Health Tip: Ease PMS Symptoms

(HealthDay News) -- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects many women before the start of the menstrual cycle. Symptoms can include moodiness, fatigue, insomnia, upset stomach, and joint and muscle pain, among others.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers these suggestions to help alleviate PMS symptoms:

• Take a daily multivitamin with folic acid, and a calcium supplement with vitamin D.
• Get plenty of exercise.
• Stick to a healthy diet, including lots of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, before and during your period.
• Avoid salt, sugar, caffeine, alcohol and smoking, especially when you have PMS symptoms.
• Try to get eight hours of sleep every night.
• Alleviate stress by talking to friends, exercising or keeping a journal.
• Try an over-the-counter pain reliever to ease sore breasts, muscle pain, headaches or painful cramps.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Sept. 26, 2008

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