women characterized by bilateral and multiple cysts in ovaries, irregular menses or amenorrhea, mild obesity, infertility, and signs of excessive androgens ( such as hirsutism and acne).
PCOS occurs in 5 – 10% of women between 15 and 40 years old. Though the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, the postulated etiologic factors are genetic, dysfunction of hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis, and functional abnormality of cytochrome P450c17. The hallmark of the disease is an imbalance between male hormones (androgens) and female hormones (estrogen and progesterone) in women. In other words, the levels of androgens especially DHEAs (Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) increase in PCOS.
Women with PCOS are at greater risk for developing insulin resistance, leading to diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
Nutritional Supports:
Restricted Foods:
- Sugars and sweets.
- Saturated fats.
- Trans-fats.
- Fried foods.
- Processed foods.
- Preservatives and additives.
- Food colorings.
- Carbonated drinks.
- Alcohol.
- Caffeine.
Recommended Foods:
- Drink plenty of water: at least 2 liters a day.
- Whole grains.
- Foods high in fiber: lentils and beans.
- Foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids: fish, flaxseed, hemp seed, chia seed, and walnuts.
- Foods high in vanadium: shellfish, buckwheat, black pepper, cabbage, mushroom, radish, parsley, and dill. Vanadium fights insulin resistance.
- Foods high in phytoestrogens: flaxseeds, tofu, miso, tempeh, soy milk, soy nuts, and soy beans.
- Foods high in flavonoids: berries and red grapes.
- Avocado.
- Artichoke.
- Beets.
- Garlic and onions.
- Ginger.
- Citrus fruits.
- Green leafy vegetables.
- Spices: turmeric, cinnamon, and sumac.
- Nettle tea.
Recommended Supplements:
- French Maritime Pine Bark Extract: 100 – 200 mg a day.
- Grape Seed Extract: 50 -100 mg a day.
- Omega – 3 Fatty Acids: 2 -3 grams a day.
- Chromium Picolinate: 500 – 1000 mcg. This mineral helps fight insulin resistance and obesity.
- Vanadium Sulfate: 20 – 50 mg a day. It assists balancing blood sugar level.
- Curcumin: 1000 – 1500 mg a day. It is a powerful antioxidant that supports the liver to detoxify and eliminate excess hormones.
- Milk thistle (containing 70 – 80% silymarin): 200 – 250 mg a day. This herb detoxifies the liver.
- Di – Chiro Inositol: 150 – 300 mg a day. It improves symptoms of PCOS by lowering androgen level and increasing insulin sensitivity.
- ALA (alpha-lipoic acid): 100 – 200 mg a day.
- D – Glucarate: 500 – 1000 mg a day. This product helps the liver detoxify and excrete excess hormones by blocking the enzyme B-glucuronidase.
- Choline (Vitamin B18): 500 – 1000 mg a day. This lipotropic supplement supports function of the liver in removing fats and detoxifying toxins.
- Methionine: 1000 – 1500 mg a day. This essential amino acid helps the liver to process and eliminate fats.
- Glucomannan: 3 – 10 grams a day. It is a water soluble fiber that helps with insulin resistance, diabetes, colon cleansing, and obesity.
- L – Carnitine: 1000 – 3000 mg a day.
- Vitamin B – Complex: A high potency product.
- Digestive Enzymes: A full spectrum product.
- Probiotics: A product that provides 5 to 10 billion active organisms per serving.
Miscellaneous Suggestions:
- Live detoxification.
- Colon cleansing.
