PMS is not something that you should be dealing with every month for the rest of your life. If you struggle with symptoms like bad cramps, headaches, mood swings, bloating, breast tenderness or cravings don ́t just accept it because these symptoms really aren’t necessary. PMS is believed to be hormone related and diet and lifestyle plays an important role.
Instead of taking pain killers every month optimising nutrition and a change in lifestyle can help tremendously to relieve PMS symptoms.
Here are our top 5 natural ways to curb PMS
1. Omega-3-fatty acids
If you suffer from mood swings during PMS increasing your intake of omega 3 fat will help to balance your mood and can even help to deal with depression. Best sources are flaxseeds, walnuts, salmon, sardines, soybeans and hemp seeds. If you want to be on the safe side, you can take a high quality omega 3 supplement too each day.
2. Increase calcium and magnesium consumption
Calcium and magnesium help a lot if you suffer from cramps, bloating and muscle pain during your period. Best sources are nuts, seeds, and all dark leafy greens.
3. Increase fibre and protein
Fibre can help with cravings and absorb excess oestrogen in the gut, preventing it from going into the blood and causing inflammation. Best sources are oats, whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
Consuming protein with every meal can help to beat cravings. Best sources are beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, leafy greens, tempeh, chicken, fish, eggs and yoghurt.
4. Relax
Reduce stress as much as possible to avoid creating more tension in your body and mind which can increase PMS symptoms. A very efficient way to reduce stress and tension is to take a hot bath with 1-2 cups Epsom salt, 8 drops lavender essential oil and 2 drops peppermint essential oil.
5. Get moving
Exercise helps to improve your mood by elevating endorphins, helps to eliminate cramps, bloating and also food cravings. Exercise a minimum of 15 minutes per day around that time of the month.