Oh So Lovely PMS!

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Ahhh, PMS, the thing that makes you all happy one minute and the next you're crying about the how much you love a show or crying that the ice cream is finished and how you've been craving it all day! PMS can make you seem like the most unstable human being on the planet. 

PMS stands for Premenstrual Syndrome, it can be a variation of symptoms that most women experience either 1-2 weeks before their menstrual cycle begins or even on their menstrual cycle. 

PMS Symptoms:

• Tender breasts
• Headaches
• Irritability 
• Excessive flatulence
• Nausea 
• Intense food cravings 
• Bloating
• Diarrhoea
• Fatigue
• Back pain
• Cramps
• Acne
• Mood swings
• Weight gain
• Vomiting 

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Not all females deal with PMS, in fact it varies between women. Some ladies deal with just a couple of these symptoms and some deal every single one of them! 

From just reading about the symptoms it's pretty obvious that's not fun in any way. Good thing there are quite a few ways to help ease the PMS symptoms. 

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Ways to ease PMS symptoms:

• Chamomile- if you're a tea person then you'll love this! Chamomile tea helps ease cramps and when you feel like you've got a headache, chamomile tea helps ease the pain! Not only does it help with those two things, it also helps if you have trouble falling asleep. It also has some calming properties in it. So its great for when you need to chill out.
• Chocolate- if you are seriously craving for some chocolate rather have some dark chocolate because unlike all the other chocolates it is not as sweet. 
• Egg sandwich- have an egg sandwich, by eating carbs you're helping your body boost its serotonin levels!
• Hot water bottle- use either an electric or regular hot water bottle to ease cramps.
• Exercise- exercising can also ease period cramps, there are plenty workout positions that help ease cramps. Working out can also boost your mood and energy. Also remember the feel good brain chemicals-endorphins- are released during exercise.
• Hot showers- take a hot shower, this will help with the back pain and cramps.
• Sleep- get enough sleep! 
• Omega-3 foods- include loads of foods that are rich in omega-3 in your diet such as kale, spinach, tuna, berries, flax seeds, walnuts and avocados just to name a few. 
• Drink lots of water- have loads of water!! Drinking enough water will not only decrease cramps but also reduce your chances of water retention. 
• Ginger tea- have some ginger tea to help with any nausea you might have and cramps.

Things to avoid during this time: 

• Caffeine
• Sweets
• Dairy
• Alcohol 
• Stress

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