Controlling PMS Symptoms
PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, has several symptoms that can disrupt your life. In addition, stress can cause an increase in symptom severity due to hormone imbalances. You can ease PMS symptoms with the following self-care steps.
Other People Are Reading
-
Symptoms
-
PMS symptoms include lower back pain, fatigue, tender breasts, cramps, constipation, acne, memory loss, depression and anxiety. Extreme symptoms include mood swings, irritability, bloating and fluid retention.
Diet
-
Maintain a balanced diet by eating lots of fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and poultry. Whole grains, soy products and flaxseed contain minerals you need to ease PMS symptoms.
-
Alcohol
-
Do not drink alcohol since it depletes your system of B vitamins. Alcohol is a depressant that makes your mood swings and fatigue worse.
Caffeine
-
Do not increase your caffeine intake to fight fatigue. Caffeine will intensify your mood swings, irritability, anxiety and breast tenderness.
Sodium
-
Do not eat high-sodium foods like bouillon, salad dressing, catsup, hot dogs and other processed foods. Salt increases fluid retention, bloating and breast tenderness.
Stress
-
Learn stress management like meditation, exercising or relaxing. Everyday stress makes the emotional symptoms of PMS worse. Exercise for 20 to 30 minutes each day to ease stress. Aerobic exercise increases blood circulation, which helps flush out extra fluids from the body. It also releases endorphins, which are hormones that make you feel good.
-
