Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome generally known as (PCOS) is an ailment that can affect Women of any age. It is the most common endocrine problem in women of reproductive age, and one of the leading causes of infertility. The most common symptoms are irregular or absent of menstrual periods. The other symptoms like ovarian cysts, excessive or spotting menstruation.
The excessive androgenic hormones such as testosterone are resulted in male pattern hair growth and acne, and insulin resistance, often associated with obesity and diabetes. Other hormone levels tend to fall, and women who are affected tend to be sluggish, slow, heavy, and get unmotivated.
Ayurvedic view on PCOS
According to Ayurveda, the cause of this condition is due to excess production of Kapha that affects the reproductive organs. The consequent accumulation of fat affects the liver, resulting hormonal imbalance with some levels rise while others fall.
Ayurvedic treatment for PCOS is mainly focus on the reduction of Kapha and promoting the physiological changes that impact the way in which fat accumulates in different parts of body. The liver is also treated and hormonal balance is directed with the help of Ayurvedic formulations.
Some of the same medications are used for the treatment of diabetes that is helpful. The remedies used for congestion are also effective to remove excess mucus. Dietary plan is advice for losing weight and balancing the insulin levels.
The Main Cause Of PCOS
According to Ayurveda, the POCS is due to imbalance of Kapha, which causes blockages in the flow of Vata and Pitta, blocking its elemental movement. However the actual cause of PCOS is unknown. But researchers believe that the problem is due to the resistance to the hormone insulin. Extra level of insulin causes imbalance of luteinizing hormone (LH) compared with folliclestimulating hormone (FSH). As a result the follicles in the ovaries produce more male hormone testosterone compare to the female hormone estrogen. It is also found that PCOS aliments are hereditary too. The Studies indicate that women with a family history of polycystic ovaries are 50 percent more likely to cause PCOS.
The Symptoms Of PCOS
The PCOS is a disease syndrome defined by a set of signs and symptoms. The symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome patient experience can be very different from one patient to other. If you have two or more of the symptoms given below, you must go to a background check to determine if you need treatment for PCOS or not:
• Skin problems such as skin tags, acne and darkening of the skin
• Weight problems, generally the weight gain around the waist
• Excess or unwanted facial or body hair growth
• irregular or absent of menstrual periods
• Thinning or Lessing of hair on the scalp
• Infertility
Foods To Avoid In PCOS
1. Bad fats: All the fats such as saturated, hydrogenated and transfats are to be avoided. The Saturated fats, found in dairy products and red meat may cause an increase in estrogens’ production. The absorption of some nutrients can cause weight gain. When more amount of cooking oil is used the trans hydrogenated fats in cooked oil, increase your risk of heart disease and may also cause diabetes, which are at risk of getting PCOS.
2. Dairy Products: Milk leads to an increase in testosterone levels as it contains a protein that limits normal processing of testosterone in the body. When the testosterone levels are not managed testosterone levels keep going up. As our testosterone levels are already likely to be high, dairy only worsens the problem.
3. Foods that have high glycemic index (GI) foods: Foods that have a high GI lead to a rapid rise in the levels of blood sugar. Insulin levels continue to play to cope with the glucose in the bloodstream. In general, high GI foods have been processed to remove fiber and other nutrients that may be tasty, but they are high in calories, while lacking nutrients. Some of the high (GI) foods that should be avoided are mashed potatoes white rice, muffins, rice cakes, and cakes.
Foods To Include In PCOS
1. White colour Vegetables: The white colour or so called brightly coloured vegetables are a rich source of antioxidants and one must include in a PCOS diet. It has been found that women with PCOS have a higher rate of oxidative stress. Which means a physiological stress is placed on the body when it comes to a large number of free radicals. To combat with oxidative stress we need antioxidants.
2. Fruits: The Fruit is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytonutrients their people with PCOS problems must include in a diet. Many women with PCOS are reluctant to eat fruit or avoid fruit because it can cause increased levels of blood sugar and therefore insulin. However, the fruit continues to play an important role in supplying the nutrients we need to fight PCOS.
Therefore, try to eat fruit that has a lower GI and have a handful of seeds or nuts with fruit in the form of protein that helps regulate sugar spike resulting fruit. Fruit with a low GI value are cherries, prunes plums, grapefruit, raisins, apples, pears, coconut, apples, coconut milk, dried apricots, kiwi and orange juice.
3. Vegetables and Green leafy: Vegetables and Green leafy have more nutrients per calorie than any other food. They are rich in potassium, calcium, iron, and magnesium they also have as vitamins such B, K, C, E, particularly Vitamin B, plays an important role in managing the symptoms of PCOS. Vitamin B is a key factor for balancing of fat metabolism, sugar, thyroid function and helps in balancing hormonal. It plays a key role in the management of PCOS.
Herbs for Pcos
1. Vitex: Vitex is a popular and effective herb for treating hormonal imbalances and balancing the reproductive system in females. As it has the properties of stimulating and normalizing the pituitary gland it is a good herb for PCOS. The pituitary gland plays an important role in controlling and releasing LH hormone. It is an important herb in controlling PCOS. But if you are having any treatment of IVF or birth control pills you should avoid it.
2. Cinnamon: Cinnamon is another spice which is capable to reduce insulin resistance; sometimes it gives a high speed result depending on the body structure. Cinnamon slows and breakdown carbohydrates in the body. Therefore it is very helpful for women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
3. Saw Palmetto: Saw Palmetto helps to break down DHT stops that are very important in levelling the excess oestrogen, which is a common problem in women with PCOS. In turn, this can help you lose weight, increase libido, and regulate hormones.
4. Maca Roots: Maca roots are ideal in balance the amount of estrogens and progesterone in the body. Thus helps to give a healthy menstrual cycle it is also called a "super food" for fertility. That is a reason it makes it a very popular choice for women who are having trouble conceiving
It is very important to consult to your doctor before starting any herbal supplements or medication as they can give you a perfect advice.
