10 Foods for PCOS Infertility Treatment
PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome, is an endocrine disorder that affects about 7% of women in Western countries. The diagnosis is given by having two out of the following three symptoms elevated androgens, ovarian cysts, and irregular periods. As a syndrome, there are a collection of symptoms that are patient-dependent. Due to this, PCOS can present very differently from person to person. It is essential to understand the root causes driving your condition and receive proper treatment for each cause. One of the common symptoms associated with PCOS is infertility, or the inability to have a successful pregnancy or conception.
Infertility is common in those with PCOS because having high androgens will decrease the estrogen and progesterone levels which are important for fertility. Many different foods and supplements contain vital components that can regulate these hormone levels to boost fertility. Learning about your condition will help determine what PCOS infertility treatment will work best for you. The foods and supplements listed here are helpful additions to your existing eating style that can support improving fertility.
Source: 20159883, University of Rochester Medical Center, 31466345, 25008465
Here are 10 Foods for PCOS infertility treatment:
1. MYO-INOSITOL
Another component of the PCOS infertility treatment is a vitamin B-like compound called Myo-Inositol. It has been shown to improve egg development and quality and improve insulin sensitivity. Due to the insulin effect, Myo-inositol can help lower testosterone levels naturally, resulting in balanced blood sugar control. Insulin and testosterone regulation are related to each other. Many women with PCOS struggle with insulin resistance, leading to higher testosterone levels in the body. Controlling insulin can help lower testosterone to increase fertility. Myo-inositol is found naturally in fruits like cantaloupe and citrus and in fiber-rich foods like beans, and brown rice. Consuming these foods will increase inositol and will aid in promoting ovulation which helps restore fertility.
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2. BRAZIL NUTS
Brazil nuts are high in selenium making them part of the PCOS infertility treatment. Selenium is a mineral with strong antioxidant properties that reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. This oxidative stress is created from reactive oxygen species or ROS entering the body daily from food or the environment. These ROS have very high energy levels and can damage cell functions. This is especially harmful when trying to conceive. Our body responds by sending antioxidants to get rid of the ROS. Inflammation occurs when there is an imbalance in this system, either too many ROS or not enough antioxidants to get rid of them. Additionally, selenium has been shown to significantly affect the positive outcome of conception rates in women.
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3. NAC
NAC stands for N-Acetyl Cysteine, which is the supplemental form of cysteine, a protein building block in our body that helps produce a powerful antioxidant, glutathione. As a supplement, it helps to improve the body’s insulin response, lowers testosterone naturally, and helps protect egg quality. It has also been shown to improve ovulation and pregnancy rates for those with PCOS. Because it helps with all three possible diagnostic criteria for PCOS, this is why NAC is a great component of the PCOS infertility treatment.
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4. COLLAGEN
Collagen, an abundant protein in the body, is another one of the important parts of PCOS infertility treatment because it is high in glycine. It is a conditionally essential amino acid meaning our body can make it normally on its own, although this process's efficiency is slow or limited. Due to the poor efficiency of producing glycine, this is why it is recommended to consume it in the diet. Glycine is one of the more important amino acids because it combines with cysteine and glutamine (other amino acids) to form glutathione, our most powerful antioxidant. Remember that antioxidants fight inflammation and oxidative stress. Egg follicles can become damaged if there are not enough antioxidants in the body. Glycine also supports fertility by supporting egg development. This is because, during the maturation of the egg, glycine’s transporter is activated so that glycine can enter the cell to help volume regulation.
5. COQ10 / UBIQUINOL
Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinol) is another nutrient part of the PCOS infertility treatment. It is a complex process for the oocyte (egg) to mature properly, which needs lots of energy via a mitochondria process of oxidative phosphorylation for better egg development. CoQ10 is an enzyme involved in this mitochondrial energy-producing process. Studies have shown that this enzyme declines with age, and therefore egg quality also declines resulting in infertility. Supplementing with CoQ10 is a great way to improve egg quality in PCOS infertility treatment.
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6. PUMPKIN SEEDS
Pumpkin seeds are high in magnesium, making them part of the PCOS infertility treatment. Magnesium is great because it increases progesterone the pregnancy-promoting hormone. Progesterone aids in ovulation and the preparation of uterine growth. One study of 180 pregnant participants showed that the group who supplemented with a magnesium multivitamin had better pregnancy outcomes and fewer complications in general. Magnesium is our relaxing mineral, and it helps reduce stress, tight muscles, and inflammation. This is what makes pumpkin seeds promote fertility and help cope with PCOS.
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7. SPEARMINT TEA
Spearmint tea is another one of the foods for PCOS infertility treatment. Studies show that spearmint tea helps to decrease free testosterone levels and increase luteinizing hormone (LH), follicular stimulating hormone (FSH), and estrogen in those with PCOS. Due to spearmint tea’s ability to inhibit testosterone, it can help to restore follicular development in the ovarian tissue and promote ovulation.
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8. SALMON
Salmon is very high in vitamin D making it one of the vital parts of PCOS infertility treatment. Vitamin D is one of the essential fat-soluble vitamins necessary for bone density, but it can also help to lower testosterone naturally in those with PCOS. Although salmon is good natural source of vitamin D, this vitamin is actually the most bioavailable and abundant from the sun. During the winter months or in a cloudy climate, it is essential to consume vitamin D through dietary sources like salmon or to supplement. Additionally, vitamin D can help improve the development of the ovarian follicles which hold the egg inside. This is because a deficiency in vitamin D was found to interrupt the estrogen system and reduce AMH production (anti-mullerian hormone), a hormone made by the developing follicles. Consuming enough vitamin D in the PCOS infertility treatment can help boost AMH, increasing ovulation for fertility.
9. TURMERIC
Another food that is essential for PCOS infertility treatment is turmeric. The active component of turmeric is called curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation can be a complication in women with PCOS because of elevated testosterone levels. Due to this, turmeric is beneficial to reduce the inflammation that can increase stress and blood sugar imbalances. Another study also supported the effects that turmeric can lower testosterone naturally in women with PCOS.
10. CINNAMON
Cinnamon is another part of PCOS infertility treatment. Cinnamon extract and plain cinnamon improve insulin sensitivity by lowering fasting blood glucose, making it a wonderful natural supplement to naturally lower testosterone.
Additionally, it was found that cinnamon has great properties to help women manage PCOS by regulating menstrual cycles and ovulation. As a result, this can help to lower testosterone naturally, which positively impacts PCOS.
