How to cure PCOS?
You were recently diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). What happens next? The condition, which affects five million women in the United States alone, can disrupt your hormones and has no known PCOS cure.
While many women successfully manage their symptoms solely through medication and hormone therapy, some prefer to supplement traditional treatments with more holistic remedies, while others opt for entirely natural alternatives with the best PCOS diet.
Use calories wisely – According to one study, caloric intake timing can have a significant impact on glucose, insulin, and testosterone levels. Lowering insulin levels may help with infertility. Women with PCOS who ate the majority of their daily calories at breakfast for 12 weeks improved their insulin and glucose levels and decreased their testosterone levels by 50% compared to women who ate their largest meals at dinnertime. The effective PCOS diet plan included a 980-calorie breakfast, a 640-calorie lunch, and a 190-calorie dinner.
Decreased Age – Women with PCOS have higher levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in their blood. AGEs are compounds formed when glucose binds to proteins and are thought to contribute to certain degenerative diseases and ageing. One small study discovered that reducing dietary AGEs significantly reduced insulin levels in women with PCOS. AGE-rich foods include animal-derived foods and processed foods. Using high heat (grilling, searing, roasting) raises levels.
Increase vitamin D and calcium – A case-control study of 100 infertile women with PCOS discovered that those who supplemented a daily 1500 mg dose of metformin, a medication commonly used to treat PCOS symptoms, with calcium and vitamin D saw improvements in BMI, menstrual irregularities, and other symptoms. For six months, the women in the study supplemented their daily metformin dose with 1,000 mg of calcium and 100,000 IU of vitamin D.
Get enough magnesium – Many women with PCOS have symptoms of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, both of which are risk factors for heart disease and other problems such as diabetes and stroke. Low magnesium levels are frequently associated with diabetes, and some research suggests that taking a magnesium supplement may improve insulin sensitivity, a factor in the development of type 2 diabetes and PCOS.
According to one study, overweight, insulin-resistant subjects who received 300 mg of magnesium at bedtime showed a significant improvement in fasting blood glucose and insulin levels when compared to subjects who received a placebo.
Increase omega-3 fatty acids – Fish oil has been linked to a slew of health benefits, and some research suggests that omega-3 supplements can lower androgen levels in women with PCOS.
According to one study, women with PCOS who received three grams of omega-3s per day for eight weeks had lower testosterone concentrations and were more likely to resume regular menstruation than subjects who received a placebo.
Boost your chromium intake – Chromium is a mineral that helps the body regulate insulin and blood sugar levels. According to some research, chromium supplements can help diabetics lower their blood glucose levels.
One study looked at the mineral’s role in women with PCOS. The results showed that taking 200 mcg of chromium picolinate twice a day significantly reduced fasting blood sugar and insulin levels in subjects — significantly enough that the effects were comparable to the pharmaceutical metformin.
While metformin was linked to lower testosterone levels, taking 200 mcg of chromium picolinate daily may help regulate blood sugar levels.