PCOS - My OBGYN says I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Are there supplements I can take to help?
, 1 min reading time
, 1 min reading time
Managing PCOS can feel daunting to any woman that has been given this diagnosis. Take heart! With some lifestyle changes and supplementation, many have had success with symptom management. Balancing hormones and blood sugar levels are the keys to feeling better.
Protein and carb ratios are important for balancing blood sugar and increasing insulin sensitivity. Starting the day with a good protein powder with at least 20 grams of protein is helpful, along with eating complex, whole food carbs regularly. These carbs can come from vegetables, berries, nuts, seeds, brown rice, quinoa, and other whole food sources. Supplements and herbs that help to balance blood sugar are: cinnamon, berberine, american ginseng, magnesium, vitamin D, alpha-lipoic acid, and chromium. Gymnema is also known to decrease those sugar cravings.
PCOS often comes with constant, low level inflammation, which means eating anti-inflammatory foods and natural anti-inflammatory alternatives are very important. Omega-3 is the key to lowering whole body inflammation - it is especially important to make sure you are taking a high quality supplement. Lesser quality supplements may contain harmful oils that will increase inflammation! Ginger and turmeric can be added to foods and also taken as supplements to lower inflammation.
Managing body weight, reversing insulin resistance, improving gut health and all things related to PCOS can be greatly influenced by high quality probiotics!