Nutrition for PCOS Series

It is common to use the word “stress” when referring to Emotional stress like hating your job and a relationship break up. But there is more to it: it also includes childhood traumas (known and unknown) and adulthood traumas, stress caused by traumas is usually on the autopilot deep in your subconscious, we might not even know about its existence but it is slowly destroying our health in silence. 

Environmental stress: pollution, heat and extreme cold those will put your body under stress and you will not necessarily feel it. Lethargy, fatigue, low immunity and lack of interest are common symptoms of this type of stress

Physical stress: over exercising (more than 3 hours a week unless you have been hitting the gym REGULARLY for the last 5 years), inadequate sleep patterns, infections and inflammation.

Environmental and physical stress will generate free radicals that will damage your cells, tissues and organs if you do not have enough antioxidants in your body to fight it. 

Adrenals are 2 amazing walnut-size glands that keep us alive. They produce male sex hormones (in males and females) and stress hormones (adrenaline and cortisol) during stressful times.

Stress hormones are important for us to survive but they are damaging to the brain in high quantities. So in times of stress, the male hormones will act as a protector to the brain from the damaging effect of the stress hormones. That said, the more you are stressed out, the more your adrenals will produce stress hormones AND the male hormones that will protect the brain.

In post 2, I explained how and why women with PCOS have excess testosterone production from the ovaries. Being stressed out is another reason that will increase testosterone production in your body worsening the symptoms of PCOS.

What you need to do:

• Adrenals must be treated with extra care and attention. Adrenal support combos and adaptogen herbs are required at all time. Ashwaghanda is my favorite! 
• Good sleep with enough REM for at least 8 hours between 10 pm and 6 am (the more the better). Valerian and passion flower will help 
• Emotional support and working on discovering any hidden traumas in the subconscious
• Moderate exercise, no sugar or processed food, stay warm in winter, refreshed in summer, meditate, breath