Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

Top Tips To Beat PMT

NATURAL WAYS TO HELP BEAT PMT
Can You Wait Another 5 Years to Banish your PMT?

The new contraceptive pill that claims to halt PMT is still 5 years away. If you suffer from PMT, here are some natural ways to help soothe your symptoms in the meantime:

MOOD SWINGS

Regular exercise has been shown to help reduce the symptoms of PMS. Not only will you sweat out some of the excess fluid but you’ll also release those feel-good hormones to help prevent you from feeling blue

Medical herbalists have long used Black Cohosh to relieve uterine cramps and St John’s Wort for mood swings. Unique to the UK, MedicHerb Black Cohosh & St John’s Wort is available from Boots or mail order on 01453 751395. Note: Women using the contraceptive pill or any hormonal contraceptive device should not take St John’s Wort. Important: St John’s Wort can interact with some prescribed medicines, including the Contraceptive pill. Always consult your doctor before taking a herbal medicine.


WATER RETENTION

Did you know – you can gain between 3 and 7lbs of fluid before your period? Good posture will help you to look your best – check in the mirror to make sure you are standing up straight.

Eating fruit and vegetables around the time of your period can help reduce bloating. Especially useful are celery, onion, parsley and garlic all of which have diuretic properties so can help to flush liquids from your system.

Take Aqualette, a licensed herbal remedy containing extracts of dandelion and horsetail. “Despite being a weed, dandelion actually has a long history of medicinal use – particularly for its diuretic effect,” said Doctor Liz Williamson, Professor of Pharmacy at Reading University. “There is also evidence of horsetail having diuretic effects and reducing muscle spasm.” Aqualette costs £5.99 for 80 tablets and is available in Boots, Holland & Barrett Lloydspharmacy or by mail order on 01453 751395.

Increase your water intake. When your body has less water than it needs it goes into survival mode and conserves the water it has in spaces around the cells. If you get enough water on a regular basis there's no need for your body to retain it.

Cut down your salt intake and check the sodium levels on any food you buy. You would be best to avoid heavily processed foods such as ready meals and tinned soups too.

BREAST TENDERNESS

Both Vitamin B6 and Evening Primrose Oil are thought to relieve PMT symptoms such as breast tenderness.

The Lean Team winners of the Channel 4 series ‘Make me a Million’ says: “Good sources of B6 include beans, whole grains, oily fish, bananas and chicken. Incorporate at least one portion of each into your daily diet to help relieve PMS symptoms.”
Boots Evening Primrose Oil - costs £8.99 for 60 500mg capsules

MENSTRUAL CRAMPS

If your menstrual cramps are painful, you may think about taking some type of the over-the-counter medication for one to two days. These medications are "anti-prostaglandins". They may relieve the discomfort, make your flow lighter, and make your uterus cramp less.

You could also try a heating pad or a warm bath to help soothe the pain.

BACKACHE

Try gentle exercise, heat therapy by resting a hot water bottle where it hurts, or relaxing in a hot bath. Lying down and breathing deeply or taking OTC painkillers may also help.


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