Excerpted from "A Year of Health Hints"
365 Practical Ways to Feel Better and Live Longer
Four out of ten menstruating women suffer premenstrual
syndrome (PMS)--bloating, irritability, headache, insomnia,
diarrhea, food cravings, and sometimes personality change or
severe mood swings. Here's what helps to ease the troublesome
symptoms.
Exercise, such
as swimming, walking, or bicycling, performed three times a week
for 20 minutes
at a time, alleviates
fluid retention and relaxes muscles.
A diet low in
salt, fat, and sugar and high in protein and fiber (from whole
grains, fruits, and
vegetables) reduces
breast tenderness and helps eliminate excess estrogen (a hormone
that
may contribute to
PMS).
Avoid caffeine,
alcohol, and nicotine for two weeks before your period is due.
Vitamins E and B6,
calcium, magnesium, and the amino acid L-tyrosine seem to help
some
women. (Before trying
vitamin therapy, however, you should consult your physician for
guidance.)
If PMS disrupts
your sleep, take naps.
Practice
relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or
soaking in a hot tub.