In conclusion, now that I am without any brain or chemically altering medication, any symptom that I come across will be much more heightened just as it was years and years ago. I don't hate it, I'm not even complaining but I do realize that I'll have to accommodate for the fluctuations by stepping up my exercise and switching up my food intake to that of more mood and energy boosting choices.
The Complex Interrelationships of Menstrual Cyclicity and Anxiety Disorders
Great Information and Research. Learn more here.
"The occurrence and severity of anxiety disorders have been correlated with fluctuations in female sex steroid levels in both epidemiological and experimental studies.1-5 Female reproductive hormones play a role not only in the development and course of anxiety disorders but also in treatment response.1,2,6-12 This article focuses on the premenstrual exacerbation of anxiety disorders and briefly reviews the biological pathways and physiological mechanisms thought to contribute to the expression of different anxiety disorder subtypes. Female steroid hormone influences on pharmacological properties of psychoactive drugs used to treat anxiety disorders are also addressed, because these may contribute to treatment response in women who experience premenstrual exacerbation of these disorders..."
-For information visit Psychiatric Times.
Below are 5 Foods that Jennifer LeMaire,from Yahoo voices recommends in fighting PMS Symptoms and it's correlated hormonal changes.
Iron Rich Foods Fight PMS Fatigue
Eating iron-rich foods can help relieve the fatigue brought on by your period. Iron-rich foods include red meat, dark green leafy vegetables, beans, shellfish, egg yolks, pork, prune juice, whole grain bread, poultry and soy foods. Pair up iron-rich foods with foods containing Vitamin C and you will increase your body's ability to absorb iron.
High Calcium Foods Best Multisymptom PMS Fighters
Calcium-rich foods just may be the best PMS fighters out there. High calcium foods may help reduce PMS symptoms such as fatigue, bloating, cramps and food cravings. A study conducted at Columbia University found that women with PMS who took 1,200 mg of calcium daily during their period reduced their PMS symptoms by 48 percent. High calcium foods include milk, yogurt, cheese, tofu and fortified cereals. If you tend to shy away from dairy or other high calcium foods, you can supplement your calcium intake with two Tums E-X tables twice a day.
Bananas Are a Menstrual Health Superfood
Bananas are a nutritional superfood loaded with potassium, zinc, iron, folic acid, calcium, vitamin B6 and fiber. In fact, bananas have been called nature's perfect food. They may also be a perfect food for menstrual health. Bananas can help relieve digestive problems and PMS symptoms women may experience during their period. Bananas help replenish nutrients lost during menstruation and can help stop PMS related diarrhea in its tracks when eaten with other BRAT diet foods such as apples, rice and dry toast.
Be PMS Symptom Free With Bee Pollen
Bee pollen for PMS? Although bee pollen may be a more unfamiliar option for those suffering from PMS, it can be very effective in fighting fatigue and improving endurance. Bee pollen has also been used by doctors to treat menstrual irregularities, diarrhea, constipation and menstrual induced anemia. A word of caution: bee pollen can produce severe allergic reactions. If you are thinking of using bee pollen as a PMS treatment, talk to your doctor and start with small amounts. A usual dose is no more than 1 teaspoon per day. Bee pollen is widely available at health foods stores in capsule form, as a powder or in raw unprocessed honey.
Flaxseed Can Relieve Breast Pain and Other PMS Symptoms
Flaxseed and flaxseed products contain phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are plant based estrogens similar to the estrogen found in a woman's body. Studies have found that women who ingest flaxseed can relieve PMS symptoms such as breast pain, hot flashes and mood swings. It is thought that this is because the plant-based estrogens compete with the natural estrogen in a woman's body when it is too high, such as during the menstruation cycle. It is estimated that 11 percent of women may experience breast pain during their periods. A University of Toronto study found that by eating as little as 25 grams of flaxseed every day, these women could reduce or eliminate PMS induced breast pain. Flaxseed also contains essential fatty acids that can help to ease PMS cramping.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of a physician or other medical professionals.
Sources
Web MD: The PMS-Free Diet?
USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans: Food Sources of Selected Nutrients