The Best Supplements for Women

By Karla Walsh Yes, it’s possible to get all the nutrition you need from food, but lots of women still fall short (hey, we’re busy!). “Many of the most commonly-slighted vitamins and minerals are key to keeping the body functioning properly,” says Suzanne Dixon, MPH, MS, RD, an epidemiologist with Cambia Health Solutions. “The best way to determine which supplements you might need is to keep a diet record—it doesn’t have to be precise on serving sizes, just a general overview of what you eat on a day-to-day basis—and review it with a dietitian.” From there, they can suggest supplements if needed. How to Choose the Best Supplements for Women High-quality dietary supplements will note that they:  Were made in a facility that follows “GMP,” or good manufacturing practices, which are guidelines set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or… Meet US Pharmacopeia (USP) standards It’s even better if the product has been tested by an independent, third-party laboratory, such as consumerlab.com, Dixon says, in order to verify that the product is well-made, breaks down in a way the body can actually absorb, contains what is indicated on the label, and is free of potentially harmful or toxic substances, such as heavy metals or other contaminants. “But these steps don’t tell you if a dietary supplement will have the intended effects,” Dixon says. “For example, if a supplement is marketed to ‘support digestion,’ how can you tell if it will, in fact, support your digestion?” She says to check out the National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements. “Their dietary supplement fact sheets will give basic information on research regarding a particular supplement.” Now that you know what to look for, here are some of the best supplements for women: Vitamin D Best supplement for women in cold, cloudy climates: vitamin D Live in an area with not a lot of sunlight (most of the U.S. come winter) or slather on sunscreen religiously (hat tip to you!)? You’re likely lacking in vitamin D, as the skin needs sun exposure to produce its own to complement the D you get in your diet in things like fish, eggs, mushrooms, and dairy. Vitamin D supports your bone density, mood, energy, and immune health, says Stephanie Gray, DNP, MS, a functional medicine nurse practitioner and owner of Integrative Health and Hormone Clinic in Iowa. Of course, it also helps you absorb calcium. But the latest research suggests that if your vitamin D levels are normal, adding more won’t improve your health. “Ask your doctor for a vitamin D blood test, and if you’re low, supplement with 1,000 to 2,000 IU per day,” Dixon says. “Don’t take more than 4,000 IU per day, the tolerable upper levels for vitamin D.” Buy it: Pure Encapsulations 25 mcG/1,000 IU Vitamin D3 ($12 for 60, amazon.com) (Photo: Shutterstock) Folate Best supplement for women trying to conceive: folate “Folate supports the healthy development of the fetal brain and spinal column, so your folate needs are high around the time of conception,” Gray says. “Supplementing with bioactive 5 methyltetrahydrofolates [5-MTHF, found in the supplement recommended below] allows for the bypassing of steps in folate metabolism, which may be especially beneficial in those with digestive concerns.” Aim for a minimum of 1,000 mcg if you’re trying to get pregnant. Buy it: NOW Foods 5,000 mcg Methyl Folate ($22 for 50, amazon.com) (Photo: Shutterstock) Omega-3s Best supplement for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding: omega-3s Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to health, Gray explains. In addition to supporting eye and brain health, keeping your mood on an even keel, and reducing menstrual pain, they’re vital for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers to help the cognitive development of the child (and to prevent food allergies in the little one, according to the latest research). “Omega-3s have tremendous cardiovascular benefits, may boost your mood, can help reduce insulin resistance, and tame inflammation caused by autoimmune diseases,” Gray says. Discover how to incorporate omega-3s into every meal and consider a supplement if you’re not so fresh on seafood or don’t nosh on a lot of nuts. “When looking for a supplement, choose one that contains both DHA and EPA,” Gray says. “DHA supports optimal hormone signaling and EPA helps decrease inflammation.” Start with a dose of 500 mg per day—after checking with your doctor, of course. Buy it: Life’s Abundance Fish Oil (Liquid) ($70, lifesabundance.com (Photo: Shutterstock) Glutathione Best supplement for women looking to support overall health and fight oxidation Dubbed the “master antioxidant,” glutathione helps your body fight oxidative stress, support liver detoxification, and keep skin glowing from the inside out. While your body naturally produces glutathione, levels can dip due to stress, aging, and exposure to toxins (hello, air pollution and that extra glass of wine). Because oral glutathione isn’t always well absorbed, look for a liposomal or acetylated form to maximize bioavailability. And don’t forget the glutathione precursors—foods rich in sulfur, like garlic, onions, and cruciferous veggies, help your body make more of its own supply. Buy it: Quicksilver Scientific Liposomal Glutathione ($45 for 1.7 oz., Quicksilverscientific.com) C15:0 (Fatty15) Best supplement for women looking to improve healthspan and increase longevity Think of it as armor for your cells—Fatty15 is a science-backed, plant-based C15:0 fatty acid that helps strengthen cell membranes, boost metabolism, and support longevity. As we age, our cells become weaker and more prone to damage, but research shows this recently discovered odd-chain saturated fat can help fortify them, reduce inflammation, and even improve mitochondrial function (aka your body’s energy powerhouses). It also supports the immune system, good gut health and a healthy metabolism. Since modern diets have phased out much of this essential fatty acid (buh-bye, full-fat dairy), a daily dose of Fatty15 helps fill the gap—no butter required. It’s a small but mighty way to nourish your body at the cellular level. Buy it: Fatty15 ($49 for 30 softgels, fatty15.com) Calcium Best supplement for women who avoid dairy: calcium Critical for bone and muscle health, most women score at least half of what they need from food. “But if you

