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There are few things worse than tummy troubles. If your digestive system doesn’t work as it should, the result might be pain or discomfort right through to downright embarrassment at the gurgly noises and bad smells your body produces. It doesn’t have to be that way and, as a nutrition practitioner, I am always amazed by how long some of my clients have been trying to muddle through before they seek my help.

The Link Between PCOS and IBS

PCOS is an endocrine (or hormonal) disorder, whereas IBS or Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a gastrointestinal disorder meaning it affects our gut health and digestion. It is generally given as a diagnosis of exclusion, where conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and coeliac disease have been eliminated. It is thought to affect 1 in 5 people in the UK. Symptoms include Typical IBS symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhoea and/or constipation, bloating, wind, indigestion, mucous.

10 Reasons Why You Need More Sleep

I’m sure you’re already aware that getting more sleep is a great idea, but here’s something I see a lot in my nutrition clinic: knowing something doesn’t mean doing it.

Your hormone balancing action plan

If you’re looking to balance your hormones, here are my five top tips

Happy, healthy hormones

When you think about mental health, you’re probably thinking about your brain and how that works. The picture is often much more complex. Hormones play a big part because these chemical messengers are the background to everything that happens in your body. How you feel, therefore, is not just psychological, it’s biological.

Circadian Rhythms: Influencing Hormones and PCOS

Beyond the hustle and bustle of daily life, there exists a silent conductor orchestrating the body's essential functions and processes - the circadian rhythm. This 24-hour internal clock plays a crucial role in synchronizing various bodily systems, including the well-known sleep-wake cycle.

However, the influence of circadian rhythms extends far beyond regulating our sleep patterns.

Celebrating Non-Scale Victories

For those of us navigating the challenges of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), the relentless emphasis on weight loss can be overwhelming. The constant drumbeat of advice, often unsolicited, urging us to shed pounds can create a disheartening atmosphere.

However, it's crucial to recognize that the journey to improved health with PCOS involves much more than the numbers on a scale. In this blog post, we'll explore the concept of non-scale victories and why they are essential for celebrating progress in managing PCOS.

Nutrition hack: Eat a Salad Before Your Main Meal

Here is a fab, straightforward and effective blood sugar balancing hack that incorporates the benefits of fibre, greens, and a secret ingredient – apple cider vinegar.

Let's explore the science behind this hack and discover how it can contribute to hormonal balance, particularly for those of us with PCOS.

Xenoestrogens and PCOS

While hormonal imbalances and genetic factors are primary drivers for PCOS, there's a lesser-known contributor: xenoestrogens.

Xenoestrogens are synthetic compounds found in a range of everyday products, from plastics and cosmetics to pesticides and food packaging. These substances mimic the effects of oestrogen, a key hormone in the body, and can disrupt hormonal balance. In the context of PCOS, the influence of xenoestrogens is particularly relevant due to their potential to interfere with the endocrine system and contribute to the development and progression of the condition.

PCOS and Fertility

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex condition that often casts a shadow over the dream of parenthood for many women. Amidst the myriad of symptoms and challenges, fertility struggles stand as a significant concern for those with PCOS.

PCOS can bring about a range of symptoms, including irregular periods, elevated androgen levels, and ovarian cysts. Fertility struggles, often intertwined with these symptoms, can present a profound emotional toll on individuals and couples.

Untangling the Connection: Acne and PCOS

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a multifaceted condition that impacts the lives of countless women, characterized by a range of frustrating and distressing symptoms. Among these, acne often takes centre stage, causing not just physical discomfort but also affecting self-esteem and confidence.

Lean PCOS and Its Unique Challenges

While PCOS is often associated with weight gain, lean PCOS presents its own set of challenges, marked by hormonal imbalances and symptoms that may not be immediately obvious. PCOS typically conjures an image of weight gain and hormonal imbalances, but lean PCOS challenges this stereotype. In lean PCOS, individuals may have a relatively normal body mass index (BMI) but still experience the hallmark symptoms of the condition. It's a lesser-understood variation that requires special attention and awareness.

PCOS and Inflammation

While hormonal imbalances often take centre stage in discussions about PCOS, there's another crucial piece of the puzzle that deserves attention: inflammation.

Inflammation often emerges as a silent contributor, exacerbating symptoms and affecting various bodily processes. While inflammation is the body's natural response to injury or illness, it is designed as an acute response. Perfect if you’ve cut your finger or been bitten by a gnat. However, when inflammation becomes chronic or dysregulated, it can wreak havoc on multiple systems, including those implicated in PCOS.

Stress and Cortisol as Drivers of PCOS

While hormonal imbalances are frequently discussed in the context of PCOS, there's an underlying factor that may be contributing more than you realize: stress and its associated hormone, cortisol.

Research shows that stress is emerging as a significant player in driving PCOS, potentially exacerbating symptoms and influencing hormonal imbalances. Stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to perceived threats. While cortisol serves a vital role in the body's fight-or-flight response, chronic stress can lead to dysregulation, impacting various systems and possibly contributing to the development and progression of PCOS.

Navigating Weight Gain and PCOS

Among the challenges faced by us ladies with PCOS, unexplained weight gain stands out as a significant concern for many of us. Despite huge efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle, weight gain may persist, especially around our middles. And trying to lose weight becomes a formidable challenge, often requiring loads more effort compared to those without PCOS.

How can testing help with PCOS?

While traditional medical approaches focus on symptom management, Functional Medicine testing offers a promising avenue for deeper insights into the root causes of PCOS, allowing for more targeted and personalised strategies.

Always hungry? It might be your blood sugar

One of the critical aspects to consider in managing PCOS is blood sugar balance. But what does that even mean? Let's dive in.

What can a Nutritional Therapist do for PCOS management?

Many of us understand, at least on a conceptual level, that adopting healthier eating habits, engaging in regular physical activity, and prioritizing self-care are vital for leading a long and happy life. However, the demands of modern life often get in the way of these aspirations. Balancing work and family life leaves little room for focusing on our wellbeing. And of course, convenience frequently takes precedence as we’re all so busy!

How can diet and lifestyle changes improve PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, or PCOS, is a multifaceted hormonal disorder which affects a significant number of women globally. It comes with a whole host of symptoms which can hugely impact a woman's wellbeing, such as irregular periods, mood fluctuations, unwanted hair growth, acne, weight changes, and fertility challenges.

What is PCOS?

What connects celebrities Daisy Ridley, Victoria Beckham, Jools Oliver, and Emma Thompson? They have all publicly shared their battles with the hormonal disorder Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

Foods for a Healthy Gut

Fix Your Digestion Naturally

The Link Between PCOS and IBS

10 Reasons Why You Need More Sleep

Your hormone balancing action plan

Happy, healthy hormones

Circadian Rhythms: Influencing Hormones and PCOS

Celebrating Non-Scale Victories

Nutrition hack: Eat a Salad Before Your Main Meal

Xenoestrogens and PCOS

PCOS and Fertility

Untangling the Connection: Acne and PCOS

Lean PCOS and Its Unique Challenges

PCOS and Inflammation

Stress and Cortisol as Drivers of PCOS

Navigating Weight Gain and PCOS

How can testing help with PCOS?

Always hungry? It might be your blood sugar

What can a Nutritional Therapist do for PCOS management?

How can diet and lifestyle changes improve PCOS?

What is PCOS?