Sometimes, a sac-like structure known as an ovarian cyst can develop on the ovaries. Mostly, it is harmless. But, if the cyst ruptures, it can be dangerous. While regular checkups and the correct treatment would improve the health condition, there's a list of foods to avoid ovarian cysts.

Foods that Cause and Aggravate Ovarian Cysts

1. Foods high in refined sugar

Refined or white sugar is a common ingredient in many food items. It is considered one of the worst foods for your health when you have an ovarian cyst. Refined sugar causes a huge imbalance in the hormonal levels which results in either formation of an ovarian cyst or an aggravated cyst in the ovary. Therefore, avoid consuming cakes, pastries, cookies, and chocolates to improve the health of your ovaries.

2. Fried foods

Fried foods and junk foods top the list of the ovarian cyst diet to avoid. The heavy usage of oils and sauces might make the item tempting to eat, but it causes havoc in the body. Too much oil consumption leads to weight gain. The sauces contain chemicals that can disturb the mechanism of the body. To get rid of ovarian cysts and protect your body from developing a new cyst in the ovary, eliminate fried foods such as french fries, pizza, and chips from the diet.

3. Dark meat and high fats

Another category of foods that cause cysts are the dark meats and high fats. Dark meat also has a high percentage of fats. The other sources of fats are fatty beef, lamb, pork, salted butter, cream, and cheese. Again, eating these items results in forming new ovarian cysts and irritating the existing cysts.

4. Simple carbs

Foods which have simple carbohydrates and high glycemic index are bad news for women with ovarian cysts. Examples of such foods are wheat, refined flour, white bread, and short-grain rice.

5. Starchy foods

Stay away from starchy foods such as corn and potatoes. These items shoot up the insulin level, increase the body weight, and contribute to the formation of fibroids or cysts in the body. They also make the condition of cysts even worse.

6. Caffeinated beverages

If you are a regular consumer of beverages like milk, tea, and coffee, you are highly likely to develop new ovarian cysts and worsen the old cysts. The list of harmful beverages also includes sodas, soft drinks, high sugary drinks, and artificial fruit juices. The substances used to make these drinks are highly toxic and interfere with the normal functioning of the body.

7. Intoxicants

Same goes for the substances that are of an intoxicating nature. Foods like alcohol fall into the list of foods to avoid ovarian cysts. They are quite harmful and can disturb the normal hormonal levels of the body.

Healthy Foods to Prevent and Heal the Ovarian Cysts

On the one hand, there are some foods which are harmful to ovarian cysts. On the other hand, there are healthy foods that you could include in the diet to either prevent or get rid of ovarian cysts.

• Green leafy vegetables and legumes

Spinach, broccoli, squash, beans, cauliflower, kale, mustard greens, and chard have high fiber and magnesium in them. The legumes like red kidney beans, lentils, soybeans, black grams, and chickpeas are foods that are low on the glycemic index. This help regulate the hormonal levels in the body. As a result, the body is healed and protected from ovarian cysts.

• Citrus fruits

While fruits that have too much fructose may be harmful, replacing them with citrus fruits is a good idea. A healthy ovarian cyst diet can include fruits like cherries, oranges, limes, lemons, strawberries, and cranberries. These are highly refreshing and low in sugar content. These fruits replenish the body, shrink the ovarian cysts, and prevent the formation of new cysts in the ovary.

• Low-fat foods

Some of the healthy low-fat sources are eggs, chicken, fish, tofu, seafood, low-fat dairy like skimmed milk, and yogurt. They nourish your body without increasing your weight. Eating the foods can be highly satiating. They also protect you from developing ovarian cysts while healing the existing cysts.

• Healthy spices and nuts

Turmeric, ginger, garlic, cinnamon, basil, and rosemary etc. are filled with antioxidants and enhance the immune system of the body. Consuming almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flax seeds gives you enough omega-3 fatty acids and helps you deal with ovarian cysts effectively.

• Herbal teas

While the caffeinated beverages come under the list of foods to avoid with ovarian cysts, it is better to opt for herbal teas. You can drink chamomile tea, ginger tea, lemon tea, and hibiscus tea to improve your health without causing any harmful effects.

Conclusion

Apart from getting the professional advice and treatment from the doctor, diet also impacts the condition of the ovarian cysts. Some food items like refined sugar, refined flour, alcohol, and fried items can be harmful. Eat more green vegetables, healthy nuts, and citrus fruits to boost your immune system and to treat and prevent ovarian cysts.