concentrate
on the seven to ten days preceding your period. For cramping and muscle aches,
try over the counter NSAID pain relievers such as Aleve or Motrin-IB. If one
brand is not effective, try another. People can react differently to these
medications. Be sure to follow the suggested dosages on the bottle. In
addition, the new therma wraps work well and so do heating pads. Use there on
the lower back or where you are feeling the muscle aches.
Finally, large muscle exercises can relieve stress and help with depression.
Walking, jogging, swimming or bike riding can relieve many symptoms. Avoid food
cravings. Folklore says it that if you crave something, your body must need it.
That is simply not true. Much of the fatigue in PMS is the result of rapidly
rising and falling blood sugar levels. Eating four to six small meals a day,
rather than three, can help stabilize glucose levels. Avoid high sugar foods
like candy, sodas, and chocolate. The same avoidance goes for alcohol and
caffeine products. Alcohol acts like a sugar and caffeine adding to the general
stress and anxiety levels. Avoid salty foods like cheese, soups, smoked meats
and fish, nuts, soy sauce and Oriental foods, as they are all high in salt.
Your body only stores salt water. The kidney easily excretes plain water. Drink
lots of plain water to aid in bloating and water retention.
By adjusting your diet, adding exercise and
taking a few supplemental vitamins and minerals most of you will do very well.
For others with more severe symptoms, there are progesterone supplements or
perhaps Prozac. The good news is that you can do something about the spectrum
of symptoms of PMS. You can gain back your self-control. You can fight and win
your battle to lessen and even eliminate PMS from your life.
*****