Imagine being so connected to your body that,
… you feel your ovary release her egg at ovulation,
… you know you’re period is coming and how to take the best care of yourself at that time (not because of your sugar cravings, but because you feel the call to go within),
… you have no hormone headache, constipation, sugar cravings or irritability during your premenstruum,
… you know your irritability before your period is your “inner b*tch” needing to speak up and say something AND your able to express it with kindness!
… you plan your month so the week of your period you’re out in the world and super active, but resting and taking some time alone.
This is period awareness and is based on the knowledge that all women had many, many centuries ago and, excitingly, is now returning.
Period awareness (and lunar awareness for those not menstruating) is about following the wisdom of your body through your deep connection to the moon and her cycles.
These women’s wisdom traditions include what to eat, when and how so that you can have a period and not ruin your life with sugar cravings, irritability and headaches OR have to take a lot of supplements.
Below are the three steps to treating your body with loving care and attention to help you be in tune with the wisdom of your body:
Step 1
Stabilise your hormones: particularly progesterone which is thought to be responsible for so many PMS and PMDD symptoms.
- Eat foods high in magnesium and B6 like kelp, leafy greens (especially those grown in well nourished soil), nuts and seeds, nettle tea, liver and sea salt.
- Eat small amounts of foods rich in healthy saturated fat like butter, ghee, eggs and cream, so your body can produce its steroidal hormones.
- Take herbs like vitex to help the body balance its own progesterone.
- Read more on magnificent magnesium here.
Step 2
Improve liver detoxification: so your excess oestrogen can be eliminated. Most liver toxicity comes from the gut, so it’s essential to eat a diet that supports gut health.
- The two primary foods supporting gut health are meats (in all forms including bone broths and meat stocks) and probiotic foods eg sauerkraut, kombucha, fermented dairy (unfermented dairy can worsen PMS), pickled vegetables, etc.
- Eat sulphur rich foods like cabbage, broccoli, Brussel sprouts. Make sure they are cooked or fermented so they don’t suppress your thyroid function. Or take a Celloid or Cell Salt.
- Fibre is important but watch that you don’t eat too much of it. It can have the reverse effect!
- Watch the Wise Traditions and Hormone Health video here.
Step 3
Listen to your body: PMS is a communication from the body that it is stressed, either because of chronic tension and busyness or chronic inflammation or nutrient deficiencies (or all three!).
- Exercising according to your body’s needs,
- Reduce gut symptoms by following step 1
- Learn to calm your body with embodiment practices – yoga, surfing, bushwalking, dance are particularly good.
While it may be difficult to implement these changes, the good news is, that each month you have a new opportunity to build on the last. That is the beauty of the never-ending cycle.
For more information contact Brenda
Brenda XX
