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 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 in your diet.

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

13C 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 help 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.

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. Do not sulk to consult a gynaecologist when in doubt and symptoms are unrelenting!

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long do ovarian cysts last?

Ovarian (functional) cysts usually decrease with time within one to three months.

2. What foods are good for ovarian cysts?

Some examples of food that should be a part of an ovarian cyst diet are a handful of nuts, watermelon, papaya, pear, and apricots.

3. How can I shrink my ovarian cyst naturally?

Herbal teas, such as chamomile tea and green tea, are thought to be effective in ovarian cyst treatment. One can get instant relief from the symptoms by drinking 2 to 3 cups of chamomile tea per day. For more information on how to shrink ovarian cysts naturally, read this blog.

4. Which foods can make your ovarian cyst worse?

Meat and food products that contain saturated fats are known to trigger the symptoms of ovarian cysts.

5. Is it safe to have milk when you have an ovarian cyst?

Yes. Low-fat milk and dairy products are good to be included in the diet plan for ovarian cysts.

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Dhanunjay Reddy