9 Natural Ways to Combat PMS

How to Combat PMS

As many women can attest, PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, can be completely debilitating. With symptoms ranging from bloating to headaches to cravings to complete changes in mood, PMS is simply no fun. Here are 9 natural ways to deal with PMS.

Top 9 Ways to Beat PMS

Try these PMS natural remedies for maximum comfort for the pain/symptoms caused by PMS.

1. Keep Track of Your Symptoms.

Writing a symptoms diary can help. Recognize what’s going on throughout the month by noting how you feel from day to day. You can then schedule things to coincide with specific times. For example if you tend to feel great for a few days during your cycle, that’s the time to plan family activities or events with friends.

2. Tackle Symptoms through Vitamins and Minerals.

Studies show that a lack of various nutrients can increase PMS symptoms. These include magnesium, calcium, vitamin D, B vitamins, iron and zinc. In one study, it was revealed that 50-80% of women with PMS were deficient in magnesium.

• For acne, taking a 15mg zinc tablet each day can help. Feverfew is a great for managing migraines.
• Women suffering from bloating can benefit from burdock root capsules.
• Additionally, many women find help from natural forms of Vitamin C (NOT ascorbic acid).
• Chasteberry Vitex has been shown to be very helpful with PMS symptoms.

3. Lose the Excess Weight.

Several scientists have discovered that the more overweight you are, the more likely you are to suffer from PMS.

4. Learn to Chill Out.

Stress is also implicated in PMS. You are more likely to have worse PMS when you are stressed than when you are relaxed. Practice ways of relaxing.

5. Get Moving.

Exercise can lift your mood as it helps to boost the feel good chemicals in the brain known as Endorphins. Low levels of endorphins have also been implicated in PMS.

6. Snack Healthy.

According to researchers, your body needs 500 extra calories a day in the run up to your period as that is when your iron levels are at their lowest. On those days, have a healthy mid morning and mid afternoon snack.

7. Take Essential Oils.

Some studies suggest that gammalinolenic acid (GLA) helps to reduce PMS symptoms such as irritability, stomach cramps and breast pain. You can find it in evening primrose oil, starflower oil and blackcurrant oil.

8. Take Herbs/ Supplements.

A plant called agnus cactus is popular in the treatment of PMS. Research suggests it can improve symptoms by more than 50 percent. Find a functional practitioner to help you find the right herbs to take safely for your PMS symptoms.

9. Cut These Out…

Salt, sugar, coffee, and alcohol have all been linked to PMS symptoms. Salt causes bloating, alcohol can worsen your mood, caffeine can increase breast tenderness, and sugar exacerbates food cravings plus blood sugar issues causes weight gain.

 

All the above are methods you can use as premenstrual syndrome treatment or natural ways to combat PMS. You’ll find that PMS relief is right in your hands.