Have you been diagnosed with PCOS? Do not panic. 1 in every 10 women across the world are affected by this condition, all thanks to our modern day lifestyle. Little or no exercise, junk food, stressful life and obesity are some major factors which have led you straight into it.
When PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome strikes, your body produces more male hormones than is required. As a result, the ovaries develop fluid filled sacs known as cysts.
If not managed on time, PCOS may affect fertility, blood sugar levels and heart health too! It’s treatment generally involves harmful medications which have more banes than boons. How do you then manage it?
With a good diet, a lot of its harm can be reduced, even eliminated. We’ve curated 10 natural super foods which help you battle the disease with strength, confidence and no side effects.
The doctors have repeated it a thousand times over. We’re reiterating it - weight loss is the key to both PCOS prevention and cure. The Kashmiri version of green tea is one of the healthiest beverages which promotes weight loss. Its metabolism boosting components help you shed the extra calories which you’ve been struggling against. Besides, it also helps cleanse away the hormonal acne and unwanted hair growth. Cheers!
As they say, 7 almonds a day is all you need. We agree. The super nut allows you to regulate your periods when consumed everyday! Kashmiri almonds, in particular, are 40% richer in essential oil and nutritive content than their Californian counterparts and hence provide your body a whole lot of protein, vitamin E, magnesium and manganese. They also contain antioxidants that help protect against oxidative stress that cause havoc for insulin sensitivity.
Stress can wreak complete havoc on your hormones and worsen your PCOS case. In fact, if we were to list the causes that lead to PCOS, stress would top the list. The body secretes a hormone known as Cortisol when it is stressed. With excessive cortisol levels are maintained for a prolonged time, you land straight into PCOS. Saffron or Kesar helps you manage your stress levels and lower that cortisol within no time. What’s a plus? It’s non-addictive and completely chemical free.
4. Rock Salt
No matter now nutritious your diet is, your chances of defeating PCOS are low if your body doesn’t get sound sleep. Poor sleep has been directly linked to stress and causes imbalances of hormones, like insulin and cortisol. Rock Salt enables your body to get sound restorative sleep and significantly lowers stress. This also leads to reduced mood swings, a relaxed mind and lesser bloating.
5. Dried Figs
Fiber rich figs are known to improve insulin sensitivity and stimulate the production of hormones that make your tummy feel full. When you feel lesser hunger, you stand a better chance at weight reduction.
6. Cumin Seeds
Of all Kashmiri spices, cumin seeds might be lesser known but that doesn’t make them lose even a pinch of their medicinal properties. Boil them in plain water and drink it upon cooling - you will lose weight within a few days and your menstrual cycle will be easily regularized.
7. Raw Honey
Off all forms of honey available, raw honey is the healthiest - even for PCOS. Mix it with green tea, and it manages your weight loss. Apply it topically, and it frees your skin of hormonal acne.
8. Turmeric
The healing prowess of turmeric regulates menstruation and balances hormones. It’s antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties significantly reduce menstrual pain. All you need to do is consume one-quarter teaspoon of turmeric with a concoction of milk and honey. Take it daily and voila!
9. Cinnamon
PCOS brings along excessive and unwanted hair growth. Shying away from it won’t help. What will help is a pinch of cinnamon dissolved in a glass of warm milk. Also, the medicated spice also checks your menstrual cycle woes.
10. Liquorice Root
The magic herb takes a dig at the root cause of PCOS - increased testosterone levels. Lowering this 1 hormone can put a lot into place.