Jun
Health
Self-care basics every woman with PCOS should know
We all know the valuable part self-care has to play in maintaining health and wellbeing. But what about in relieving conditions that don’t have a cure?
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one such condition. While medication offers a vital lifeline for women looking to manage many of the signs of this hormonal disorder, self-care naturally eases some of the uncomfortable symptoms of PCOS. In fact, self-care is such a crucial ingredient, that many women with PCOS choose to solely find relief through healthy daily habits.
Below we take a closer look at the lifestyle changes that could help you find balance and better health even in the face of PCOS with the hope that you’ll be inspired to take on a PCOS self-care challenge of your very own.
Eat the right foods
Eating a healthy and balanced diet is one of the best self-care practices for managing PCOS symptoms. The nourishment you receive from the food and drink you consume can regulate hormones and menstruation to manage PCOS symptoms successfully.
Following an Ayurvedic diet is beneficial for people from all walks of life, with women with PCOS finding this natural and organic way of eating particularly beneficial.
By prioritising whole foods that are free from artificial sugars, hormones and preservatives, you’re reducing the number of processed foods in your diet. These processed foods cause inflammation and insulin resistance that exacerbates PCOS symptoms.
The cleansing and detoxifying nature of Ayurveda will transform the way you eat for the better, keeping your body satisfied with the healthy, delicious and nutritious foods it needs to feel at its very best.
Up your vitamin content
Eating foods that are rich in certain vitamins and minerals, or alternatively taking supplements, has been found to reduce the impact of PCOS.
Heavy bleeding is particularly common for women with PCOS, and without the right vitamin and mineral intake, this can easily lead to deficiency and anaemia.
Choosing iron-rich foods, like broccoli, spinach, and eggs, ensures you have the iron you need to reduce the risk of developing these complications.
Magnesium is another vital mineral for PCOS sufferers as Verywell Health details:
“There are many benefits of having optimal levels of magnesium. Magnesium has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation, promote better sleep, and relieve PMS symptoms. But the biggest benefits of magnesium for women with PCOS may be its ability to alleviate anxiety and reduce blood pressure and insulin.”
Other supplements that have been found to help with PCOS include inositol, chromium, cinnamon, turmeric, zinc, evening primrose oil, vitamin D, calcium, cod liver oil, and berberine.
Exercise on a regular basis
Studies have shown that women who are overweight are likely to experience more severe PCOS symptoms, which makes maintaining a healthy weight particularly important.
Whatever your size, however, exercise is an effective way of lowering the insulin resistance that worsens PCOS. Exercise also regulates your menstrual cycle to provide relief in other areas.
Not just any old workout will do for women with PCOS. Finding the right balance is essential to using exercise to your advantage as too much exercise can actually disrupt hormones further. Low impact, gentle exercise works best, this includes yoga, pilates, aerobics and swimming.
Look after your skin
The way you look on the outside certainly impacts how you feel on the inside. Taking care of your skin should be a priority as a result.
Hormonal acne is a common symptom amongst women with PCOS due to elevated levels of androgens, but you don’t have to take long-lasting acne lying down! Our Active range provides skincare solutions and PCOS acne answers.