5 Health Buzzwords You Should Know
You hear these buzzwords all the time: microbiome, inflammation, antioxidant, functional digestion, tension & stress.
You might be thinking, “These words don’t make sense to me. Can someone lay it out for me so it’s easy to understand?” Well, here I am to explain these buzzwords (and how they impact PCOS) in an easy-to-digest way!
What is the Microbiome?
According to modern science, the microbiome is an organ unto itself. It is made up of trillions of bacteria living in our mucous membranes and skin. It’s a combination of good bacteria, like probiotics, and bad bacteria, that my friend Dr. Marisol has coined “conbiotics”. These are microscopic con-artists, occupying space in your gut but doing nothing good for you. Probiotics create B vitamins and short-chain fatty acids like butyric acid, which are super good for you. The conbiotics produce noxious chemicals and rob us of our vital reserves. We must promote the balance of the microbiome in favor of the good guys in order to be healthy. Especially in the gut, since the microbiome there services your immune system and helps keep your hormones balanced.
What is Inflammation?
Inflammation is a natural healing function in moderation; but if excessive, can rage like a destructive wildfire. As Dr. Felice Gersh explains, “Women with PCOS live in a chronic state of physical stress (and often emotional stress) with an up-regulated adrenal system, giving rise to elevated levels of the hormone cortisol. Chronic over-production of cortisol results in a lowered level of metabolic activity, with reduced thyroid functioning, elevated levels of blood glucose, and intestinal abnormalities. This creates a state of inflammation in the intestines and insulin resistance throughout the body. Inflammation may also result from things like food allergies or food sensitivities. That’s why so many of us feel better when we eliminate inflammatory foods like dairy and gluten.
What is an Antioxidant?
Without being too technical, antioxidants are man-made or natural substances that help the body prevent or delay some form of cell damage. Most people think we exclusively get antioxidants from the food we eat, but that’s not entirely true. In fact, the body is actually capable of producing some of its own antioxidants. These are powerhouse molecules that are necessary for natural detoxification and cleansing to occur. Without them, you are weak and susceptible to chemical injury. Antioxidants are protective and life-extending. Examples include glutathione, nitric oxide, fat soluble vitamins like vitamin E, omega 6, and omega 9.
What is Functional Digestion?
Functional digestion is more than taking in food and moving it out. The way our bodies absorb and eliminate everything is very important. Digestion is the hub of the hormonal, nervous, and immune systems. Did you know that there is more melatonin in your digestive tract – actually 10x more – than in your brain?
What is Tension and Stress?
Coal, under pressure and stress, creates diamonds. Like coal, a little stress can be good for us. But like inflammation, a little bit is good, and too much is damaging. Women with PCOS are more prone to stress due to our natural hormonal imbalance. Dr. Fionna McCullough explains it this way, “for women with PCOS, stress can seriously imbalance the delicate interplay between hormones and can even interrupt the progress you are making as you put in the hard work to change your diet, exercise, and balance your hormones with supplements or medications.” Many of our PCOS symptoms (including belly fat) come directly or indirectly from stress. Learn to break the cycle.
What do all of these things have in common?
They are the foundation that keep our overall health strong and stable. When these are all in check, everything you take (supplements), eat (food) or do (therapies/exercise), all work better.
That’s what makes Castor Oil Packs an important tool in your PCOS Toolbox.
Sometimes, simple is better.
This (literally) ancient treatment has withstood the test of time because it WORKS to support all of these foundational elements.
If you haven’t read my blogs about castor oil and castor oil packs yet, check out the links below.
- Castor Oil Packs for PCOS Relief (And Much More)
- Castor Oil Packs for PCOS And More [FAQ]
- PCOS, Belly Bloating & Bathing Suits
- Ovarian Cysts, Castor Oil Packs, and PCOS
- 3 Hacks To Beat PCOS Hair Loss with Castor Oil
Disclaimer: I am an affiliate of Queen of Thrones. As you know, I only promote content and products that I truly believe in and use myself. If you ever have an issue with anything I share, please let me know (support@pcosdiva.com). I want to make sure I am always serving you at the highest level.
