pcos Archives - Doctor Rekha

Every year, I have a lot of patients who approach me seeking treatment for infertility. For most of them, Ayurveda is the last option after having tried every other treatment and not finding a result. Many are often surprised that there are no invasive procedures and yet Ayurveda can help them find their way to boost fertility. About 1 in 6 people around the world experience infertility. Some of the main reasons include stress, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, etc. Ayurvedic conception treatment includes correcting all these factors to boost fertility and to prepare the body for conception. In this blog, let us delve deeper into how Ayurveda helps boost fertility. Understanding Fertility in Ayurveda In Ayurveda, fertility is considered to be the obvious result of a harmonic body and mind. It is integral to our physical, mental and emotional state. According to the ancient scriptures, the body’s Doshas, Agni and Dhatus, when in harmony, become the reason for improved reproductivity. Fertility Determiners in Ayurveda The concepts of Ojas, Shukra Dhatu, and Prakriti are connected with reproductive health. Ojas represents the essence of vitality and immunity within an individual. Shukra Dhatu is the reproductive tissue that is responsible for the formation of sperm in men and ovum in women. Prakriti is the unique body of each person and determines the requirements for reproductive health. Factors Affecting Fertility Several factors could affect fertility, such as: Eating habits: Poor nutritional intake, processed food, spicy and junk foods could affect reproductive health too. Lifestyle and stress: With today’s hectic schedules, higher stress and unhealthy lifestyle adversely affect fertility levels. Other health conditions: Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and low sperm count could affect the fertility levels. Ayurvedic Approach to Enhancing Fertility Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to enhancing fertility, focusing on balancing the Doshas, strengthening Agni and nourishing the Dhatus. Here are some key Ayurvedic practices to boost fertility. Dietary Recommendations To enhance fertility, one should surely manage their diet. Below, you will find lists of foods that one should either include or exclude from their diet: Eat Sattvic food: Fresh, organic and easily digested products help to balance the Doshas and enhance Agni. This group includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and dairy products. Avoid Ama-producing food: One should avoid processed products, too much sugar, caffeine and alcohol as they take time to digest. Undigested food, consequently, turns into Ama (toxins). As a result, the accumulation of Ama weakens the Agni and, in turn, causes diseases. Avoid excessive salty and spicy foods: Such foods can aggravate your Pitta Dosha, causing Dosha imbalance that in turn affects your fertility. Foods to enhance fertility: You can have almonds, walnuts, ghee, milk, sesame seeds, and dates, but in moderation. Kapha and Pitta: Encourage the use of light food in Kapha-type patients and refreshing tastes for Pitta. Vata: Avoid raw, dried food. Use good fats, like ghee. These are some general suggestions. Ayurveda does not follow a one size fits all approach. Every person is unique. So the diet for each person differs, primarily based on their Prakriti, Dosha imbalances, health conditions and more. You can consult an Ayurvedic doctor to determine your Prakriti and Dosha imbalances and to help you plan a diet that aligns with your preferences. Herbal Medicines for Fertility In my conception treatment, herbal medicines are given to the couple to treat any underlying health conditions, improve their strength and immunity and also to enhance their reproductive health. The medicines are prescribed based on the couple’s Prakriti, Dosha imbalancers and health conditions. I do not prescribe any medicines that have strong herbs like Shatavari, Ashwagandha, or Shilajit; moreover, I also avoid those with heavy metals as ingredients. Their continuous usage can have side effects. Panchakarma therapy This detoxification therapy rejuvenates the body by flushing out toxins and besides balancing the Doshas. It helps heal from any underlying health conditions and furthermore resets the body and mind, making it capable for conception. Panchakarma has 5 cleansing procedures – Vamana, Virechana,Nasya, Kashaya Vasti and Sneha Vasti. These therapies cleanse the body, improve digestion and also, promote health and longevity. Lifestyle Modifications Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is equally important to enhance your fertility. Manage stress: Practices like yoga, meditation, and pranayama (breathing exercises) can help reduce stress and improve mental clarity, which are crucial for fertility. Regular exercise: Engage in regular physical activity; consequently, this helps to maintain a healthy weight and improve circulation, which, in turn, supports reproductive health. Sleep quality: Ensure you get adequate, restful sleep to support overall well-being and hormonal balance. Avoid bad habits: Smoking and consuming alcohol can have an adverse effect on your fertility. So, it’s better to quit. Ayurveda says that having a healthy mind is really important for being able to reproduce whether it’s male or female. Doing things like being mindful, writing in a journal, and spending time outside in nature can make your mind feel calm and less stressed. These activities increase mental strength and hence reproductivity. Following a daily routine or Dinacharya will also bring discipline and consistency in your life. Importance of Balanced Doshas Balanced Doshas are crucial for reproductive health. Each individual has a unique Prakriti, which is their natural constitution of the three Doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Imbalances in these Doshas can affect fertility. Vata imbalance: Can lead to irregular menstrual cycles and anxiety, affecting conception. Pitta imbalance: Can cause inflammation and hormonal imbalances, impacting fertility. Kapha imbalance: Can result in weight gain and sluggish metabolism, hindering reproductive health. By identifying and correcting Dosha imbalances through diet, lifestyle changes, and Ayurvedic treatments, you can, therefore, enhance fertility and, consequently, increase the chances of conception. Practical Tips for Enhancing Fertility Here are some practical tips that… Continue reading How to Boost Fertility With Ayurveda?

