Is PMS Driving You Crazy?
Less than 50 years ago, PMS was dismissed as a women’s problem with nerves, and an inability to cope. Sedation was usually prescribed, and the condition was not taken seriously, doctors could not find a cause or cure so many women suffered in silence.
Thankfully these days we have a better understanding of PMS.
4 Factors Contribute to PMS Symptoms
- Hormonal
- Dietary
- Lifestyle
- Emotional.
How can you tell if you suffer from PMS?
If your symptoms are absent for a week following your period, but appear anytime in the two weeks leading up to menstruation then you have PMS.
PMS can play havoc with your fitness and weight loss goals. Dietary changes help balance hormone levels and reduce symptoms, crash diets or fad diets generally make symptoms worse by disrupting blood sugar levels and increasing nutrient deficiencies.
PMS Cravings
Symptoms
- Headaches
- Sugar or sweet cravings
- Increased appetite
- Palpitations
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
Recommendations
Dietary changes should focus on small frequent meals, with restricted trans fats, restricted sugar and salt, but plenty of complex whole grain carbohydrates. Include essential fats in the diet.
Recommended as prescribed by your nutritionist.
- Magnesium, is often deficient.
- Evening Primrose oil.
- Omega 3 fish oils.
- Look at herbs to help with Liver function and clearance of estrogens
PMS - Anxiety or Depression
Symptoms
- Nervous Tension
- Mood Swings
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Crying
- Insomnia
Recommended as prescribed by your nutritionist or health care adviser
- Dietary changes should be made with your nutritionist, reducing refined carbohydrates and full fat dairy foods.
- Supplementation of B6 and Magnesium.
- Rhodiola is a useful supplement for stress.
- Dim as a hormone balancer.
- Look at herbs to help with Liver function and clearance of estrogens
- First and foremost a good multi-vitamin and mineral supplement
Eat to beat PMT
Pre-menstrual tension or PMS can destroy your fitness and weight loss goals, but dietary changes can help balance hormone levels and reduce your symptoms. Stay away from crash diets or fad diets because they can make symptoms worse by disrupting your blood sugar levels and increasing any nutrient deficiencies. Ensure you are eating small nutritious meals throughout the day to help with energy levels.
Avoid eating too many refined carbohydrates such as white bread, pastries, crackers and sweets. Vitamin B6, Calcium and Magnesium are useful in treating PMS symptoms. If you are not using dietary supplements, start with a multivitamin and try additional calcium and magnesium. Aim for a 2:1 ratio of Calcium and Magnesium. If your symptoms don’t change visit a
Real Nutrition to ensure you are eating a balanced diet. Food really can make a huge difference when it comes to hormone imbalances.
The information herein on our website is general information provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional care. It is not intended nor should it be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Persons who have or suspect they may have an illness or medical condition should seek the guidance of a qualified health professional.
