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Read Dr. Elena Krasnov's Weekly Column in the Health & Fitness section of the 24 Hours Magazine. Look for new articles every week!

Monday, July 21, 2008

Dealing with Pre Menstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Q: I bloat up like a balloon when I am going through PMS. My feet, hands, face swell every month. Are there any ways to lessen this naturally?

A: Pre Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) often represents a set of physical symptoms such as bloating, weight gain, breast tenderness, swelling of hands and feet, aches and pains, poor concentration, sleep disturbance, appetite changes, and psychological discomfort. Other symptoms associated with mood changes are known as Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) part of its definition includes symptoms such as depressed mood or dysphoria, anxiety or tension, emotional lability, irritability, decreased interest in usual activities, concentration difficulties, lack of energy, change in appetite, overeating or food cravings, sleepiness or insomnia, and a feeling of being overwhelmed. Whether you suffer all or some of these symptoms, you need to do a set of treatments that will help lessen or often eliminate the problem. As always, I start with liver and bowel cleanse.

Swelled hands and feet occur from increased water retention often due to hormonal changes. Bowel and liver cleanse will help the body eliminate toxins that frequently mimic hormones and give the appearance of excessive hormone production. Often delayed or sluggish liver detoxification allows even your own hormones to circulate for excessive amounts of time thus leading to PMS symptom development. Numerous herbs are available to lessen these symptoms. I often use the manufactured formulas that already have the necessary ingredients premixed in the most effective ratio. If you don't want o use prepared formulas you can just buy single herbs and mix it yourself, but it becomes more difficult to keep the exact dose. Herbs such as Vitex agnus-castus or Chaste tree, Cimicifuga Racemosa also known as Black Cohosh, Dong Quai and Yarrow. Essential fatty acids and Evening Primerose oil are often beneficial as are Vitamins E and B Complex.

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Dr. Elena Krasnov is a registered Naturopathic Doctor and Clinic Director of the Toronto Naturopathic Clinic. Submit your questions online at 24hrs.ca

Co-written by Miranda Tallon-Malisani Holistic Nutritionist