The Very Best Defense Against PMS (No Drugs Needed)

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a common ailment among women in their 20s and 30s — 75 percent of women suffer from symptoms. But life doesn't stop when PMS strikes, so it's essential to take matters into your own hands and deal with symptoms head on. Here's some of the best all-natural defense out there. Source: Shutterstock

Make Time to Move
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Make Time to Move

When you're feeling wiped out and moody from cramps, a workout is probably the last thing on your mind, but it should be the first! An incredibly intense workout might not be in cards, but a mild or moderate aerobic workout can actually do wonders for the mind and body. You might resist and want to lay on the couch, but just do it — you'll up endorphin levels, improve your mood, and feel less bloated. Remember, the couch (and heating pad) will be waiting for you at home once you're done.

Get Pricked
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Get Pricked

You might shudder at the thought of acupuncture, but what if it could alleviate your those pesky cramps and headaches? In one study, nearly 78 percent of the women got the relief they were looking for after a few sessions. Some women experienced major relief after just two visits!

Stop letting your fear of (tiny) needles hold you back and try it out for yourself. Read through our helpful tips for your first session to help you feel more confident and prepared.

Relax With Tea
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Relax With Tea

If irritability, anxiety, and mood swings are your PMS woes, enjoying a calming cup of tea is one of the oldest tricks in the book to help relax your mind and body. Chamomile and red raspberry are two calming blends that can help curb symptoms, and if you're dealing with an uncomfortable stomach or poor digestion, opt for a cup of peppermint tea, which can help ease things along.

Hit the Mat

Hit the Mat

Throbbing abdominal cramps are one of the most uncomfortable PMS symptoms on the planet. Stretching and twisting your center with yoga few yoga poses can help out big time. Even a short session, like these five poses can make a huge difference in the way you're feeling. It's worth a try! Photo: Jenny Sugar

Limit Caffeine and Booze
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Limit Caffeine and Booze

If you're a slave to your morning cup of joe or hit up happy hour on a regular basis, it's time to rethink these habits. While one is a stimulant and the other is a depressant, both can affect your mood by heightening your anxiety and leaving you feeling on edge. It might sound challenging, but if you seriously suffer from PMS, it's worth taking a break from both to see how your body responds.

Sip On This

Sip On This

If you tend to crave chocolate when PMS hits, opt for this symptom-fighting smoothie that's full of ingredients to ease symptoms. Nearly every ingredient tossed into this blend from the chocolate soy milk to the B-vitamin-rich spinach has been proven to fight PMS symptoms, so instead of chowing down on a pint of ice cream or box of cookies, you'll be filling up your body with good-for-you ingredients to help you feel better sooner.

If smoothies aren't your speed, check out these other foods that can help alleviate PMS symptoms full nutrients like manganese and
calcium. Photo: Jenny Sugar