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Lifestyle Changes that Can Lower the Risk of that Monthly PMS

Not all medical conditions can be solved with a pill or shot. PMS in particular is a touchy subject with many women because it can be rather impervious to medications. However, by taking your health into your own hands and taking ownership, you can greatly alleviate your PMS symptoms. There may be some instance, such as with PMDD a severe form of PMS, which will require medical intervention. Why not try a few things on your own such as making a few lifestyle changes to see what happens? You may surprise yourself with fewer symptoms of PMS!

Diet changes

Two of the many symptoms of PMS are bloating and gas; these two can be eliminated by breaking up your three square meals into mini ones which will reduce the bloating and gassy feeling. Bloating and fluid retention, two PMS symptoms, can be greatly reduced by limiting your intake of salt and all of its variations. You may not use table salt but you likely consume quite a bit of salt if you eat chips, TV dinners and other processed foods.

Caffeine and alcohol are no-no's because of the effects they have on your endocrine system, the glands that secrete the hormones that rule your body. Caffeine can also lower blood sugar, increasing food cravings thereby increasing weight gain and even fluid retention. Avoid refined sugars such as simple carbohydrates in favor of the complex carbohydrates that fuel the body such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables.

Many researchers believe that a deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals can exacerbate or even cause PMS. Calcium and vitamin B6 are two such nutrients that you need your daily allowance of in order to regulate your hormones that affect the reproductive system as well as mood. It is best to derive these nutrients via food and drink but supplements do help too.

Physical activity

Exercise helps so many health conditions and it is no wonder that it can also greatly help PMS. Aerobic activities are best because you get a better release of endorphins, chemicals in the body that are released giving you a natural high. This "high" you get helps alleviate depression, signs of fatigue and even reduces cramping and body aches. Finding the motivation to get up and moving is hard when you are plagued by PMS symptoms, but you must find a way.

While stress is not an immediate PMS symptom, it can greatly affect them. Therefore, if you reduce stress, you will realize a decrease in PMS symptoms. One great stress reliever is getting enough sleep and rest. Get to bed early and engage in relaxing behaviors before bedtime to encourage sleep. Massage therapy helps as does aromatherapy, deep breathing exercises, meditation and the art of muscle relaxation.

Really, making a few lifestyle changes is a no-brainer when it comes to improving your health and alleviating PMS. However, because it doesn't provide instant gratification, many people end up slacking off. You have to motivate yourself in some way to adhere to your positive lifestyle changes. The reward is a healthy body and fewer incidences of PMS.