In this episode we talk about PMS symptoms, what can cause menstrual pain and how to improve your menstrual cycle. A lot of times menstrual pain is chalked up as “something to just deal with” or be put on birth control to help manage it - but it’s a sign that something is off with our body.What is your period telling you? Late - High StressExtra Painful - Sign of inflammation.  Nourishing with whole foods (turmeric, bone broth, carrots, eggs, coconut oil, and other healing foods)Early - Stress/Low Progesterone Spotting - Low hormone levelsHeavy Period - Low progesterone since estrogen thins the uterine lining.  Thyroid dysfunction.   Some reasons for menstrual pain areHigh levels of inflammatory prostaglandins (typically experience pain DURING your period) High estrogen in comparison to progesterone. (typically cause PMS symptoms and pain leading up to and during period) - very common Stress and nutrient deficiencies Does Alcohol Make Period Symptoms Worse?Article referenced: https://drbrighten.com/does-alcohol-affect-your-period/Alcohol can make your period symptoms worse — in more than a few ways. It can lead to dehydration, which may worsen cramping.It can deplete magnesium levels, which means PMS and cramps increase.It may cause fluctuations in your hormone levels — which means your period symptoms can get worse.It keeps your liver busy. Instead of breaking down excess hormones during your period, your liver is distracted dealing with processing alcohol. This means your period might come with more misery than usual.It can affect your gut microbiome and can make you more susceptible to leaky gut and inflammation. That can leave your body less equipped to properly process hormones during your period, potentially causing symptoms to flare up.It can cause your blood sugar levels to rise when you drink in moderation. In the second half of the menstrual cycle cycle (after ovulation), many women are more insulin resistant. Adding alcohol to the equation can make things worse.So what can you do to help: TRACK YOUR CYCLE.  Pay attention to how long they are, how heavy they are, and your symptoms. Magnesium Malate or Magnesium Oil Spray (nuts, legumes, leafy greens, avocado, seeds, plantains, and bananas) Eat foods rich in Vitamin B6 (help promote progesterone and happy periods - pork poultry, fish, egg,s beef, liver, carrots, spinach, sweet potato, avocado, chickpeas) Ginger Root or Ginger Tea (Zingibain, the enzyme found in ginger, protects your body from inflammation by inhibiting your body's prostaglandins production. Prostaglandins are a type of pro-inflammatory chemicals that trigger the contractions of the uterus and help it shed its lining.) Heating Pad or Ovira Pads TENS device REST/Reduce Stress Download our metabolic blueprint here if you can relate to the symptoms we talk about that are associated with chronically dieting.Click HERE to learn more about our Metabolic Prehab™️ program!Connect with us:Website lsn.fitInstagram @lsn.coach@lizromannutrition @beccachilcz_nutritionEmail: info@lsn.fit