It is a fact that there is no one method that is going to alleviate the signs and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome for all women. However, a combination of many natural options can usually serve to alleviate the majority of symptoms.

Education is the Answer

The first step to the alleviation of your premenstrual syndrome symptoms is education. The more you understand about the causes of premenstrual syndrome symptoms, the more effectively you can make educated decisions about what treatment options are available and best. Information is widely accessible; use the internet, call your physician’s office, or utilize the library.

Dietary Modifications

The food ingested on a daily basis has been correlated to have major impacts on the length and severity of many premenstrual syndrome symptoms. The following is a list of suggestions to reduce these effects. However, it is also recommended that you keep a food diary and learn which foods seem to aggravate your symptoms.

• Portion Control: One way to aid in the relief of PMS symptoms is to eat more frequently in smaller amounts.

• Limit Salt: If you are suffering from symptoms such as bloating, decreasing your overall salt intake could prove helpful.

• Limit Alcohol: Alcohol is a known depressant, and if not used in moderation can serve to worsen signs and symptoms.

• Limit Caffeine: Caffeine is a stimulant that has effects on the brain and the body. It is known to enhance the severity of certain symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

• Carbohydrates: Eat plenty of complex carbohydrates including whole grain foods, fruits and vegetables.

• Cravings: Indulge your cravings in moderation. Typically, not indulging to your particular craving only serves to increase emotional symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

• Supplements: There exist a wide variety of supplements available that can assure the necessary nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, are being consumed in adequate amounts on a daily basis.

Sleep

Sleep is a requirement of the body for not only the renewal of energy, but much of the body’s rebuilding of essential tissues and cells are known to occur at night. Currently, the magic number of hours for sleep is seven. However, the amount of sleep required by your body is an individual issue, as it depends on both individual and environmental factors. There are strong associations between the increasing of severity of symptoms with individuals that are not well rested.

Stress Relief

It has been shown that stress only serves to increase the overall number and severity of premenstrual syndrome symptoms. There are many ways to relieve stress; take the time to find the way that works best for you.

Physical Activity

Physical activity is an essential component to the relief of premenstrual syndrome symptoms. It is recommended that a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise be accomplished a majority of days of the week. Physical activity has not only been linked to a decrease in certain PMS symptoms, but increases overall general health.

It is important to note while there is no cure for premenstrual syndrome, there exist a variety of natural methods for the relief of symptoms.

http://women.webmd.com/pms/features/pms-relief
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/premenstrual-syndrome/DS00134/DSECTION=7

This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008 at 1:29 am and is filed under Premenstrual Syndrome. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.