Thyroid Disease and Diet: Managing Thyroid Health With the Right Nutrients

As a health practitioner, you likely often hear from clients that they’re having a tough time losing weight due to what they think is an issue with their thyroid. That’s certainly a possibility since the thyroid plays a profound role in regulating our metabolism by secreting important hormones that control it and thereby nearly every cell and organ in our body. And since 12 of every 100 U.S. adults develop a thyroid condition during their lifetime—with 60% of them undiagnosed—it’s worth versing yourself on this small but mighty gland that sits at the base of the neck, and on the important nutrients that help support it. Let’s take a look at some of the most common thyroid diseases, ways to identify them in clients you are coaching, and then dive into the nutrients and foods that can support the thyroid. A Look at Thyroid Diseases Thyroid diseases are common and can affect anyone, but women are 5 to 8 times more likely to have thyroid disease than men. They may be the reason why some of your client’s experience trouble losing weight or have low energy levels. Let’s take a look at some of the most common thyroid diseases. Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid gland is overstimulated, producing too much T4, and speeding up your metabolism. This can lead to symptoms such as weight loss, irritability, a rapid heartbeat and sweating. Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland is producing too little T4. This can lead to a sluggish metabolism and symptoms of weight gain, tiredness, sensitivity to cold, dry skin and depression. There are two autoimmune disorders that also affect the thyroid gland. Graves’ disease causes hyperthyroidism while Hashimoto’s disease, also known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, causes hypothyroidism. Identifying Thyroid Disease As a nutrition coach or health practitioner, you’re in a unique position to help your clients identify the possibility of an underactive or overactive thyroid. If they come to you complaining of unexpected weight gain or weight loss, low energy or hyperactivity, and feeling more sensitive to heat or cold, don’t overlook these symptoms. Advise them to get their thyroid checked. Then, if proven true, work with their endocrinologist or other physician to manage their condition through diet and lifestyle. Nutrition and the Thyroid In general, to manage or prevent illnesses associated with thyroid disease, a diet should include: Lean proteins Vegetables Fruits Fiber-rich foods Heart-healthy fats Omega-3s “Proper thyroid function depends on key nutrients for the production of T4 and the conversion of T4 to T3,” says Dr. Robin Berzin, MD, the founder and CEO of Parsley Health. “This is the thyroid hormone that is active on the cellular level.” These nutrients include iodine, iron, magnesium, selenium and zinc. Let’s take a deeper dive into these minerals, and the foods that are loaded with them. Adding more of these foods to a diet will help the thyroid function more efficiently. Iodine Iodine is a key player in thyroid function. What’s more, one-third of the world’s population lives in iodine-deficient areas. While an iodine deficiency is rare in the U.S. and developed countries, it’s important to know that too much iodine can actually be harmful and cause overproduction of thyroid hormones. This may lead to an enlarged and inflamed thyroid gland or thyroid cancer. You can find iodine mainly in seaweed and animal protein, but you can also find it in iodized salt and fortified foods such as bread, cereal and milk. Examples of iodine-rich foods include: Beef liver Dairy products (milk, yogurt) Eggs Iodized salt Seafood (such as halibut, cod, tuna, shrimp and scallops) Seaweed (such as nori, wakame, kelp, kombu) Whole grains RELATED: The 9 Best Foods For Thyroid Health ​​Iron We talk about iron a lot because it’s really that important. Your body needs it to carry oxygen throughout the body. When you’re not getting enough iron, you’re tired and weak. Iron deficiencies are also known to impair thyroid function, and anemia can be one of the first signs of hypothyroidism. Pro tip: Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron, so if you eat foods that contain both nutrients—like broccoli rabe—you’ll get more bang for your buck. Other iron-rich foods include: Dark chocolate Dried fruit (apricot, raisins) Enriched/fortified whole grains Fish (oysters, sardines, tuna) Grass-fed beef Legumes (lentil, kidney bean, soybean, chickpea) Nuts and seeds (almond, cashew, pistachio, pumpkin and sunflower seeds) Potatoes Spinach Tofu Tomatoes Magnesium Magnesium is needed to convert the inactive thyroid hormone T4 into the active T3, a more potent form of the hormone. When magnesium levels are too low, our thyroid isn’t functioning at full capacity. Symptoms of deficiency include fatigue, constipation, headaches, muscle cramps or spasms. That’s why research has shown magnesium is also associated with reduced PMS symptoms. Dietary sources of magnesium are the best way to boost your intake. They include: Avocados Dairy (milk, yogurt) Dark chocolate Legumes (black beans, edamame, kidney beans) Nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts) Seeds (pumpkin seeds, flax seeds) Leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale, etc.) Whole grains such as quinoa Selenium Selenium is a trace element that plays an important role in the function of the thyroid gland. It also helps to protect the body from free radicals (the bad guys that cause cellular damage and can increase the risk of disease). Food high in selenium include: Brazil nuts Brown Rice Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cottage cheese) Eggs Poultry (chicken, turkey) Seafood (halibut, sardines, shrimp, tuna, oysters) Spinach Zinc Zinc has a few key jobs. It helps your body produce the important thyroid hormone T3 and also helps your brain with cognition and memory. Oysters are one of the best sources of zinc, and they also contain plenty of selenium, which aids in thyroid hormone synthesis. In other words, start shucking. Other foods high in zinc include: Meat (grass-fed beef, chicken) Seafood (oysters, shrimp, mussels, Alaskan crab) Legumes* (Chickpeas, lentils, beans) Seeds (pumpkin, hemp, flax) Nuts (cashews, almonds, peanuts, pine nuts) Dairy (milk, cheese) * Legumes contain phytates and lectins, which are antinutrients that can

