PCOS - New Year, New You!

It’s amazing how often I talk to friends and think… they probably have PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and when I ask them, they’ve often never heard of it! Which makes me wonder how many women really are struggling with PCOS?

They say 1 in 10 women but it feels like more!!! I mean, in all fairness they say when you get pregnant you suddenly notice all the pregnant people but they also say that about a boob job! Now that I think of it, every time I make a choice to do something (buy a particular car, dye the ends of my hair purple) I’ve noticed that choice reflected in the people around me. I guess the point is, when you are conscious of something, you tend to notice it more! 

Which leads me to this: PCOS is different for every woman! What’s important is that you read as much as possible and make the best choices based on what is happening to your body! 

Because the fact is, you can have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) without having cysts on your ovaries, or weight gain, and acne! You can simply have just some of the symptoms like irregular periods or problems with your fertility. All these symptoms from PCOS are caused by both genetic and environmental factors (nutrient deficiencies and everyday toxins you come in contact with) causing an imbalance of reproductive hormones and metabolism problems. These can altered/reduced ovary function, lower estrogen levels, lower your bodies progesterone levels and well… so much more!

HOWEVER, no matter what PCOS symptoms you have, if you're trying to balance your hormones naturally (even if you are eating a whole-foods based diet that contains ample vegetables, fruits, and proteins) you're most likely still deficient in certain nutrients.

Which is why we are going to go over some supplements to include in your diet, so you can start the New Year off right (or just use S’moo once a day to get your these vitamins/minerals/herbs in your body the easy way!) #FastEaseEffective 

1. Magnesium: Magnesium deficiency is common in women with PCOS. Not to mention, if you’ve ever taken birth control pills they reduce levels of this nutrient. Taking magnesium has been shown to improve insulin resistance, decrease the risk for developing diabetes and improve inflammation. It plays a key role your nerve function, muscles and blood pressure. 

Foods High in Magnesium

• Pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds
• Almonds
• Peanuts, black beans, soybeans
• Whey protein
• Rice, oats, sorghum, barley
• Spinach, potatoes
• Raw cacao

2. Vitamin D: We’ve talked about how important this Vitamin is before but let’s do a quick recap! This vitamin plays an important role in reproductive hormone regulation and impacts anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and progesterone levels. Women with PCOS are often deficient in Vitamin D and studies show it improves fertility, decreases testosterone levels and lowers inflammation. 

Foods High in Vitamin D:  

• Fortified dairy products
• Eggs
• Fish (Salmon, tuna)
• Cod liver oil

3. Zinc: Again, if you’re taking birth control pills, keep in mind birth control pills  deplete zinc levels! Studies show that zinc improves fertility and reduces the effects of high testosterone (meaning less facial hair) in women with PCOS. Zinc is necessary for regulating the menstrual cycle and fertility. 

Foods High in Zinc:

• Shellfish (oysters)
• Meat (beef, bison, lamb, turkey)
• Black beans, azuki beans
• Seeds (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds)
• Whey protein

Don't let the New Year pass you by without feeling your best! It's amazing how wonderful life can be when your body is working with you instead of against you! Here is to a NEW YEAR and a NEW You! 

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is strictly the opinion of S'moo and is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither S'moo nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.