An ovarian cyst is a fluid or semisolid substance-filled sac that grows within one or both ovaries.
The ovaries are tiny organs in your pelvis that contain egg cells and produce hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
There are various ovarian cysts, most painless and harmless (benign). Ovarian cysts rarely cause symptoms.
You often won’t know you have them unless your clinician discovers one during an imaging procedure or routine pelvic exam.
Ovarian cysts can occasionally create complications. Regular pelvic examinations and communicating with your doctor about symptoms you may be experiencing can help prevent cyst problems.
The cyst can be treated using a variety of medical therapies. Natural remedies, on the other hand, may help in the treatment of the same.
A healthy diet is vital for ovarian cyst management. Include and avoid these foods from our list in your diet to alleviate the symptoms of ovarian cysts.
7 Foods To Avoid With Ovarian Cysts
Some dietary patterns enhance the probability of developing or aggravating ovarian cysts symptoms.
Below is a list of foods to avoid that are linked to developing ovarian cysts that can worsen the condition.
1) Fried Foods
One of the first foods on our list to avoid if you have ovarian cysts is eating a lot of fried food, such as deep-fried chicken, French fries, etc. This is because eating many fried foods might result in rapid weight gain.
These foods are cooked in synthetic refined vegetable oils and contain hormone-disrupting chemicals.
2) Alcohol
Intoxicants, such as alcohol, should be avoided when dealing with ovarian cysts. They disrupt our body’s hormonal balance, boosting estrogen levels and causing ovarian cysts to grow. When trying ways to decrease ovarian cysts, you should abstain from alcohol.
3) Dark Meats
Avoid eating dark meats such as beef, hog, and lamb. If you can’t avoid them, attempt to limit your consumption.
These meals have been linked to the development of ovarian cysts and the worsening of existing cysts! Dark meats are also high in fat, which is another reason to avoid them.
4) Sugar-Rich Refined Foods
Refined sugar is one of the worst foods for ovarian cysts. Refined sugar is abundant in the following foods:
- Processed juices
- Soft drinks
- Cookies
- Cakes
- Pastries
- Sweets
Consuming these foods causes a significant hormonal imbalance, which can cause the formation of new ovarian cysts or irritate existing ones.
5) Foods High In Saturated Fat
Saturated fat is a dietary fat that is harmful when consumed in excess. It has the potential to raise blood cholesterol levels.
The following foods are high in saturated fat:
- Dairy items like cheese, butter, and cream
- Dark meats such as beef, hog, and lamb
- Packaged meals and confectioneries
- Junk food
If you want to prevent and repair ovarian cysts, limit your saturated fat consumption.
6) Caffeine-Containing Beverages
Caffeine contributes significantly to dehydration and inflammation in the body. If you are prone to ovarian cysts, please avoid caffeinated beverages such as tea, coffee, sodas, soft drinks, etc. They are prone to cause new ovarian cysts and worsening existing ones.
7) Simple Carbohydrates
Simple carbohydrates have a high glycemic index and are rapidly digested, absorbed, and metabolized, resulting in a spike in blood glucose and the need for substantial amounts of insulin to be produced.
You should avoid simple carbs like wheat, white bread, refined flour, and short-grain rice if you have ovarian cysts.
Another type of food to avoid if you have ovarian cysts is starchy foods like potatoes, pasta, maize, and bread.
These foods should be avoided or consumed in moderation because they cause insulin surges in a short period, rapid weight gain, and the formation of ovarian cysts.
9 Foods To Eat If You Have A Cyst On Your Ovaries
What you eat may impact cyst growth. Instead of loading up on processed carbs, try including foods that aid weight management and insulin resistance.
Some foods to consider including in your diet include:
1) High-Fiber Foods
Phytochemicals in high-fiber meals such as lentils, oranges, pears, and peas decrease estrogen hormone re-absorption in the body. This helps to minimize hormonal imbalance, lowering the likelihood of ovarian cyst development.
2) Omega-3 Enriched Foods
Omega-3 fatty acids aid in the management of hormonal abnormalities produced by ovarian cysts.
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include:
- Fish
- Nuts
- Seeds
3) Lean Protein Foods
Lean proteins like tofu, salmon, and chicken aid with hormonal equilibrium. Furthermore, eating lean proteins can help you lose weight, which is crucial if you have ovarian cysts.
4) Foods High in I3C
I3C is an abbreviation for Indole-3-carbinol, which is present in vegetables such as:
- Sprouts
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
Consuming these vegetables regularly allows the body to release estrogen and eliminate excess hormones.
5) Almonds
Almonds have a high magnesium content, which may help alleviate discomfort. Raw almonds have about 270 mg of magnesium per 100 grams.
A 2015 study also discovered that boosting your diet with magnesium can help with chronic pain.
Most people can consume almonds without interactions. They make a tasty snack on their own or when sprinkled over salad.
If you are allergic to tree nuts, you should, of course, skip this suggestion.
6) Other Magnesium-Rich Foods
Magnesium-rich foods include cashews, bananas, avocados, and green leafy vegetables. Including them in your diet will aid with ovarian cyst cramp alleviation.
7) Chamomile Tea
Another alternative is to curl up with a mug of warm chamomile tea. Chamomile is a herb that has been utilized for centuries.
It has anti-inflammatory properties that can aid with cramps and may also help with anxiety.
Not only that, but chamomile may help you sleep better at night. What’s the best part? It’s easily accessible at your local grocery shop or online.
Simply boil water and steep your tea bag in a mug for a few minutes to steep store-bought tea. The box of most teas will provide instructions.
8) Ginger Tea
Ginger tea is another herbal choice for the natural treatment of pain and discomfort. It also possesses anticarcinogenic and antioxidant effects.
Ginger inhibited the growth of ovarian cancer cells in one study, prompting researchers to conclude that ginger consumption may be used to treat and prevent ovarian cysts, which can be cancerous.
Ginger tea, like chamomile tea, can be found on grocery store shelves or online. Simply immerse a bag in hot water for a few minutes before serving. If you don’t like the flavor, try adding a touch of lemon.
9) Maca Root
Maca root is a plant that grows in the Andes. It gained some interest in the early 2000s due to its potential to benefit peri- or postmenopausal women. This plant is thought to help control hormone levels.
In one study, women reported that they had a higher quality of life after taking it. Their discomfort decreased, as did symptoms such as hot flashes, nocturnal sweats, heart palpitations, and depression.
Is it possible to use maca root to prevent or treat ovarian cysts? Maybe. More research is needed. However, maca is generally considered safe to use in your diet.
Many people put maca in smoothies or coffee. Maca can be purchased in capsule or powder form. Dosages vary, so follow the directions on the label.
| Foods to avoid | Foods to eat |
| Simple carbs | High-fiber foods |
| Saturated fat | Omega-3 fatty acids |
| Refined sugar | Lean protein |
| Dark meat | Foods high in I3C |
| Alcohol | Almonds |
| Fried foods | Magnesium-rich foods |
| Caffeine | Chamomile tea |
| Ginger tea | |
| Maca root |
Are There Other Things You Should Avoid?
Exercising or engaging in strenuous physical activity should be avoided if you have painful ovarian cysts.
If you have a large cyst, your doctor may advise you to avoid strenuous exercise until the cyst is removed. Excessive activity may result in ovarian torsion.
Conclusion
The ovarian cyst diet should avoid carbs, fried foods, and red meat. A diet high in sugar and low in fresh vegetables may impair toxin clearance, resulting in ovarian cysts. You should also abstain from alcohol.
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