Is “that time of the month” turning you into “wife-zilla”? You know it is coming; it happens every month without fail. Your PERIOD! Period of what? It could be crying, fits of anger, yelling or the all too familiar, chocolate obsession. It is the time when you think and speak without the edit button that you so carefully employ the rest of the month!
About 8% to 20% of women get moderate to severe symptoms of PMS a week or two before their monthly cycle. No one exactly knows why some women experience severe symptoms of bloating, irritability and depression, while others don’t. One leading theory is that some women have a greater sensitivity to the effects the female hormones estrogen and progesterone have on their serotonin levels. Serotonin is a brain chemical that plays a key role in mood regulation and sensitivity to pain, research seem to confirm that it significantly influences the onset of PMS. What we do know is that for many women, PMS is an uncomfortable fact of life. Although indulging in chocolate might seem like a fantasy, doing so won’t provide relief. There are better food cures to help get your PMS under control.
Magnesium
Adding magnesium to your diet will reduce PMS symptoms drastically. Magnesium helps to regulate serotonin. Serotonin, a brain chemical, plays a vital role in mood fluctuation and pain sensitivity. This will help to cure symptoms such as breast tenderness and abdominal bloating.
Foods rich in magnesium: brown rice, lentils, sunflower seeds, spinach, beans and cashews.
Vitamin B
Cure your crankiness and minimize food cravings by increasing Vitamin B in your diet.
Foods rich in Vitamin B: nuts, bananas, chicken, sweet potato, whole grains and beans.
Good fats
Instead of eliminating fat from your diet completely, consider replacing bad fats with good fats, you will feel the difference!
Foods rich in good fats: pumpkin seeds, walnuts, tuna and salmon.
Potassium
Potassium has a significant effect on mood swings.
Foods rich in potassium: fresh fruit salad.
Calcium
A good source of calcium is essential in controlling irritability.
Foods rich in calcium: milk, broccoli, white beans
Make sure to increase your daily water intake and to exercise regularly, as this is a natural mood enhancer.
Don’t skip meals!
Feeling bloated is one of the most common symptoms of PMS and skipping meals will cause your blood sugar levels to drop and will simply aggravate other symptoms, such as headaches and fatigue.
Avoid refined sugar, chocolates, coffee, tea and alcohol
Try to eliminate these culprits during those few days, it will leave you exhausted and simply add to your PMS.
So, are you ready to end your menstrual misery? When given the correct tools, our wise and wonderful bodies will give those hormones a sign to fall into equilibrium and PMS will disappear.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com, webmd, www.joybauer.com
The information on Fedhealth Medical Aid is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.