Natural ways to beat PMS

Magnesium is an important mineral in the body that helps form bones, relax muscle spasms, activate cellular enzymes, and regulate nerve and muscle function (including the heart) and acid-alkaline balance. Known as the ‘anti-stress’ mineral, a deficiency of magnesium is known to cause many symptoms usually associated with PMS, such as irritability, depression, confusion and muscle aches.

Premenstrual syndrome, more commonly known as PMS, is a disorder that affects almost 75 percent of menstruating women, with more than half having to take time off work. PMS affects all women in some way, and is characterized by a wide range of symptoms including breast tenderness, bloating, emotional changes, tearfulness, cramps and fatigue, sugar cravings, headaches or simply snapping at a partner or children.

It is estimated that over 9 million women in Britain are in the same boat, including celebrity sufferers such as Keira Knightley who admits she gets through her PMS by playing camp pop songs!

Samar Tarabay, Nutritionist for Holland & Barrett says, "Each month, a woman’s hormones follow a cycle of change, but in some women, the hormones are knocked out of balance, which results in the symptoms of PMS. Poor diet and nutritional deficiencies can be root problems for PMS as well as poor liver function as it is responsible for metabolising hormones. The good news however is that the majority of PMS symptoms can be relieved by taking appropriate supplementation.”

Holland & Barrett offer Magnesium Tablets priced at £3.99 for 100 250mg tablets.

Available from Holland & Barrett stores nationwide and online at Hollandandbarrett.com.