Coping With Pre-Menstrual Syndrome
Pre-menstrual syndrome (or pre-menstrual tension PMT) is a common disorder among pre-menopausal women.
The symptoms can range from mild to severely debilitating.
Having been a former suffer of PMS (at the severe end), I am more than aware of the pain and the moods swings that come with it.
According to Marilyn Glanville in her book The Nutritional Health Handbook for Women, around 70 to 90 per cent women of child bearing age, suffer with symptoms.
PMS happens either one or two weeks before the period commences.
Years ago, the medical establishment dismissed PMS as an 'all in the head' problem, but now we know that is a very real physical condition.
It is thought that there are over 150 symptoms associated with PMS but the ones reported most often include: mood swings, bloating, back aches, cramps, cravings, breast swelling and tenderness, personality changes (anger to depression), crying and acne.
So what causes PMS? Basically speaking, no one really knows.
It was thought it could be due to hormonal imbalances because PMS starts after ovulation begins and disappears after it has stopped.
However, this theory has been disproved via a number of research tests.
So the only other explanation might be due to nutrient deficiencies and lifestyle factors especially if one is feeling tired, run down, stressed and does not keep physically active.
I know from experience, that when I changed from eating processed junk food to a diet that consisted mainly of raw and living foods and started to get active most of my symptoms disappeared.
I wouldn't say I was completely free of symptoms, but the symptoms are so mild, I hardly notice them, therefore, I am not distracted from everyday living.
The best way to treat PMS is the natural way.
This includes a change in diet to fruit, vegetables and whole grains.
These foods will help regulate blood sugar because the more sugar in the blood, the worse the symptoms.
Also, include essential fats, particularly of the gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) variety.
GLA helps relieve symptoms and has an important role in glandular function.
Primrose oil has been shown to be the most effective fatty acid.
Other factors that can help are vitamin and mineral supplementation, herbs and a liver detox to help the liver remove excess hormones from the body.
There is no need to suffer with PMS when a small number of lifestyle and dietary changes can make all the difference.
The symptoms can range from mild to severely debilitating.
Having been a former suffer of PMS (at the severe end), I am more than aware of the pain and the moods swings that come with it.
According to Marilyn Glanville in her book The Nutritional Health Handbook for Women, around 70 to 90 per cent women of child bearing age, suffer with symptoms.
PMS happens either one or two weeks before the period commences.
Years ago, the medical establishment dismissed PMS as an 'all in the head' problem, but now we know that is a very real physical condition.
It is thought that there are over 150 symptoms associated with PMS but the ones reported most often include: mood swings, bloating, back aches, cramps, cravings, breast swelling and tenderness, personality changes (anger to depression), crying and acne.
So what causes PMS? Basically speaking, no one really knows.
It was thought it could be due to hormonal imbalances because PMS starts after ovulation begins and disappears after it has stopped.
However, this theory has been disproved via a number of research tests.
So the only other explanation might be due to nutrient deficiencies and lifestyle factors especially if one is feeling tired, run down, stressed and does not keep physically active.
I know from experience, that when I changed from eating processed junk food to a diet that consisted mainly of raw and living foods and started to get active most of my symptoms disappeared.
I wouldn't say I was completely free of symptoms, but the symptoms are so mild, I hardly notice them, therefore, I am not distracted from everyday living.
The best way to treat PMS is the natural way.
This includes a change in diet to fruit, vegetables and whole grains.
These foods will help regulate blood sugar because the more sugar in the blood, the worse the symptoms.
Also, include essential fats, particularly of the gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) variety.
GLA helps relieve symptoms and has an important role in glandular function.
Primrose oil has been shown to be the most effective fatty acid.
Other factors that can help are vitamin and mineral supplementation, herbs and a liver detox to help the liver remove excess hormones from the body.
There is no need to suffer with PMS when a small number of lifestyle and dietary changes can make all the difference.
