Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is common amongst women and can vary from mild to severely debilitating for some.
Symptoms can be physical such as bloating, pain, tender sore breasts, headaches, insomnia, brain fog, fluid retention, pimples and food cravings; or more emotionally based such as irritability, anxiety, depression; or both!
Although PMS is common, it’s not normal.
This is such an important point for all of us women to understand for ourselves and for our daughters.
PMS is not something that you have to “live with.”
It’s a completely curable and management condition, which is merely a sign from your body that it’s not coping and something is out of balance.
We need and love our hormones of course, and they naturally fluctuate throughout the month. The key is to ensure those fluctuations are not too extreme and more stable, and to also support your body to be able to manage these natural changes in hormones.
The good news is, natural treatment is very effective at treating and managing PMS. Here are 5 ways to help you manage your PMS so you can have a healthier and happier time of the month.
Relax and de-stress
We know for a fact that stress worsens PMS. This is because when your stress hormones are released or in demand, the production of key sex hormones, such as progesterone, is blocked. The best ways to reduce stress is to limit caffeine, exercise and move daily, practice meditation, yoga or breathing exercises and of course listen to your body and rest when needed.
Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds or flaxseed oil are rich in phytoestrogens which naturally reduce oestrogen in the body, which can contribute to PMS symptoms such as headaches, irritability and breast tenderness. Add 1 tablespoon of flax to your morning smoothie, muesli, yoghurt or juice daily.
Vitamin B6
This nutrient is required for all stages of hormone production in the body, particularly our calming hormone progesterone, which is often low in PMS sufferers. Vitamin B6 is also an anti-inflammatory nutrient, which helps detoxify oestrogen and increase the synthesis of neurotransmitters like serotonin. Vitamin B6 rich foods include kangaroo, chicken, salmon, silverbeet, sunflower seeds.
Identify food intolerances
Exposure to hidden food sensitivities cause inflammation throughout your body, including PMS. By identifying and avoiding any sensitivities, you will reduce that inflammatory response which causes the symptoms of pain, bloating, fluid retention etc. Food intolerances can be identified through an IgG blood spot test from your Nutritionist or health care practitioner.
Magnesium
This beautiful calming mineral works alongside B6 to help increase progesterone levels. In addition, magnesium is a relaxant helping to reduce cramping and headaches, as well as calming the nervous system, supporting healthy mood and sleep. Magnesium rich foods include: red meats, chicken liver, raw cacao powder, parsley, spinach, legumes, banana, tahini, sunflower seeds and nuts.
If you suffer from PMS each month and want to get long term relief, then contact us for further information!
