Dr. Felice Gersh has been popping around the internet lately and for those of us with PCOS, we should listen up!
Her new protocol involves very recent research. PCOS rarely has funding for studies, so most of the newer studies come from outside of the USA. You can see her entire nearly
This post includes the main treatment protocol for PCOS Dr. Gersh suggests along with my insights and recommendations.
As I write this post, I am on day two of the vegan diet portion. I completed my fasting (with difficulty – but I did it!). Correcting my sleep was the hardest of all. While fasting it’s hard to sleep normally. In these last few days, I found melatonin did not work well for me, but I am able to sleep with some CBD oil. So far so good. I’m regular, not as bloated, but still waiting for the benefits to show on my face. Breakouts are still happening, but I’m going to stick to it and see how it goes.
As you know from the blog, I’ve been controlling my weight, PMS, cramps, and mood very well with my own methods, but I’m not perfect. That’s why I giving this a shot. It’s important to always be open especially when new research comes out. From working in research studies I know they can often be incorrect or merely correlational, but we have to do the best we can. I decided to add a digestive enzyme with my meals, as I have a “gut feeling” since women with PCOS have gut dysbiosis, that we may also have low stomach acid. Worth a shot!
Step One: fix your circadian rhythm
To do this you will have to fast for 4 days. For details on how to properly fast see Dr. Jason Fung on YouTube and his books on fasting. You may also become an INSIDER for access to my detailed FASTING GUIDE and more goodies. Ideally, your fast will just be with electrolyte pills, dill pickle juice, real sea salt (grey or pink), and high-quality water. Reverse osmosis filtered or spring water. Fasts traditionally alow for black coffee, however, those of us with PCOS and adrenal issues may not have coffee. Coffee seems to be great for males, and not so great for most females. If this is troubling remember most herbal and green teas are safe during a fast. Just nothing sweet (no fruit teas) and strain well. If fasting proves hard look into a Prolon Fasting Kit. (Contact me for ordering).
Step Two: fix your gut dysbiosis
Right after fasting, it’s time to repopulate your microbiome. Your biggest meal of the day will now be your breakfast in the morning. Eat it within 2 hours of waking. Aim to wake up early around or as close to Sunrise. Forget breakfast foods. Make this a big filling meal.
YOU WILL EAT TOTALLY VEGAN FOR ONE MONTH
INCLUDE
- Complex carbohydrates (70%) whole-grains (not processed), all varieties of vegetables, beans, legumes, etc. Look for resistant starches
- Healthy fats (omega’s 3, 6 and 9) from nuts, seeds, olives, and coconut
- Natural fiber and prebiotic rich foods
- Probiotic-rich foods
- Green leafy vegetables and root vegetables
LIMIT
- Protein (approximately 12%)
AVOID
- Initially, protein from dairy and eggs
- Sugar and refined carbohydrates
- Alcohol (
comepletely !) - Food Intolerances
- Touching or storing food in plastics. Avoids can foods, recipes, etc. For more tips to detox your life from plastic, see this POST.
An example meal schedule:
When first waking:
Warm lemon water tea or ginger tea or spearmint tea (spearmint is great to lower testosterone)
9AM
Biggest Meal (make the day before if you’re in a hurry in the mornings)
Noon
Tiny sized meal or a healthy fat snack like olives and a good time to get your daily 5 Brazil Nuts (can also fast)
Before Sunset around 4 to 6PM
Small sized meal or a fat-fiber healthy smoothie
For PCOS vegan meal plans Stay Tuned For New posts. For now, you may see example meals on my Instagram. Follow @HealthfulGypsy
Your Basic PCOS Protocol
Inositol Powder (as myo inositol) 4.1g | Supports healthy ovulation, ovarian function, and reproductive system function | 1 scoop (2 grams) in morning and evening
Quercetin 500mg | 2 capsules in evening
NAC (N-Acetyl-l-Cysteine) 600 mg | Improves ovulation, menstruation, and reproductive system function in women with PCOS | 2 capsules in the morning and 3 capsules in the evening
Resveratrol (Trans-resveratrol) 40mg | Supports healthy hormone metabolism | 1 capsule in the evening
O.N.E. Multivitamin | offers comprehensive support for PCOS systems | 1 capsule in the morning
EPA/DHA Essentials | Supports cardiovascular health. Enhances insulin function and sensitivity | 1 capsule in the morning and 1 capsule in the evening
Vitamin D3
Supplements To Consider
- Nitric Oxide Booster
- Melatonin (timed release only)
- Alpha Lipoic Acid
- Selenium (Take exactly 5 Brazil Nuts per day)
- Probiotics (Best taken in the morning on an empty stomach with morning warm lemon water or tea)
- Digestive Enzymes with every meal (my personal recommendation)
- CBD Oil for pain and/or to help sleep (my personal recommendation)
For More On Dr. Felice Gersh
Her new book PCOS SOS should be out around February 2019. Please look out for it. I’m sure it will cite all the new studies she refers to when discussing this protocol as well as more in-depth information. Dr. Gersh’s website is HERE.
Follow Along My Use of The Protocol on Instagram
Follow @HealthfulGypsy
I’ll be updating the blog with my results in a few months. If you’re going to do the diet along with me, be sure to become an INSIDER, we can support each other in the private Facebook group.