Archives for December 2015

Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, affects nearly half of all women of childbearing age, according to pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm. Its symptoms are different for each sufferer and can range from irritability and severe mood swings to migraines and seizures in those women most adversely affected by PMS.

Common symptoms of PMS

Marla Ahlgrimm explains that, although PMS is associated with over 150 symptoms, most women tend to report a combination of two or more of the following:

• Anxiety
• Water retention
• Forgetfulness
• Bloating
• Breast tenderness
• Joint pain and swelling
• Cravings for carbohydrates/sweets (especially chocolate)
• Back pain
• Depression/uncontrollable crying
• Irritability
• Headache
• Extreme fatigue
• Acne

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Women with PMS should eat six complex carbohydrate snacks a day to better manage the symptoms of PMS, says Marla Ahlgrimm.

Proper nutrition is vital to a healthy body, says pharmacist, Marla Ahlgrimm. This is especially true of women who suffer from PMS. According to Ahlgrimm, studies conducted since the 1950s have linked low blood sugar to many symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Low blood glucose levels trigger the body to release adrenaline, the “fight or flight” hormone. When adrenaline is flowing through the blood, the body cannot metabolize other hormones – like progesterone – properly. Adrenaline, says Marla Ahlgrimm, also perpetuates feelings of aggression, panic, and tension – all outward symptoms of PMS.

Additionally, Marla Ahlgrimm explains that low blood sugar causes the body’s cells to eject any sugar that it may be storing, in order to compensate. Empty cells are flooded with water which can cause bloating, water retention, and weight gain.

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