Health Benefits of Flaxseed

Flaxseed—you may not know this, but it appears in so many of your favorite foods; in your morning cereal? Check! In your bread? Check! In your Beyond Burger? Check! So why is it everywhere? Sure, we’ve heard that seeds aren’t just for the birds (see what we did there?), but what exactly makes it such a popular superfood?   Read on to discover why health experts love this little seed and how to integrate it into your own recipes (plus some of our faves to try)! What is Flaxseed? Flaxseeds are harvested from flax plants called Linum Usitatissimum that were believed to have grown first in Egypt, but are now found all over the world. Since the fiber within the seeds is so strong, they were originally used to make clothing fibers before cotton came into play. Today, flaxseeds are more often added to our diets as a nutty-flavored, versatile ingredient. They’re sold in whole seed form, ground flaxseed (or flaxseed meal) and as flaxseed oil. You’ve probably seen them in breads, crackers, and perhaps as a binder in meatloaf or meatballs. Linen clothing is made from cellulose fibers that grow within flax plants, too. RELATED: How to Lower Heart Disease Risk, According to a Top Nutritionist (Including Eating More Flax!) The Health Benefits of Flaxseed  The American Heart Association has tapped flax as one of the top two seeds for your ticker—alongside chia. They’re a good source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of unsaturated fatty acid that converts to omega-3 fatty acids generally found only in fish and a few other foods. They also offer a dose of cholesterol-lowering lignans, which are large groups of polyphenols that line some plant walls. (These may also help control blood pressure and reduce the risk for certain types of cancers.) An ample source of fiber, heart-healthy fats, and plant-based protein, a 2-tablespoon serving of flaxseeds contain the following nutritional information, according to the USDA’s Food Data Central database,  130 calories 10 grams of fat 4 grams of protein 7 grams of carbohydrates (including 7 grams of fiber) 8 percent of your daily recommended intake of iron 6 percent of your daily recommended intake of calcium Since flax contains so much protein per bite, it actually will contribute towards your daily protein quota. It’s worth noting, however, that you can overdo it. Since the itty-bitty seeds are so rich in healthy fats, they’re also fairly calorie-dense. All that fiber can do a number on your digestion as well if you’re not used to consuming your recommended 25 to 38 grams per day. Quick tip: Be sure to drink plenty of water with any high-fiber food, including flax, to help your body usher it through the digestive system more easily.  Supplementing your diet with flaxseed has been linked to a lighter body weight, smaller waist measurement, and lower body mass index (BMI)—perhaps due to all of that filling fiber and protein.   RELATED: 3 Edible Seeds That Make Awesome Snacks How to Use Flaxseed in Healthy Flaxseed Recipes Now that you’re well-versed on all of the health benefits of flaxseeds, let’s dish about how to add them to your menu. Since the body has a tough time breaking down the hard outer shell of whole flaxseeds, purchase them pre-ground (or grind the whole seeds yourself) to consume them for the biggest health boost. Note: Ground flaxseeds do spoil faster than whole seeds, so store them in the freezer to extend their lifespan from about a week to 2 months or so. Buy it: Spectrum Essentials Organic Ground Flaxseed ($8.63 for 24 ounces, amazon.com) If your body doesn’t respond well to consuming eggs, trade out the white and yolk of an egg in nearly any recipe with a “flax egg”. (Mix 1 tablespoon flax seeds with 2 ½ tablespoons of water, allow to soak for 5 minutes to thicken, then incorporate into recipes in place of one egg.) Beyond that, flaxseeds work brilliantly as an incognito addition to smoothies, bread recipes, waffle and pancake batters, oatmeal recipes, and even meat mixtures (think meatballs, meatloaf and burgers). Here are some of our fave healthy flaxseed recipes to try this week: (photo credit: Shutterstock)

