Tips for dealing with PMS
PMS is a far too common amongst millions of women. It’s annoying and uncomfortable and sufferers often deal with bloating, depression, mood swings, crying spells and even uncontrollable rages.
Here are some tips for dealing with this syndrome:
What to avoid:
1. Salt and salty foods
2. Liquorice – it can cause water retention
3. Cold foods – they often worsen cramping
4. Caffeine – it often increases sugar cravings and HCI which can irritate abdominals
5. Alcohol – it adversely affects blood sugar, depletes magnesium levels and can aggravate PMS
6. Spinach and beetroot greens – these can make minerals difficult to be properly absorbed
7. Large meals – eat smaller and more often
What to increase:
1. Strawberries, watermelon, asparagus, parsley, watercress – all natural diuretics
2. Raw sunflower seeds, avocado, bananas and tomatoes – all rich in potassium
3. Gentle exercise – this improves abdominal circulation, and perspiration helps remove excess fluids. Brisk walking 30 minutes twice daily and/or swimming are ideal.
4. Natural supplements -
1. Evening Primrose Oil 500mg 1-3 times daily
2. Magnesium 500mg daily
3. Calcium 250mg daily
4. Vitamin E 100-400IU daily
And a hot water bottle, putting your feet up and a good book works wonders too






Really informative, thanks Kat! I read that taking calcium & magnesium at the same time is counter-productive as the calcium inhibits magnesium uptake in the intestines… Do you take yours at different times of the day, or at the same time? Does it make a difference?
Thanks Suzy, glad it’s helpful. I’ve read conflicting information regarding taking calcium and magnesium together. Apparently the interaction of calcium with magnesium isn’t fully understood yet, but some say they work best when they are taken together. Magnesium can also compete with calcium though! I take mine separate as I like having magnesium at night since it’s a ‘relaxing’ mineral.
Yes you’re right, they compete with each other – I prioritise magnesium over calcium which I guess is why I brand calcium “the bad guy”. I also take my magnesium at night, to aid sleep. Thanks, again, for the info