Curb pre-mentral sydrome (PMS) for good with these tips.
Be prepared
A little preparation can rein in the worst of PMS. Set a reminder
in your calendar so you're notified a few days to a week before it's due. This
way the hormone swings aren't such a shock and you can stock up on the practical
necessities and some healthy treats before your symptoms hit.
Fatty acids
Boosting essential fatty acids can
significantly reduce PMS symptoms. Try oily fish, avocados and flaxseed oil.
Foods rich in vitamin B6 will also help stabilise blood-sugar levels and mood
swings. Go for leafy greens, legumes, meat, poultry and nuts.
Calcium
Calcium has been found to ease period aches and pains, so make sure you're
eating healthy dairy every day. To ensure your body is absorbing calcium
correctly, get a daily dose of vitamin D by sitting in the early-morning or
late-afternoon sun for 10 minutes.
Avoid sugar
Sweet cravings, though tempting, may actually worsen PMS symptoms as excess
sugar can deplete the body's store of vitamin B6. Also try to cut out as much
caffeine and alcohol as possible in the week leading up to your period. These
have been known to trigger the symptoms of PMS.
Get help
So you'd rather curl up and cry? Get some help if PMS is becoming
debilitating. Your doctor can look into the cause - perhaps it's a condition
that's treatable. Acupuncture can also be a great relief as it helps to calm emotions and improve
blood flow around the body.
Exercise
There's no doubt that cramps, bloating and a bad mood can put even the most
dedicated off their workout. Regular, low-intensity
exercise can help improve mood, minimise the physical symptoms of a period
and give you a better night's sleep.
Lighten the load
Stress, anxiety and depression can become a bit of a dark cloud before and
during your period. Lighten the load with a funny movie, a nap or a spot of
meditation. In addition to metaphorically putting your feet up, physically
elevating them will ease fatigue and leg cramps.
No comments:
Post a Comment