The Best Natural Remedies for Acne, According to a Dermatologist

By April Dupee Clear skin seems like it’d be easy enough to achieve—but much like limitless energy, good sleep, and work-life balance—it can feel like an impossible feat for some people. And contrary to popular belief, acne does *not* stay where you left it in high school. Adult acne is 100 percent a thing, and if you have it, you want it G. O. N. E., like yesterday. Problem is, traditional acne treatments often come with high price tags or unpleasant side effects like dryness, redness, or irritation, which is why many people want to add natural remedies to their acne-fighting routines. RELATED: 5 Foods That Prevent Acne Naturally Where to start? Well, the next time you’re tempted to poke at a blemish, try reaching for one of these natural remedies—courtesy of Michele Green, MD, New York City-based dermatologist—for an easy and affordable acne treatment instead. (Note: It’s always a good idea to see a derm to find the best acne treatment for your skin type, but these are solid options for lots of people. And start slowly: Natural doesn’t always mean gentle—nature is powerful, people!) Tea Tree Oil Have a pimple that just won’t budge? This essential oil extracted from the leaves of an Australian tree may be the spot treatment you need. With powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, Dr. Green says tea tree oil can be highly effective at reducing acne. Dilute a few drops and dab onto blemishes for an easy at-home treatment. (Photo: Shutterstock) Green Tea You already love matcha lattes for their antioxidant content and earthy flavor—and we’ve got another reason to sip up…Turns out, green tea’s antioxidants can help reduce oil production and inflammation when applied directly to skin. Simply steep some green tea, let it cool (no burns, pls!), and apply to your face after cleansing. RELATED: 7 Teas That Reduce Bloating the Natural Way (Photo: Shutterstock) Apple Cider Vinegar You’re definitely going to want this one in your natural acne-fighting arsenal. Apple cider vinegar “contains many organic acids that have been proven to kill P. acnes, the bacteria responsible for breakouts,” says Dr. Green. It also removes the excess oil that causes breakouts. Just be sure to dilute it with water—as in, add three times as much H2O—since the acidity can cause irritation, redness, or burns when applied directly to the skin. Apply with a cotton ball, let it dry, and then rinse with water. (Photo: Shutterstock) Honey Good news: The same sweetener you add to your cuppa can double as an effective acne treatment since honey contains powerful antioxidants that can help reduce oil production. A few tablespoons of honey + a teaspoon of cinnamon = your next self-care Sunday mask. How sweet! (Photo: Shutterstock) (Featured Photo: Shutterstock)

Syncing With My Cycle Changed My Life Forever. How It Can Change Yours, Too.

