Some blessed souls get their periods on time every month. But many of us deal with a horrid premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that marks the beginning of problems like acne and mood swings. This is just the tip of the iceberg. It can even cause breast soreness, abdominal distension, bloating, fatigue, headaches, and cramps.
It usually sets in a week or two before the period and can go on till the first/second day of the menstrual cycle. Now, if you do the math right, you’ll realise that PMS combined with shark week makes for at least half a month of torture.
Let’s skip to the good part now: there’s a way to put an end to this agony once and for all. According to a study conducted in 2019, making healthier lifestyle choices can alleviate PMS symptoms. Here are five of the easiest tweaks for some much-needed respite:
Eat Mindfully
Making your diet choices according to what your body wants is the best way to ease off PMS. So, on days when your uterus contractions get the better of you, increase your magnesium intake. Foods like hemp seeds and dark chocolate are rich in the mineral and can help reduce cramps. Decrease your salt intake and drink more water when you feel bloated. Eat complex carbs like whole wheat and barley to combat fatigue. Have healthy fat and calcium rich foods to keep irritability at bay. Lastly, eat a hell lot of leafy veggies and fruits for that extra dose of nutrients and fibre to prevent PMS-induced hunger pangs.
Try Seed Cycling
Seed cycling is the rotation of different edible seeds through each phase of the menstrual cycle. It starts by eating one tbsp of ground flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds in the first 14 days of the cycle. This is followed by consuming one tbsp of ground sesame and sunflower seeds from day 15-28. According to a study conducted at the Center for Integrative Medicine & Wellness, seed cycling can restore hormonal balance. This in turn can take the edge off your PMS symptoms.
Supplement Your Diet
Hormonal imbalance is the root cause of PMS. Surely, it can be fixed with a healthier lifestyle. But taking a natural supplement can support your efforts. Enter Sirona’s PMS Gummies. They’re packed with ingredients like vitamin B6 to restore hormonal balance. They also contain chasteberry that helps reduce PMS symptoms and Donq Quai (female ginseng) to combat fatigue. The lemon balm present in these chewable gummies can help soothe irritation and acne. Regular consumption of one gummy every day can drastically change your PMS game.
Get In Some Exercise
Exercising is a one-stop solution for all your PMS symptoms. It can get your blood circulation going and relieve cramps. It can release endorphins (happy hormones) and boost your mood. It can make you sweat and prevent bloating. It can reduce cortisol (stress hormone) which is linked with increasing oil production on the skin and causing acne. Strike a balance between high-intensity workout to get your heart rate up and weightlifting to build muscle. Even low-intensity activities like walking and stretching can work wonders. All you need to do is squeeze in 30 minutes of exercise 3-5 days a week and you’ll be just fine.
Stay Away From Painkillers
OTC painkillers can give you temporary relief from menstrual cramps/headaches. However, they are known to interfere with uterus contractions and intercept the functioning of your natural receptors. They can even damage your liver, kidney, and heart if taken regularly. It’s better to use a natural product like Sirona’s Feminine Pain Relief Patch to deal with PMS-induced pain. The sleek patch is made using menthol and eucalyptus oil and can provide instant pain relief minus any side-effects.
Trust us, PMS won’t be as difficult if you make these tweaks. Look at the plus side, you’ll end up having a happy period!
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