PMS (Pre Menstrual Syndrome) or PMT (Pre Menstrual Tension) can turn a mild mannered woman into a snarling beast in the blink of an eye.

If you are fed up with experiencing mood swings, bloating, breast tenderness, insomnia or irritability at that time of the month, then being able to recognise and remedy your particular type of PMS is absolutely essential.

The menstrual cycle is controlled by a number of different hormones (for example, oestrogen and progesterone) all of which must ebb and flow at the correct time. PMS occurs when these hormones are out of balance.

The general health guidelines to assist with most forms of PMS / PMT discomfort are to;

• Include Vitamin B6, Zinc, Magnesium, and Essential Fatty Acids in your diet. A good women’s multivitamin with regulating herbs often covers many of these. Maca Powder is also an excellent supplement / food which promotes hormonal balance.

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol – try herbal teas or dandelion coffee.

• Eat natural whole foods.

• Avoid sugary refined foods.

• Drink lots of water.

Each of these things will help to ensure optimum menstrual health, but each specific PMS type has its own nutritional needs that must be met for the successful relief of unpleasant symptoms.

There are generally about 5 different sorts of PMS. Type A, B, C, D and H.

TYPE A

Type A PMS is due to a high oestrogen : low progesterone ratio in the woman’s body.

Its symptoms include - nervous tension, weepiness, anxiety, mood swings and irritability. Periods start suddenly and are heavy with clots.

Type A's extra help - Vitamin E

TYPE B

Type B PMS is due to a high progesterone:oestrogen ratio ratio in the woman’s body.

Stress is a big factor in this type and the mood changes and irritability will lean more towards aggression rather than depression.

Its symptoms include weight gain, swelling of hands and feet and breast tenderness.

Type B's extra help - Vitamin C with bioflavenoids.

Reduce salt. _ On this note _ What sort of salt do you use? Consider throwing out your standard table salt because it is harmful and only buy Sea Salt because it contains important trace minerals. Be aware that processed foods often have high amounts of salt in them – You will get more than enough salt even if you don’t add extra salt to your food.

Include a natural diuretic such as celery or juniper in your diet.

Drink more water not less, as this will flush your system out.

TYPE C

Type C is often associated with fluctuations in blood sugar levels and the symptoms can include headache and fatigue, moodiness and irritability.

Type C's extra Help – Magnesium, because it assists in insulin metabolism.

Eat smaller meals frequently and include starchy and complex carbohydrate foods like pasta, potatoes, vegetables and quality proteins (lean meat, fish etc). Avoid sugar and refined foods.

TYPE D

Type B PMS is due to a low oestrogen: high progesterone ratio in the woman’s body.

Symptoms include emotional changes like depression, forgetfulness, insomnia, confusion, and teariness.

Type D's extra Help: Kelp, spirulina, and potassium oxide. Eat simple foods that are easily digested.

TYPE H

Water balance symptoms – fluid retention, bloating, breast tenderness, swollen hands and feet, related to high sodium and alcohol intake.

Type H's extra Help – Vitamin B6, B Complex and Vitamin E, Nat Mur cell salt.

Reduce Salt and alcohol, increase water intake as in Type B.

It should be fairly simple to recognise your particular PMS type or you may find that more than one fits the bill. By providing your body with the extra nutritional support it needs, you will counteract the effect of your wayward hormones and feel better.

Please note, the information contained within this article is not intended to replace proper medical advice and we caution visitors not to use this advice as a substitute for professional medical care.