John Arts Abundant Living www.johnarts.co.nz

For many women the problems caused by their monthly cycle have a significant impact on the quality of their lives, their relationships and general wellbeing.

The most common are the group of disorders classified as PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome) and dysmenorrhoea (period pain). Other less common problems are endometriosis and PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). Our focus is on the more common PMS and period pain but there are nutritional therapies that may help aspects of endometriosis and PCOS.

It is estimated that around 40 per cent of menstruating women suffer from PMS and 75 per cent from period pain. This must mean that many suffer from both. PMS is more complex and caused by many influences. Integrative medicine author Tieraona Dog (MD) confirms that PMS can be caused by hormonal factors, fluid and electrolyte balance, neurotransmitters, vitamin and mineral imbalances, and then a wide range of genetic, psychological and social factors.

PMS symptoms are as wide as the causes and include bloating, skin problems, lower torso pain, digestive problems (especially constipation), fatigue, headaches, moods swings and fluid retention. What this really means is that finding a single solution is almost impossible. Usually a combination of nutritional therapy with natural hormone therapy can really help.

The main nutritional targets are B vitamins, magnesium and a range of nutrients that can reduce the inflammation central to PMS and dysmenorrhoea. For some the progesterone precursor diosgenin in Wild Yam can help. Researchers have identified specific inflammatory compounds that are responsible for the inflammation of breast and reproductive tissues. Fortunately there are a number of nutrients that have a strong influence on this type of inflammation. The most effective are omega 3 from both oily fish and flax seeds. Evening primrose oil is high in a compound called GLA which can also help. Certain antioxidants, including OPC and resveratrol, can help, as does ginger and turmeric.

To summarise, both problems can respond well to nutritional therapy. We firstly actively remove inflammatory foods, especially low grade fats, sugars and refined carbohydrates. A nutritious, well-balanced whole food diet is the basis of everything we do. To this we then add supplements including a really good multi-vitamin/mineral with a full B complex, extra magnesium, omega 3 fish oil and often EPO. For many people these measures can reduce symptoms and can help restore quality of life. Give me a call if you need more information. To join my weekly newsletter go to www.johnarts.co.nz and visit www.abundant.co.nz

John Arts is the founder of Abundant Health. To contact John, phone 0800 423 559. To read more go to www.sunlive.co.nz