4 LITTLE-KNOWN WAYS TO EASE PROBLEMS OF PMS

« BEHAVIORAL TRAINING CAN HELP INCONTINENCE

4 LITTLE-KNOWN WAYS TO EASE PROBLEMS OF PMS

1) Research conducted at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Human Nutrition Research Center in Grand Forks, North Dakota, indicates that calcium added to the diet may help cut down on water retention, menstrual cramps and moodiness.

Researchers kept track of menstrual and premenstrual symptoms in 10 healthy women who had a daily intake of 600 milligrams of calcium during the first half of the study period and 1,300 milligrams during the second half. While on the high calcium regimen, 90 percent of the women reported fewer mood swings throughout their monthly cycles than when they were on a lower intake of calcium. Eighty percent had less water retention, and 7 of the 10 women experienced less pain.

While the researchers can’t say for certain that calcium works—more research is needed—they do recommend that every woman should increase her calcium intake up to the Recommended Dietary Allowance of 800 to 1,200 milligrams. The average U.S. woman’s intake of calcium is 600 milligrams.

There may also be other nutritional solutions to help relieve PMS symptoms. Some doctors recommend the following:

2) Vitamin C— this vitamin is an antioxidant which is believed to help reduce stress and may help relieve stress felt during PMS. Vitamin C may also help alleviate allergies that worsen before a period because it is a natural antihistamine.

3) Vitamin E— also an antitoxidant, vitamin E may help relieve painful breasts, anxiety and depression.

4) Vitamins A and D— working together, these two vitamins help to keep your skin healthy. Because of that, they may help to suppress premenstrual acne and oily skin.

*170\27\8*