Skip to main content

Simple Solutions for PMS



Over 100 symptoms have been linked to PMS including anxiety, sleep disturbances, irritability, headaches, depression, fatigue, bloating and constipation. Fortunately there are numerous natural options to help women ease these symptoms while promoting a healthy menstrual cycle. Magnesium, Vitamin B-6 and Evening Primrose Oil can be useful tools to help you navigate each cycle with grace.

Magnesium
Magnesium has been shown to have a significant impact on diminishing premenstrual mood changes and depression. Magnesium also relaxes muscle tension and therefore helps alleviate premenstrual headaches, nervousness and anxiety, constipation and cramping. 
Taking 400-800mg magnesium a day the two weeks before your period can relieve PMS symptoms. Magnesium citrate is easily absorbable and therefore more effective than the more common magnesium oxide but can cause diarrhea in sensitive individuals. Magnesium glycinate is another option for those individuals sensitive to magnesium citrate.

Vitamin B-6
Vitamin B-6 has been recommended for women experiencing a variety PMS symptoms since the 1940s and has been used in scientific studies since the 1970s. Vitamin B-6 is vital in the manufacture of neurotransmitters responsible for a balanced mood including serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. In addition to lessening depression and mood swings associated with PMS, Vitamin B-6 is helpful in reducing premenstrual weight gain, swelling, abdominal bloating and breast tenderness.
It is recommended to start at 50mg twice a day of Vitamin B-6. While effective doses can range up to 200mg a day, it is best to speak with your naturopathic doctor before taking more than 100mg a day.

Evening Primrose Oil
Evening Primrose Oil is a powerful source of anti-inflammatory essential fatty acids, in particular gamma linolenic acid and may be more beneficial than fish oil (another popular essential fatty acid source). It is effective in relieving headaches, depression, irritability, bloating and breast tenderness. The recommended dose is 3,000-4,000mg a day with food.
Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

Fixing your Hormone Problems with Fiber

Most of us think of dietary fiber as a way to maintain regular bowel movements and may have heard about fiber’s possible role in preventing colon cancer but did you know you can balance your hormones using fiber? Fiber helps to regulate levels of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone in multiple ways involving your digestive tract, liver, ovaries and blood circulation. Multiple symptoms and medical conditions are the result of hormone imbalances: PMS symptoms such as breast tenderness, mood changes, headaches and bloating are worse if you don’t have enough progesterone to offset estrogen. Acne and unwanted facial hair can be caused by too much testosterone in your system. Peri-menopause symptoms like heavier menstrual bleeding, shorter menstrual cycles and spotting between periods can be the result of an imbalance between estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Uterine fibroids and endometriosis can be made worse by too much estrogen. Your risk of breast, thyroid a...
Read more

Whole Body Approach to Crohn's and Colitis

A Whole Body Approach to Crohn’s and Colitis If you are someone who experiences one of the two most common forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease or U lcerative colitis, you will know that the pain and disruption caused by these disorders can wreak havoc on your life, affecting relationships, employment and more. Unfortunately, there is no known cure for either condition, although much exciting research is being done. The good news is that we have made a lot of progress in recent years discovering natural ways to ease and support IBD. Read on to discover some non-invasive treatment modalities that can help you take your life back. Crohn’s and Colitis- What You Need to Know Crohn’s and Colitis develop when the lining of your intestines become inflamed. But behind that short definition lie several debilitating consequences, including difficulty with food digestion, nutrient absorption, and waste elimination. These issues can result in problems wit...
Read more