Beginning July, The Organic Affair owner Donna Mayfield will join the Freedom from PCOS Inner Circle Board of Directors, advising and contributing on nutrition and natural supplements.
Freedom from PCOS is a Web site devoted to helping women cope with the troubling effects of polycystic ovary syndrome, which can affect women’s menstrual cycle, ability to have children, hormones, heart and appearance.
It’s estimated that some 5 million women in the U.S. suffer from PCOS, and the condition can appear in girls as early as age 11.
Though the cause of PCOS is presently unknown, experts agree the underlying problem is hormonal imbalance. Women with PCOS make more male hormone, or androgens, in their ovaries, and they generally also have a higher serum level of the hormone insulin.
Though an array of drug therapies are currently used to treat PCOS symptoms, some of which carry the possibility of significant side-effects and the potential of unintended consequences, there are several natural considerations as well.
First and foremost – think about a few lifestyle changes, particularly your diet. A diet high in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean meats and low in processed foods and added sugars is a good place to start.
For hormonal imbalances, an excellent consideration is always primrose, sometimes known as evening primrose oil. Primrose is a natural estrogen promoter, containing lignans, calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamin E and essential fatty acids.
Primrose oil has long been linked to supporting a healthy response to menopausal symptoms and menstrual problems associated with hormone imbalance. Note: Primrose should not be used during pregnancy.
Borage oils, also containing essential fatty acids, the B vitamins along with iron, magnesium phosphorus and zinc, act as an adrenal tonic and gland balancer and may also help maintain a healthy hormonal balance.
In any event, essential fatty acids and oils are, well, essential to a healthy diet. Omega 3 is found in oily, cold water fish like salmon, herring and sardines. The American Heart Association recommends eating them twice a week. Other sources are spirulina, pumpkin, chia and flax seeds.
Grape seed, borage oil and primrose oil are good natural sources of Omega 6.
If we have enough omegas 3 and 6, our bodies will produce omega 9, monounsaturated oleic and stearic acid, whose benefits include boosting the immune system and prevention of artery hardening. Omega 9 also helps regulate the ratio of omegas 3 and 6.
Regardless of your condition or symptoms, a healthy, lean diet is always the best place to start. Reduce the junk and gunk and make sure to check your oils.
To follow Donna and The Organic Affair on Freedom from PCOS or to refer a friend to the site, go to www.freedomfrompcos.com/inner-circle.
Jim Mayfield is the lead shipper and loader for The Organic Affair, online retailer of natural, organic whole food vitamins, supplements, organic teas, and natural skin care and cosmetics at www.theorganicaffair.com.
Copyright ©2010 Jim Mayfield
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