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Dealing with Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Dealing with Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

What is PMS? It is simply the way your hormones change during your monthly cycle, a combination of symptoms that will usually appear a week or so before your period and linger until the first few days of your period. Type and severity of symptoms do of course vary for every woman but there is no doubt that the impact it has on a women’s day to day life is not pleasant. Each woman with PMS will have her own personal pattern of symptoms some of which may include: cramps, bloating, mood swings, breast tenderness, emotional issues, headaches and skin problems. The most effective way to identify if you are suffering from PMS is to keep a diary of any changes you notice coming up to your period, do this for 3 to 4 months, note how severe they are and how long they last as your doctor may need to rule out any other condition before confirming you have PMS.

It is worth noting that approx 85% of women will admit to having suffered from PMS at some stage so you are by no means alone! A lot of women will also admit that they tolerate these symptoms every month as they are not aware of the natural remedies which may help with symptoms and allow them to go about their day effectively during this difficult time. Some of these include:
AGNUS CASTUS: effective in dealing with breast tenderness, cramping, headaches and heavy painful periods.
KRILL OIL FOR WOMEN: Take 2 capsules a day to help ease irritability, bloating and tiredness also beneficial for the skin.
EVENING PRIMROSE OIL, MAGNESIUM, B-VITAMINS especially B6 are other products to consider.
There are also some excellent homeopathic remedies which can be very effective, worth asking about!

As always food plays a major role in our hormone and overall health so be smart about your food choices when dealing with PMS, reduce your sugar, salt and caffeine intake as these can lead to bloating, mood swings and anxiousness. Look instead to STEVIA or XYLITOL in place of sugar and try some of the delicious herbal teas available. It is important to remember that insulin sensitivity may be reduced around the time of your period so try not to give into those sugar cravings as this will only make the situation worse. Eat regularly leading up to your period to stabilise blood sugar levels. Include plenty of high fibre and protein rich food such as wholegrain cereals, seeds, nuts, root vegetables and fruits, to keep your digestive system moving and your energy levels steady. Drink plenty of water, rather than causing you to retain more fluid, additional water will stimulate your body to flush away toxins and remove excess fluid in the process.

Remember that stress can have an effect on your blood sugar levels which may lead to cravings so try keep this under control. Keep a bottle of Rescue Remedy or Emergency Essence handy to help with this.
Exercise helps to release feel-good chemicals known as endorphins, these can help with mood swings and keep stress levels under control and may also help keep your mind off those food cravings!!

Until next time, stay healthy

DEIRDRE

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