Short Answer: Ashwagandha is good for PCOS. Because it has compounds that can lower cortisol, balance thyroid hormones, and act as adaptogens.
PCOS is a condition that affects your ovaries and hormones.
In PCOS, your body produces too much androgen, a male hormone, and has problems with insulin, a hormone that controls blood sugar.
This can lead to various health problems, such as irregular periods, infertility, acne, excess hair growth, weight gain, and diabetes.
One of the key factors in managing PCOS is diet.
What you consume can affect your blood sugar, insulin, and inflammation levels, which can impact your PCOS symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage PCOS, you should consume high-fiber foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and avoid refined carbohydrates like white bread, pasta, and sweets.
High-fiber foods can help lower your blood sugar and insulin levels, and reduce your appetite and cravings.
Refined carbohydrates can spike your blood sugar and insulin levels, and increase your inflammation and weight gain.
Now, ashwagandha is an herb that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries.
People usually take it as a supplement in the form of capsules, powder, or tea.
Ashwagandha is good for PCOS because it contains compounds that can lower cortisol, a stress hormone that can worsen PCOS symptoms.
Cortisol can increase your blood sugar, insulin, and inflammation levels, and interfere with your ovulation and menstrual cycle.
Ashwagandha can also balance your thyroid hormones, which can affect your metabolism and fertility.
One teaspoon of ashwagandha powder can give you about 2 grams of ashwagandha, which is a typical daily dose.
This dose can provide you with some antioxidants and phytochemicals that can benefit your health.
Cortisol can negatively affect PCOS by increasing your blood sugar, insulin, and inflammation levels, and disrupting your ovulation and menstrual cycle.
Ashwagandha can lower your cortisol levels and improve your stress response.
Thyroid hormones can affect your metabolism and fertility by regulating your energy production and reproductive function.
Ashwagandha can balance your thyroid hormones and prevent hypothyroidism, a condition where your thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones.
Furthermore, ashwagandha is an adaptogen, and adaptogens are good for PCOS.
Because, they can help your body adapt to stress and restore your hormonal balance.
You can take one teaspoon of ashwagandha powder per day safely.
More than that can cause side effects like nausea, diarrhea, or low blood pressure.
Also, you shouldn’t take ashwagandha if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications for diabetes, blood pressure, or thyroid.
Because, it can interact with these conditions and drugs and cause adverse effects.
You can buy ashwagandha online as well as offline.
To buy it online, there are many brands and marketplaces to choose from.
But as a nutritionist, I recommend Organic India Ashwagandha from Amazon.
Because, it is certified organic, vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO.
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and essential medical care is key to managing PCOS effectively.
I always recommend my PCOS patients to follow a PCOS-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being, and enjoy a longer and healthier life.