After I focus on the short-term goal of reducing the menstrual pain during the first menstrual cycle the patient has under my care. I then focus on the long-term goal of treating any hormonal imbalances that are occuring during her menstrual cycle.
As I work with patients that have come in with a complaint of menstrual distress I look at solutions that include eating foods rich in essential fatty acids and fiber. Today we will talk about the importance of essential fatty acids and hormonal balance. Essential fatty acids omega 3, 6, and 9 are required for a women’s body to create our estrogens and progesterone. These hormones are also the precursor to our cortisol hormone one of our stress hormones. When women do not have an adequate supply of essential fatty acids our stress management system and our menstrual system compete for the essential fatty acids that are available. Our stress management system will win every time leaving our menstrual system off balance and which can cause pain and cramping among other PMS symptoms. If we eat foods high in essential fatty acids then we have an adequate supply for both our stress management system and our female hormonal system. Foods that are high in essential fatty acids are salmon, salmon, scallops, sardines, avocados, legumes (phytoestrogen act like weak estrogens) flaxseeds, walnuts, cauliflower, and cabbage.
In part 3 of our discussion of Treating Menstrual Cramps Naturally we will discuss why fiber is also an important consideration in creating a hormonal balance for our female hormonal system.
Live Vibrantly,
Dr. Dae
Dr. Dae's website: www.healthydaes.org
Dr. Dae's book: Daelicious! Recipes for Vibrant Living can be purchased @ www.amazon.com or www.healthydaes.org
Dr. Dae's Bio:
Daemon "Dr. Dae" (pronounced Dr. Day) Jones is a Naturopathic Physician who completed her training at the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine. She is certified as a General Practitioner by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE). Dr. Dae provides tailored treatment to meet the unique needs of every individual she sees in her practice. She also provides specialized support for persons challenged by nutritional deficiencies, weight problems, hormonal and reproductive system disorders, attention deficit disorder and those experiencing chronic diseases. Dr. Dae is an adjunct faculty member for Smith Farm Center for Healing and the Arts. She is the author of Daelicious! Recipes for Vibrant Living, The Healthydaes Newsletter, and is a regularly featured writer for the Elite GoogleNews Website empowher.com where she shares her personal and professional vision for living whole and living well. To learn more about Dr. Dae, her products and services, please visit her on the Web at www.Healthydaes.org