Excerpted from IN THE FLO by Alisa Vitti, reprinted with permission by HarperOne, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. Copyright 2020.  I know firsthand how stressful hormonal problems can be. I struggled with them for a decade, and my journey with a debilitating hormonal condition changed my career and my life.  My issues started in junior high school. I was a very late bloomer in the puberty department. Even though I was the president and founder of the Period Club, I was the last one in the club to actually start my period. I was almost sixteen when I got my first bleed, although it was brown and not healthy. I went to my gynecologist annually but was offered no diagnosis or explanation for the laundry list of issues I was having.  RELATED: The Best Period Underwear for Every Type of Flow Meanwhile, my symptoms worsened throughout high school and in college. At one point, I tipped the scales at 205 pounds; my face, chest, and back were covered in severe, painful cystic acne; and I hadn’t had my period more than a handful of times in a decade. Things got so bad for me, I couldn’t sleep, I binged on food to deal with fatigue and anxiety, I felt depressed, and I struggled to do basic things like be on time for appointments and stick with plans to go out with friends. I was a mess and felt trapped in my own body. One night when I was suffering with my usual insomnia, I headed to the library at Johns Hopkins, where I was a student, and I came across a brief article in an obstetrics journal about Stein-Leventhal disease, which is now called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). As I scanned the symptoms associated with this condition, I recognized myself immediately.  RELATED: What Every Woman Needs to Know About PCOS “This is it,” I thought! In my book WomanCode, I described in detail how that discovery prompted me to demand that my gynecologist give me a test to diagnose PCOS—a transvaginal ultrasound along with bloodwork. When the test revealed the telltale signs of PCOS—multiple cysts on both of my ovaries—I finally knew what was causing all of my issues. It suddenly made sense to me that all the diets, exercise, and skin care treatments hadn’t worked for me. My symptoms weren’t caused by my not trying hard enough; my hormonal system was so severely out of tune that no ordinary diet or skin cream was going to help.  My prognosis was grim—a lifetime of cystic acne and an increased risk for obesity, diabetes, infertility, heart disease, and cancer. As I sat in stunned silence, the doc dispassionately informed me there was no cure, only a litany of prescriptions—birth control pills to artificially regulate my period, Accutane for acne, Glucophage for insulin problems, Aldactone for hirsutism issues, blood pressure medicine, Clomid when it came time to conceive, and on and on—that I would likely have to take for the rest of my life. The message was clear: go home and suffer quietly. As I was reeling from the notion of a lifetime of pills and problems, a voice welled up from deep inside, calmly reassuring me: “That’s not your path.” My body was sending me a strong message that there had to be a better way. I didn’t realize it in that moment, but looking back, my body was letting me know I had the power to do something, to change my hormonal situation and create a better future for myself. In that moment, I made the switch from having a passive relationship with my body to becoming a champion for my health and well-being. I was in a fight for my quality of life, literally, and if traditional medicine was going to leave me unsupported, I’d look elsewhere for a remedy. For the next two years, I embarked on an exploratory journey to learn as much as I could from experts in a variety of health specialties, including naturopaths, herbalists, and acupuncturists. I tried elimination diets, candida diets, herbs, and supplements, and nothing worked for me. Although these therapies can provide relief for many conditions, they didn’t heal my hormonal problems. In fact, my condition continued to worsen. Out of desperation, I went on the pill, but after just ten days I temporarily lost vision in one eye from an ocular migraine and suffered a cardiac episode of low blood pressure and heart palpitations. After medical evaluation, I was told to avoid synthetic birth control. Finally, after exhausting all of the existing treatments, I tapped into my inner strength as a researcher (I had studied biology and wanted to become an ob-gyn) and began looking into the endocrine system, epigenetics, circadian patterns of the body and hormones (chronobiology), and the five-phase theory from Chinese medicine.  My findings encouraged me to experiment and create a revolutionary new way of eating that ultimately put my symptoms and condition into remission naturally. This is the basis of the FLO protocol I described in WomanCode, which includes using food to stabilize your blood sugar levels and insulin, reduce cortisol levels, restore microbial balance in the gut, and improve the breakdown of estrogen in the liver. Within nine months of following this protocol, my period came back, I lost sixty pounds, my skin cleared up, and my mood and life were transformed. I was beyond thrilled with this transformation, but my journey wasn’t over. I needed to find a way to maintain the changes I had made, and I wanted to get in touch with my cyclical nature by reclaiming a female-centered way of living. The Cycle Syncing Method™ was born from these two fundamental needs. The method is based on the extraordinary blueprint for self-care, biohacking, and optimization on every level provided by our cyclical hormonal patterns. The method allows us to stay connected to our feminine energy despite the cultural conditioning that dictates a linear, repetitive way of living. I certainly wish

A Top Physician’s Number One Tip for Getting Pregnant

Watch this two-minute video for easy-to-act-on baby-making advice from an expert.