Dairy products are a controversial topic when it comes to PCOS. Some studies suggest that dairy products may have a beneficial effect on insulin resistance – one of the symptoms of PCOS. Meanwhile there are also studies that suggest that dairy products may worsen PCOS symptoms. According to Ayurveda, the effects of dairy products on PCOS depend on several factors, including the individual’s constitution, the quality and quantity of dairy products consumed and the method of preparation. Prakriti In Ayurveda, each individual has a unique constitution or Prakriti. Pitta or Kapha people may be more prone to PCOS. However, those with a Vata constitution may be less likely to develop PCOS. Therefore, Ayurveda advises restricting dairy products for people with a Pitta or Kapha constitution, especially if they are high in fat. This is because dairy products are heavy and challenging to digest. It can induce a digestive system imbalance and aggravate Pitta and Kapha imbalances. Yet, because they tend to have a lighter constitution and may benefit from the nourishing and anchoring qualities of dairy, those with a Vata constitution may find that moderate dairy consumption is beneficial. Type and quantity of dairy products To maintain optimum health, Ayurveda places a strong emphasis on eating fresh, organic and unprocessed foods. It is better to consume dairy products, like cream, butter and cheese in moderation or avoid them entirely as they can exacerbate Kapha and Pitta imbalances. For those with PCOS, low-fat dairy products like skim milk and low-fat yogurt can be a preferable choice. Taste Ayurveda also emphasizes the importance of balancing the six tastes in each meal: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent and astringent. Dairy products usually have a sweet taste. It can be beneficial for individuals with a Vata constitution but may exacerbate Pitta and Kapha imbalances if consumed in excess. To balance the sweet taste of dairy, Ayurveda recommends adding bitter, pungent, or astringent foods to meals, such as leafy greens, turmeric or ginger. Method of preparation In Ayurveda, foods are prepared and cooked in a way that maximizes their nutritional value and digestibility. Raw dairy products should be avoided as they are believed to be heavy and difficult to digest. Instead, Ayurveda recommends consuming dairy products that have been heated or cooked, such as milk, ghee and paneer. The effects of dairy products on PCOS depend on several factors. They include the individual’s constitution, the quality and quantity of dairy products consumed and the method of preparation. For individuals with a Pitta or Kapha constitution, Ayurveda recommends limiting dairy products, especially those that are high in fat. If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us. You can also visit us at our hospital.

