It may be hard to do. If you've ever had a sweet, salty food craving right before your period you can relate. But, listen to this. Salt causes water retention, which can add to feelings of bloat before your period. It can also make you feel tense, heavy and sad.
Some women find that avoiding caffeine and alcohol helps prevent cramps and headaches.
There's evidence it reduces cramps. When cramps are bad, lie down with a heating pad and zone out. Read a good book, watch mindless TV, snuggle with a pet. Breathing deeply and relaxing are terrific pain-lesseners. Keep stress to a minimum.