Diet, though we all know, is the solution to nearly every health issue. Similarly, evaluating your diet and identifying what improvements you may make is one of the most effective ways to manage PCOS symptoms. PCOS or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a type of endocrine disease that affects many women and is characterized by a hormonal imbalance. It is caused by hormones that affect the ovaries, including estrogen, progesterone, and androgen. Its medical treatment isn’t always effective.
Moreover, studies suggest that traditional medicinal care for PCOS may have negative side effects. As a result, the best approach to control this disorder is to improve your lifestyle and make nutritional changes based on your PCOS symptoms. Although changes in lifestyle and dietary supplements may support the control of these factors and the relief of symptoms, there seems to be no yet other therapy plans. If your illness worsens, always check with your doctor before trying any alternative therapy.
What Is PCOS?
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a complicated health disorder prevalent in women of reproductive age. It is an endocrine disorder that leads to an increase in androgen (a male hormone) in the body. According to medical studies, PCOS can be triggered either by genetic or environmental factors. This hormonal imbalance results in the following symptoms:
- It has been the cause of obesity or serious weight gain.
- PCOS is the cause of menstrual irregularity.
- It develops ovarian cysts on one or both sides of the ovaries.
- PCOS is the cause of acne and facial hair growth.
- Its patients might make it very difficult to conceive naturally.
Many women would like to understand how to effectively cure PCOS at home, but you must realize that there is no such solution! Healthy diets, workouts, yoga, nutritional supplements, and other Indian home remedies for PCOS can all help.
Symptoms of PCOS
- Hirsutism is a disorder that causes unwanted and inexplicable facial hair development as well as hair growth on the chest, stomach, back, and other body areas.
- Balding and hair thinning occur in a pattern similar to male balding.
- PCOS is associated with weak ovaries and unpredictable menstrual cycles in women. They have periods every 15 days or so on occasion. Furthermore, the menstruation cycle can take months to complete. They may only have a period once every three months.
- PCOS symptoms include menstrual cramps, acute pain during periods, and heavy bleeding. The ovaries are weak and have abnormal functioning. The uterine line aggregates for a long time as a result of delayed periods, and when it bleeds, the flow is heavy.
- The primary symptom of PCOS is excessive amounts of male hormones. Blood testing can also identify different hormone levels in the blood.
- Hormonal imbalance causes ovarian cysts to form. On the ovaries, there are fluid sacs. These cysts may be harmless in some situations, but they might burst and cause pain in others.
What Is The Cause Of PCOS?
Estrogen and progesterone are female hormones that control the menstrual cycle. Women, on the other hand, produce a small quantity of the male hormone androgen. According to studies, patients with PCOS have high amounts of androgen and testosterone, as well as low levels of progesterone, which can cause ovulation problems. If this problem continues, it may result in severe infertility. This is known as hyperandrogenism, and it is one of the causes of PCOS.
PCOS is caused by an imbalance of luteinizing hormones (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH). The ovulation process is aided by these substances. Ovulation is the monthly release of eggs from the ovaries of females. FSH stimulates the formation of follicles, which contain and protect eggs, in the ovary. LH stimulates the ovary’s release of eggs.
Natural Ways To Manage PCOS
- Keeping an eye on carbohydrate consumption
Carbohydrates can raise blood sugar levels and cause insulin resistance. It’s critical to consume fewer carbohydrates and eat more high-protein, high-fiber foods.
- Maintaining a high iron intake
Women with PCOS are more prone to develop iron deficiency due to more bleeding than typical during menstrual periods. This condition can be avoided by including iron-rich foods in one’s diet. Spinach, eggs, liver, and broccoli are some of the best iron-rich meals to include. It’s also crucial to get medical advice before taking iron supplements or eating iron-rich foods.
- Avoiding junk food and fatty/oily foods
Oily foods contribute to weight gain and digestive system disorders. This can intensify PCOS symptoms. As a result, it is critical to avoid all junk and greasy foods, except for olive oil.
