Treating an ovarian cyst is not simply about trying to correct the symptoms of the cyst, but about getting to the root of the problem first. These types of cysts are fluid-filled sacs on or around the ovaries. There are many different types.

Types of ovarian cysts: The two main types of ovarian cysts are functional and also abnormal. These can break down into other cysts depending on how they are caused and their characteristics.

Functional cysts: These are the most common type of cyst. They are usually caused by a very small disturbance in the normal functioning of the ovary.

Abnormal cysts: However, these types of cysts are caused by abnormal cell growth. These are not always cancerous. Most are benign. Experts and scientists have been studying the causes of abnormal cell growth for many years. In most women, these cysts are harmless and require little to no treatment for ovarian cysts. Most of these, again, are not cancerous. However, other cysts are cancerous, so it is important to seek immediate medical attention if an ovarian cyst is suspected.

Cysts also vary in size and shape. They are usually small, so they can go unnoticed for years or until a routine exam detects them. However, some cysts are large enough to cause many symptoms such as menstrual irregularities, pain, and swelling.

Treatments for ovarian cysts vary widely from natural methods, such as a small adjustment in your daily eating habits to surgical removal of the cyst. Some proposed treatments can be as drastic as removing one or both ovaries. Keep in mind that, in almost all cases, such treatment is completely unnecessary. When you start treating the cause of a cyst, the symptoms will obviously subside as well.

Causes of ovarian cysts? As stated above, these are caused by a disturbance in the ovaries that function normally. This alteration may very well be the result of free radicals. Free radicals are generated by “oxidation”. Our bodies need oxygen to survive, but they can also be chemically reactive; which means that it becomes unstable causing the oxidation of other molecules, which then form into free radicals. Free radicals are chemically unstable atoms and can damage different parts of our body. This can include the reproductive system. Pollution, ultraviolet rays from the sun and processed can trigger free radicals.

Free radicals have been linked to major health problems, such as cancer and heart disease. Free radicals accelerate the aging process by destroying healthy cells. They also cause cells to change and mutate and turn into cancer. Fortunately, antioxidants help protect against free radicals.

How can vitamin C be used to treat ovarian cysts? Antioxidants protect against free radicals. Fruits and vegetables have the ability to provide antioxidants to our body. Vitamin C is an antioxidant known as ascorbate acid. Dietary sources of vitamin C are found in green leafy vegetables like broccoli and spinach, cauliflower, red and yellow bell peppers, citrus fruits, strawberries, blackberries, and different types of potatoes.

However, we cannot get all the vitamin C we need every day from fruits and vegetables, since we cook them, steam them and even chop them, so it will be necessary to take a vitamin C supplement. The daily dose US Recommended Vitamin C (Recommended Daily Allowance) is 60 milligrams per day. In expert studies, it is found that even more vitamin C is needed.