It's the most unpleasant time of the month for any woman and I hate it! As I get older, my premenstrual syndrome gets worse and I'm quite a nightmare to be around. It's not only the mood swings and that constant unpleasant hunger, but also physical pain on my back, joints and muscles. Lately I even noticed that I can't sleep that well the weeks prior my menstrual cycle starts and that in itself makes me tired and angry. Fortunately, there are natural things we can do to ease PMS symptoms and you should watch this slideshow to get some answers.
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In the following slideshow we are going to show you natural ways to combat common PMS symptoms that you should start using now. Your husband, kids and friends will be happier if you do because you'll be a different more pleasant woman.
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Anger
PMS is caused by a hormonal imbalance and that is preventing your body from absorbing vitamin B and D. Take supplements two weeks prior your period to avoid anger. You should also stop eating sugary foods since that will raise your insulin levels and make you more irritable. Eat lots of kale.
Anxiety
If you experience anxiety during PMS you should avoid caffeine in every form. Forget coffee, sodas and juices high in caffeine and drink green tea instead. Ginger also has stress relieving qualities and its great for the nerves.
Depression
You are feeling very low and you think a cocktail is all you need to make you feel better. Wrong! Alcohol is the worse thing for you because it will make you feel more depressed. Dandelion leaves are a wonderful mood lifter and you should eat them or drink them in tea to raised your chemistry and feel happier.
Constant hunger
This is my problem. I eat and eat during PMS and don't feel full. The solution to this problem is fiber. Try to double your fiber intake and eat it with every meal so you can feel full. Snack on bananas and whole grains to fill the void in your stomach.
Insomnia
It’s common to lose sleep during PMS and your period. There are natural supplements and sleeping aids you can take that won’t make you addicted and will help you relax. Valerian is available at the health food store and all your need are couple of drops. You can also drink chamomile tea and if you are very sleep deprived buy melatonin.
Low sex drive
It’s understandable, you probably hate your partner on those days and you are not feeling in the mood. Sex helps with everything! The problem is that your estrogen levels are very low and your need to give them a boost. Eat beets, cherries, flax seeds, yams and chickpeas since they are known to increase the hormone levels. You can also take natural estrogen supplements.
Bloating
I hate this feeling! There are couple of things you can do to avoid bloating. First of all, don't eat salty and spicy foods if you are dealing with PMS. Also, make sure to eat a lot of cooked vegetables and grains. Eat more frequently than usual so you can avoid gas.
Body aches
Everything hurts when you are experiencing PMS. Turmeric is a natural pain reliever and you should take capsules or cook with it to avoid aches and pains. Turmeric improves circulation and works like oil in the body.
Heavy period
Depending on their PMS symptoms, some women experience heavier than usual periods some months. An herb called vitex or chasteberry is ideal to lower the heavy flow of your period by helping the body produce more progesterone. Take chasteberry supplements if you are having a heavy one.
Inflammation
If you are experience inflammation and your glands and feet are tender and swollen you should consume antioxidants. Apple cider vinegar is very effective to reduce inflammation fast. Drink a tablespoon in the morning before breakfast every day until you get your period.
