If your diet isn’t high in fiber and water, you’ll probably be struggling with constipation during the second half of your cycle as progesterone slows down your digestive tract. For quick relief, try nibbling rye bread. A new study in the Journal of Nutrition reveals it works more effectively than laxatives and probiotics at relieving constiption thanks to a type of fiber that ferments in the intestine and triggers contractions that move contents along. What’s more, it does the job without cramping or other uncomfortable side effects.

[photo: Grongar]