Can diet help reduce PMS symptoms?

Background: Globalization of universe demands the uniform participation of genders as a workforce to accomplish the need of life and development. Women’s health issues are dragging forces in the race of life. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects the life periodically in reproductive age group. Globally, the prevalence of this problem is 30-40%, and in Pakistan, up to 55% females suffer from this problem. PMS symptoms include physical, mental and behavioral disturbances. Etiology of the disease is still unclear, but the hormonal impact is formulated. Diagnostic criteria and daily symptoms are used to make the diagnosis. Lifestyle modifications, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medications and dietary role are recommended to alleviate the symptoms. Method: Review of Articles searched from PubMed and google scholar done. Heterogeneity in studies observed due to limited clinical trials on this issue. Studies from 2000 to 2017 published in journals included in it. Findings of the studies gave following conclusive results. Results: An effective quantity of diet is necessary to have exact amount of calcium, pyridoxine (Vit. B6) and chasteberry fruit which influence more efficiently and others. Quantity of each ingredient is identified in article. Saffron, ginger and high intake of Vitamin D show little benefits comparative to aforementioned. Conclusion: Appropriate dose/quantity of specific diet play role to ameliorate symptoms. Clinicians should counsel the patients that they can get relieved by the diet too. Keywords: Premenstrual syndrome, Dietary effect, Women’s health

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