Easing the Symptoms of PMS
Studies show that premenstrual syndrome or PMS affects 30 to 50 percent of women. PMS can include mood swings, bloating, fatigue, soreness and nausea, among other symptoms. However, the good news is that there are a host of measures metro area women can take to combat these pesky monthly symptoms.
According to Dr. Wendy Hodson, a naturopathic physician, simply changing one’s daily diet can help ease PMS immensely. Hodson recommends decreasing intake of saturated fats to balance hormone levels, sugar consumption to manage blood sugar levels, salt intake to reduce bloating and caffeine consumption, which affects your mood. In addition, consuming more vegetables, which contain fiber, helps balance hormones, benefits intestinal bacteria and is good for weight management.
In addition to changing and improving your diet, ingesting calcium and vitamin D also may lessen the severity of PMS or prevent it from occurring in the first place. According to Prevention Magazine, “Premenopausal women need 1,000 mg of bone-protecting calcium daily”. Women can reach this daily quota by taking TUMS, calcium supplements or consuming at least three servings of dairy each day. Other tips for easing PMS symptoms include exercising regularly, avoiding alcohol consumption and smoking, getting enough sleep and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. The most important thing is to be aware of your own symptoms and problems in your cycle and discuss the best treatment plan for you with your health care professional.
Kelly Nelson is an intern for KC Parent Magazine. She is studying Journalism and Spanish at the University of Missouri.