Cysts occur at different parts of our body like ovary, bladder, breast, liver, kidney, pancreas, vagina. Specifically, ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs or pockets in an ovary or on its surface.
Women have two ovaries on each side of the uterus. Eggs develop and get matured in the ovaries flow through the fallopian tube during every month.
The ovaries are always prone to misfunction due to the development of ovarian cysts. They become a serious issue when they are left untreated. When these ovarian cysts rupture, they cause unbearable pain and seriously visible symptoms.
Causes of Ovarian Cysts
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Hormonal imbalance
- Hypothyroidism
- Cigarette smoking
- Early menstruation
- BMI above 30
- Infertility treatment with gonadotropins has been found to cause multiple large ovarian cysts in some women.
- Use of Clomiphene has been shown to increase the risk for development of Corpus Luteum cysts.
- Use of Tamoxifen for breast cancer
It is always wise to get a regular pelvic examination in order to avoid serious problems in the future. There are many ways to control the ovarian cysts but the following are the 3 most important ones. These are some of the ways which can be used to help ease the ovarian cancer treatment.
3 Natural Ways to Aid Ovarian Cancer Treatment
Below are tips and natural remedies that may help make treatment more comfortable and support your overall health during recovery:
1. Eat a Healthy Diet
Women who maintain a healthy diet and veggies have high resistance to ovarian cancer. In a study known as the Swedish Mammography Cohort, people who had a higher vegetable intake (3 or more servings per day) as compared to low intake (1 serving/day) had less risk of ovarian cancer.
Below are some of the best cancer-fighting foods to include in your diet:
- Leafy greens
- Sea vegetables
- Fresh herbs and spices
- Raw garlic
- Citrus fruits, berries, apples and pears, kiwi, coconut flakes, figs, and dates
- Mushrooms, carrots, beets, tomatoes and bell peppers, artichokes, okra, green peas, winter or acorn squash, Brussels sprouts, turnips, sweet potatoes
- Veggies like broccoli and cauliflower
- Organic, grass-fed or pasture-raised meats
- Fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines or herring
- Green tea
- Cocoa
- Olive and coconut oil
- Avocados
- Beans and legumes, such as black beans, lentils, chickpeas or adzuki beans
- Nuts like almonds or walnuts, flax seeds, and chia seeds
To fight inflammation, avoid these processed foods: factory-farm-raised red meat such as beef, pork or lamb and processed meats such as hot dogs, salami and some deli/luncheon meats, refined grains, foods or drinks with added sugar, refined vegetable oils, fried foods, fast food, and hydrogenated fats.
Ovarian cancer and other types of cancers can also occur due to being overweight or obese.
2. Rest & Focus on Relaxation
It would be so stressful if you are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, especially if the cancer is caught in its later stages and needs to be treated aggressively. So, it is always good to follow some stress relieving activity.
You would probably need more sleep than usual, i.e., at least 8 hours per day. Do yoga, meditation, reading, walking outside, massage therapy or acupuncture a try to keep your stress under control.
3. Manage Nausea, Constipation & Indigestion
If you’re struggling with nausea, bloating, lack of appetite or constipation during your recovery, these steps may be able to help:
- Eat enough fiber, for about 20 – 30 gm per day.
- Drink enough water throughout the day. Prevent dehydration when exercising, when you’re sick or when it’s very hot/humid outside.
- Limit or avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can make digestive systems worse.
- Avoid eating high-fat meals. Spacing out meals may make digestion easier.
- If you have constipation, try consuming foods and beverages that act as natural laxatives. Take more magnesium or fiber supplements.
- If you have nausea, sip on ginger herbal tea or use ginger essential oil. You can also diffuse peppermint or lemon essential oil in your home, try slowly walking outdoors to get fresh air, keep your home cool, and try meditation and acupuncture.
- It may also be helpful to try physical therapy, gentle stretching and taking warm baths to help relax your muscles. Consult your physician before taking other medications or supplements or starting a new exercise program.
So, ladies… Be healthy… Fight ovarian cancer and enjoy life 😊 😊 😊
