Natural Cure for PMS

Premenstrual syndrome or PMS is a group of physical and emotional symptoms that women may experience in the week or two before the onset of the monthly menstrual period. These symptoms subside once the menstrual period begins or a few days into the period.

The symptoms and causes of PMS are curable naturally by the following methods.

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Best Natural Cure For PMS

Nutrient Intake

Nutrition plays a major role in curbing PMS symptoms. The following nutrients are very helpful.

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Calcium

Lower calcium levels generally aggravate the symptoms of PMS. 300 mg of calcium carbonate taken four times a day significantly lower the PMS symptoms like depression, pain, cravings, mood swings and bloating.

Milk and cheese are the superlative sources of calcium. Other good sources are yogurt, rice and soy beverages.

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Magnesium

Naturally occurring magnesium found in food and supplements, significantly reduces weight gain, other than this swelling of the hands and legs and abdominal bloating are common problems. Green vegetables like spinach, legumes and un- refined grains are good sources of magnesium.

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Vitamin B6

 

Source: http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/vitamin_b6_source_000273.htm

Vitamin B-6 helps in boosting depressed serotonin levels that help control stress symptoms during PMS.

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Acupuncture

Acupuncture targets the liver, which is the organ most affected by stress, anger, and frustration. Alcohol, spicy and fatty foods can lead to PMS symptoms like breast tenderness and abdominal bloating and cramping due to their direct negative effects on the liver. Acupuncture helps curb these symptoms.

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Dietary Suggestions

Reducing the salt and sugar intake, increasing the consumption of foods rich in potassium like green vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and fish, eating small, frequent meals helps with the symptoms of PMS.

Chaste tree berry is used very commonly as it helps reduce symptoms like depression, headaches, irritability and breast tenderness. But it also has side effects like nausea, digestive disturbances, menstrual disorders, acne, and skin rashes and should be taken under a doctor’s supervision only.

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Prostaglandins

Evening Primrose oil contains gamma-linolenic acid, an omega-6 essential fatty acid that is involved in the metabolism of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins control pain and tenderness in the body and thus help manage the PMS symptoms. Evening primrose oil should be taken in small quantities before the onset of the menstrual period.

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Exercise

Regular aerobic exercise like jogging, brisk walking, cycling and swimming help relieve the symptoms of PMS.

Frequency, not the intensity of the exercise, actually matters.

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Relaxation Techniques

Many women feel more assertive and attuned to their needs as a part of the PMS symptoms. Breathing exercises, meditation, yoga and aromatherapy are natural ways to reduce stress and promote relaxation during such a time.

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Quality Sleep

A sound night’s sleep is a good remedy for a variety of ailments, including PMS. A minimum of 7 to 8 hours of sleep is known to significantly reduce the PMS symptoms like irritability, fatigue, bloating and stress.

PMS is not a disease or psychiatric condition, but a sign of a nutritional deficiency, signaling some mineral imbalance. Incomplete nutrition makes calcium-regulating hormones react negatively with estrogen and progesterone, which in turn triggers the PMS symptoms.