Ovarian cysts are the leading cause of infertility among women. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, anywhere from one in 10 to one in 20 women have them. A diet higher in healthy fats, proteins and cholesterol and low in sugar, processed foods and simple carbohydrates, such as the Atkins diet, could be very beneficial to women with ovarian cysts. As with any other new diet, consult your doctor before starting the Atkins diet.
Hormone Imbalance
Ovarian cysts are a symptom of Polycystic Ovarian Disorder (PCOS). Women with PCOS have high levels of androgens, a hormone usually associated with men, but also produced by women. In addition, the ovaries of a person with PCOS do not secrete the proper amounts of the correct female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Starved of proper hormones, the ovaries become cystic, causing further imbalance in the body.
Androgens and Insulin
Excessive insulin in the body appears to increase production of androgens in women with PCOS. Insulin is a hormone that regulates the conversion of sugars and starches into energy. High carbohydrate foods such as sugar, white rice, white flour, high fructose corn syrup and corn sugar, all common ingredients in processed foods, cause a spike in blood sugar and incite insulin production.
Fats, Cholesterol and Sex Hormones
Cholesterol is the biochemical starting point for many of our most important hormones, including the "sex" hormones estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Dr. Thomas Cowan, M.D., author of "The Fourfold Path to Healing" notes that without the proper amounts of high quality fat and cholesterol, women with PCOS may have trouble producing the necessary hormones for healthy ovulation.
Atkins Diet
Contrary to popular belief, the Atkins diet is not the "eggs and bacon" diet. In its original form, as laid out by Dr. Robert Atkins in his book "Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution," it is a low-carbohydrate diet that focuses on four phases. You begin by limiting your carbohydrate intake to 20 g per day, focusing the bulk of your caloric intake on fresh, natural proteins such as fish, eggs, poultry, nuts, seeds, meat and soy. The 20 g of carbohydrates should come from vegetables, nuts and seeds. The next stages introduce more complex carbohydrates in increasing amounts until you reach the fourth and final stage where you are eating a wide variety of foods including berries, apples, vegetables and even whole grains in amounts specific to your needs.
Atkins and Ovarian Cysts
The two most important dietary goals for women suffering from PCOS should be keeping blood sugar and insulin levels low to limit production of androgens while providing your body with enough quality fat and cholesterol to produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Atkins diet, when practiced correctly, achieves this goal while focusing on whole, natural foods.
Warning
When engaging in a diet low in carbohydrates and high in fat and protein, find high-quality food sources. Organic, meat, protein and eggs from grass-fed animals contain the optimal balance of fats and should be included in your diet as often as possible. According to "The China Study," a diet with more than 10 percent animal protein is associated with an increased risk for cancer and heart disease, so your diet should also include protein from sources such as nuts, beans and seeds.
References
- Womenshealth.gov: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Weston A. Price Foundation: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- "Dr. Atkins New Diet Revolution"; Dr. Robert C. Atkins, M.D.; 1992
- Truths and Myths: Atkins Nutritionals
- "The China Study"; Thomas Campbell and T. Colin Campbell; 2004
- "The Fourfold Path to Healing"; Thomas Cowan, M.D.; 2004
