Medical Questions » Female Problems Questions » Question No. 1495
| Question: | My breasts become very tender a week before my period. Is there anything I can do? |
| Answer: | There are several key nutrients that can help reduce the water retention that you get before a period, and that makes your breasts swollen and tender. First up are vitamin B6, magnesium and zinc. Magnesium is particularly helpful - supplement 300mg along with lOOmg of vitamin B6 and 20mg of zinc. Some supplements contain a blend of these nutrients and herbs aimed at preventing premenstrual problems (see Resources, page 483). Another important one is gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, which is found in evening primrose oil. The trouble is that most people don' t take enough. You need about 250mg of GLA, not of the oil - and so should supplement five capsules. A much more cost effective way is to supplement a concentrated borage (starflower) oil capsule - you usually only need one of these a day. Also, in addition to a healthy diet free of stimulants and sugar, be sure to drink 1.5 litres of pure water a day, as this will help prevent water retention. |
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