JiViSaOnWomensHealth: Understanding Women's Health Better!

In the whirlwind of modern life, women often find themselves juggling numerous roles and responsibilities, from career pursuits to caregiving duties. Amidst this hustle and bustle, it's easy for women to overlook their own health needs! To shed some light on the importance of women's health, we recently hosted a LIVE Session titled #JiViSaOnWomen'sHealth: Conquering PCOS/D.

During our hour-long session, we dove into topics that are sometimes sidelined despite their significance in a woman's health journey. We explored women's hormonal well-being, the impact of lifestyle conditions such as PCOS, women's unique nutritional requirements, and the role of yoga and dietary choices in managing and overcoming PCOS/D.

Our esteemed guests Mukta Patil, a seasoned nutritionist and health coach, and Nishtha Mohan, a yoga guru and healing coach, brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table.

Some key highlights from our discussion included:

Sarika- Mukta, I'll start with you. You've been dealing with a lot of women suffering from PCOS. do you think we can only deal with these things through nutrition? 

Mukta- So, there are three basic factors to keep in mind for PCOD or PCOS. Firstly, insulin resistance develops, particularly if you are overweight. Secondly, excess weight, coupled with insulin resistance, causes the ovaries to produce male hormones instead of the required balance of estrogen and progesterone. Thirdly, maintaining your immune system and overall well-being is crucial.

It's not solely about nutrition, but ultimately, the focus tends to shift towards nutrition and lifestyle changes. PCOD or PCOS currently lacks a cure because the root cause remains unclear.

During PCOD or PCOS, the body often remains in a state of chronic inflammation, with cortisol levels constantly elevated. This creates a cycle where high cortisol leads to decreased estrogen, triggering insulin resistance, which in turn promotes the production of male hormones. This cascade of hormonal imbalance manifests in symptoms like hair loss, acne, changes in hair texture, and weight gain, necessitating weight loss as part of management.

Nutrition plays a pivotal role in several aspects: managing weight, preventing deficiencies, preserving muscle mass, and supporting physical activity like strength training or yoga, which not only builds strength but also promotes relaxation. Without adequate nutrition, engaging in workouts becomes challenging. PCOS and PCOD require a holistic approach involving both medication and lifestyle modifications, with nutrition serving as a foundation. Failure to manage nutrition can hinder physical activity, perpetuating the condition.

Sarika- What guidance does yoga offer regarding managing PCOD or PCOS? 

Nishtha- If you're dealing with PCOS, it's crucial to prioritize your health! I work with many women, and I always stress the importance of taking care of themselves. Often, they think just one hour of yoga practice is enough, but what they do for the other 23 hours matters just as much. It's not only about that one hour; it's about how you spend the rest of your day.

When they're in my class, I encourage my students to be mindful of their lower body, particularly their legs and hips. Many women wear tight clothing to the office, which restricts movement and doesn't allow their muscles to breathe properly. That's why I suggest wearing comfortable, breathable cotton clothes instead.

PCOS is also a metabolic disorder. Sedentary habits can exacerbate metabolic issues, leading to conditions like PCOS. Recognizing the signs, such as mood swings and irregular periods, is crucial for early intervention. Personally, I've dealt with PCOS and its accompanying challenges, but awareness and lifestyle changes have been transformative.

Adjusting my diet, opting for loose, breathable clothing, and prioritizing yoga poses that target the lower body have been instrumental in managing PCOS symptoms. Simple practices like sitting in a cross-legged position can also improve circulation, aiding in PCOS management over time. Incorporating breathwork techniques like Kapalbhati and Brahmari can further help reduce stress levels, contributing to overall well-being.