Did you know that one in ten women of their reproductive age suffers from PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome)? The number has been increasing as more and more women overlook their internal health issues due to work and home stress.
Such a startling figure requires attention and education towards PCOS. PCOS’s major cause is an unbalanced and unhealthy diet. The absence of physical activities contributes to PCOS, where the solution is to eat right, exercise regularly, engage in yoga for PCOS and maintain a healthy weight.
Beverages with fiber-rich proteins and organic herbs are one of the best remedies through which PCOS can be treated at home.
Why Hydration and Drinking Water is Important for PCOS?
Individuals with PCOS are at risk of various metabolic conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, and metabolic syndrome. Moreover, most women with PCOS have weight issues. That is why it becomes vital for them to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Taking sufficient fluids is an essential part of it. Water is a crucial component of every body cell, tissue, and organ. Apart from keeping you hydrated, it also facilitates temperature and oxygen regulation.
Best Drinks for PCOS
1. Apple Cider Vinegar for PCOS
This healthy drink is alkaline in nature and balances the pH value of the body. Moreover, it helps to improve digestion and ensures that the cysts in the uterus do not survive.
How to consume it:
- Take a warm glass of water.
- Put two to three tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into it.
- Mix and consume.
2. Turmeric Milk for PCOS
Turmeric contains a magical ingredient known as curcumin. It provides anti-inflammatory properties and improves the immune system of individuals. As a result, it helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and PCOS.
How to consume it:
- Take one cup of milk and heat it in a saucepan.
- Heat it on low to medium heat.
- Once the milk begins to boil, switch off the gas.
- Pour the milk into a glass and add 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder.
- You can also add a pinch of black pepper powder.
- Stir well, and consume it hot.
Also Read: PCOS Treatment with Ayurveda
3. Black Coffee for PCOS
Having your morning cup of black coffee helps circulate the estrogen and testosterone in the blood. It, in turn, helps improve your PCOS symptoms.
How to consume it:
You can prepare it as per your preference. However, caffeine intake must be kept in check. Limit your daily intake to one to two cups.
4. Cinnamon Tea for PCOS
Cinnamon improves the body’s abilities to regulate blood sugar and reduce insulin resistance. Studies show that, by addressing uterine fibroids, cinnamon helps improve fertility in women.
How to consume it:
- Place cinnamon sticks in a mug.
- Add boiling water to it.
- Now steep the cinnamon sticks in boiling water.
- Cover the mug for 10 minutes.
- Add tea bag and steep for an additional one to two minutes.
- Remove the tea bag and cinnamon sticks and consume.
5. Aloe Vera for PCOS
Aloe vera is a hydrating agent that gives extra lubrication to the body and fights buildup chemicals. Moreover, it helps in detoxifying the digestive tract and provides grease to your body, which is vital for those suffering from PCOS.
How to consume it:
- Take some aloe vera extract and mix it with water.
- Add some salt and honey for taste.
- Consume it first thing in the morning.
6. Black Tea for PCOS
Women with PCOS have been shown to have higher rates of oxidative stress. Black tea contains antioxidants that help neutralise the harmful free radicals that are created with oxidative stress.
Studies have shown that the consumption of black tea (300ml) every day improved the antioxidant activity in the participants’ blood.
How to consume it:
- Boil a cup of water.
- Take a tea bag and put it in a mug.
- Add water to it and start dipping the teabag.
- Consume hot.
7. Moringa Water for PCOS
The Moringa plant is known to lower insulin levels in individuals. As a result, it helps decrease androgen levels in the body, making it super beneficial for maintaining PCOS.
How to consume it:
- Take one tablespoon of moringa powder.
- Add it to one glass of water.
- Mix and consume.
8. Fenugreek (Methi) Seeds Water for PCOS
Another excellent drink to maintain PCOS is fenugreek water. Apart from improving insulin sensitivity, fenugreek seeds water also keeps the ovaries healthy and helps regulate the menstrual cycle.
How to consume it:
- Soak one tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in one cup of water.
- Leave the mixture overnight.
- Consume it first thing in the morning.
9. Soy Milk for PCOS
Apart from improving women's metabolic and cardiovascular health, soy also enhances insulin sensitivity and helps reduce testosterone. Moreover, it has been linked to healthier cholesterol and hormone levels.
How to consume it:
You can buy soy milk from the local store and consume one glass per day.
10. Shatavari for PCOS
This organic herb is rich in vitamins, minerals, and folic acids. It has antioxidants that protect the reproductive system of women. Owing to its anti-diabetic properties, Shatavari enhances fertility in women.
How to consume it:
- Take one glass of water.
- Add one tablespoon of Shatavari powder to it.