Why Balancing Your Hormones is Super Important (and How to Do It)

5 smart tips to make sure your hormonal system is performing the way it should be.

What Every Woman Needs to Know About PCOS

Thanks to the Internet and real life stories from celebrities like Lena Dunham and Padma Lakshmi, more people are familiar with the hormone imbalance known as PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). These days PCOS is estimated to affect 5-10% of women of childbearing age, with 30% of all women exhibiting some symptoms of PCOS. Reports indicate that PCOS is on the rise and yet, despite its prevalence, much remains unknown about the syndrome. As with most things that are related to a woman’s menstrual cycle and hormones, there has been little discussion about this syndrome and many women are left wondering if they have PCOS, misunderstanding what PCOS is, or being diagnosed with PCOS and unfortunately coming to believe things that just aren’t true about their condition, what it means for their health and how to treat it. What is PCOS? What many people don’t realize is that PCOS is not one syndrome but rather four different disorders: Type 1: Classic. Women with classic PCOS have high androgen (male hormone) levels, irregular or absent ovulation, and a polycystic ovary. Type 2: Hyperandrogenic anovulatory. Those who have hyperandrogenic anovulatory PCOS have an excess of androgens and irregular or absent ovulation. Type 3: Ovulatory. Women diagnosed with Ovulatory PCOS have a high level of androgens and a polycystic ovary. Type 4: Non-hyperandrogenic. For women with non-hyperandrogenic PCOS, the syndrome presents as an irregular or absent ovulation and a polycystic ovary. The recently proposed fifth strain is Obesity. Women with this type have insulin resistance, which causes their testosterone and estrogen production to go into overdrive. As a result, these women typically experience acne, facial hair, and irregular or absent ovulation. RELATED: Schedule a free conversation with a Parsley Health expert to learn about our comprehensive approach to PCOS. Common Misconceptions It is often falsely assumed that the way one woman experiences PCOS is how all women experience it. For example, it is commonly believed that having PCOS means you have cysts on your ovaries and won’t have a regular period. In fact, only three of the four types of PCOS are associated with ovarian cysts and while menstruation can be affected by the condition, it is also heavily dependent on inflammation, body fat percentage, and one’s cortisol and insulin levels. Similarly, some, but not all, women with the condition will experience acne, facial hair growth, or both. How to treat PCOS and if it can be treated at all are also widely misunderstood. Women who come to Parsley Health with a PCOS diagnosis are often on a birth control pill and believe that their diagnosis means they are infertile. “In reality, the birth control pill does nothing to cure, prevent, or fix PCOS or any other hormone disorder. It can be helpful as a management tool for symptoms, but ultimately it just masks the problem,” explains Parsley Health founder and CEO Dr. Robin Berzin. RELATED: How to Eat for Fertility How to Treat PCOS Although the cause of PCOS remains unknown, research indicates that imbalances in hormone levels, body fat percentage, and metabolism are to blame. At the root of these imbalances are stress and diet, which often go hand in hand as high stress can lead to poor dietary and other lifestyle choices. Treating the condition requires making dietary and lifestyle changes. For our patients, we recommend a low-glycemic, plant-based, Paleo-style diet complemented with supplements to balance hormone levels, blood sugar, and insulin levels and decrease inflammation. By following our protocols, our patients have re-balanced their bodies, reversed PCOS, and oftentimes been able to conceive. If you have been given a diagnosis of PCOS, the best thing you can do is educate yourself and find a physician who will take the time to explain the syndrome and work with you to heal. Just because a friend has PCOS or you have heard that women with it always have a particular symptom does not mean that you will have that experience. At Parsley Health, we believe in a personalized approach to medicine because no two people are the same. This piece was originally published on Parsley Health. Parsley Health is a groundbreaking medical practice of highly trained doctors and health coaches in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Parsley Health takes a smarter, whole approach to helping you live a healthy life. You deserve a better doctor. Sign up here to speak to a health expert to figure out how Parsley Health can help you achieve your goals today.

You Need to Know This Before Getting Tested for a Thyroid Problem

The sad truth is that many doctors won’t do in-depth thyroid testing unless you ask for it. And even then, most patients don’t know what to ask for.