Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Natural Treatments For PCOS
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormone disorder characterised by the accumulation of what appears to be numerous fluid-filled cysts on the ovaries.
These cysts develop over time as the ovum (eggs) fail to mature, then release during the menstrual cycle. This causes multiple immature ovum to be visible on ultrasound, which are mistakenly called cysts.
Over the past few years our understanding of how PCOS develops has changed the way this hormone disorder is treated. Natural treatments for PCOS can address the root causes of this difficult condition. Time and time again women are seeing results using a PCOS diet plan, supplements, herbs and lifestyle adjustments.
Natural Treatments for PCOS can provide profound changes for women suffering from symptoms such as weight gain, excess hair growth, acne, irregular periods and infertility.
Lose Weight & Improve Fertility
One thing is for certain, making changes to your diet is essential to address the underlying causes such as insulin resistance. You will start to lose excess weight and improve the chances of falling pregnant.
One study found that 11 out of 12 women who had been overweight and not ovulating conceived naturally after losing weight. As women with PCOS lose weight, hormone levels often start to return to normal. Testosterone levels fall, insulin levels go down, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels go up and the symptoms of PCOS start to diminish. Women also report significant improvements in the growth of excess hair and skin tone. Weight loss can have a remarkable effect on ovarian function.
There are number of PCOS treatments are available today that can help you manage the disease. However, the single most important PCOS treatment is to lose weight if you are overweight. By reducing calories and simple sugars, increasing lean protein & fiber and beginning a regular exercise routine, you can help your body increase its response to insulin, and possibly decrease androgen production.
This may help reduce symptoms, restore normal menses and make it easier to conceive. While there are medications that can help manage the symptoms you are experiencing, losing weight is the best thing you can do to help treat the disease.
What Is The Best Diet For PCOS?
A balanced diet using whole foods which stabilize your blood sugar levels is the key. Banishing sugary food is especially important. Foods containing too much sugar cause rapid spikes in your blood sugar levels, placing unnecessary stress on your body. Over time this leads to the development of insulin resistance syndrome.
Insulin Resistance Syndrome is condition marked by poor blood sugar control and weight gain. Insulin resistance is usually an underlying problem in women suffering PCOS, even when they are not overweight.
When the body is insulin resistant, it simply does not remember how to use carbohydrates for energy. It can only store them as fat. The Natural PCOS Diet describes in outstanding detail the most appropriate diet for PCOS. Here are a few basic tips:
- Balance low GI carbohydrates with adequate protein
- Include phytoestrogens in your diet.
- Buy organic foods whenever possible.
- Reduce your intake of saturated fats.
- Limit or avoid dairy.
- Drink two litres of filtered water daily.
- Avoid additives, preservatives and food chemicals such as artificial sweeteners.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Avoid sugar on its own and hidden in foods.
- Include essential fatty acids in your diet.