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!