My Top Natural Supplements for PCOS and Insulin Resistance!

A lot of the major diseases that we see now come from lifestyle choices, and factors that we can be in control of with the right knowledge, resources and discipline. Insulin Resistance is one if the major ones where we can make some simple changes, and include natural/herbal supplements to help manage. So hopefully, some of these may help you in preventing bringing further illness to yourself  – and instead bring health and abundance, and feel great, to the best of your ability for the things that are within your own control 🙂

PCOS is highly linked with Insulin Resistance – which is something that A LOT of people have, but have no idea about it. It took me about 10 years of chasing doctors to figure out what was going on with me. So, if you’re not feeling quite right, don’t be afraid to push doctors, go to other people, ask for specific tests, and do your own digging. Your body is your best doctor.

A lot of the supplements you see that I’m taking for my PCOS are also going to be beneficial for people who have Insulin Resistance, or maybe Type 2 Diabetes. 

1. Berberine

Berberine is a natural extract from the Berberine Root. Berberine is mainly used for lowering Insulin. If you are someone who has ever had any issues with Insulin, and was told this from a doctor, they may have suggested to you before to take Metformin. This is the typical pharmaceutical recommendation/prescription for anyone who has issues with Insulin. But there are a lot of side effects that people get with it. Berberine has shown to be, in several studies for over a decade, to be just as effective as Metformin.

Along with lowering Insulin levels, it also lowers Triglycerides and Cholesterol levels. And for people with Poly Cycstic Ovarian Syndrome in particular, it can help reduce your levels of testosterone.

2. Hair, Skin and Nails Multivitamin

A Hair, Skin and Nail Multivitamin is since one of the main symptoms associated with PCOS is hair loss, facial hair growth, and acne – and changes in overall quality of your hair, skin and nails due to the changes in your hormones. Personally, I had previously been experiencing some hair loss. Which is why I like to ensure I am covering my biotin, zinc, b vitamins – that all help with generating hair growth. 

3. Vitex / ChasteBerry

Vitex has been very commonly known in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries to aid with female hormonal disorders. This is something that you can actually grow yourself in the Mediterranean. What this does specifically for women with PCOS is it balances the ratio of LH (Lutenizing Hormone) to FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone). With women with PCOS, typically the LH is greatly elevated – and this has to do with Insulin Resistance. Therefore, this supplement helps in improving this ratio of LH to FSH, and improves the cycle of ovulation for women with PCOS. As another common symptom for women with PCOS is an irregular cycle, or amennorhea.

4. Inositol

Inositol is another one that is commonly taken for people with Insulin Resistance. This helps in reducing Insulin levels, also Triglycerides, and also lowers blood pressure. This is important to note if you are taking inositol for PCOS or IR, but also have low blood pressure, like myself. You need to find the right combination and dosage of supplements for yourself depending on your medical needs. 

5. Extra Things!

Apple Cider Vinegar: To take 30 minutes before each meal, and/or first things in the morning to increase insulin sensitivity throughout the day, and reduces the impact of Insulin from the meal you will eat. 

Spearmint Tea: I drink this at least twice per day to help further in lowering testosterone levels.

Cod Liver Oil: Your Omega’s are just always important for overall general health and wellbeing 🙂

Flaxseed: I also make sure to include 2-3 Tbsp of Flaxseeds in my diet everyday. Normally I will make some flaxseed crackers and have it with some hummus or avocado. What flaxseeds do when they go through your body, is they help excrete the excess hormones within your body. So for females with PCOS who have excess androgens, this helps to remove the excess androgens that we have.

Cruciferous Vegetables: This would be broccoli, cabbage, leafy greens, cauliflower, etc. These are important because they are high in fiber, which will reduce the impact of Insulin, and lessen an Insulin spike when you’re eating. As well, like flaxseeds, these vegetables help your liver in flushing out excess hormones. 

Your aim with all of these different elements is reducing Insulin, reducing androgens, and removing any excess hormones. And of course, along with these things, you need to consume a nourishing diet, exercise daily – and live a healthy lifestyle 🙂

When I do all of these things consistently is when I have the least impact from my PCOS symptoms. 

Share with me your thoughts, questions, and anything you do for yourself to help with Insulin Resistance – and/or – PCOS!

References

https://www.metabolismjournal.com/article/S0026-0495(02)00111-7/abstract

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0026049508000462

https://diabetes.diabetesjournals.org/content/55/8/2256.short