Relieving PMS with Vitamins and Minerals

Women suffering from pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) are always on the lookout for new and better ways to find relief from the discomforts of PMS.  However, over-the-counter pain medications often just don't do the job, and many prescription medications may result in unwanted side-effects. There are other things to consider, though.  Many women have had success after trying some of the more natural remedies and treatments that have been used to relieve the symptoms of PMS.

Alternative treatments including vitamins, herbs, and other supplements may be able to help ease some of the common symptoms of menstruation like cramps and bloating, particularly when combined with a healthful diet. Many women have even had success treating menopause using magnetic therapy.

Having a healthy diet that which includes foods that are rich in certain vitamins and minerals may be able to help relieve menstrual symptoms.

Following is a list of some of the vitamins and minerals that have been reported to be specifically helpful in relieving PMS symptoms and discomfort:

Vitamin A has been reported to help relieve menstrual symptoms associated with PMS.

Vitamin B6 can help decrease bloating, as it is a natural diuretic. It may also help to regulate estrogen levels which may not be balanced during your period.

Vitamin E is know to help alleviate the discomfort of sore and tender breasts. It also plays a role in helping to regulate hormone levels, and may help with irritability and depression.

Pantothenic acid is a nutrient that is widely used to help lower stress.

Calcium and magnesium are strong natural minerals that can aid in reducing both cramps and tense muscles. They can also contribute to lowering of stress.

PMS Vitamin Supplements

If you want to take a mult-vitamin supplement specifically aimed at helping to reduce PMS symptoms, ensure that it includes vitamins A, C, D, and E, in addition to B vitamins, and the minerals phosphorous, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, pantothenic acid, iron, and zinc.

If you currently take a vitamin supplement each day, ensure that the addition of a supplement for PMS doesn't result in exceeding the recommended daily dosage of the vitamins and minerals in each supplement. Also do not take a separate vitamin B6 supplement together with a B-complex supplement in order to avoid exceeding the daily limit.

Meeting with a certified nutritionist can be helpful in managing your vitamin and minderal dosages as they will be able to recommend the ideal nutrient combinations for your particular situation. It is possible that a certain standard daily multi-vitamin will contain all the supplements you need to help treat your PMS symptoms.

Vitamins and Minerals to Keep Your Eyes Healthy

An important component of keeping your eyes healthy is ensuring that you are getting enough of the right vitamins and minerals that support eye health. There are a wide range of eye conditions and disorders affecting many people, and getting the right nutrients, in sufficient amounts, can help reduce your risk of these diseases.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a strong antioxidant generally found in foods that come from animals including liver and eggs, and in fruits and vegetables, such as carrots and spinach. Milk is also usually fortified with vitamin A. Vitamin A is vital for correct functioning of the retina. It also aids in preventing night blindness by aiding in adaptation between light and dark. It is also linked to a lowered risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and the formation of cataracts. As AMD and cataracts are two of the primary causes of visual impairment and with their prevalence steadily increasing, getting sufficient quantities of vitamin A is crucial to maintaining the health of your eyes.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C performs a number of necessary functions in our bodies. It helps to strengthen bones and muscles, it bolsters the immune system, it helps in maintaining healthy teeth and gums, and it lowers the risk of a myriad of diseases and conditions. It is not surprising that it is also vital for maintaining healthy eyes. Vitamin C is another powerful antioxidant that can lower the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) as well as the formation of cataracts. Vitamin C is not only found in citrus fruits, but can also be found strawberries, green peppers, and broccoli.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is also a powerful antioxidant vitamin that performs many functions. Eating a diet rich in vitamin E is linked to a lowerded risk of Alzheimer's Disease, heart disease, and it is also though to guard against various types of cancers. In relation to eye health, vitamin E has been linked with a lowered incidence of cataracts and slowed growth of cataracts. Good dietary sources of vitamin E include nuts, green leafy vegetables, and fortified foods like cereal.

Selenium and Zinc

Selenium and Zinc are the two primary minerals that act on the oxidation process. They aid the body in the absorption of antioxidants and making sure you get the daily recommended values of these minerals can ensure that you are getting the antioxidants you need to prevent eye diseases. Just like with antioxidants, absorbing too large of amounts of these minerals could lead to problems.