There is an obesity epidemic in the United States. Along with obesity, there is an increase in ovarian cysts and also ovarian cancer. Women who develop ovarian cysts after menopause generally have a higher risk of ovarian cancer. This is because
higher amounts of “bad estrogen” known as estradiol. Although the overall levels of all estrogens are low, the balance of “good” estrogens (estriol) and bad estrogens is generally not optimal.
Is there a connection between being overweight and suffering from ovarian cysts? How can obesity influence the body to produce or aggravate ovarian cysts? The answer to the previous question is a resounding yes.
Many years ago, science thought that fat was just a layer of fat that accumulated under the skin. In other words, the fat was fat, and apart from making us look ugly, it doesn’t actually have any other effect on the body.
Today, science has discovered that adipose (fat) tissue can be classified as an organ or a functional tissue. In simpler words, fat has many functions and produces different chemicals that affect the body in many ways.
An example would be diabetics who often develop fatty liver. Fatty liver occasionally leads to cirrhosis of the liver and sometimes liver cancer. Why? Because fatty tissue produces chemicals that cause inflammation. Constant inflammation damages tissues (cirrhosis) and can lead to cancer.
Fat tissue is also known to produce various hormones, especially estrogen. So this is the connection. Excess fatty tissue will produce hormones and stimulate ovarian cysts, fibroids, fibrocystic disease, endometriosis, etc.
Another important correlation between obesity and ovarian cysts is that the dietary and lifestyle habits of people who are overweight are often predisposing factors for ovarian cysts.
So by avoiding lifestyle habits that promote a lot of weight, ovarian cysts can also be prevented. Clothes like:
1. Lack of exercise
2. Too many calories in the diet
3. Low fiber diet
4. Little consumption of fruits and vegetables, especially of the cabbage family.
Lack of exercise and low fiber content in the diet increase estrogen levels. Many fruits and vegetables interfere with or block excess estrogen from stimulating the ovaries. Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are the main ones. They are also rich in fiber and nutrients.
Adding 2 tablespoons of ground flax seeds to your diet can also help regulate the body’s hormonal system.
Bottom Line: By maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding lifestyle habits that predispose to weight gain, you can be an important step in the prevention and cure of ovarian cysts.