Amazing Drinks to Lose Weight with PCOS
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) patients need to keep track of their diet, including what they eat and drink. PCOS refers to a condition amongst women wherein there is a hormonal imbalance in the body. The number of PCOS patients keeps increasing every year. PCOS leads to weight gain, hair loss, infertility and many other issues. It becomes inconvenient to exercise daily and follow a diet that requires much prep time given the busy modern lifestyle. To solve this issue, one can include a few drinks in their diet that will help mitigate symptoms of PCOS.
Drinks for Weight Loss with PCOS
1. Aloe Vera Drink
Aloe vera juice is beneficial for a variety of factors. It is widely regarded as a cure for a variety of problems, whether they are health-related or skin-related. Aloe vera is a natural hydrating agent. It functions as an additional lubricant and aids in the removal of chemical buildup.
The bowel movement helps us get rid of the collected toxins. Aloe vera clears the digestive tract and facilitates the active removal of these toxins. It is essential for PCOS patients. An active digestive and metabolic system help in the prevention of excess weight accumulation in the body. You can drink it early in the morning.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a fermented drink commonly found in almost every household. It is widely known for its quality of curing many health issues. It is alkaline, ideal for regulating the body’s pH level. On its consumption before a meal with high carb content, ACV lowers the rate at which the stomach empties itself. As a result, it reduces the chances of a spike in blood sugar levels. Therefore, it assists in maintaining a healthy blood sugar level in the body and is especially important and helpful for PCOS patients who are insulin resistant.
Subsequently, it further helps in weight management. The balanced blood sugar level prevents excessive insulin release. It allows the cells to absorb the glucose effectively and utilise it for energy release instead of its storage as fat. Add 2 tsp of ACV in 250 ml of warm water and drink every morning.
3. Spearmint Tea
As per studies, Spearmints have anti-androgen qualities. It limits the production of male sex hormones in the body. Drinking spearmint teas lower the testosterone levels in the female body. Having PCOS results in an increased testosterone level than is average. It leads to symptoms like weight gain, hair loss, acne etc.
You can consume spearmint by soaking its leaves in boiled water for around five minutes. Then, strain the water and drink it. It contains very low calories and improves the digestive process of the body. Therefore, it is a suitable drink for mitigating PCOS symptoms, especially weight loss. Additionally, it contains antioxidants. It keeps the cells healthy by preventing oxidation.
4. Plum Juice
Having PCOS results in insulin resistance in the female body. It leads to the failure of the cells responding to the insulin released by the pancreas. As a result, the blood sugar gets stored as fat instead of absorbed by the cells to release energy. As per research, plum is beneficial to women who have insulin resistance. It boosts insulin metabolism.
Additionally, plums increase the number of healthy bacteria in the body. These bacteria help keep the stomach’s microbiome healthy, facilitating strong metabolism. Therefore, plum helps in reducing the severity of PCOS and weight loss. You can easily prepare plum juice at home. First, get chopped plum and add sugar, rock salt, and water. Then, drink it for a refreshing and healthy experience.
5. Fenugreek Water
As per studies, fenugreek is a healthy herb for women with PCOS. This drink helps in weight loss and hormonal balance. Fenugreek seeds help with glucose control. In addition, they maintain the insulin level of the body. Therefore, consuming fenugreek increases insulin sensitivity and better digestion and metabolism.
Additionally, fenugreek improves the health of ovaries, the main affected organ of PCOS patients. It also facilitates regular, uninterrupted menstrual cycles. You can have this drink by soaking the seeds in water overnight and drinking the strained water in the morning on an empty stomach.
6. Shatavari Water
Shatavari is a natural herb high in vitamin A, B1, B2, C, E, and folic acid. Minerals like phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, and iron are abundant. As per studies, Shatavari is healthy for the female reproductive system. It has antioxidants that are beneficial for the system to work efficiently. Shatavari also helps with the problems of insulin and fertility. It regulates the body’s insulin release and keeps blood sugar in control.
It helps reduce the seriousness of symptoms of PCOS. In addition, it aids the loss of extra weight by keeping the metabolic system in check. You can drink it by adding one tablespoon of Shatavari powder to a cup of water.
7. Raspberry Leaf Tea
Fruity tea is delicious and beneficial to your health. As per studies, raspberry leaf is healthy for fertility. It alleviates congestion in the female reproductive area. The tea works mainly on the uterus and ovaries, two significantly affected critical areas in PCOS. It effectively eliminates all blockage in the ovaries and uterus and facilitates an easy and smooth flow and functions. This tea reduces the effect of PCOS on body weight. It keeps the organs free from the accumulation of unwanted things and boosts the removal of toxins from the body.
8. Liquorice Roots
Liquorice helps the adrenal glands, sometimes known as the stress glands. It is crucial for women with PCOS since the adrenal glands additionally generate the male hormone DHEA-S. Excessive secretion of this hormone occurs when the glands are stressed, causing PCOS symptoms to flare up.
Liquorice root tea assists in lowering testosterone levels while also balancing oestrogen levels. Testosterone is the male sex hormone, and oestrogen is the female sex hormone. Their imbalance in the female body causes PCOS and related symptoms like weight gain. Therefore, drinking liquorice tea keeps PCOS and weight gain in check.
9. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is helpful to lower insulin resistance because it contains the component cinnamaldehyde. As per research, Cinnamaldehyde has anti-diabetic properties like lipid management, improved insulin resistance, and antioxidation. With insulin resistance being the primary cause of weight gain, it is vital to maintain a healthy level.
