Supplements (Podcast 7/16/2020)

This is a guide based on the Podcast we posted on 7/16/2020, and all the supplements and herbs we talked about.

A very common topic we see is PCOS patients wondering what supplements they should be taking for their PCOS. In this episode we talked about all the different supplements that can be taken to help with PCOS symptoms. 

So before you get your pen out and start writing all these down thinking "oh good I'm going to start taking everything they say" FULL FUCKING STOP! 

Although these are over the counter supplements, they can alter your metabolic functions so please consult your doctor, nutritionist or health provider before starting any of these. We highly recommend you have all your lab work done prior to starting any of these supplements to know where you are at and what would be needed to take (DO NOT ASSUME IN WHAT YOU NEED!) Also checking to ensure that any supplement does not interfere with any prescription you are on.

GENERAL MULTIVITAMIN
We recommend a high quality multivitamin to all people, regardless of PCOS or not. We recommend Theralogix.com, who offers a variety of multivitamins depending on your needs. Use PRC Code 260435 to save 15% at checkout. 

AMINO ACID COMPLEX
There are 9 essential amino acids that preform a number of important jobs in a body which may be helpful for a PCOS Patient's general health. If you are looking to supplement amino acids, look into a complex that includes Phenylalanine, Valine, heronine, Tryptophan, Methopnine, Leucine, Isoleucine, Lysine and Histindine. These do things like stimulate muscle growth, help with energy production, play a role in immune function & fat metabolism, helps sleep and mood, can assist in regulation of blood sugar & absorption of zinc among many other vital functions. 

B VITAMIN COMPLEX - (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12)
B vitamins play many important roles, including:
Converting nutrients into energy
Acting as an antioxidant
Metabolism
Red & White Blood Cell formation & production
Carbohydrate & fat metabolism
DNA Production & Repair
Creation of Neurotransmitters
Cell Growth
Amino Acid metabolism

BERBERINE
Berberine is a supplement that may help with Insulin Resistance. We do NOT recommend taking this medication if you are not IR, as it may have negative side effects. Please talk to your health professional before adding this supplement to your regimen.

Berberine has been shown to have similar effects as some pharmaceutical drugs for Type 2 Diabetes (like Metformin) in doing the following:
Lowering blood sugar levels
Increasing glucolysis (helping the body break down sugars inside the cells)
Decrease sugar production in the liver
Slows the breakdown of carbohydrates in the gut
Increases the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut

BIOTIN
Biotin is usually thrown out there for hair loss with PCOS Patients, but there is much more that it may be used for:
Brittle nails, diabetes, and mild depression with PCOS. It may help your liver and pancreas gland to better metabolize blood sugar. Biotin may also reduce insulin resistance in muscle tissues. There have been studies that have also shown that biotin is effective for helping to reduce triglycerides and promote good cardiovascular health. 

CALCIUM D
Helps rid the body of Endocrine disrupting chemicals and Xenoestrogens It also helps your body eliminate cortisol, testosterone/androgens and bile acids. Both vitamin D and calcium are given to decrease insulin resistance and decrease some PCOS symptoms.

CHASTEBERRY
Also called vitex, is a herb usually for treating infertility due to a hormonal imbalance. This is a powerful supplement and should be taken carefully.

CHROMIUM
Chromium is a supplement that may help with Insulin Resistance. We do NOT recommend taking this medication if you are not IR, as it may have negative side effects.

Chromium may help to control fat and cholesterol in the blood. It has so many vital benefits like decreasing insulin resistance and plays an important role in the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Please talk to your health professional before adding this supplement to your regimen.

CINNAMON
Helps stabilize blood sugar and restore hormone balance. It can help normalize the monthly menstrual cycle. In studies cinnamon even showed to reduce insulin resistance.

CoQ10
Co Enzyme Q10 is a substance that your body produces in nearly every cell. It is important for breaking down carbohydrates and turning them into energy. It is an antioxidant that helps to balance your blood sugar, and is essential for energy production and normal carbohydrate metabolism. It has also been shown to improve egg quality and ovulation. Please talk to your health professional before starting as this supplement may also lower blood pressure and blood sugars and interfere with people taking blood thinners. 

EVENING PRIMROSE OIL
Evening primrose oil is an omega-6 fatty acid called GLA (gamma-linolenic acid). It may be helpful if you have low progesterone. It also can support overall hormonal function and  minimizes PMS symptoms, such as breast tenderness, bloating, water retention, acne, depression, irritability, foggy thinking, cramps and headaches.

