Premenstrual syndrome

Sometimes it all gets too much, it feels as if world is closing in on you. Nothing is going right. Your body may be bloated and breast aching, maybe your not sleeping. You just can't seem to keep things under control.

The way women are effected at lead up to their period is as individual as themselves, but there are many common symptoms. One thing is sure, that imbalance in hormones can certainly stir things up. Everything seems to become far more intense.

Some of most common symptoms are anxiety, mood swings and nervous tension. This is caused by an imbalance of Oestrogen and Progesterone. The first thing to look at with this type of PMS is how much dairy products and refined sugars are in your diet, make sure they are not in excess as they can effect absorption of Magnesium. Magnesium, Vitamin B6 and Zinc are vital nutrients here; they are essential in brain to produce chemicals, which control these symptoms. These nutrients also assist in clearance of excess oestrogen. A diet high in vegetable proteins and fibre also assist this process.

Cravings are common at this time, especially for chocolate and other sweet things. Increase appetite, headaches, fatigue, dizziness or fainting and palpitations may also be experienced. It is best when suffering from this to eat small meals regularly to help prevent falling glucose levels. 5-6 small meals a day of healthy nutritious food, incorporating complex carbohydrates, will be of great assistance. A supplementation of Chromium can help in stabilizing blood sugar levels.

The symptoms of depression, crying, forgetfulness, confusion and insomnia are what some women go through. A diet including plenty of raw foods and grains is recommended in this case. It is related to low oestrogen: high progesterone balance and a clean healthy diet, high in Magnesium can help towards regulation. It would also be advised to work on cleansing liver, if liver is functioning well, then it will assist in clearing out excess hormones.

If you suffer from fluid retention, weight gain, swelling of extremities, breast tenderness, or abdominal bloating, salt and red meat should be decreased. An herb, which can offer some relief from this, is Ginkgo. Also of benefit are Vitamin B6 and Vitamin E.

Evening Primrose Oil can reduce crampy pain that announces to many women that their period is approaching. Calcium/Magnesium supplements can also bring relieve.

Many of symptoms of PMS are related to dietary imbalances and nutritional deficiencies. The following are basic dietary guidelines that can be useful regardless of what symptoms you suffer.

* Avoid refined and processed foods, i.e. sugars, soft drinks, cakes and sweets especially prior to onset of period

* Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee, chocolate and tobacco.

* Reduce salt intake