Ovarian cysts are just one of the many issues in women’s health that poses risks towards an individual’s well-being due to the biological disposition of a woman.
This type of cysts is fluid-filled sacs which are developed either on or inside of one’s ovaries. The good news here is that most of this type of cysts are harmless and can be resolved on their own. However, it can cause pain or heavy menstrual bleeding which can be really uncomfortable for women out there.
Diet modifications are not considered as a treatment for ovarian cysts or any illnesses, but it sure can contribute to one’s health by either worsening it or aiding the treatment of the sickness. So, if you are someone or your loved one is suffering from this condition, here are some of the things that she should and should not eat to fight off ovarian cysts.
Eliminating Excess Estrogen
The formation of ovarian cysts can be promoted if the estrogen is too high. Which is why it is essential for a woman to release excess estrogen to avoid that from happening, or to help in reducing the chances of ovarian cysts to grow more.
Green vegetables like broccoli, kale, brussel sprouts, and cabbage contain DIM (Di-Indolyl Methane) a useful substance that helps the body process and eliminates excess estrogen. The researchers believe that DIM may help protect the body against cancer since they contain diindolylmethane and a related chemical called indole-3 carbinol.
Indole-3 carbinol (I3C)
This substance is formed from another substance called glucobrassicin that is found in vegetables like cauliflower, kale, broccoli, cabbage, collards, turnips, and rutabagas. This substance is believed by the researchers to be of help for cancer prevention, like what was said beforehand.
The reason that the researchers believe it so, is because some studies have shown that with a higher diet of fruit and vegetable consumptions, it has decreased the risk of developing cancer particularly with breast, cervical and endometrial, and colorectal cancer.
Eliminating Painful Cramps Associated with Ovarian Cysts
One thing that ovarian cysts bring is an excruciating menstrual cramp during your monthly blood discharge. With this said, magnesium will surely be of help to you to help reduce the painful cramps that are associated with ovarian cysts.
Magnesium significantly helps a woman because of the benefits it brings like reducing pain and inflammation, promoting better sleep, and reliving of Premenstrual Syndrome or PMS for short. But here’s the catch, the most significant benefits of magnesium for women, especially those with PCOS is it can ease anxiety and reduce blood pressure and insulin.
To get magnesium and add it to your diet, you only need the consumption of dark green leafy vegetables like turnip greens, beet greens, swiss chard, and bok choy. There are also fruits like avocados, bananas, and prunes to help you with. Also, nuts like cashews, almonds, and seeds like sunflower and pumpkin seeds contain magnesium.
Controlling Hormonal Disruption
Hormone disruptions and insulin resistance should be addressed since it is often linked to PCOS or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, and foods that help with this area is the healthy fats which are also called as the omega-3 fatty acids.
Studies have shown that omega-3 or fish oil can reduce cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure which helps to lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. This is significant since an increased risk for heart disease is heightened with women that have PCOS.
In addition to this, fish oil has shown excellent results in easing period pain, weight loss, and reduction to insulin resistance and improved mood which may even help prevent miscarriage in some women.
Notable sources of this substance are salmon, herring, anchovies, mackerel, and sardines. As for seeds, flaxseeds and hemp seeds are your to go-to.
What You Should Avoid Eating
The following that is listed below are the foods that you should avoid eating if you are suffering from ovarian cysts, or at least limit its consumption.
Alcoholic beverages. Continuous intake will increase estrogen level
Caffeinated drinks. Can significantly disrupt your body’s hormones. If you want to drink coffee, then preferably drink it in black and with moderation.
Wheat products. Since wheat contains phytic acid, which is responsible for binding minerals like zinc and magnesium, it might block your body to reap the benefits of the said two nutrients which are both vital for hormonal balance and cramps prevention.
Refined sugar. Refined sugar can wreak havoc on your body’s hormone levels which will result in multiple health issues at risk. Thus, reduce your sugar intake and ensure that your total fructose consumption is below 25g per day.
Takeaway
Although ovarian cysts might not be harmless, you should still take precaution and treat this condition so that it won’t evolve into something that might jeopardize your health. Medications are available so go help yourself with a checkup from your doctor. Drugs like kariva might be prescribed so a kariva coupon might help you out to ease your burdens.
