Natural Alternatives for Treating PCOS Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
PCOS is short for polycystic ovarian syndrome. It is a hormonal imbalance that affects 10 percent of women of childbearing age. It can cause weight gain, excessive hair growth, and irregular menstrual cycles. It can also lead to infertility. Fortunately, PCOS is something that can be handled naturally.
Natural Alternatives for Treating PCOS Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Exercise
One of the keys to managing PCOS is to balance your hormones. Exercising is one of the ways that you can balance your hormones. Not only does exercise help balance your hormones, but it also helps promote weight loss. Many women who have PCOS are overweight, which can worsen the symptoms.
Moderate exercise, such as brisk walking and cycling, are best for women with PCOS. It is important to note that too much exercise can be counterproductive.
Eliminate Processed Foods
Many women who have PCOS suffer from insulin resistance. This is where the body is not able to efficiently use the insulin that it produces. Insulin resistance can lead to high blood sugar. That is why it is best to limit your intake of processed foods. This includes white flour, pasta, processed meats and corn syrup.
It can be difficult to make this adjustment. However, once you have gotten used to not eating these foods, you probably will not even crave them anymore. Replace processed foods with leafy greens, vegetables, legumes and seeds.
Reduce Your Stress
Stress can have a negative impact on your endocrine system. This can worsen an existing hormone balance. There are a number of things that you can do in order to manage your stress. Spending time in nature is one of the ways that you can manage your stress. You can also do yoga and meditate. Additionally, journaling is an effective way to manage stress.
Raw Cacao
Cacao is used to make cocoa. Cacao is a great source of magnesium and iron. These are nutrients that you need in order to menstruate regularly. You can improve your PCOS symptoms by having a tablespoon of raw cacao every day.
Calcium and Vitamin D
Both calcium and vitamin D can benefit women who suffer from PCOS. Calcium helps protect the heart. Women who have PCOS are at a greater risk for developing heart disease. Vitamin D helps the body metabolize glucose more efficiently. There was a study done that involved 13 women who suffered from PCOS. Nine of the women had irregular menstrual cycles. Seven of these women were able to regulate their periods by taking Vitamin D.
Women who have PCOS are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Studies have shown that most people who have diabetes are deficient in vitamin D.