– By Shelia Edwards
I have suffered from PCOS (poly-cystic ovarian syndrome) for several years and initially treated my symptoms with medication. I quickly found out that medication was not the answer to alleviate my symptoms. The side effects were horrific.
PCOS is an endocrine disorder characterized by hirsutism (excessive hair growth on face, chest, toes, back, etc), male-pattern baldness, horomone imbalance, excessive weight gain, high level of male androgens, carb cravings, acne, infertility, mood swings, and irregular cycles to name a few. I also have a gluten allergy, irritable bowel, low stomach acid and cannot digest foods properly to get the proper nourishment from my foods. Due to this, I have several food allergies.
I try to detox several times a year because this condition makes you vunerable to respiratory illnesses, immune dysfunction, allergy to foods, chemicals, dairy, and meat. I became a vegetarian due to health reasons and the inhumane treat of animals. 
The antibiotics and chemicals in meat make me very sick, and dairy causes me to have a surplus of mucous leading to respiratory illnesses throughout the year. The only dairy I may eat occasionally is cheese, yogurt, and sour cream. Even in small amounts, they are intolerable. When I eat these foods I feel ill, cough, itch, and feel spacy, cloudy, and lethargic.
When I encounter MSG and other chemical-laden foods, I feel the allergic reaction in minutes. These chemicals are hiding in most foods. The best food choices are whole, raw foods once again.
I feel my best when I only eat whole foods, raw foods, and organic foods. I have more energy and feel energetic and do not ache in my joints as with eating SAD foods. To alleviate PCOS symptoms, it is recommended to drink pure water daily, no sodas, minimal to no fruit juices, fresh fruits and veggies.
I do not eat meat because it contains the chemical DES which exacerbates my PCOS symptoms. PCOS sufferers also crave carbs and have abnormal hunger desires. The hunger hormone leptin causes PCOS sufferers to crave carbs, get a sugar rush, increase insulin resistance, then crash with no energy. We have an abnormally higher level than the average person. It is a vicious cycle alleviated with eating only whole foods from nature.
Hence, this is where the 21 Day Green Smoothie Detox comes into play. I look forward to detoxing with healthy and tasteful fresh fruits and veggies. It is so fun to create smoothie recipes, puddings, soups, fruit salads, and veggie salads. Dealing with PCOS, I try to eat fruits such as strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and any other lower glycemic fruits. I also love watermelon, canteloupe, apples, gogi berries, grapes, cherries, oranges, lemons, star fruit, limes, ugli fruit, mangoes, etc. in moderation.
My fav veggies are kale, lettuce ( green, red, boston, romaine, butter), swiss chard, sprouts, and spinach to add to smoothies. I also eat a tablespoon of raw, wild-crafted bee pollen for energy and hormone balance. For slow sugar release in PCOS, it is important to have some greens in a smoothie.
Shelia’s Summer Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1-2 handfuls of green lettuce
- Dark sweet cherries
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Peaches
- Water
Directions:
Start with blending your fruit and water. Add greens as you go to your taste.
- frozen fruit makes a nice dreamy treat and alternative to ice cream and milk shakes.
- Frozen bananas chopped up can be added for a tasty summer treat
This recipe can be used by beginners starting with a small amount of greens with fresh fruits. As you get used to adding greens to your smoothies, you can add a little more to your smoothies. I just add a handful of each fruit to my liking and taste buds at that moment. Just have fun experimenting with your smoothies. Indulge in a summer smoothie.
Or better, create your own summer smoothie recipe!
Enjoy the recipe and experiment.
Now, let’s get ready for the 21 Day Green Smoothie Detox !