Holland and Barrett support PMS Sufferers in PMS Awareness Week

'Natural ways to beat the bloat and prevent PMS'

Natural ways to beat the bloat and prevent PMS

Holland & Barrett's Nutritionist Kate Butler talks to NAPS about natural ways to help with symptoms of PMS.

The term bloating refers to a feeling of tightness or fullness in the abdominal region and is often associated with PMS in women.  Bloating before and during a woman's period is due mostly to hormones.  Specifically, the hormone progesterone is linked to water retention, and women produce a much higher level of progesterone just before and during menstruation than at any other time of the month.  There are many home remedies that can be used if you suffer from bloating associated with PMS.  These include decreasing your intake of salt, caffeine, sugar and alcohol around the middle of your cycle, as they tend to increase water retention leading to increased bloating.  The herb Dandelion has been shown to exert a mild diuretic action within the body. Dandelion is thought to stimulate the urinary system as it contains constituents which may increase urine production.  The high potassium content of dandelion leaves may be responsible for any diuretic activity.

Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances manufactured in the body.  Some stimulate pain and inflammation, whilst others influence the amount of water excreted by the kidneys.  Other prostaglandins are anti-inflammatory; the building blocks of which are essential fatty acids.  This is why some women find it beneficial to supplement with Starflower Oil if they suffer with water retention, breast tenderness and mood swings around the time of their period.

Although it is commonly associated with PMS, bloating can also be a result of several other factors such as low stomach acid, a lack of digestive enzymes, stress, constipation, gut dysbiosis, dehydration and food intolerances.  In these instances it may be worth supplementing with digestive enzymes and probiotics, as well as increasing water consumption and reducing the amount of wheat and dairy in your diet.  It may also help to keep a food diary as this can help you to identify potential problematic foods.

 

 

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