is unlikely to worsen the condition and could provide benefits.
How could diet affect premenstrual dysphoric disorder?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
There is limited evidence associating diet directly with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), but a diet that is rich in whole foods and low in ultraprocessed items, salt, caffeine, and alcohol may reduce premenstrual symptoms. Although the specific effect on PMDD is uncertain, a healthy diet is unlikely to worsen the condition and may offer benefits.