Welcome
Phew! Sounds like you are having quite a time with your symptoms. I can relate to how you are feeling, the frustration of suffering symptoms month after month got me in a big way too -- I highly suspect it was this constant roller coaster ride that finally got me into even worse depression towards the end, where even meds could eventually not help me anymore either.
Anyway, about your questions re. the PMS and PMDD Cure
You asked:
Is the salt part really necessary?
Yes, absolutely, it is one of the more important aspects of this particular treatment. It is very important to follow the PMDD Cure exactly the way I described it. If you leave out any aspect of it, it might not be as effective as it could be.
The reason for the salt is to help the body to hydrate by 'tricking' the brain into 'thinking' the body is in a 'dehydrated' state, thereby forcing the utilization of the water you drink for more effective hydration at a cellular level.
Only use a small pinch of salt (tiny) on the tongue after each glass.
The salt will not cause permanent bloating if this is a concern. The more regularly you drink the water (and pinch of salt on the tongue afterwards) the more you will start shedding any extra water weight as the hydration reaches a cellular level. You can read more about this mechanism in Dr B's book.
If I am good about it, will I notice improvement relatively soon?
If you follow the treatment conscientiously (even through the bad times, as difficult as this may be) you should start noticing some improvement within the first week.
However ... the following is important!
Don't be impatient about results -- the improvements will be incremental (bit-by-bit) only -- the longer you are on the treatment the more results you will see month after month.
I will also start to exercise every day, including the bad days, even though it is MUCH harder during this time."
The exercise is extremely important, as without exercise the amino acid "L-Tryptophan" cannot pass through the brain blood barrier where it can start manufacturing the all-important serotonin, thus relieving both the depression and PMDD symptoms, amongst other health benefits.
... Let me know how it goes Carolyn ... if you have any more questions or just want to chat you are always welcome.
Sincerely,
Anthea
PS -- In the past I have found it very helpful to have regular visitors to my old support group post what we termed "progress reports." It was helpful both for the person undergoing treatment, and visitors needing positive reinforcement and positive examples showing that PMDD can really be overcome.