Premenstrual syndrome or PMS is still a medical mystery. Beyond intense irritability, it brings one or more of these symptoms: fluid retention, abdominal bloating, headaches, breast tenderness, low back pain, fatigue, sugar cravings, anxiety, and mild depression.
Stop Smoking
If you need a reason to avoid cigarettes, here it is: A study of 10 years of health data from more than 3,000 women showed that those who smoked were more than twice as likely to develop moderate or severe PMS symptoms than those who never smoked. Although the exact reasons for this finding are not clear, avoiding smoking or quitting smoking could improve or even prevent PMS.
Stay Active
Many women find that aerobic exercise the type of activity that gets your heart pumping helps ease sadness and anxiety, which are both common symptoms of PMS. Get moving for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. You can try dancing, jogging, swimming, or brisk walking this is one kind of PMS treatment that you’ll enjoy. Even if exercise doesn’t totally get rid of the symptoms that occur during your periods, your amped up level of activity will help you control your weight and reduce stress.
Diet
Changing your diet to a healthier one can make a difference in your PMS symptoms. Up your intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and cut on sugar, artificial sweeteners, fat, and salt. The complex carbohydrates in whole grains may contribute to a chemical chain reaction that supports mood-enhancing emotions. If you’re overweight, under stress, or a smoker, symptoms can be worse. Give up bad habits and you’ll see a big difference each month. You’ll benefit from changes in your diet not only during your period but all month long.
Alcohol and Caffeine
Alcohol and caffeine can both contribute to a PMS roller coaster. Consider limiting alcoholic drinks, as well as food and beverages containing caffeine – coffee, tea, cocoa, and even chocolate, throughout your cycle. A small number of women may find that their cravings for alcohol are stronger during PMS or PMDD. If you need help cutting down on either of these substances, work with your doctor or a nutritionist.
Relax
“Just relax” – it’s easy to say, harder to do, but definitely worth the effort. PMS may leave you anxious and tense, so it’s a good idea to learn some relaxation techniques as part of your PMS treatment. Consider yoga, deep breathing, or meditation. Stretching techniques such as yoga or tai chi can help you relax and will soothe aching muscles and joints. Acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic care also have the potential to help ease symptoms of PMS.
Supplements
You’ve changed your diet, but you may want to further boost your intake of certain PMS-busting nutrients with supplements. Taking a daily dose of 1,200 milligrams of calcium has been shown to ease symptoms of PMS for some women. Researchers have also found that certain fatty acids, like the omega-3s and linoleic acid found in supplements, can lessen irritability and reduce the aches associated with PMS. That
Cravings
During the time leading up to your periods, you may find that you’re one of the many women who crave certain kinds of unhealthy snacks. Typically those cravings are for salty or sweet fatty snacks. You may also crave fatty protein snacks or meals, like a hamburger or another meat. Getting more whole grain complex carbohydrates in your diet can help you control these cravings by keeping your glucose levels steady. Too much fatty food can lead to weight gain and other unhealthy consequences, so there are two good reasons to eat less of it.