Ovarian Cyst Diet: What to Eat and Avoid in Ovarian Cysts?

An ovarian cyst is a common condition that menstruating women suffer from. It is a fluid-filled sac within the ovary that usually occurs due to hormonal imbalance, particularly estrogen excess. When these cysts are small, they are usually painless. As they grow large, they start to cause health complications like breast tenderness, pain during intercourse, pelvic pain before or during the menstrual cycle, uterine bleeding, irregular periods, spotting, and bloating.

If not treated promptly, these symptoms build on to progress to a more complex condition, known as PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).

Ovarian Cyst Symptoms

Some of the common ovarian cyst symptoms include:

• Pelvic pain, which can range from dull & heavy to sudden & sharp pain
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Urge to urinate frequently
• Irregular periods
• Bloating

What Causes Ovarian Cysts?

 Some of the most common causes of ovarian cysts include:

• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS): It can cause multiple small cysts on your ovaries.
• Pelvic inflammatory Disease (PID): Infection can spread from the pelvis to the ovaries, increasing the risk of cyst development.
•  Endometriosis: May increase the risk of developing ovarian cysts.
• Use of fertility medications: Medicines that help in ovulation may further increase the risk of developing ovarian cysts.  

Ovarian Cyst Diet Plan: 5 Foods to Eat

A balanced diet is essential to managing ovarian cysts. To ease the symptoms of this condition, include these 5 foods that kill cysts: 

1. High-Fibre Foods

Phytochemicals found in high-fibre foods like oranges, lentils, pears, and peas prevent the re-absorption of estrogen hormone in the body. This helps to reduce the hormonal imbalance cutting down the chances of the development of ovarian cysts.

2. Lean Protein Foods

Lean proteins such as tofu, fish, and chicken help to maintain hormonal balance. Also, the consumption of lean proteins is effective in weight management which is crucial if you are suffering from ovarian cysts.

3. Omega-3 Enriched Foods

Fish, nuts, and seeds are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. They help to manage hormonal imbalances caused by ovarian cysts.

4. Foods High in I3C

I3C stands for Indole-3-carbinol and is found in vegetables such as cabbage, sprouts, cauliflower, and broccoli. Regular consumption of these veggies causes the body to release estrogen and clear excess hormones.

5. Magnesium-Rich Foods

Bananas, cashews, almonds, avocados, and green leafy vegetables are magnesium-rich foods. Including these in the diet helps with cramp relief because of ovarian cysts.

Ovarian Cyst Diet: 5 Foods to Avoid

Mentioned here are foods that have been linked to the development of ovarian cysts or that can worsen the condition.

1. Red Meats

Avoid eating red meats such as pork, beef, and lamb. Consuming such items deteriorates the existing cysts and promotes the formation of new ones.

2. Fried Foods

Fried foods are cooked in refined vegetable oils. Consuming a lot of fried foods may cause rapid weight gain, which is a contraindication in the case of ovarian cysts.

3. Refined Sugar-Rich Foods

Refined sugar causes a major hormonal imbalance, which triggers the formation of new ovarian cysts and irritates the existing ones. Hence, you should avoid foods with refined sugar.

4. Alcohol

Toxicants such as alcohol are a big no. They disrupt the body's hormonal balance, resulting in increased chances of ovarian cysts.

5. Caffeine

Caffeine contributes to dehydration and inflammation, which contribute to the development of ovarian cysts. Avoid too much consumption of coffee and tea to reduce the risk of developing ovarian cysts. 

The Bottom Line

With a good diet plan and strict adherence to it, one can evade the problems of ovarian cysts. Though diet and exercise are relative solutions to prevent the cysts from getting complicated, consulting a doctor to treat ovarian cysts is an absolute recommendation. If you're experiencing ovarian cyst symptoms don't wait to consult a gynaecologist when in doubt and symptoms are unrelenting!

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Medically Reviewed by Dr Dhanunjay Reddy