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Natural PMS Symptom Relief: Cacao Matcha Smoothie
It is estimated that as least 85% of women suffer from sort of PMS. A smaller percentage of women (between 3-8%) suffer from a severe form of PMS known as PMDD. Unfortunately, I'm part of that small percentage.
Common symptoms of PMS include lethargy, acne, cramping, sore muscles, cravings, mood swings, and others.
Common symptoms of PMDD include anxiety, depression, extreme moodiness, and extreme anger/rage, as well as the symptoms of PMS. Some women with PMDD even experience suicidal thoughts.
The symptoms of both PMS and PMDD both let up when menstrual bleeding begins.
PMS and PMDD can be debilitating and make every day life difficult during those hormonal times of your cycle. Personally, I experience my PMDD symptoms during ovulation up until my period starts. This is pretty typical of both PMS and PMDD.
While there is no cure for PMS or PMDD, the symptoms can be managed through many remedies. Some remedies work better than others for different people, it really just depends on your own body and specific hormonal imbalances.
When I found out I had PMDD, I did hours and hours of research. Through trial and elimination, I've found a remedy that truly helps me. I wanted to share this smoothie recipe in hopes that it will help others that suffer from PMS or PMDD!
The main ingredients in this smoothie all serve a purpose:
Cacao Powder: Cacao is high in magnesium, which can help combat moodiness, promote calmness, and relax tense muscles. (Interesting fact: the reason women typically crave chocolate when experiencing PMS is because of low magnesium levels!) Cacao also contains iron which is helpful when the bleeding starts. This is my favorite brand of cacao powder.
Maca Powder: Maca is an herb known for promoting women's health and balancing out hormones. Maca is also energizing. If you're a beginner user of maca, I recommend opting for gelatinized maca powder instead of raw. Raw maca can be hard on the stomach.
Matcha Tea: Matcha tea helps to enhance your mood and is also high in magnesium. Not to mention, it is packed with antioxidants and an all-around health powerhouse.
Almond Milk: Being another ingredient that is full of magnesium, almond milk is the perfect base for this smoothie. Not to mention, it doesn't contain potentially problematic hormones like cow's milk does.
Cacao Matcha Smoothie Recipe
This PMS relief smoothie recipe couldn't be any easier to make.
Simply blend together 1.5 cups of unsweetened almond milk, 1 tablespoon of cacao powder, ½ teaspoon of matcha tea, and 1 teaspoon of maca powder. If you want the smoothie to be a little sweet to combat the bitter cacao, I like to add a half of a tablespoon of maple syrup. Occasionally, I blend in a handful of spinach for some extra iron but that is completely optional.
And...you're done! See? SO easy!
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups almond milk
- 1 tablespoon cacao powder
- ½ teaspoon matcha powder
- 1 teaspoon maca powder
- ½ tablespoon maple syrup - - optional
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients together.
- Drink up!
Notes
