Calcium, Plant Enzymes & PMS by Jenefer Huntoon, N.D., Naturopathic Physician,Seattle,WA, www.DrHuntoon.com
Many women are plagued with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) which causes a variety of symptoms including irritability,food cravings,cramping and bloating. For many years our clinic has recommended a food source of calcium, with plant enzymes added to improve absorbtion, for successful treatment of PMS. Now use of calcium for PMS is becoming mainstream but the best results are obtained with a highly absorbable form of calcium.
PMS takes place in the second half of the menstrual cycle when calcium levels are at their lowest. And, it is more prevalent in women who are low in calcium to begin with. Exercise and a natural foods diet helps PMS to some degree.
Tums, which was originally designed as an antacid, is not an effective source of calcium for two reasons. Firstly, calcium requires acidity in order to be absorbed so clearly an antacid is not an ideal form of calcium. Secondly, it is derived from calcium carbonate which is a rock and not very absorbable in the body.
We see the best results with a food source of calcium where plant enzymes have been added to increase absorbability. It helps for women to take calcium on a regular basis to build their calcium reserves. Bedtime is a good time to take calcium because it aids relaxation and sleep. Then extra calcium is recommended on days when PMS is a problem. Calcium, exercise and a natural foods diet also improves overall health.
Dr. Huntoon is a Northwest expert in plant enzyme therapy and has studied under Dr. Howard Loomis (the world expert in plant enzyme therapy) since 1987. She is currently one of a few Internal Health Specialists certified by Logan College.
