Menstrual Problem

Most women in their reproductive years recognize the mild cramps or slight twinge in the lower back as the normal effects of menstruation. These effects are not symptoms of any sickness ad do not interfere with normal activities. Many women however, experience discomfort and even temporary disability from the severe cramps and nausea that can precede their periods, sometimes lasting several days. Some others have to deal with irregular, sparse or excessive bleeding that can make it difficult to plan and enjoy activities.

Limit alcohol and caffeinated drinks.
Avoid highly salted foods, which promote fluid retention.

PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME
More than 150 symptoms-notably, bloating, irritability, breast tenderness, food cravings, headaches, and constipation-have been linked with pre-menstrual syndrome, which seems to be caused by hormonal changes during the latter half of the menstrual cycle. For ten percent of the woman who suffer from PMS, these symptoms can cause serious social problems, disrupting work and family activities.

Eat food with low glycemic index. Although no food can prevent PMS, certain substances in food may offer relief from some of the symptoms. To handle the symptoms, doctors’ advice balanced diet combined with exercise. Women should eat regular, moderate meals, spaced through the day, based on combination of whole grains, legumes, vegetable, and fruits. Complex carbohydrates can help by increasing production of serotonin, a brain chemical that regulates mood. Foods with lower glycemic index are good because they raise blood sugar level more slowly, helping to control appetite and possibly cravings. Fats, highly refined foods, and caffeinated drinks should be avoided and sodium intake should be reduced. Alcohol can trigger or worsen many symptoms and so should be avoided in the days before menstrual period.

Get more calcium. Calcium may help reduce mood disturbances, cramping and bloating resulting from PMS. Some researchers believe PMS symptoms may be the result of low calcium levels, the symptoms of which are very like the symptoms of PMS. Best calcium source include dairy products, fortified soy beverages, canned salmon or sardines, and leafy greens. Women with PMS have often have low magnesium levels, which may predispose them to PMS-induced headaches and depression. Food rich in magnesium include sunflower seed, nuts, lentils, and legumes, tofu, soybean, figs, and green vegetables. Some research suggests that food rich in vitamin B6 may be useful in alleviating symptoms of PMS.

The vitamin B6 may help may stimulate production of serotonin and reduce anxiety and depression caused by PMS. Best food sources are beef, pork, chicken, fish, wholegrain cereals, bananas, avocados, potatoes. A caution about vitamin B6. If you take supplements do not exceed the upper limit for adults over of 100mg per day. Excess has been associated with nerve damage.

Watch those food craving. Many women crave over sweets, chocolate-in the days just before their period start. An occasional piece of chocolate won’t do much harm, but eating large amounts of sugary foods only adds empty calories and can worsen the cravings for sweets by disrupting sugar levels. It’s much better to satisfy with complex carbohydrates, such as whole-grain, crackers or fresh vegetables, which are metabolized at a lower rate than sweets.

Don’t neglect exercise. Endorphins (chemicals in the brain that are natural mood elevators) can increase the sense of well-being and help the body to deal with stress with help of proper exercise.
Try evening primrose oil. This oil available in capsules an in liquid form, contains an essential fatty acid called gamma linolenic acid (GLA) which blocks the inflammatory prostaglandins that contributes to cramps and breast tenderness.

Painful Periods
Menstrual cramps (Dysmenorrhea) are most common among young women who have never been pregnant. In most cases there is no underlying health problem and symptom often ease somewhat after pregnancy, or with the use of oral contraceptives prescribed by your OB-GYNE.

Herbal teas may help. Some teas may relax uterus and ease cramps. It contains antispasmodic action. Drink the while relaxing in a warm bath or lying down with a heating pad over your abdomen to relieve muscle cramps and tension.

Heavy Period
Menstrual period tends to be heavy and irregular at the beginning and end of a woman’s reproductive years. Heavy periods caused by hormonal fluctuations.

Eat lots of iron- rich foods. Excessive blood flow may result greater loss of iron, with a risk of anemia. An adult woman needs 18mg of iron daily. Good source are red meat, legume, fortified cereals, leafy green vegetables, and dried fruits to help the body to better absorb iron.

Missed Period
The most likely reason for a missed period is pregnancy. However, the menstrual cycle may be contraceptive pills, or an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa. Women in high-level athletic training are prone to menstrual problems, because they lack critical amount of body fat to maintain adequate estrogen levels. A woman who is not having regular menstrual periods should see a doctor for a thorough check-up.

Credits to Readers Digest Foods That Harms Food That Heals

This entry was posted on Thursday, June 10th, 2010 at 12:47 pm and is filed under HEALTH ISSUES. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.