Do you sometimes suffer from pain during those days of the month? If you have no reaction at all, that's of course a blessing. Unfortunately, however, menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome are the most common troubles for women. According to statistics, about ten percent of women between their teens and twenties experience severe menstrual cramps. Menstrual cramps are the most common reason for women to take leave from school or work.
Premenstrual syndrome is related to hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle. Women with PMS may experience significant mood changes or physical discomfort about three to days before their period. About 20 to 40 percent of women have PMS to some degree, and 2.5 to 5 percent of women have their daily lives affected by it.
For "primary dysmenorrhea," where no cause can be found, the most common treatment is to take painkillers, along with other auxiliary treatments. For PMS, there is no single treatment method; it usually depends on the symptoms that appear, and treatment is then targeted at those specific symptoms.
Recently, the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C., discovered that a low-fat vegetarian diet not only helps with weight loss but can also effectively alleviate the symptoms of menstrual cramps and PMS. The main reasons a vegetarian diet can improve these conditions include: weight reduction, increased levels of sex hormone-binding globulin, increased excretion of estrogen, and the rich presence of plant-based hormones and omega-3 fatty acids in vegetarian food.
Women who are deeply troubled by menstrual cramps or PMS, in addition to seeking medical drug treatment to alleviate their symptoms, might consider trying a vegetarian diet for a period of time. It's a perfect solution that both treats the condition and helps with weight loss.