There are several physical and emotional symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that women can experience 5 to 11 days before their period starts each month. These symptoms follow a predictable pattern each month but can vary in intensity. A woman may experience several symptoms each month.

Natural remedies for PMS are effective and safer than using drugs, either over-the-counter or prescription. Research has uncovered a possible connection between hormonal imbalance, prostaglandin imbalance, and vitamin or mineral imbalances as a possible cause for PMS. Natural remedies can address these imbalances instead of just masking the symptoms of PMS.

Proper diet plays a critical role in relieving PMS symptoms. Especially women who are not able to regulate their blood sugar can have exacerbated symptoms of PMS. Sugar or food cravings can be a result of not being able to manage blood sugar levels. After a woman ovulates her body's insulin-binding capacity changes which has an impact on the amount of sugar in her bloodstream. In order to eliminate sugar cravings it is important to keep insulin levels steady and also to avoid refined sugar in your diet. It is also important to eat normal size meals at regular time intervals. Protein is also important to eat chicken, turkey, fish and lean red meats. A deficiency in chromium can also contribute to unstable blood sugar levels. Those at risk for chromium deficiencies are those who are regular exercisers, and people who drink a lot of caffeine or those who eat a lot of sugar in their diet.

Reducing your intake of dietary fat can lower your prostaglandin and estrogen levels, which can help to relieve PMS symptoms. Good fats to consume are olive, safflower, and linseed oil. All of these good fats help in the production of prostaglandins.

If you are already having bloating, you should know that if you add salt to your diet than you may be contributing to the problem. Salt intake causes fluid retention, which contributes to weight gain, breast tenderness, swelling, and that awful bloated feeling. Having an excessive amount of salt in your diet can also create a strong reaction to the sugar, which could contribute to low blood sugar, making you feel irritable and weak.

There have been two studies one in China and one in Boston that link caffeine consumption with increased PMS symptoms. Caffeine can contribute to blood sugar level fluctuations. It can also lead to food cravings, fatigue, weakness, headaches, and irritability. Caffeine can also create a stress on your body, which also contributes to PMS symptoms.

Vitamins B6, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E can all help to relieve PMS symptoms. Calcium and magnesium supplements can help to reduce PMS symptoms such as irritability, headaches, abdominal bloating, back pain, and depression. Zinc can help women who suffer from acne.

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About the Author

Dee Braun, a single mom of 6, is a Cert. Aromatherapist and natural health practitioner. Click now to visit Natural Holistic Health Blog which offers info on more natural remedies & healing techniques for common health & emotional ailments and conditions at http://www.Natural-Holistic-Health.com/