Cinnamon extract improves brain activity and sends the signal to the cells to respond to insulin secreted by the pancreas. As a result, it enables blood sugar absorption and prevention of its accumulation in fat, preventing weight gain. To consume cinnamon, soak cinnamon sticks in boiling water for five minutes. Then, remove the sticks from the infusion and drink them warm.
10. Ashwagandha
One of the side consequences of PCOS is thyroid imbalance. As a result, you’ll feel tired and lethargic. Ashwagandha acts as a thyroid stimulant and is beneficial for underactive thyroid glands, linked with PCOS.
Ashwagandha has adaptogenic properties that activate the central nervous system and prevent stress. It lowers cortisol levels (stress hormone) and balances the thyroid hormones. Cortisol induces glucose synthesis, resulting in stress eating and weight gain. By promoting a healthy stress response, it manages weight.
Healthy Recipes for PCOS
#1 Apple Cider Vinegar with Berries and Lemon
Ingredients
- Frozen berries: 2 tbsp
- Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
- Apple cider vinegar: 1 tbsp
- Ice and water
- Honey: 1 tbsp
Method
- Fill a cup with berries.
- Mash these berries using a spoon.
- You can add honey to it to make it sweet.
- Add lemon juice and apple cider vinegar to the mixture. Put a few ice cubes into the same.
- Mix the added ingredients for one minute with a spoon, and then drink it.
#2 Grapefruit with Cucumber
Ingredients
- Cucumber: 1
- Sliced lemon: 1
- Grapefruit: 1 medium-sized
- Water: 1 cup/250 ml
Method
- Cut all of the ingredients into small pieces.
- Please put them in a blender with some water.
- Blend everything until the mixture obtained is smooth.
- Serve chilled
#3 Ginger Lemon Water
Ingredients
- Coldwater: 1 cup/250 ml
- Roasted cumin powder: ¾ tsp
- Lime juice: 1 tsp
- Ginger root: 1 inch
Method
- Cut ginger into small bits.
- Combine it with cold water in a blender.
- Combine all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Fill a glass with ginger water.
- Add roasted cumin powder into lime water
- Before drinking, thoroughly mix the ingredients.
Precautions
While all the drinks mentioned above are natural with no chemicals added, it is essential to be careful and avoid a few things. One should not consume apple cider vinegar too much daily, and else it can cause gastrointestinal problems. Aloe vera contains latex, which may cause allergies in some people. While spearmint is not poisonous, some people may be allergic to it. Excessive consumption can also cause damage to the kidneys. Excessive cinnamon can lead to irritation in the mouth and result in ulcers, too, in extreme cases. Plum juice contains a lot of fibre, which is why it may cause bloating. Some of the components included in fenugreek may cause allergies in a few people. It can cause skin problems and dizziness.
Conclusion
Now you have seen what all drinks to consume if you have PCOS. Incorporate these drinks into your daily diet on a long term basis, and you will see a result. These drinks are natural and benefit women having PCOS in various ways, including regulating menstrual cycles, reducing bloating and providing the necessary nutrients. Next, make the appropriate lifestyle adjustments like regular exercise and sufficient sleep. Minor changes have a significant impact over time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What meds can I take to lose weight with PCOS?
A: The GLP-1 receptor agonist liraglutide, orlistat and metformin are other drugs effective for weight loss. One can take these meds along with low-calorie diets. In addition, they boost the physical activity of women with PCOS and overweight or obesity.
Q: Can women with PCOS drink coffee?
A: You can consume coffee but in a moderate and limited amount. The leading cause of PCOS is hormonal irregularity and imbalance. It will help to avoid caffeine, which increases the body’s hormonal imbalance, adding to PCOS symptoms. Drinking coffee increases estrogen release in the body. It later affects the menstruation cycle. Coffee contains the most amount of caffeine. Therefore, it is essential to drink coffee only occasionally.
Q: Is Cranberry juice Good for PCOS?
A: Cranberry juice increases folic acid in the body. Folic acids are beneficial for maintaining good female reproductive health. It helps women with hormonal imbalances and irregular menstrual cycles. It also aids in weight loss and reduces excessive body hair and acne. Additionally, it improves the body’s metabolic system, leading to better digestion and the removal of toxins from the body.
Q: Can I eat oats in PCOS?
A: Oats are rich in complex carbohydrates, which takes longer to break down and keep blood sugar levels stable. Its high fibre content helps to control bowel movements. Oats are highly suggested in the PCOS diet since they assist in lowering cholesterol and aid in weight loss.
Q: Is peanut butter good for PCOS?
A: Peanut is rich in protein. Protein-rich foods allow digestion to take place slowly, letting the proper absorption of glucose from the food. It prevents the sudden spike in blood sugar. It is useful, especially for PCOS students who suffer from insulin resistance leading to weight gain.
Q: Is cinnamon good for PCOS?
A: Yes, cinnamon is good for PCOS. It contains Cinnamaldehyde, which helps in improving insulin sensitivity. It enables the cells to use the blood sugar for releasing energy instead of storing it as fat in the body. Additionally, it has healing qualities because of its high antioxidant content.
Q: Does drinking water help PCOS?
A: PCOS results majorly in increased insulin resistance in the body. Hot water expands the blood vessels, making blood sugar significantly effective and more straightforward. In addition, it results in the reduction of glucose storage in the form of fat, leading to weight gain.
