Detox Your Way to Fewer PMS Symptoms
by Nikki Warren on Jun 11, 2024
It has been reported that globally, almost 90% of women experience some form of premenstrual syndrome, from mild to severe symptoms.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), a condition that can significantly disrupts daily life, making the days leading up to menstruation particularly challenging.
While PMS is often accepted as an unavoidable part of womanhood, exploring targeted detoxification strategies can help mitigate these symptoms by addressing the underlying issue of hormonal imbalance exacerbated by toxins.
What is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)?
PMS encompasses a variety of symptoms that occur before a woman's menstrual period, affecting both emotional stability and physical health. These symptoms can severely impact a woman's quality of life by disrupting her daily activities.
Hormonal fluctuations, particularly the imbalance between oestrogen and progesterone, are believed to be at the core of PMS. Oestrogen excess can lead to symptoms like irritability, anxiety, and bloating, while progesterone deficiency can cause mood swings, headaches, and sleep disturbances.
Supporting your body's detoxification processes and encouraging hormonal balancing can play crucial roles in balancing hormones and supporting (and reducing) PMS symptoms. Let’s explore detox strategies, including dietary adjustments, the inclusion of specific beneficial herbs, lifestyle changes, and environmental considerations.
Dietary Changes:
Increase Fibre Intake:
Fibre aids in the elimination of toxins through the digestive system. Incorporate a variety of fibre-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet every day to facilitate this process.
Reduce Intake of Processed Foods and Sugars:
These substances can worsen hormonal imbalances and can negatively affect blood sugar balance and hormone detoxification, which can worsen symptoms. Cutting down on processed and sugary foods can help minimise these negative impacts.
Stay Hydrated:
Water is essential for kidney function and helps flush waste products from the body. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to support these detox processes.
Beneficial Herbs for Detox and PMS:
Dandelion Leaf:
This herb acts as a mild diuretic, helping to eliminate excess water and reduce bloating. It also supports liver detoxification, which is vital for maintaining hormonal balance and reducing PMS symptoms.
Schisandra:
Known for its adaptogenic properties, schisandra enhances liver function and improves the body’s stress response, both beneficial for managing PMS.
Bupleurum:
Used extensively in traditional Chinese medicine to promote liver health, bupleurum aids in the liver’s detoxification efforts, helping to balance hormones more effectively.
Globe Artichoke:
Supports liver function and digestive health by promoting bile production. Bile helps the body digest fats and remove wastes, contributing to reduced toxin load and better hormonal regulation.
Rosemary:
Enhances Phase II liver detoxification and is important in healthy oestrogen metabolism.
Vitex (otherwise known as Chaste Tree):
Has been shown to reduce PMS symptoms and help regulate the menstrual cycle.
Saffron:
Clinical trials with the patented form of this herb, Affron® show this superstar herb reduces tension, irritability and fatigue, while also improving sleep which often accompany the physical symptoms of PMS.
This is why we created Detox & Liver Support and PMS Support & Antioxidant to help support your liver function, hormonal balance and help regulate your cycle.
Lifestyle Modifications:
Regular, Daily Exercise:
Physical activity boosts overall circulation and helps sweat out unwanted waste products. It can also reduce stress and improve mood through the release of endorphins.
Adequate Sleep:
Quality sleep is crucial for the body’s healing and detoxification processes. Aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep per night to help manage PMS symptoms effectively.
Environmental Adjustments:
Minimise Exposure:
Reduce your contact with chemicals found in some household cleaners, beauty products, and processed foods. Opting for organic alternatives can significantly decrease your exposure to harmful chemicals used in food production.
Adopting these comprehensive detox strategies can lead to a significant reduction in PMS symptoms over time.
Benefits include less bloating, reduced mood swings, and overall improved well-being. By detoxifying your body and supporting hormonal balance, you can transform the days leading up to your period from a time of discomfort to one of tranquility.
Envision moving from feeling overwhelmed and at the mercy of your symptoms to feeling energised and in control of your health. The empowerment that comes from implementing these strategies can help stabilise your mood and physical symptoms, leading to a more balanced and enjoyable life.
How do you feel about integrating some of these detox strategies into your routine?
Starting with even one or two small changes can pave the way for significant improvements in how you experience your menstrual cycle each month.
We appreciate your insights and experiences. If you decide to implement any of these strategies, please reach out as we love to hear from you. Together we can tackle PMS with empowering solutions!