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Monday, 7 July 2025

To overcome PCOD holistically

1. Eliminate Dietary Toxins & Endocrine Disruptors:

  • Avoid processed, packaged, and fast foods, which often contain unhealthy fats, preservatives, and additives linked to inflammation and hormonal imbalance.
  • Minimize use of plastic containers and bottles to reduce exposure to micro-plastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as BPA and phthalates.
  • Avoid foods containing added sugars and artificial sweeteners, which can impair insulin sensitivity and disrupt metabolic function.
  • Refrain from cooking in aluminum vessels, as aluminum exposure has been associated with oxidative stress.

2. Adopt a Nutrient-Dense, Anti-Inflammatory Diet:

  • Prioritize fruits rich in antioxidants, fiber, and phytonutrients: apples, avocados, bananas, blueberries, cherries, grapes, kiwis, lemons, mangoes, melons, oranges, peaches, pears, pineapples, strawberries, tomatoes, and watermelons.
  • Increase intake of fiber- and micronutrient-rich vegetables: beans, beets, broccoli, cabbage, bell peppers, green peas, potatoes, and sweet potatoes.
  • Include raw salads with ingredients such as carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, and onions for digestive enzymes and fiber.
  • Avoid most grains; instead, use amaranth and quinoa, which are gluten-free, high-protein pseudo-grains with favourable nutrient profiles.

3. Therapeutic Spices:

Incorporate spices with clinically studied anti-inflammatory and metabolic benefits:

  • Cumin, coriander, and fennel for digestive support and mild detoxification.
  • Black pepper (enhances nutrient absorption), ginger, garlic, turmeric (anti-inflammatory), green chili, and cinnamon (supports glucose metabolism).

4. Natural Detoxification Support:

Environmental pollutants and micro-plastics may contribute to thyroid dysfunction and hormonal imbalance.

  • Prepare a herbal infusion by soaking coriander, cumin, and fennel seeds overnight. Boil in the morning and consume 3–4 glasses throughout the day. These seeds are known for diuretic, digestive, and mild detoxifying properties.

5. Correct Nutritional Deficiencies:

  • Vitamin B12: Deficiency is common and can affect energy, cognition, and nerve function. Use methylcobalamin sublingual supplements for better absorption.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Critical for reducing inflammation and supporting thyroid and hormonal health. Obtain from soaked chia seeds, basil seeds, flaxseeds, or walnuts.
  • Ensure Vitamin D levels are optimum.

6. Targeted Lifestyle Interventions:

  • Practice Reclining Butterfly Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana) for 20 minutes daily to stimulate parasympathetic nervous system activity and improve pelvic circulation.
  • Aim for 7–8 hours of deep sleep per night. Sleep is essential for hormonal regulation, immune function, and tissue repair.
  • Maintain a consistent circadian rhythm by aligning sleep-wake cycles with natural light patterns.

7. Evidence-Supported Herbal Interventions:

  • Herbs such as Ashwagandha (adaptogen for stress and thyroid), Shatavari (female reproductive tonic), and Safed Musli (general vitality) may support endocrine balance. These can be taken together in warm buffalo milk after dinner to enhance absorption.
  • Limit saturated fat intake to less than 10 grams per day to reduce cardiovascular and metabolic risks.
  • Topical application of sesame oil to the navel (per Ayurvedic tradition) is believed to aid digestive and reproductive health.
  • Ayurvedic formulations such as Ashokarishta and Shatapushpadi Ghanavati may also be considered for reproductive health.