PCOS Diet – Foods To Fight PCOS Naturally

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common issue faced by many women face. It is mainly common in women of childbearing age and affects the way their ovaries work. Natural foods can effectively fight PCOS, TCM Expert and Founder of GinSen clinics in London Lily Li Hua recommends her top 9 foods based on the Chinese philosophy of Yin Yang. 

PCOS is a condition when hormones are out of balance. The syndrome can cause anovulation, in which there is no ovulation (the release of an egg from your ovaries), and hyperandrogenism, or higher than normal levels of male sex hormones.

Before we dive in lets take a look at some of the most common signs of PCOS. If you are looking to learn more the Chinese Medicine’s view on PCOS along with the diagnosis take a look at our article here. 

Some of the most common signs of PCOS

Top 9 Food to help with PCOS

1. Celery

Celery helps PCOS related boating, gas and weight gain

Celery are rich in Qi energy, they boost Spleen and Kidney Qi. These properties help  the body’s digestive function to operate effectively as well as colon detoxing.

 It also has high levels of antioxidants, potassium, electrolytes, these are the best source of anti-inflammatories, celery also helps boost lipid metabolism.

2. Carrots

Carrots helps PCOS related irregular ovulation, low eggs quality and irregular periods

 Carrots enhance Kidney Jing and Yang, these two elements carry out all the fertility function including eggs production, growth and development. It helps with absent ovulation, or low quality eggs and irregular periods. Carrots also help the digestion system to eliminate gas and wind.

 Carrots contains high level of Vitamin A, it is also a powerful antioxidant which  protects and strengthens Liver, Eyes and Bones. It is also rich in potassium, folic acid, and have anti-inflammatory properties and carrots also act as a cofactor to enzymes during substrate metabolism in the body.

3.  Kale

Kale helps PCOS related pelvic area inflammation, water retention and indigestion

Kale boosts Spleen and Kidney Qi energy. It works to eliminate inflammation in the ovaries and surrounding areas and helps vital Qi flow. Kale also reduces abdomen area gas and wind. It is a natural detoxing source and reduces water retention.

Kale is loaded with powerful Quercetin and Kaempferol of Antioxidants, and Vitamin K. They have powerful anti-inflammation and anti-blood clotting properties, which work to speed up the blood circulation to the ovaries and other fertility organs. 

4. Ginger

Ginger aids PCOS related periods cramping pain, coldness in ovary and delayed periods

Ginger boosts powerful Spleen and Kidney Yang energy which work to speed up ovarian blood circulation and remove any coldness in organs of abdomen area. Removing this coldness and increasing blood circulation reduces periods cramps and discomfort. Ginger specially reduces ovarian water retention, it also helps with indigestion issues. 

Ginger and Turmeric are closely related and come from the same family of  Zingiberaceae. Both of which contain powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. 

5. Red Onion

Red Onion helps PCOS related periods cramps, abdominal pain and discomfort.

Red Onions are rich in Spleen and Kidney Yang energy. It boosts Yang energy level to  warm ovaries and aid internal coldness which may not be felt by the body on the outside. Red Onions also stimulate blood circulation in the ovaries to unblock energy channel and force vital Qi flow, improving ovarian egg production.

Red Onions are knowns to have high level of antioxidants, Quercetin and Chromium.
Quercetin works as anti blood clotting and eases the swelling. Chromium also enhances insulin sensitivity to lower blood sugar levels, reducing body weight .

6. Tofu 

Tofu helps PCOS related insulin resistance and high testosterone levels- causing hair growth, acne and subfertility and fatigue

Tofu is a soybean product which is rich in proteins along with high levels of iron, low fat. Due to these properties it is often used as n substitute for meat in many cases. It improves Qi of Spleen and Kidney, boosts vital Qi flow, helping in regulating hormones and ovulation. It also eases digestion, reduces gas, wind, water retention and also helps with weight gain.

Tofu contains all of the essential amino acids your body needs. It reduces high testosterone levels to stop PCOS causing excessive hair growth and acne, it also helps maintain a healthy menstrual cycle and balance levels of FSH.

7. Shiitake Mushroom

Shiitake mushroom helps PCOS realted low energy, imbalanced hormones and immune system

Shiitake mushrooms are one of the most popular mushrooms which are rich in plant protein, these mushrooms provide ultra energy source of Qi, Yang and Yin. It is often recommended as a meat replacement for vegetarian and vegans. It nourishes Liver and Kidney Yin, boost Spleen, Kidney Qi and Yang, as well as benefits Kidney Jing.

Shiitake mushrooms have high levels of compounds, copper, Vitamins D and cortisol, It works to help PCOS related hormone imbalance and strengthen immune system, indigestion and improve fertility, additionally cortisol can calm and relax the mind and body.

9. Beef

Beef helps PCOS causing irregular ovulation, low egg quality and fatigue

Beef contains energy for Kidney and Spleen Yang, Qi and Blood, these energies are essential for overall fertility function and hormone balance. It helps ovarian to speed up vital Qi flow and unblock energy channels. It encourages quality of periods and improve the quality and quantity of eggs released, also eliminating coldness from the fertility organs.

Beef is rich in amino acid, especially iron and zinc, these essential amino acids are needed for overall growth and health. Vitamin B12 and Vitamin B6, are important for blood formation and energy metabolism. It is a superb energy food, 100 grams of beef gives 2-3 times more energy level than 100 grams of Fish or Chicken.

Other Daily Life Tips

Quality Over Quantity

When it comes to eating, quality is better than quantity. After all, what’s more nutritious: an apple or two teaspoons of sugar? Your body wants real food—organic veggies and fruits, grass-fed meats and wild fish, nuts and seeds, eggs from local farmers. Make that your mantra as you navigate through a diet rich in healthy fats—think avocados and olive oil instead of fried foods—and lean proteins (like eggs) to aid weight management. 

Take Control, Sugar Is Everywhere

Research suggests that women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are particularly at risk for developing insulin resistance. Insulin resistance can contribute to weight gain and also disrupts the body’s natural hormone production. In fact, up to 80 percent of women with PCOS are overweight or obese. Cut back on the sugar intake by avoiding soda, sports drinks, and fruit juice. Sugar also hides in foods that don’t taste sweet. When it comes to eating out, don’t be afraid to ask how dishes are prepared. A simple request can take a lot of extra sugar off your plate. And finally, avoid processed foods that list sugar or high fructose corn syrup as their first ingredient. Take control of the sugar intake can help keep calorie intake balanced, fight insulin resistance, and reduce blood sugar levels. 

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