Dan's Papers - June 20, 2008 - Feeling Bloated? Have Some Watermelon

Originally, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) was not considered to be a real condition. During the '20s a doctor named Celia Mosher said that at the time around a woman's period, "the woman is not quite herself."

In 1953, Dr. Katharina Dalton of London and her colleague, Dr. Raymond Greene, published a paper on PMS that informed the world about the syndrome. In the '80s Dr. Dalton was involved in a trial using PMS as the criminal defense of an 18 year-old accused of killing her mother. In the '90s an episode of the television sitcom, "Rosanne" was dedicated to the head of the household's dreaded PMS.

Today, the syndrome has become socially accepted but that doesn't stop it from ruining a beautiful Saturday at the beach. Those lovely weekends when friends are coming to visit the Hamptons are suddenly not-so-fun when the hostess wishes for a heating pad and McDonald's on the couch. There are options now such as birth control, which regulates the menstrual cycle and significantly reduces symptoms. Yet, many women may not wish to take pills everyday or get shots just to prevent a couple of irritable days per month. There are some healthy and natural ways to help women cope with their period without changing their entire body chemistry.

Chaste tree berry, which is offered at the Vitamin Shoppe in Bridgehampton as a supplement, helps to regulate hormone levels specifically helping to ease symptoms of PMS such as breast tenderness. The sore breasts are caused by too much prolactin in the body. This herb has been proven to reduce prolactin levels. The berry may also be found in dried form or as an essential oil.

Rachel Marzano of East Quogue said, "when my friends are out for the weekend and I'm crampy and bloated, I have cocktails and try to forget about the pain." She added, "Before the beach day I drink a ton of water and try not to eat that much."

Water is always good for cramps, but during the menstrual cycle women are retaining water, which attributes to some bloating. A better way to handle the bloating is to eat small amounts of foods that hold key nutrients for PMS - both the night before and day of the beach visit. Key nutrients for PMS include vitamins A, D, E and B6. Also, pantothenic acid, calcium, magnesium and fatty acids are key in preventing that swollen feeling on the beach. A diet to help regulate the symptoms for PMS diet include cod, tuna, salmon, brown rice, bananas, alfalfa, lentils, raw nuts, broccoli, milk, cheese, sardines and egg yolks. Diuretic foods to specifically target bloating are celery, watermelon, asparagus and parsley. Two herbs for bloating are chamomileand dandelion. Be conscious of the food that that is eaten to satisfy cravings, all of the above will work for the woman's body during its time of need.

The biggest part of wanting to lie on the couch during PMS is the anxious mood swings. Once, during the busy summer months, Meg Byrne, manager of the Indian Cove Restaurant was forced to send a staff member home due to uncontrollable mood altering PMS symptoms. "I had a server who would cry at the drop of a hat when she was getting her period," said Byrne, "You can't plan around it," she added. Valerian root is an herb that helps to relax the nervous system and may be taken at night to ensure relaxation and relieve anxiety. Holy basil, an herb native to India, has been proven to reduce stress levels. Holy basil has been proven to be the most potent ani-stress agent and modern research has classified holy basil as an adaptogenic herb.

PMS, like any other ailment, is best prevented with taking care of the body all of the time and exercising regularly. Practiving yoga and pilates for most of the month help to nurture the symptoms. Not to mention possibly adding a few cocktails on that occasional Saturday.