6 2(85937*6187439 2!4508 9:+:/8879 '69 469:+:#8..419 2":650:$*37 &676-3:/8879 2%513-76,:),4509 Ease PMS Naturally South Woodham Focus There’s an old saying about how the world would be different if men had periods instead of women, but if that was the case, it is certain that the discomfort and disruption of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) would have been solved many years ago! As it is, no one really knows the exact cause of PMS although the likely suspect is a monthly drop in the hormones progesterone and oestrogen which heavily influences mood and anxiety levels. Ease PMS Naturally You probably don’t need me to cite the long list of symptoms that are associated with PMS but they include: depression, cramping and headaches, backache, irritability, mood swings, breast tenderness, changes VISIT OUR SHOWROOM OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK SOUTH WOODHAM FOCUS Curtains and Blinds Style In Homes Ltd CURTAINS & BLINDS DOMESTIC OR COMMERCIAL 25 years of experience in the curtain and blind industry. We offer a quality, prompt, competitive service and product. Free no obligation home consultation at your convenience. T: 01245 327130 E: sihcurtains@msn.com Find us on Facebook Choose from our range of fabrics or we can make up your own. All types of blinds available: Vertical Roller Roman Pleated Wooden/metal venetian Perfect fit/Intu blinds Plantation shutters and many more. to the skin and hair, fluid retention and bloating. As many as one in five women will suffer from these symptoms in the one or two weeks prior to her period and for many the problems are a big disruption to daily life. So what can you do to ease PMS symptoms without reaching for painkilling drugs along with their extensive list of side effects? Firstly, try to avoid PMS by considering your diet and, if necessary, taking supplements. There is increasing evidence that adequate doses of calcium and vitamin D can reduce symptoms. Some studies suggest that vitamin B6 and the supplement red clover can be effective for some women. Although research results are mixed, many women report that taking evening primrose or starflower oils (that contain gamma linolenic acid or GLA) are helpful. It’s important that you talk to your GP as they can advise you on recommended dosages (excessive doses carry their own side effects). I’ve listed below some useful dietary tips below which you can follow along with advice from your GP. Keeping a diary of what you eat and noting any stressful situations and how you feel about your health during your cycle is a good way to spot patterns and triggers of PMS. You can then take steps to avoid this situations or triggers. Getting in contact with other people who suffer PMS may help you feel less frustrated. The charity the National Association for Premenstrual Syndrome (NAPS) has lots of useful advice, resources and a popular online forum and is doing fantastic work to support further research into PMS: www.pms.org.uk or 0870 777 2177. NAPS can also offer you advice about keeping a menstrual chart. At my clinic, we’ve helped many patients over the years with the headaches, backache and cramps that so often accompany PMS. There is supporting evidence that a chiropractic adjustment is effective at naturally relieving these symptoms. In a nine month clinical trial (1) involving 25 women with diagnosed PMS, the patients receiving regular chiropractic adjustments showed greater improvement than those receiving a placebo Headaches? treatment. A different study (2) also showed improvements in mood swings and tension with a self rated improvement in overall symptoms of 44 per cent. Diet and nutrition Talk to your GP or gynaecologist about supplements including calcium, vitamins D and B6. Avoid alcohol and caffeine and limit your sugar intake. Low-fat and high fibre diets help to reduce symptoms. Drink plenty of water and limit your salt intake (watch out for high salt levels We in processed can foods). help! Try GLA oils such as evening primrose or starflower capsules. Eat smaller S P meals E C and I Ahave L healthy snacks in between meals to keep your blood sugar levels stable. O F F E R Exercise and relaxation: Consultation & Report of Stress can make your Findings PMS worse. Find an activity that naturally relaxes you, such as yoga, a quiet walk in the only £ * fresh air, soothing music or whatever works for you. Gentle exercise is a good mood booster and can help ease cramps. A heat *Please pack Quote or hot this Magazine. water bottle wrapped in a towel applied to the Expires 201. abdomen or lower back can help distract you from the painful cramps. To relieve cramps, lie on your back on a flat, firm surface. Cross your ankles and hug your knees into your chest. Breathe slowly and deeply. Talk to your chiropractically trained health practitioner about how he or she can relieve the backache, cramps and headaches associated with PMS. Stuart Lawrence BSc(Hons) MSc(Chiro) DC We have www.spinalcarecentre.co.uk helped with many common Consultant conditions. Osteomyologist Pains in many parts of the body: headaches, sciatica, arthritis, All information given is intended for general informational purposes only, whiplash, sports injuries, scoliosis, trapped nerves, osteoporosis, and should not be construed as medical advice, medical opinion, diagnosis fibromyalgia as well as stress, depression, anxiety and much more... or treatment. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your GP. Contact us for more information telephone 01245 333900 www.spinalcarecentre.co.uk 14-18 Heralds Way, South Woodham, CM3 5TQ
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