Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS) And Alcohol

As we mentioned in previous article, premenstrual syndrome effects over 70% to 90% of women before menopause in US and less for women in Southeast Asia because of their diet. It effects the women physical and emotional state and sometimes interference with daily activities as resulting of hormone fluctuation. The syndrome happens in one or two weeks before menstruation and then declining when the period starts. In this article, we will discuss How essential fatty acids effect women with premenstrual syndrome.

1. Liver functions

Moderate intake of no more than 2 glasses of wine is helpful in liver fat and protein metabolism by increasing the blood flow and awareness of the nervous system. Excessive drinking damages the liver function

a) Detoxifying

Liver is a first line defense of our body besides in fighting against foreign invasion such as forming of free radical and bacteria and virus, it also helps to detoxify our body toxic caused environment toxins accumulation or any harmful substance coming into our body through diet or the air we breath, etc. Without strong liver, it causes over production of estrogen resulting in premenstrual syndrome.

b) Essential fatty acids metabolism

Without strong liver function, it causes over production of bad prostaglandins hormone PGE2 resulting in increasing the symptoms of PMS including Menstrual pain and cramps.

c) Food craving

Liver is essential in regulating the pancreas in production of insulin. Abnormal function of liver in crease the risk of over production of insulin resulting in over production of adrenaline hormone which causes stress and nervous tension.

2.

Alcohol inhibits the breakdown of vitamins and minerals into usable molecule by decreasing digestive enzymes secretion and damage the lining of stomach in absorbing vital nutrients by blocking the transportation of nutrients into the blood stream resulting in nutrients deficiency including vitamin B complex, zinc, magnesium, potassium etc. leading to symptoms of PMS.

Example: Low levels of zinc causes over production of prolaclin resulting in breast tenderness

Low levels of potassium causes abnormal lymphatic function and high levels of

sodium resulting in fluid retention.

3. Liver disease

Moderate drinking alcohol generally produces feelings of relaxation and cheerfulness, but excessive drinking has the opposite effects as fatty acids build up as plaques in the capillary around liver cells causing liver disease resulting in increasing the severeness of PMS.