What are ovaries?
Ovaries are the main part of the female reproductive system that forms female hormones and releases an egg from a follicle (a small fluid-filled sac) each month. This follicle is usually about 2–3 cm in diameter.
These are located in the lower abdomen on both sides of the uterus and produce eggs as well as the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
But sometimes, a fluid-filled sac known as cyst develops on one or both the ovaries. Most of the females will develop at least one cyst in their lifetime and these cysts are usually painless and have no symptoms.
What is an Ovarian Cyst?
An ovarian cyst is a large fluid-filled sac that is measured more than 3 cm in diameter which develops on or in an ovary. These cysts sometimes may vary in size from a few centimeters to the size of a large melon. Their wall may be thin and only contain fluid (which is known as a simple cyst) or they may contain thick fluid (which is known as complex).
There are various common types of ovarian cyst that occur before the menopause period includes:
- A simple cyst: It is a large follicle that grows continuously after an egg has been released. It occurs before the menopause and disappear within a few months.
- An endometrioma: In this type, cells of the womb lining are found outside the womb which causes ovarian cysts.
- A dermoid cyst. This type of cyst develops from the cells that form eggs in the ovary and contains substances such as hair, fat, etc.
What are the symptoms of Ovarian Cyst?
Many of the times, cysts are diagnosed by chance during the routine body examination, if the female goes for an ultrasound scan for another reason. Most commonly seen that most females experience any symptoms throughout their life.
However, many of the women may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Pain in lower abdominal or pelvic area
- Painful periods, or a change in the periods pattern
- Painful intercourse
- Pain-related to the bowels movements
- Urge to pass the urine urgently and more frequently
- Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly
- Abdominal distension
- Difficulty in conceiving which may be linked to endometriosis
- Breast tenderness
- Nausea and vomiting
Here are some of the severe symptoms that require immediate medical treatment include:
- Sharp pelvic pain
- Fever
- Faintness
- Rapid breathing
These symptoms can show an ovarian torsion and if not treated properly this can have serious consequences.
Here is the Diet plan for Ovarian Cyst Patients:
1. Apple Cider Vinegar:
Apple cider vinegar contracts the ovarian cysts caused by potassium deficiency in the body. It is very beneficial in relieving pelvic pain, discomfort, dizziness, weakness, etc.
How to use – Add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water & mix it properly. Drink this on an empty stomach. It will help in reducing excessive menstrual bleeding, and abdominal cramps during periods. Drink twice daily for more effective results.
2. Beetroot:
Beetroot contains a compound called betacyanin that boosts up the liver’s ability to eliminate toxins out from the body. With the alkaline properties of this vegetable, it maintains the acidic pH of the body. Hence it is helpful in reducing the severity of the symptoms associated with ovarian cysts.
How to use – Mix one tablespoon of aloe vera in one cup of fresh beetroot juice. Drink this juice once daily on an empty stomach in the morning.
3. Mustard Seeds:
Mustard seeds are the effective home remedy for in curing the heavy blood flow during menstruation, abdominal cramps and weakness.
How to use – Take 40 grams of dried mustard seeds and grind them. Make a fine powder of it. Add 2-3 grams of powder in lukewarm milk. Drink this milk twice daily before or during the menstrual cycle.
4. Flaxseed:
Flaxseeds mainly balance the estrogen and progesterone levels in the body which will thereby reduce the size of cysts. There are rich in fiber and also an antioxidant that eliminates harmful toxins and waste products produced by the liver.
How to use – Drink one glass of warm water mixed with one tablespoon of flaxseed on an empty stomach once daily in the morning.
5. Almonds:
Almonds are rich in magnesium that regulates the menstruation cycle and reduces abdominal cramps. It also boosts up the immune system naturally and gives strength to the body.
How to use – Eat 4 to 6 soaked almonds daily.
For better results, add few drops of jasmine oil in a teaspoon of almond oil and do regular massage with it. Also, you can do is- add a teaspoon of sweet almond oil in a glass of warm milk and drink this milk daily for a quick recovery.
6. Red Raspberry:
Leaves of red raspberry are very effective in regulating the heavy menstrual flow. It also helps in strengthening the uterine muscles.
How to use – Add 1 tablespoon of dried red raspberry leaves to a cup of hot water, cover for 10 min and then strain, have this tea three times a day during your periods.
7. Ginger:
Ginger is considered as a very effective anti-inflammatory herb that relieves inflammation and pain. It also induces a healthy blood flow during menstruation. It has been used in Ayurveda for many ages to treat pain as well as inflammation.
How to use – Blend few cloves of ginger, two stalks of celery and few slices of a pineapple in a juicer. Add half glass of apple juice to it. Drink this once in a day daily.
Some of the preventive measures you have to take:
- Increase the intake of high fiber carbohydrates content in the diet.
- Include omega 3 fatty acid-rich foods
- Eat more fruits and vegetables.
- Drink at least 2-liter water daily
- Do exercise regularly
- Don’t take heavy meals at a time.
- Avoid processed juices and caffeinated drinks.
- Avoid fried and oily foods.
