Send This Site to a Friend
PMS – Premenstrual Syndrome
Lee Mellott
Millions of women experience symptoms of PMS every month. Crying
spells, nervousness, anxiety, depression, bloating, headache,
fatigue…The list goes on. Each woman is unique as to the degree
of severity and discomfort she will experience and this will vary
from month to month.
One symptom common to many women, is an increase in appetite -
food cravings. There is a strong urge to gobble chocolate,
cheese, sweets or other goodies (usually not fresh veggies and
steamed fish!).
Though the exact cause of PMS is unknown, hormonal changes such
as estrogen levels appear to play a part. One report I read,
revealed that many environmental estrogens such as those from
toxic fumes, pesticides, pollutants and hormone fed cows
infiltrate our body.
These are often carcinogenic and compete with a woman's natural
estrogen, resulting in estrogen overload. This may impair the
woman's ovulation cycle causing the symptoms mentioned earlier.
There are some simple things you can do to help with your PMS
symptoms, exercise and a healthy diet are chief among them.
Exercise lifts the mood. It reduces stress, tension and anxiety.
By adding in a 30 minute brisk walk or other activity several
times a week, you are ahead of the game! Stretching also helps
the muscles relax. Try to stretch each day in the am and pm.
What you eat is a major factor in how you are going to feel. PMS
may be helped by following the healthy diet of The Path. By
eating whole natural foods you eliminate many of the problems
associated with processed goods, fast foods etc. PMS symptoms
tend to appear about 2 weeks before menstruation. This of course
will vary from one individual to the next.
During this time if you cut back on caffeine, alcohol, salt and
sugar you can reduce the discomfort you'll experience. As a
follower of the FatFallacy plan you will most likely be eating
smaller portions of these items anyway and find your symptoms
have lessened since following the lifestyle.
If you still have uncomfortable PMS try to cut back a bit more on
the salt and sugar. Up your intake of fresh veggies and lean
proteins. Make sure you eat plenty of carbohydrates – like good
grains to keep your serotoinin levels elevated.
At one time women were thought to be unstable when PMS occurred.
Thank goodness science now recognizes that PMS is real and women
experiencing it are not crazy! Eat a healthy diet and exercise to
help relieve the symptoms. And don't forget to eat a little
chocolate too. Just make sure you reach for the high quality
bon-bon!
Lee Mellott is the webhost for The PATH Weight Loss:
www.fatfallacy.com. She holds a
Masters degree in Education from
Hood College. Born in England, she spent most of her childhood in
France and Germany. Lee resides with her husband Rusty and their
two daughters Katie and Jessica in Maryland.
Find More Related Info:
Also See:
Index of
Relationships & Marriage
Women's Health & Women's
Issues
Your Health and Wellness Center
