It’s completely normal to notice physical and emotional changes during the week leading up to your period. Your breasts might feel tender, and you may lack the willpower to say no to sweets. However, women who struggle with severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can have a more difficult time before their period. Simply put, PMS can get in the way of your everyday life. From painful cramps to episodes of anxiety and depression, PMS can cause you to miss out on some of life’s big moments or interfere with your ability to succeed at your job. Luckily, there are some natural remedies for PMS that you can use to alleviate the symptoms.
Natural Remedies for PMS
Chiropractic Care
Research shows receiving chiropractic care can reduce symptoms of PMS. In a nine-month clinical trial, 16 women with diagnosed PMS received chiropractic treatment two to three times during the week leading up to their period for three cycles. Nine women underwent a form of placebo chiropractic adjustments, where the chiropractor used instruments that emitted minimum force. These women did not effectively receive treatment. Then, the two groups switched, so each individual received actual chiropractic care and placebo chiropractic care. In both groups, the severity of PMS symptoms significantly decreased after the chiropractic manipulation phase in comparison to the placebo phase.
Spinal manipulation and soft-tissue therapy are two very effective chiropractic procedures for managing PMS. However, you should visit a chiropractor to get a specialized treatment plan. After all, what works for one person might not work well for you.
Diet
According to WebMD, what you eat can affect the severity of your PMS. Here’s what you should try to consume to prevent or ease your symptoms:
- High calcium food such as yogurt, fresh orange juice, soy milk, cheese and low-fat milk
- Food high in fiber, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Taking supplements with vitamin B-6, vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium oxide (Consult with your doctor before starting a new supplement. Certain supplements can interfere with medications.)
You should avoid consuming foods high in sugar and salt as well. Finally, consuming alcohol and caffeine can cause bloating and breast tenderness, so you may wish to avoid them during your “time of the month” to prevent these symptoms.
Exercise and Meditation
Both getting your heart rate up and taking time to slow down through exercise and meditation can alleviate the emotional side effects of PMS such as anxiety, depression, and irritability. When you work out or meditate, your body releases endorphins, which are known as the body’s natural feel-good chemicals.
Research shows that there are correlations between exercise, yoga, and decreased physical PMS symptoms. One study found that females who participated in a short-term yoga exercise plan reported fewer physical PMS symptoms such as menstrual pain. In another study, researchers discovered that eight weeks of aerobic exercise is effective in reducing both physical and emotional symptoms of PMS (source).
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Chiropractic care is one of the best natural remedies for PMS. If you are interested in harnessing the healing power of chiropractic care for PMS, reach out to Loehr Chiropractic & Acupuncture. We use acupuncture to help treat numerous conditions. For many people, acupuncture effectively promotes quick self-healing and long-term well-being.
To get started on a treatment plan, give us a call at 417-887-8075 or schedule your appointment today. We’ll discuss your needs and determine whether acupuncture is right for you. We firmly believe that the process of moving toward better health begins with determining your underlying issue. Our professionals provide high-quality health care for you and your family naturally. Experience the Loehr difference today.
