Home Remedies for PMS
At some point in most every woman’s life, they will ride the roller coaster of their menstrual cycle. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects women a few days before their menstrual cycle – causing a wide range of complications that can disrupt a daily routine. To combat these frustrating, fleeting changes that take place in the body, home remedies for PMS can serve as a way to cope.
Causes and Symptoms
Some of the factors that play a role in PMS include increased aldosterone (adrenal gland hormone), too much prolactin (pituitary gland hormone), decreased endorphins, and insulin sensitivity. The common symptoms of PMS differ for every woman and may include tender breasts, lower back pain, anxiety, depression, bloating, cramps, mood swings, acne, weight gain, fatigue, irritability, food cravings, and headaches.
PMS Home Remedies
More than 85% of women at some point during their lives will suffer premenstrual symptoms due to changes in their body, including the endocrine system. Whether you’re looking to soothe an achy back or combat cramping in the abdomen, the following home remedies for PMS can help:
a) Baking Soda:
Add one cup of sea salt and one cup of baking soda to a tubful of water, and soak for at least 20 minutes.
b) Vitamin B6:
You can fight mood swings, fluid retention, breast tenderness, bloating, sugar cravings, and fatigue by increasing foods in your diet that contain vitamin B6. Foods to pile on your plate include chickpeas, chicken breast, oatmeal, bananas, lentils, brown rice, sweet potatoes, peanut butter, and white potatoes. Make sure that you don’t overdose on the vitamin, as high doses are toxic.
c) Black Pepper:
Backache and abdominal pain seem to respond to a blend of one tablespoon of aloe vera gel with a pinch of black pepper. Take the remedy three times per day with meals.
d) Cinnamon:
Relax your body and mind with a cup of cinnamon tea that may help you settle down before going to bed. ??
e) Vitamins A and D:
Taking vitamins A and D at the same time will help treat the acne and oily skin that sometimes comes with PMS. Foods to consider include wild salmon, mackerel, mushrooms, whole grain cereal, egg yolks, and soy milk.
f) Citrus Fruits:
Use oranges, lemons, and grapefruit to your advantage. Reduce stress related to PMS by increasing your intake of citrus fruits, which contains a healthy dose of vitamin C.
g) Vitamin E:
Treat painful breasts by taking a vitamin E supplement.
h) Exercise:
Use exercise to encourage blood flow, relax muscles, and fight fluid retention. The endorphins that follow a workout will also enhance your overall mood.
i) Kitchen Towel:
Soak a kitchen towel in water and place in the microwave for one minute to warm. Moist heat delivers a soothing effect and if you are suffering from cramps – apply to your stomach for relief.
j) Avocados:
Lift your spirits by consuming foods that offer natural serotonin to the body. Avocados make a decent addition to your meals. Other serotonin-rich foods include plums, dates, eggplants, papayas, and pineapple.
k) Potassium-Rich Foods:
Figs, black currants, potatoes, broccoli, onions, tomatoes, and bananas can help ease bloating and swelling associated with water retention linked to PMS.
l) Cherries:
One week before the start of a menstrual cycle – gain relief from bloating and mood swings by consuming 10 fresh cherries on an empty stomach on a daily basis. ?
m) Rosemary:
Add one teaspoon of dried rosemary leaves to one cup of boiling water to create a rosemary tea that works towards stabilizing hormone levels. Cover the tea and allow to sit for 15 minutes. It is suggested to drink the tea two times per day during your period. ?
n) Foods with Tryptophan:
Tryptophan is an amino acid that converts into serotonin – a natural mood enhancer. Foods, such as turkey and cottage cheese, can supply the body with tryptophan.?
o) Calcium and Magnesium:
Combine calcium and magnesium supplements to fight PMS symptoms. Calcium works towards preventing PMS cramps and pain, while the magnesium helps your body absorb the calcium. Studies have shown that women who take 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams of calcium supplements daily see an improvement in their mood and bloating [2]. Good food sources for calcium include low-fat yogurt, wild salmon, broccoli, almonds, kale, soybeans, and whole grain waffles.
p) Decrease Salt Intake:
Before you expect your period, embrace a low-sodium diet for seven to ten days in an effort to prevent water retention.
q) Eat More Fiber:
Eliminate excess estrogens by increasing your intake of fiber. Start by adding vegetables, whole grains, and beans to your meals.
r) Stay Away from Alcohol:
Drinking alcohol when suffering PMS symptoms can lead to depression. Alcoholic beverages also worsen headaches and fatigue associated with PMS. The substance is also known to promote sugar cravings.
s) Stress Relievers:
Deep-breathing exercises can reduce pounding headaches, anxiety, and sleepless nights for PMS sufferers.
t) Cut Down on Caffeine:
Drink limited quantities of tea, coffee, and chocolate, as the caffeine can add to mood swings, painful breast tenderness, anxiety, and irritability.
u) Red Wine:
Some people have tamed PMS cramps with a glass of red wine.
v) Tea:
The next time you make a cup of your favorite tea, add a bit of lemon juice and one teaspoon of whiskey. Drink hot. Peppermint tea and chamomile tea are also known to combat stomach cramps associated with PMS.
w) Pickle Juice:
Ease symptoms of PMS by drinking one cup of the pickle juice found in packaged jars.
x) Oatmeal:
Fight sugar cravings with oatmeal, which breaks down slowly and gradually releases sugar into the bloodstream.
y) Spaghetti:
Pasta delivers magnesium to your body, which encourages stabilized hormonal function. Some believe that a lack of magnesium can lead to muscle cramps. Other foods that offer magnesium include potatoes and green vegetables. ?
?? Resources
[1] http://women.webmd.com/pms/premenstrual-syndrome-pms-cause
[2] Food Cures by Joy Bauer; pg 353.
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Casey