What is PMS?
PMS or PreMenstrual Syndrome is a collection of emotional symptoms, with or without physical symptoms, related to a woman’s menstrual cycle. Approximately 85 percent of women experience these symptoms directly before or during the menstruation cycle, and at least 20 to 40 percent of them fully meet the criteria for PMS.
PMS complaints usually present themselves between the 18th and 28th day of the menstrual cycle and often disappear when the menstruation begins. In some cases, the complaints can persist for a few days during the menstruation period.
What can you do about it?
You can start by reducing your sugar intake and by eating several smaller meals throughout the day instead of a few big meals. This helps to keep the glucose levels in your blood in balance. Eat less salt to avoid moisture accumulation, enjoy nutricious foods that are rich in potassium, such as fish, beans, and broccoli. You can also help by reducing your caffeine intake. Caffeine can aggravate anxiety and depression during this time. Also, avoid alcohol. Eat less fatty foods and enjoy red meat in moderation. Make sure that you include enough essential fatty acids in your diet such as the omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oil, sardines, mackerel and salmon. If you don’t like fish oil, then linseed oil is a good alternative. Sunflower oil is also good for your health.
PMS and Nutrition
Factors that contribute to PMS There are many factors that can contribute to PMS, including an excessive use of milk products, such as cheese, milk, and yogurt. Ingesting products containing caffeine such as cola’s, coffee, and chocolate also factor in. Avoid consuming refined sugars and try to eat more fresh vegetables. Finally, being overweight can also contribute to PMS. Obesity causes an extreme rise in oestrogen levels thus increasing the symptoms of PMS.
Herbs and food supplements
Evening primrose oil reduces complaints such as irritability and a painful menstruation. Don Quai is a Chinese herb that can be used to relieve cramps, as a painkiler, and to stimulate blood circulation. Rhodiola helps for stress-related complaints, it fights fatigue, stimulates the appetite and is helpful in getting a good night’s rest. Goldenrod is helpful when you have a slow-working liver, a metabolism issue, or bad digestion. Saint John’s Wort stimulates the healing process; it works as an anti-inflammatory and is proven in alleviating bouts of light depression. Lady’s mantle has sedative properties that help to alleviate cramps and painful menstruation.
Severe PMS can affect your well being and cause stress in relationships. Are you tired of the mood swings, headaches, muscle aches, diarrhoea, cramps, bloating, acne, breast sensitivity and so forth? Or how about the food cravings and overall pain and misery that occurs in the days leading up to the arrival of your period every month?
Then you need to read: Curing Premenstrual Tension Naturally
We will show you how to handle your symptoms without the need for Rx drugs or isolating yourself during the days leading up to your period! No need to upset yourself or others when your period arrives and you will feel better within days!
If you are reading this page, then it is very likely that you are already experiencing some of the more uncomfortable symptoms associated with premenstrual tension.
Although getting your monthly period is a natural occurrence, sometimes it is very stressful to go through.
Even though the following symptoms are normal during the menstrual cycle, some women may think that something more serious is taking place…
- abdominal pain
- bloating
- joint pain
- muscle pain
- diarrhea
- constipation
- onset of acne
- extreme sensitivity or tenderness
- excess water retention
- weight gain
- cravings for sugar and alcohol
- Insomnia
- anxiety
- disorientation
- disassociation
- panic attacks
- lack of sex drive
- poor concentration and lack of focus
Our book and video will help you understand what is happening to your body, as well as provide relief and comfort by knowing the facts about PMS.