- Magnesium intake should be increased
Magnesium-rich foods, such as cashews, almonds, bananas, and spinach, can help with PCOS symptoms. Magnesium aids in the maintenance of insulin levels as well as a peaceful night’s sleep.
- Soy products consumption
Incorporating soy protein or soy products into one’s diet helps to balance estrogen in the body, allowing for regular hormone output. Soy milk, tofu, miso, and tempeh are all good options. However, people who have estrogen-related issues, such as breast cancer, should avoid soy products. As a result, it is recommended to see a physician before incorporating soy into one’s diet.
- Exercises for stability
It is vital to exercise and keep the body healthy and fit to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Exercising for at least 150 minutes per week will help you relax and maintain a healthy weight. Furthermore, because the calories are burned continuously, insulin levels can be kept under control.
How To Use Herbs To Treat PCOS
Herbs and spices come in a wide range of useful and non-toxic varieties. They are better equipped to deal with PCOS. Some of them are listed below.
- Fenugreek
Fenugreek is used to help manage diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels. Fenugreek also controls insulin levels and lowers insulin resistance, according to a study. Furthermore, consuming fenugreek water aids in weight loss. Raw fenugreek is beneficial to our bodies, but you can also soak it overnight and drink the water every day.
- Ginger
Ginger has antibacterial properties which can be used to treat a variety of infections. It is antibacterial and antiviral, as well as high in antioxidants. It also contains anti-inflammatory components such as gingerol, zingerone, and others, which help to reduce inflammation caused by PCOS and other disorders. According to studies, ginger also improves period discomfort and cramps. It is used in a variety of recipes. It is grated, and the juice can be extracted. This juice can be mixed with water, tea, and other beverages.
- Licorice
Anti-inflammatory effects have been discovered in it. PCOS is characterized by nerve pain and menstrual cramps. Glycyrrhizic acid is metabolized into cortisol in licorice, which effectively inhibits inflammation on all levels. As a result, you’ll have a less painful period, less nerve pain, and fewer ovarian cysts. It also aids in the correction of hormonal imbalances.
- Cinnamon
Cinnamon aids in the reduction of blood sugar levels. As a result, it is referred to as anti-diabetic. It does have anti-inflammatory qualities as well. Cinnamon has both of these qualities, making it an ideal food component for PCOS management.
Cinnamon has also been shown to aid in the resolution of reproductive issues and the reduction of insulin resistance studies. It also increases the synthesis of feminine hormones like progesterone while decreasing the production of male hormones like testosterone, regulating hormonal activities, and helping to manage PCOS. Cinnamon aids in the regularization of the menstrual cycle in general. Cinnamon can be consumed by combining it with warm water. It goes well with tea, juices, and soups. Many Indian cuisines, particularly desserts, contain cinnamon.
- Ashwagandha
Consumption of ashwagandha can help with PCOS symptoms. Indian ginseng is another name for it. This herb reduces stress-related psychological and physiological markers, serum cortisol levels, and food cravings. As a result, eating habits improve, and weight loss becomes easier. It can also aid in the management of PCOS-related hair loss and blood sugar regulation. It is also available as a powder. It can be mixed into juices and smoothies.
- Maca
In women with PCOS, the roots of the maca plant are taken to increase libido and fertility. The hypothalamus and pituitary glands are affected by maca. It stimulates the ovaries, which helps these glands govern the menstrual cycle.
Conclusion
PCOS can disrupt a woman’s menstrual cycles and make reproduction difficult. Its symptoms are caused by an unfavorable increase in male hormones. In order to manage PCOS, lifestyle and nutritional adjustments are essential. It is most commonly caused by hormonal imbalance and insulin resistance. It can be treated by losing weight. Diet and physical activity are two effective methods for losing weight.
PCOS can be controlled to some extent with dietary adjustments that include plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as other herbs and spices. If these natural approaches don’t work, you can turn to drugs prescribed by a doctor.