FISH OIL
Being loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil helps reduce androgens and improve insulin sensitivity.

FLAXSEED
Faxseed may help decrease androgen levels. It contains lignans that increase the production of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) that binds testosterone in the blood, helping balance excess androgens. Studies have shown that Flax seed supplementation caused reduction in ovarian volume and number of follicles in polycystic ovaries, as well as improved the menstrual cycles. 

INOSITOL 
Myo & D-Chryo, we have dedicated an entire episode on this before, and talk about it to death. This is something we know all PCOS Patients should be on if possible. Go to Theralogix.com Use PRC Code 260435, The End

MACA ROOT
Maca supports healthy progesterone levels in the body. Maca is an adaptogen and great for fertility. It also helps balance the hormones and can help with low libido.

MAGNESIUM
Before taking this supplement, speak to your health professional, this supplement may effect things such as blood pressure. Magnesium supplements may interact with certain medicines, it is imperative to check with your dr before taking.

Magnesium plays a critical role in brain function and mood, and low levels of magnesium are linked to an increased risk of depression. taking magnesium may help with these. 

In one study, people who took 450 mg per day experienced a significant decrease in blood pressure

Magnesium supplements may reduce inflammatory marker CRP and other markers of inflammation in older adults, overweight people and those with pre-diabetes

Some researchers believe that people who suffer from migraines are more likely than others to be magnesium deficient. In fact, a few encouraging studies suggest that magnesium can prevent and even help treat migraines.

Magnesium may assist in Insulin resistance, helping the muscle and liver cells to properly absorb sugar from your bloodstream.

Interestingly, magnesium has been shown to improve mood, reduce water retention and other symptoms in women with PMS

N-ACETYLCYSTEINE
N-acetylcystine (NAC) is helpful for improving fertility and many of the metabolic aspects related to PCOS such as fatty liver, high cholesterol and insulin resistance. NAC is also great for keeping the immune system healthy.

NAC is an antioxidant and amino acid. Specifically, it’s a derivative of the amino acid L-cysteine, an essential precursor used by the body to produce glutathione, an antioxidant that protects against free radical damage and oxidative stress and is a critical factor in supporting a healthy immune system.

A study published in the European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology compared the effects of NAC and metformin in women with PCOS. In this prospective trial, 100 women were divided to receive either metformin (500 mg three times daily) or NAC (600 mg three times daily) for 24 weeks. Both treatments resulted in significant and equal decreases in BMI, hirsutism, fasting insulin, free testosterone, and menstrual irregularity

Three randomized studies compared NAC or metformin with Clomid in women with PCOS. In two of the studies, Clomid plus NAC resulted in improved ovulation and pregnancy rates compared with placebo.

OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS
Helps your body become more sensitive to insulin and has been found to reduce testosterone levels associated with androgen excess. Its properties can also reduce inflammation, high blood pressure and irritation of the digestive tract.
as well as reduces insulin resistance, leptin levels and systemic inflammation
They can normalize the heartbeat and when combined with the right amino acids, they can lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, and prevent clogging of the arteries. It also improved mental acuity and helps with symptoms of anxiety.

SAW PALMETTO
May help hirsutism or excessive hairiness in women with PCOS. It may also help thinning hair grow back.

SPEARMINT TEA
May help reduce hirsutism, or excess body hair, by reducing testosterone levels(Commonly high with PCOS) and increasing luteinizing hormone LH (commonly low with PCOS).

VITAMIN D
Be sure to see your doctor to have your vitamin D checked before starting supplementation. 

Studies show an inverse relationship between vitamin D and metabolic risk factors. Overweight patients with PCOS who were vitamin D deficient and took vitamin D supplementation for eight weeks saw improvements in insulin, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels. 
Vitamin D status has also been shown to improve fertility and pregnancy rates during assisted reproduction therapy. In one study, infertile patients with PCOS who underwent Clomid stimulation had more mature follicles and were more likely to get pregnant when they had had higher vitamin D levels.

ZINC
Zinc helps with the production of insulin, so it is extremely important in balancing blood sugar. If you are zinc deficient you may notice cravings for salt and sugar foods, a sign of insulin resistance. It also helps your body balance androgen excess especially testosterone which could be high or low with PCOS. You should take Omega 3’s when taking zinc supplements to help it get properly absorbed!