PMS: mood swings, depression, cramps, bloating, sugar cravings. Sound familiar? On a monthly basis, millions of women suffer from premenstrual syndrome symptoms that are life altering. Many women have to leave work, call out of class or lay in bed half the day with PMS. The pharmaceutical companies have capitalized on these symptoms making women believe the only way to “freedom” is over-the-counter remedies or prescription non-steroid anti-inflammatories (NSAIs). But guess what? They’re wrong.
Mark Hyman, M.D., proposed a five-step approach, that has been proven to work on many patients, to not managing, but eliminating PMS.
Step 1: Stop Eating Junk! Put down those Oreo cookies and pick up some whole-wheat, fiber and flax-infused bread.
Step 2: Supplement. Numerous minerals, vitamins, fats and herbs are proven to help with PMS symptoms—from regulating menstrual cycles to balancing hormones
Step 3: Pull Out Your Old Richard Simmons VHS. Come on, this is old news. Exercise makes everything better, not just PMS.
Step 4: Don’t Live in Denial. Stressed? Deal with it; don’t deny it.
Step 5: Change Your Approach. Acupuncture, homeopathy