Many women suffer from PMS (Pre-Menstrual Syndrome) during and around their period, characterized by painful periods, irritability, cravings for sugar, bloating, back pain, headaches and painful breasts. However, do not immediately resort to medication. You can prevent and reduce PMS by taking certain herbs and nutritional supplements.
Monk’s pepper
Monk’s pepper (vitex agnus-castus) is one of the best herbs to treat the pre-menstrual symptom PMS. According to the British Medical Journal, women who take monk’s pepper should experience fewer symptoms of PMS after three months: painful periods, bloating, headaches, sore breasts, irritability, depression and sugar cravings. However, do not use too much, because an excess of monk pepper can also cause side effects. Some of the most common side effects of monk’s pepper include: rash, itching, nausea, headache, digestive problems and irregular periods. Monk’s pepper should not be taken by pregnant women, children and women with liver or kidney problems.
Calcium
Scientific research has shown that women who take a calcium supplement suffer from PMS more than 40% less than other women. The ideal amount of calcium is 300 grams three times a day. Calcium is indicated to treat all symptoms of PMS, including painful periods, sugar cravings, irritability, depression and bloating.
Vitamin D
Doctor Thys Jacobs (the inventor of Premcal) says that if women don’t get enough vitamin D, the hormones that regulate calcium react negatively with estrogen and progesterone. This promotes the pre-menstrual syndrome PMS. So take a nutritional supplement containing vitamin D every day.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a natural muscle relaxant and is therefore recommended to reduce painful periods. Scientific research has also shown that magnesium helps relieve sore breasts and swollen feelings during menstruation. However, magnesium is best taken under medical supervision. Magnesium disrupts the effect of numerous medications, including antibiotics. An excess of magnesium can also lead to serious side effects: low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cardiac arrhythmias, mineral deficiencies, absentmindedness and coma. People who suffer from heart and kidney problems should not take extra magnesium.
Iron
Women lose a lot of blood during their periods and therefore also a lot of iron. This leads to anemia and fatigue. To maintain your energy level during your period, it is important to take a dietary supplement with iron. However, do not overdo it, because too much iron can result in constipation and blood poisoning. Vitamin C promotes the absorption of iron.
Vitamin B6 and folic acid
The pill can cause deficiencies in vitamin B6 and folic acid. This results in depression and fatigue. Vitamin B6 is responsible for the metabolism of red blood cells and the proper functioning of the immune system and sugar balance. Folic acid is very effective for women who suffer from painful breasts. So take a nutritional supplement that contains vitamin B6 and folic acid if you take the pill.
Evening primrose oil
The essential fatty acids from evening primrose oil relieve painful periods and can prevent the symptoms of PMS. Evening primrose oil is available in most pharmacies and health food stores.