Sep 14, 2009 11:51 pm US/Eastern
HealthWatch: PMS & Diet
It's One Of The Most Debilitating Things A Woman Must Face, But By Watching What You Eat You Can Alleviate Pain
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
PMS – three letters that spell misery to many women.
And everyone around them.
From wild cravings to bloating and crankiness, the symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Now some experts say a changing your diet might help ease the pain.
"Just once a month I wish I was a boy," said Leah Arce of the Upper West Side.
"I get very irritable and when I get cranky or mad or upset at something I tend to cry," said Caterina Valdivieso of Harlem.
"I just eat a lot," added Annie Quill of the Upper West Side.
"I just realize I am going to be more irritable then and try not to snap at anybody ...ha ha," said Alex Brinkman of the Upper West Side.
But for many women PMS is no laughing matter. Premenstrual syndrome is a collection of physical and emotional symptoms, some women experience before their monthly periods.
"Emotional symptoms can include depression, sadness, irritability, mood swings. The physical symptoms can include bloating, cramps, headaches, water retention," said Dr. Jennifer Wu, an OBGYN at Lenox Hill Hospital.
At some point in their lives up to 85 percent of women will suffer the agony of PMS.
"It's not in a woman's head. It's actually real physical symptoms that come up," Andrea Beaman said.
Most will grin and bear it or reach for over-the-counter relief. But holistic health expert Beaman said it's all about diet. She said food can improve your mood.
"Women have a tendency, specifically, to eat no fat, low-fat diets and then they get, we get, these wild cravings," Beaman said.
Beaman said first get rid of caffeine and refined sugars.
"It's the extreme rising and lowering of blood sugar that can put us in mood swings," Beaman said.
She recommends dark leafy greens, nuts and whole grains like wheat bread or brown rice. And eat lean protein -- like fish rich in fats -- and even red meats to avoid cravings.
"There's a tendency for us to shy away from red meat, especially women will go to more chicken and turkey," Beaman said.
Dr. Wu does not endorse a specific diet but agrees sugars and caffeine, along with salty foods and alcohol, should be avoided.
"With patients who have more severe symptoms or emotional symptoms, there are various things we can try. We do try to alleviate stress with yoga and meditation therapy. And also medications can help," Wu said.
"Instead of taking ... popping the pill to alleviate the symptom, which doesn't actually get to the cause of the symptom, I would suggest do the things to make the body more balanced. Eat well, exercise, take care of yourself. You're worth it. We're all worth it," Beaman said.
Three to 8 percent of women suffer from premenstrual dysphoric disorder, more severe form of PMS.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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