I know many women that struggle with hormonal imbalances and dread getting their period. I’ve struggled with my own PMS issues. From headaches, to bloating, irritability and exhaustion, I used to crawl up into a ball and stay in bed for days during my period. I’m sure many of you can relate.
In my teens and early twenties, I was very disconnected from my cycle. I was on the birth control pill (hello synthetic hormones!) and not eating the type of clean, organic diet that I eat today. On top of that, I was quite deficient in many vitamins and minerals. You see, the birth control pill robs you of vitamin C and energy producing B vitamins.
As I started to study holistic nutrition and understand the physiology of the body, I ditched the pill, starting supplementing with specific and essential nutrients and swapped my sugar and gluten for vibrant green veggies, quality protein and yummy fat.
If my life gets really busy (hello stress) and I fall off my regular eating patterns, my pesky PMS symptoms tend to show up. As women, our cycles are very delicate and our hormones are changing all the time. Our bodies like routine. Going to bed at the same time, eating regular meals, exercising daily, staying hydrated… this is all essential for optimal hormonal balance.
So if headaches, bloating, breast tenderness, irritability and cramping are getting the best of you during your cycle, include my 5 essential remedies below to ditch those pesky symptoms and get to feeling like your sexy and sassy self again!
- Magnesium – This is such an important mineral. You can get magnesium from eating lots of leafy greens, like kale, spinach and collards. Even cacao is super rich in magnesium. Nothing like a little bit of chocolate! Magnesium helps reduce cramping and bloating. Plus, it’s great for helping you unwind and relax before bed. I like to take 400mg of magnesium bisglycinate before bed. Be sure to include magnesium in your diet or supplement regime the week prior to your period to help with symptoms.
- Red Raspberry Leaf – you can find this in supplement form or in tea. It’s great for reducing bloating and cramping. Plus, it’s a great fertility herb. Red raspberry leaf contains a ton of nutrients and minerals, such as calcium. I prefer to drink this in tea form. It’s great hot or cold.
- Fish oil – one of the best supplements you can take for your hormones! Fish oil contains omega 3’s which are so important for heart health, brain cognition and inflammation. You see, your hormones need fat to function. Getting enough quality omega 3’s in your diet is essential for optimal hormonal health. Plus, your skin and hair will look extra beautiful as you nourish and ‘moisturize’ them from the inside out.
- Maca – a peruvian herb that is great for balancing hormones, nourishing the adrenal glands and boosting your energy. You can find maca in pill, powder or tincture form. I like to use the powder and add it to my morning smoothies.
- Coconut oil – delicious and nutritious! Eat it by the spoon, use it to cook your veggies or add it to smoothies. Coconut oil contains essential building blocks to balance your hormones, ease inflammation, help with weight loss and contains a ton of antibacterial properties. This is a must have!
Ok… so I know I said 5, but I can’t help but throwing one more in the mix. Often with my clients, I like to use a homeopathic blend called Pascofemin.
It acts as a hormone balancer and helps to relieves symptoms associated with menopause, PMS, and other hormonal disturbances such as hot flashes, sleep disorders, bloating, mood swings, irritability, breast tenderness, abdominal pain, headaches and estrogen dominance. 8 out of 10 women found such significant relief from their symptoms when taking Pascofemin that they continued to incorporate it into their daily supplement regime. Click here to find out more about Pascofemin.
Have questions about your period and cycle? Looking to get your cycle back on track? Have you come off the birth control pill and are struggling to get your cycle back or dealing with hormonal weight gain? Email me for a free 20 minute consult call to discuss your health and goals with me: samanthagladish@gmail.com
Cheers to happy hormone balancing!
Samantha xo
