Five Home Remedies for PMS

PMS is actually a host of different physical and psychological symptoms that can be caused by fluctuating hormones. Most menstruating women have experienced some of the symptoms of PMS, which include water weight gain, bloating, breast tenderness, depression, mood swings, anxiety, fatigue, headaches, and insomnia, at one time or another. And, for many women, PMS is a serious, ongoing problem. But, by making some changes to your lifestyle, you can reduce the effects of PMS.

If you have PMS, try to avoid salt.

Having a lot of salt in your diet makes you more likely to suffer from bloating and water retention. So, try to avoid salt as much as possible. This means avoiding most fast foods and snack foods. You should also get into the habit of reading labels. You'd be surprised how much salt some products, like certain cereals, actually contain.

Eat your carbohydrates.

PMS often causes cravings for sweet and salty snacks, like chocolate or potato chips. But you'd be better off satisfying your cravings with carbohydrates. The carbohydrates found in whole grains, cereals, fruits, vegetables, and pasta will help alleviate your cravings. Carbohydrates also relieve some of the psychological symptoms of PMS, like anxiety, tension, and mood swings.

Say no to caffeine.

Those who suffer from PMS should avoid foods that contain caffeine, like coffee, tea, chocolate, and certain sodas. Caffeine can contribute to some of the physical and psychological symptoms of PMS, like breast tenderness, irritability, and anxiety. In fact, women who consume little caffeine are less likely to suffer from PMS at all.

Caffeine is another reason you should get into the habit of reading labels, especially on pain medications. Some of the over-the-counter medications you take to alleviate PMS symptoms might actually be making your PMS worse. So, make sure you only buy pain relievers that are caffeine-free.

PMS sufferers should avoid alcohol.

Alcohol can worsen the headaches, fatigue and depression PMS can cause.

Regular exercise can help relieve PMS symptoms.

Regular exercise can reduce some of the physical and psychological symptoms (like fatigue, anxiety, breast tenderness, water retention, and depression) of PMS. Exercise causes your brain to release endorphins, a chemical that relieves pain and produces a sense of well-being. So, it's important to engage in some kind of physical activity, like walking or swimming, at least three or more times a week.

PMS is a condition that can have a serious affect on you physically, mentally, and emotionally. But, by making some lifestyle changes, you can alleviate many of the symptoms of PMS, and enjoy a happier, healthier life.