Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Liver Healing Smoothie

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects one in ten women of childbearing age. It is a condition where certain hormones are out of balance. These imbalances typically show up as irregular menstrual cycles, a higher level of androgens (a type of hormone including testosterone) in the body, and small cysts in the ovaries. PCOS can cause symptoms including excess facial and body hair, acne, and mood changes. It can also make it difficult to become pregnant, and may even be the cause of infertility.

Approximately 8 in 10 people who have PCOS have irregular cycles. About 7 in 10 people with PCOS have high testosterone, but this is not always the case. High testosterone causes symptoms including facial and body hair, also known as hirsutism,, hair loss on the head, and acne on the face and back. Not everyone with PCOS develops small cysts in their ovaries—cysts are a symptom of PCOS, rather than a cause. While they can contribute to hormonal imbalances, the cysts themselves are usually harmless and sometimes indicate that a woman is not ovulating properly. PCOS cysts do not rupture and cause pain like ovarian cysts. PCOS is associated with type 2 diabetes, infertility, cardiovascular disease, obesity, sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, and even depression.

Symptoms of polycystic ovarian syndrome:

• Irregular menstrual cycles– periods are infrequent or more common, frequent, unpredictable, or absent

• Periods that are painful, heavy or scant

• New or excess hair growth on the face and body

• Hair thinning on the head

• Skin issues: oily skin, acne, dark patches on the back of the neck

• Blood sugar problems

• Weight gain, especially around the abdomen

• Infertility or difficulty getting pregnant

• Depression and anxiety

What causes polycystic ovarian syndrome?

A number of causes are being explored and to be honest, researchers are not sure of the definitive cause, but many hypotheses are being entertained. We do know that insulin resistance, inflammation and genetics play a role. Stress also seems to exacerbate the diagnosis. It is likely a mix of pathogens and environmental toxicities like endocrine disrupters. The role of environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in causing PCOS is very intriguing. Prenatal or developmental exposure to certain compounds in consumer products, air pollution, pesticides, and cigarettes may predispose a baby to develop PCOS later in life. Some of the compounds being investigated are nicotine, bisphenol A (BPA), BPS, BPF, dioxins, phthalates, and triclosan. They can be found amongst plastics, cosmetics, soaps, clothing, toys, carpets, school supplies, tampons, pacifiers, and in air pollution.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome lifestyle recommendations

• Avoid stress and extra obligations
• Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking
• Exercise
• Check blood vitamin D levels. Supplement until optimal levels of 50-100 ng/ml are reached
• Practice good sleep habits; get between 8-9 hours of sleep every night

Polycystic ovarian syndrome dietary tips and caveats:

• Avoid all sugars. Replace sugar with xylitol, monk fruit, raw stevia or honey-if blood sugars cannot be controlled, then Metformin may be used
• Avoid white flour and all refined carbohydrates including cereals and pasta
• Include a balance of omega-3 (salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines) and omega-9 fats (olive oil, olives, almonds, hazelnuts, avocados)
• Choose lean, clean quality protein at each meal such as chicken breast, turkey breast, lean beef, fish (especially salmon and sardines), eggs and whey protein.
• Avoid hydrogenated vegetable oils and fried foods
• Cook with olive oil at low heat or with avocado oil if higher temperatures are required.
• Snack on vegetables and small amounts of nuts, olives, or avocado.
• 

Liver balancing smoothie for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS):

• 1 cup Coconut Milk unsweetened
• 1 cup Organic Soy Milk unsweetened (the phytoestrogens are beneficial)
• 1-3 tsp molasses (chromium)
• Super food Protein Powder – (protein, maca, greens)
• Add more Maca powder (total of 2 tbsp)
• 2 tsp lecithin (cholagogues)
• 2 tsp carob powder (inositol)
• 1 tsp inositol powder (open up a pill or swallow)
• 1-2 tbsp cocoa nibs (magnesium)
• 2 tbsp flax seeds ground (omega 3 and lignans) OR evening primrose oil
• Vit D drops
• (optional – 1⁄4 cup espresso)

Drink Hibiscus Sabdariffa Tea (there is a good one by Traditional Medicinal) throughout the day with chromium (helps with blood sugar issues).

If you choose not to do a smoothie that day make sure you get 1⁄2 cup legumes (garbanzo beans high in inositol) Vitex tincture alone 1 tsp daily in am. Inositol is one of the most important compound sugar for treating PCOS.

You can heal yourself and reverse PCOS!