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Tips for Ovary Health
There are a number of complications that can happen to a woman's ovaries over her lifetime.
Ovarian cysts commonly occur and can go away without treatment, while more serious problems like ovarian cancer require extensive treatment.
The best way to treat these conditions is with preventative care. Below are tips to fit into your daily routine for better ovary health.
1) Healthy Foods
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition involving the imbalance of sex hormones, have a higher risk of ovarian cancer and obesity. Because of this, it is even more important that those with PCOS have a healthy diet.
Foods to consider into your diet:
Lean Proteins:
Limiting saturated fats can help decrease the body's inflammation and lower the chance of ovarian cancer. Good sources of lean proteins include fish, chicken, lentils, beans and eggs. Limit your consumption of red meat, including beef, pork, lamb,and goat, and processed meats, such as bologna and hot dogs. There are healthier sources of protein, such as fish, skinless poultry, beans, and eggs.
* Fruits and vegetables are never a bad choice to include more of into your diet. They are packed with vitamins and antioxidants to help strengthen your body's immune system and fight disease.
* Tomatoes and onions can especially help prevent ovarian cancer.
* Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day.Choose the ones with deep, bright colors.
Nuts and Seeds:
* Healthy fats are important for ovary health. The unsaturated fats in nuts and seeds can provide omega-3 fats that can reduce inflammation and help decrease your cancer risk.
* Choose to eat gluten-free, or whole-grain bread instead of white bread, and choose, rice, gluten-free or whole-grain pasta and cereals.
* A good pasta choice now is made from Quinoa.
* Limit saturated fats from dairy and other animal products.
* Avoid partially hydrogenated fats (trans fats), which are in many fast foods and packaged foods.
* Instead, choose healthful fats, such as olive oil, nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans), and avocados.
* Avoid sugar-sweetened drinks, such as sodas and many fruit juices. If you need your sugar fix, try using agave syrup or stevia.
* Eat sweets as an occasional treat.
* Cut down on salt. Choose foods low in sodium by reading and comparing food labels.
* Limit the use of canned, processed, and frozen foods.
* Watch portion sizes. Eat slowly, and stop eating when you are full.
2) Exercise
* Women who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.
* Along with a healthy diet, it is important to have regular exercise to maintain health.
* Exercise is thought to help the body's immune system, which in turn can help prevent obesity and ovarian cancer.
* Starting off with moderate exercise that includes taking a walk most days or light jogging can even be impactful on lowering your risk.
3) Herbs
Chinese Herbs:
* Cinnamon and rehmannia is a common combination of herbs that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat ovarian cysts. These herbs can be found out at health stores as well as be ordered online.
Brassica vegetable extract:
* Brassica vegetable extract is a natural antioxidant that can help prevent disease such as cancer, diabetes and other chronic diseases.
* Brassica vegetables include kale, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts. These vegetables contain glucosinolates, which work as an anti-carcinogen, helping to decrease the risk of cancer. You can find brassica vegetable extract in your local health food store.
* Along with these lifestyle guidelines, consider acupuncture for preventative treatment as well as managing an existing problem to help get you back on the road to better health.
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