?Just the mention of the word pre-menstrual tension probably strikes fear deep into the heart of many men. Just how many of us chaps have been left dazed and confused by having suddenly developed an apparent “attitude problem”, or have become overnight “selfish pigs”, perhaps you’ve come home to be faced with the monthly “death stare” that conveys your Christmas baubles could really be on the line! Whatever the manifestation, the female monthly cycle can be as tough on the guys as it is on the girls. It doesn’t necessarily have to be like this though.

There are supplements and various foods that can ease the undesirable effects of PMT.

For example; Vitamin B6 has been shown to help, but if taken with Zinc, it’s even more effective! Magnesium is also good at reducing tenderness and swelling of the breast tissue. Gamma Linolenic Acid, found in evening primrose oil is also well worth taking. It can take a little while, but with these supplements, conditions can improve by as much as 60% within three months. (which for us guys can be the difference between a mild irritation and a full blown night in the shed!)

Other things to try are to radically reduce the amount of sugar and stimulants that are consumed in the lead up to, and during, the monthly cycle. Try cutting down on all caffeine and sweet foods. I know this may be a little hard, as these may be your comfort foods in time of emotional need, but if you give it a try, you may find you feel much better without them. Eat fruit and complex carbohydrates instead. So if you’re a female reading this and you want to reduce the effects of what can be a real hormonal emotional roller coaster, then give the above a go. If you’re a man, and your hoping that this years Christmas tree will stay firmly in the corner, instead of planted firmly up your non sun shining chimney, then pass this onto your beloved as you dodge the flying plates and head off down to the pub!

Thanks to all of you who have visited me this year, I feel quite lucky that so many of my customers end up becoming friends. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, may you all live long and prosper. Until next time….you know where to come.