Popcorn Posted September 1, 2005 Share Posted September 1, 2005 I knew I was right all these years: (taken from a BBC web-site on PMT) Chocolate Some believe that you should give into the cravings leading up to your period. After all, if you're craving it, your body probably needs it. This feeling may be all in the mind, but denying yourself something you want doesn't help for those few days. Others say, avoid chocolate completely, as it only makes things worse. But what is the magic ingredient in chocolate that your body needs? It contains iron and magnesium. Iron helps with tiredness and irritability and magnesium is said to regulate mood. Chocolate also contains milk, and consequently, calcium. Back in the 1930s it had already been noted that levels of calcium in the blood were significantly lower in the week preceding menstruation. Also, the symptoms of hypocalcaemia (low blood calcium) are remarkably similar to PMS. Large studies in the early 1990s were carried out to see if it did, indeed, have any effect, and to date, calcium is the only supplement which has been shown to have any positive effect on the symptoms of PMS. Alcohol Curling up with a bar of Dairy Milk and a bottle of red wine certainly makes you feel better. We've explored the benefits of chocolate already, but what about alcohol? In actual fact, alcohol acts in a very similar fashion to benzodiazapines and barbiturates, by potentiating the effects of a inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain called GABA. Increased action of this transmitter in the brain has a calming and relaxing effect, as anyone who has downed a shot of vodka during a very stressful lunchtime will testify. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted September 1, 2005 Share Posted September 1, 2005 I can feel a virtual Chocolate Party coming! Don't go looking too far Gina - you might find other research that contradicts this - I'll stick with this one. Only problem with being my age is that I don't know when the P bit of PMT is anymore so I shall just have to eat chocolate all the time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popcorn Posted September 1, 2005 Author Share Posted September 1, 2005 Yes, better be safe than sorry Lesley...I totally agree.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicola H Posted September 1, 2005 Share Posted September 1, 2005 I totally agree I like all makes of chocolate and eat lots of it and it does help especially when eaten while drinking a bottle of red wine.......... I didn't need the BBC to tell me ...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popcorn Posted September 1, 2005 Author Share Posted September 1, 2005 Good for you Nicola! A woman who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to get it - and eat it all in one go and wash it down with a glass or two Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kazaddress Posted September 2, 2005 Share Posted September 2, 2005 oh you will love this then. I had a chocolate fondue party last week when i had PMS.. worked a treat.. and the week before that.. i was at a ball that had the largest ever chocolate fountain (Mmmm) http://tinyurl.co.uk/obmq was pure heaven! Kaz x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popcorn Posted September 2, 2005 Author Share Posted September 2, 2005 gorgeous photo's - you all look stunning!! Now what I wouldn't give to fit into a dress like that Kaz.....WW here I come Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kazaddress Posted September 2, 2005 Share Posted September 2, 2005 www.weigh"Ooops, word censored!"chers.co.uk (I live on the newsgroups) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheilaz Posted September 2, 2005 Share Posted September 2, 2005 Great photos Kaz.......you look absolutely stunning in that purple dress. Wow! Just had a quick look at the chocolate fountain too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted September 2, 2005 Share Posted September 2, 2005 Lovely dress Kaz - you look so elegant! Bet you had a terrific time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kazaddress Posted September 2, 2005 Share Posted September 2, 2005 I certainly did it was a fabulous ball (free wine and chocolate.. what more could a girl ask for) he he Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
