Holistic Relief From Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms (PMS)

PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME (PMS)

Premenstrual syndrome is a disease that affects 30-40% of women about ten days before the start of menstruation.

The symptoms include physical and psychological factors such as:

Physical

• Irritability
• Swollen limbs and fingers
• Acne flare-ups
• Backache
• Breast tenderness and swelling
• Joint pain
• Headaches
• Cramps
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Water retention

Psychological

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Mood swings
• Fatigue
• Food cravings
• Insomnia
• Violence
• Poor concentration

Causes

The cause is unclear. It is possible that the causes are more than one. Some of them may be the following

• Hormonal imbalance (excessive levels of estrogen and inadequate levels of progesterone), that leads to fluid retention.
• Fluctuations of serotonin, a brain chemical that is thought to influence mood states.
• A poor diet.
• Unstable blood sugar level.
• Lack of vitamins and minerals.

Recommendations

• Eat fresh fruits, grains, and vegetables.
• Diet rich in complex carbohydrates and fiber.
• Drink distilled water every day, 10 days before the menstrual period.
• Avoid salt, processed foods, and red meats.
• Eat fewer dairy products.
• Avoid caffeine and chocolate.
• Go for a walk every day.
• Eat foods high in phytoestrogens.
• Take every day vitamin A, B₆, B_12, D, E, calcium, and magnesium.
• Eat little or no refined sugars.
• Don’t smoke.

Beneficial Herbs