What is PCOS? PCOS or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a hormonal condition affecting women in their reproductive age. It is one of the main causes of infertility. Almost 52% of women in India complain of PCOS. The duration of Ayurveda treatment for PCOS takes anywhere between 3 months to 6 months with no recurrence. PCOS and PCOD are one and the same; just that PCOS is a recent name given to PCOD after it was discovered that it is not just a single disease, but a complex manifestation of many factors. The different factors are Irregular periods Excess androgen – excess facial and body hair Face/body acne Obesity Weight gain around abdomen/hips Multiple cysts in ovaries revealed on ultrasound According to modern science, the exact cause is of PCOS is unknown. Certain hypotheses are genetic predisposition, obesity and excess insulin. However, ancient Ayurvedic texts have mentions of the different causes of it. Causes of PCOS according to Ayurveda According to Ayurveda, there are different causes of PCOS. These include: Vata, Pitta and Kapha accumulation Sleep irregularities, staying up late and day napping Overconsumption of drying foods, Vidahi foods, such as samosa, burgers, extremely spicy foods and skipping meals Holding natural urges of the body Impaired digestion Stress, overthinking and constant worry Kaphavrita Koshta – Gastrointestinal tract with high Kapha covering due to eating sugary foods and junk foods Ayurveda treatment of PCOS Moreover, Ayurveda considers PCOS as Atava Dushti, which translates to menstrual abnormality. This happens due to the vitiation of Vata, Pitta and Kapha. However, the highs and lows of vitiation vary from patient to patient. Treatment protocol 1 Vihara (lifestyle) Sleep is the most important parameter to be corrected as sleep irregularities are one of the main causes as per Ayurveda. Moderate exercise to half of one‚ as strength and capacity is ideal. They do not advise extreme, strenuous workouts. Moreover, meditation, along with breathing exercises like Kapalbhati, as well as daily Abhyanga (oil massages), are particularly helpful. Treatment Protocol 2 Ahara (food) A customized diet that balances the vitiated Doshas is ideal. E.g., if the patient presents with PCOS due to excess Kapha imbalance, the diet should be light. While for PCOS due to excess Vata imbalance, the diet should be nourishing. Reducing inflammatory foods, like black gram, yoghurt, and nightshades, like capsicum, potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, etc. will help. Overall, having light easily digestible well-cooked foods with good fats added is important. Treatment Protocol 3 Internal medicines In my practice, for most cases of PCOS that come to me, I do not usually prescribe medicines. I put them on a three-month diet and routines protocol based on their imbalance; consequently, they get better. In cases where internal medicines are required, there are, indeed, no one-size-fits-all solutions in Ayurveda. Moreover, each individual’s unique constitution and specific health needs must be considered. If you are suffering from PCOS, you can take our three-month Reversal Program. You can also join our other Health Programs for mind and body detox. If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us. You can also visit us at our hospital. You can also follow me on Instagram. … Continue reading PCOS as per Ayurveda

Ayurvedic Treatment of PCOS Ayurveda considers PCOS as “artava dushti” which translates to menstrual abnormality. This happens due to vitiation of Vata, Pitta & Kapha. However, the highs and lows of vitiation varies from patient to patient. There are various treatment in Ayurveda for PCOS. Types of Treatment protocols 1 – Vihara (Lifestyle) Sleep is the most important parameter to corrected as sleep irregularities are one of the main causes of PCOS as per Ayurveda Moderate exercise to half of one’s strength and capacity is ideal. No extreme, strenuous workouts are advised. Meditation, breathing exercises like Kapalbhati, daily Abhyanga (oil massages) are also helpful. 2 – Ahara (food) A customized diet that balances the vitiated doshas is ideal. Eg. If the patient presents with PCOS due to excess Kapha imbalance, the diet should be light. Vata imbalance – the diet should be nourishing. Reducing inflammatory foods like black gram, yoghurt and night shades like capsicum, potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants etc will also help. Overall, having light, easily digestible well cooked foods with good fats added is important. 3 – Internal medicines In my practice, for most cases of PCOS that come to me, I do not usually prescribe medicines. I put them on a 3-month diet and routines protocol based on their imbalance and they get better. In cases where internal medicines are required, there is no one-size fits all in Ayurveda. The medicines vary from patient to patient depending on the imbalances. Doctor Rekha is a 4th generation Ayurvedic Medicine Doctor (BAMS) living in between Dubai and India who has patients from around the globe who believes that the wisdom of Ayurveda can help everyone lead a happy, heathy and disease-free life. If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you. If you have any queries, contact us. You can also visit us at our hospital. You can also follow me on Instagram. … Continue reading Treatment for Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

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How to Boost Fertility With Ayurveda?

PCOS-Friendly Diet: Is Dairy a Friend or Foe?

PCOS as per Ayurveda

Treatment for Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

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