That Time of the Month

Here are some ways to help you fight premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

• Drink plenty of water to flush out metabolic byproducts and toxins out of your system
• Cut back on caffeine – you don’t need to further agitate yourself. Try drinking chamomile tea to calm the nerves
• Lower your salt intake to reduce fluid retention (and be comfy in your heels)
• Get enough sleep. You know how cranky you get when you do not get enough sleep, PMS or otherwise
• Regular exercise helps to regulate hormone levels and, in turn, reduce stress
• Eat smaller meals throughout the day instead of three large meals to tackle the sugar cravings
• Calcium-rich food such as milk, cheese and yoghurt can help fight off mood swings and bloating
• Let plenty of sunshine into your home and burn scented candles to perk up your mood
• Pamper yourself – go for a pedicure or a spa treatment. But never change your hairstyle drastically or you might regret a rash decision made when hormonal levels are wonky
• If PMS hits you real hard and you find the cramps and aches unbearable, try acupuncture or reflexology. A study published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology states that women who have had reflexology experienced a 46 percent reduction in symptoms. Another study in the Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics revealed the success rate of acupuncture in treating PMS symptoms to be 78 percent