Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or inside of your ovaries. Although most are harmless, they can cause pain, heavy menstrual bleeding and fertility problems, particularly if you have polycystic ovarian syndrome. No foods are off-limits if you have cysts related to PCOS or other conditions. A healthy diet may, however, help manage your symptoms and lower your risk of complications.
Refined Grains
Refined grains are high glycemic, meaning they have a significant impact on your blood sugar and can lead to imbalances. Managing your blood sugar is important because PCOS increases your likelihood of experiencing diabetes, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Eating a diet rich in refined grains also leaves little room for whole grains, which provide significantly more fiber and nutrients. As fiber-rich foods, whole grains may help you manage your appetite and weight, which can be challenging if you have PCOS.
Red Meat
Red meat is rich in the unhealthy fat forms known as saturated fat and cholesterol. In some cases, ovarian cysts progress to cancer. Replacing red meat in your diet with low-fat fish and soy is one simple step you can take to reduce this risk, according to the National Ovarian Cancer Network. Avoid highest-fat meats, such as bacon, sausage, lamb, steak and organ meats, and meats prepared with butter, cheese or high-fat sauces.
Added Sugars
Added sugars, such as cane sugar and high-fructose corn syrup, add sweet flavor and calories, but few nutrients, to many commercial foods. Similar to refined grains, added sugars are high glycemic and may offset your blood sugar. Sugary foods, such as doughnuts and jelly beans, have a greater glycemic impact than sugar on its own, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. In addition, diets rich in added sugars often lack nutrients and fiber and may lead to weight gain. To avoid these risks, keep sugar-rich fare to a minimum while increasing your intake of nutritious foods, such as fruits and vegetables.
Processed Snack Foods
Many processed snack foods contain little fiber, few nutrients and unhealthy fats. Commercially prepared cookies, crackers and pastries that contain hydrogenated vegetable oil, for example, provide trans-fats -- an unhealthy fat-form linked with inflammation, obesity and heart disease. Women's health expert Dr. Christiane Northrup, author of "Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom," recommends that women faced with cysts consume primarily whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes. Natural alternatives to commercial snack foods include air-popped popcorn, unsweetened dried fruit, homemade granola and mixed nuts.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Polycystic Ovarian Disease
- National Ovarian Cancer Network: Treatment & Diagnosis Strategies for Ovarian Cancer
- Linus Pauling Institute: Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load
- Mayo Clinic: Added Sugars
- "Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom"; Christiane Northrup; 2006
