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Women's Wellbeing > PMS and You
An Affliction Caused by Malnourishment
From about the the age of about twelve to fifty, women
experience their menstrual cycle. In the course of a healthy
woman's life, this cycle rarely causes problem or discomfort,
unfortunately today many women find the process difficult or even
distressing as many physical and emotional symptoms collectively
known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), [premenstrual tension
(PMT) or stress (PMS)], appear in the days prior to bleeding.
PMS may include abdominal cramps, constipation,
painful joints, backaches, bloating, breast tenderness, craving,
moodiness, headaches, migraines, water retention, fatigue, acne,
decreased work or social performance, altered libido, anxiety,
depression and other symptoms.
PMS is a fact of
many women’s lives and is a problem which no medication which can
adequately cure or prevent, and there is a growing amount of
information that symptoms of PMS can be reduced or even eliminated
by altering one's dietary intake.
Herbal medicines and nutritional supplements such as
evening primrose, maca, flaxseed oil provide relief
supporting the view that PMS may be caused by a nutritional imbalance
or toxicity.
Symptoms
PMS symptoms can include abdominal cramps, constipation,
painful joints, backaches, bloating, breast tenderness, cravings,
moodiness, headaches, migraines, water retention, fatigue, acne,
decreased work or social performance, altered libido, anxiety,
depression and many other symptoms.
Zoft
Balance Gum for Menopause Relief on the run
A Modern Disease
PMS is a fact of
many women’s lives and is a problem which no doctor or medication which can
adequately cure or prevent.
There is however a growing body of
anecdotal evidence supporting that symptoms of PMS can be reduced or even eliminated
by altering one's dietary intake. Herbal medicines and nutritional supplements such as
evening primrose, maca and
flaxseed oil provide relief
supporting the view that PMS may be caused by a nutritional imbalance
or toxicity.
Functional Whole foods
Certain foods when eaten can help to relieve the
severity of symptoms associated with PMS and some foods when
restricted have a positive outcome.
A healthy diet which includes complex carbohydrates - whole-grain
breads, cereals, pasta, potatoes, beans, rice, and whole grains
helps to regulate blood
sugars eliminate sugar cravings.
Fresh vegetables such as kale, collards, mustard greens, carrots,
turnips, parsnips, broccoli, Brussels sprouts are high in nutrients
that reduce PMS-related blood sugar and mood swings, and Fruits such
as apples and pears contain fiber and less sugar all help ease heavy
menstrual bleeding and premenstrual symptoms.
Calcium:
Abdominal
cramping and muscular contractions which can occur as PMS can be
relieved by eating high calcium
foods such as Broccoli, Black Beans, Navy Beans, whole grain cereals,
soybeans, spinach, bok choy, kale, corn, fish, tofu, almonds,
oysters, milk, yogurt and cheese.
Magnesium:
Mood swings and food cravings are also known to be alleviated by
magnesium which facilitates the absorption of calcium. Green
vegetables such as spinach are good sources of magnesium as are legumes (beans and
peas), nuts and seeds, and whole unrefined grains. Try eating spinach, avocados, barley, oysters,
pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, brazil nuts, buckwheat and almonds.
Vitamin B6:
Is often taken as a supplement to reduce depression, relieve
cravings, fatigue, mood swings, fluid retention and bloating during
periods. Foods rich in vitamin B6, include fish, tuna, chicken,
turkey, pork, brown rice, barley, soy foods, broccoli, sweet
potatoes, bananas, avocados, mangoes, cantaloupe, sunflower seeds,
and spinach.
Zinc.
Low zinc levels in women prone to PMS suggest that a diet rich
in this important mineral may prevent PMS symptoms. Leading food
source of zinc include barley, wheat, crab, oysters, beef, lamb,
chicken and turkey.
Vitamin E.
Is often taken as a supplement to reduce
breast tenderness, nervousness, depression, headache, fatigue, and
insomnia. Vitamin E can be taken as a supplement and is found in
broccoli, almonds, sunflower seeds, Brazil nuts, peanuts, safflower
oil, corn oil, olive oil, mangoes, avocadoes, apples, and
blackberries.
A healthy diet with a normal eating routine helps overall good
health
and to learn more, Gale Jack's
Women's Health Guide and
Calm Energy, or
Food and Mood Handbook,
Food and Mood and
Food & Mood Cookbook
by Elizabeth Somer provide insight and practical solutions.
Besides diet, regular exercise and relaxation decreases premenstrual
symptoms. Vitamin supplements or herbal preparations offer relief for many women experiencing menstrual
difficulties.
Zoft
Balance Gum for Menopause Relief on the run
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