The Best Natural Remedies to Treat PMS

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More Ways to Fight PMS

Don't sit and stare at your calendar in fear as the week of your period draws near. Here, we give you the tools to make a PMS plan of attack with natural remedies.

By Bethany Gumper

Your PMS Plan of Attack

TTYL! BRB! LOL! In a sea of cutesy acronyms, PMS does not fit in. In fact, these three letters can be downright scary. Studies show that at least 85 percent of women experience premenstrual syndrome symptoms, which can include mood swings, breast tenderness, cravings, fatigue and irritability before their period. The good news: "It's absolutely possible to manage PMS symptoms with lifestyle changes," says ob-gyn Christiane Northrup, MD, author of Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom. We've got four easy strategies to help you feel good all month long. Period.

PMS plan of attack: Maximize your magnesium intake.

Researchers at the University of Reading in England found that supplementing with magnesium reduced water retention and bloating. "I recommend 400 to 800 milligrams of magnesium per day," says Dr. Northrup. You can also add Epsom salt (aka magnesium sulfate, available at most drugstores) to a hot bath, and you'll absorb it through your skin. (Who knew?)

PMS plan of attack: Get moving.

Even though a workout is the last thing you want to do (the first is curling up on the couch in front of the TV), getting your heart pumping will make you feel better. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends regular aerobic exercise to relieve PMS. Exercise may relieve cramps because it helps release endorphins, which are your body's natural painkillers.

Next: More Ways to Fight PMS

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qerucawewydi wrote:

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5/16/2013 09:57:58 AM Report Abuse

anonymous wrote:

thats a good thing for me right now i have been having it bad and i'm trying not to think of when its go ing to be over but thanks for the info there i will try that thuoght

6/14/2012 11:41:12 PM Report Abuse

pam.robertson24 wrote:

Be careful with the Epsom salt bath. I ended up with a horrible yeast infection from soaking in Epsom salt. I was soaking to relieve the soreness from a major workout and ended up suffering much worse by having a yeast infection and my period the same week!!

6/13/2012 01:45:11 PM Report Abuse

jliliana96 wrote:

Very helpful, thanks!:D

6/12/2012 11:59:31 AM Report Abuse

ams2576@gmail.com wrote:

Exercise never helps me. I've been a runner for 20 years now and running and any form or exercise usually brings on worse cramps for me. And if you are out for a run and start horrible cramps there is no where to go but to hobble home in pain.

6/12/2012 09:50:05 AM Report Abuse