Women who face monthly symptoms of PMS (like anxiety, irritability, tension and tearfulness) may actually be pressured by their doctors to take birth control pills, over-the-counter drugs or even Prozac for relief.

Of course, as with most ailments, there are natural options that are superior to drug-based options. If you’re a woman who suffers from PMS, the following simple dietary changes may help to relieve your symptoms:

• Avoid caffeine, alcohol and carbonated rinks
• Reduce your sugar intake
• Avoid smoked cheeses, meats and fish (as they can increase fluid retention)
• Make sure you’re getting enough nutrients in your diet, specifically vitamin B6, manganese, vitamins A and E, and tryptophan
  

Also, with the summer sun now shining in the United States, it’s the perfect time to make sure you’re getting plenty of safe sun exposure to optimize your vitamin D levels. Vitamin D plays a major role in regulating your hormones, and getting enough of it can help to prevent PMS (among many other beneficial effects).

Calcium is also an important nutrient for battling PMS. Just make sure you’re getting it from healthy sources like raw milk or green leafy vegetables, not processed, pasteurized dairy products.

BirthControlBuzz.com July 10, 2007