- Mix and consume.
11. Ashwagandha for PCOS
Ashwagandha is a natural energy booster. That is why it’s an effective remedy for controlling mood swings, making it great for PCOS.
How to consume it:
- Warm a glass of water.
- Add one tablespoon of ashwagandha powder to it.
- Mix well and drink.
- It’s best to have this drink at night.
12. Mulethi Water for PCOS
Mulethi contains anti-inflammatory and anti-androgenic properties that make it one of the best drinks for PCOS.
How To consume It:
- Boil a three-inch-long mulethi bark in water.
- Have it first thing in the morning.
Worst Drinks for PCOS
While the above drinks can be beneficial for individuals with PCOS, there are some that can be exceedingly harmful. Read on to learn about such drinks.
1. Alcohol
Alcohol can negatively affect your mood, sleep, appetite, and energy. Moreover, drinks like beer and mixed cocktails are super high in calories and carbohydrates. That is why it’s best to avoid excessive consumption of these.
2. Sugar-Sweetened Beverages
Beverages sweetened with added sugar are known as sugar-sweetened beverages. These include sodas, packaged juices, and energy drinks.
Excess sugar consumption increases insulin resistance. It could lead to weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
3. ‘Sugar-free’ Sweetened Drinks
Many brands in the market claim their drinks are sugar-free. However, most of these drinks contain artificial sweeteners like sucralose and saccharin. Research has proved that such sweeteners can raise insulin resistance and weight gain.
Tips to Incorporate Healthy Drinks in Your Diet
Wondering how to incorporate healthy drinks into your diet to fight PCOS? We’ve got you covered.
- Invest in a water bottle. Doing so will be a visual reminder to consume more liquids. Moreover, it’ll allow you to transport healthy liquids from one place to another easily.
- If you’re looking for that mid-day caffeine kick, always choose tea over coffee.
- Always be on the lookout for sugar content. Many drinks claiming to be healthy aren’t actually so.
- Add natural flavours to your water. This way, you would easily be able to consume 8-10 cups of water in your day.
Other Life Style Changes to Maintain PCOS
Apart from incorporating healthy drinks and avoiding unhealthy ones, these are other lifestyle changes to maintain PCOS.
1. Exercise Regularly
Exercising regularly can help you combat obesity. That is because it allows you to build muscle mass and burn calories. As a result, insulin resistance decreases. Moreover, it also helps lower cholesterol and testosterone levels.
2. Follow a Healthy Diet
For those with PCOS, it’s vital to follow a healthy diet low on carbohydrates and fats. Paying attention to portion size is key in losing weight and can do wonders for you. Adding green vegetables and low-fat protein is also essential.
How to Make Spearmint Tea for PCOS
Spearmint tea is no less than a hidden gem for individuals with PCOS. Here’s how you can make it for maintaining PCOS.
- Boil two cups of water.
- Remove it from heat and add a handful of spearmint leaves.
- Cover and steep for five minutes.
- Strain and drink the tea.
Conclusion
Individuals with PCOS or polycystic ovary syndrome must make healthier food choices and moderate their intake in order to maintain the condition. That is because the side effects of PCOS can be exceedingly troubling for them.
The side effects are plenty, from weight gain to follicular cysts on the ovaries to irregular periods. Particular drinks have been proven to help with PCOS. All the drinks mentioned above are natural remedies for PCOS.
Apart from that, maintaining a healthy diet and exercising every day can help immensely.
FAQs
Is Green Tea Good for PCOS?
Yes, Green tea is exceedingly beneficial for individuals with PCOS. That is because it is loaded with antioxidants and reduces insulin resistance and testosterone. In addition to helping with weight reduction, green tea also enhances metabolic markers associated with PCOS.
Is Dark Chocolate Good for PCOS?
Yes, while sugary foods aren’t recommended for PCOS, they can be consumed in moderation. You can indulge your sweet tooth by having one or two squares of dark chocolate. It contains compounds like antioxidants that help fight free radicals causing damage to the cells.
Is Honey Good for PCOS?
No, honey is not good for PCOS. It contains natural sugar that can shake your insulin levels. That is why it’s best to avoid honey if you have PCOS.
References
https://www.theauric.com/blogs/news/drink-these-10-best-drinks-for-pcos-for-a-speedy-recovery
https://marthamckittricknutrition.com/best-drinks-for-pcos/
https://www.nutritionbylovneet.com/blog/top-5-healthy-homemade-pcos-drinks
https://www.herzindagi.com/diet-nutrition/pcos-drinks-homemade-natural-ingredients-article-163656
https://marthamckittricknutrition.com/best-drinks-for-pcos/
