Fix PMS With These 6 Tips
Think you're destined to suffer when that time of the month comes around? Think again! PMS is not something we need to be taken out by every time our cycle starts. Here's how you can use functional nutrition to balance your hormones naturally and stop those dreaded PMS symptoms!
Fill In Nutritional Gaps
If you're deficient in certain nutrients like magnesium, calcium, vitamin D and essential fatty acids, you'll be much more likely to suffer with cramps, headaches, mood changes, fatigue and cravings. Get your nutrient levels checked, start increasing foods containing these nutrients, such as fatty fish for EFAs, and consider supplementation to increase levels and cover any gaps.
Get Plenty Of Magnesium-Rich Foods
Those chocolate cravings you know all too well? They're likely a sign of magnesium deficiency! Get your magnesium from whole foods and supplement also, as most people are too low this key mineral. We recommend a highly absorbable form of magnesium called magnesium bisglycinate.
Some foods include:
Dark leafy greens like spinach and kale
Almonds
Quinoa
Brown rice
Avocado
Black beans
Pumpkin seeds
Detox Your Liver
Your liver is an incredibly hard worker and sometimes it needs a little extra love. The liver plays a huge role in how well your hormones are functioning and when it’s overloaded with toxins, this can lead to symptoms like brain fog, menstrual cramps, fatigue, body pain, irritability, headaches, blood sugar issues and restless sleep.
Support your liver with foods like:
kale
dandelion greens
Brussels sprouts
lemon
turmeric
asparagus
cauliflower
broccoli
beets
You may also want to consider doing a liver cleanse with herbs like milk thistle. It’s important to detox in the proper order though, and get your pathways of elimination open first to avoid a block log of toxins.
Take A Deeper Look At Your Hormones
Hormone imbalances are incredibly common and while you may feel better temporarily on the pill, it doesn't actually solve any of the underlying issues causing the symptoms in the first place. In fact, it throws your hormone and your gut health off even more! Low thyroid hormone, cortisol imbalance, high estrogen, high testosterone and inflammation are a few reasons for those annoying symptoms you can't seem to get through the month without. We test these levels and many more to help you get a deeper understanding of your specific needs and how you can balance things out naturally.
Use What Nature Provides To Get Balanced
Chasteberry, or vitex, has been shown to to increase progesterone levels, helping to alleviate menstrual cramps, fatigue and many other unwelcome period-related symptoms, while regulating menstrual cycles overtime. We love using a product with our clients that combines chasteberry with ashwaganda and other herbs into one incredible women's formula that supports reproductive health, libido, stress and makes that time of the month much easier! Getting on the right nutritional support can make all the difference.
Lower Inflammation With Nutrition
Decreasing inflammation by eating an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich diet is incredibly important for feeling great and having healthy hormones. Refined sugar, carb-heavy foods, alcohol and hormone-filled dairy are NOT going to do you any favours...Hello hormonal acne and anxiety! Next time those chocolate cravings hit, load up on leafy greens first, then enjoy some dark chocolate sweetened with monk fruit, for a low-sugar treat you can feel good about.
What's one step you'll take today to support a healthier, more balanced you?
Click here to learn about the programs we offer to support you.
Asher Kleiber
Registered Holistic Nutritionist
