PCOS? Why mushroom-based coffee may be your answer
Hands up if you suffer from PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome). According to the NHS website, 1 in 10 women in the UK are affected by PCOS. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a condition that affects how the ovaries work with common symptoms including; irregular periods, facial hair and even acne. Whilst it isn’t clear what causes PCOS, it is thought that it is linked to hormone problems.
Co-Founder of Sixways Georgi Grogan, after struggling with PCOS, gut issues, hormone imbalances and anxiety, as well as an absent period and irregular cycles, decided to try and find the root cause of her issues, rather than just treating the symptoms. This led to Georgi researching into the role of nutrition in health, using food and supplements as the medicine needed to heal the body. From her research, she found that reducing her coffee intake could help her symptoms of PCOS. By reducing caffeine, you can potentially reduce caffeine-related stress and anxiety, which can exacerbate hormonal imbalances. Lowering caffeine can also support better insulin sensitivity, helping regulate blood sugar levels—a common concern for those with PCOS. After a few months of eating a balanced diet and taking the right supplements, Georgi began to sleep better, her energy improved and her cycle returned. However, there was one main barrier - the number of supplements she had to take every day, and the taste of the adaptogens and mushrooms. It was not realistic to make a smoothie each day containing all the different ingredients needed to balance her body, and that’s where the idea for Sixways came from. We’ve enlisted Georgi to walk us through her journey and why mushroom-based decaffeinated coffee could support those suffering with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
What inspired you to create a mushroom-based decaf coffee and how does it align with your brand's mission?
I was diagnosed with PCOS in my early twenties, and after several months of struggling I decided to research into how I could support my symptoms holistically. I found that Maitake Mushroom was particularly beneficial in supporting balancing blood sugar and regulating hormones, while there was also a lot of evidence to suggest cutting out caffeine was very important for anyone with PCOS. A lot of the mushroom coffees on the market still contain coffee, so we decided to launch the perfect coffee alternative that won't spike cortisol levels, but also contains so many added benefits such as Inositol, Mushrooms + Vitamin B6.
Why is decaf a key aspect of your products
Although I love the taste of coffee, I'm unfortunately one of those people that feels so jittery after a couple of sips! I love the energy it gives me but I instantly feel so wired and I really can feel the negative effects that it has on my cortisol. That's why we chose to keep all of our blends decaffeinated and find alternative ways to support healthy energy and brain function. For example, our Focus + Elevate is a little energy cocktail using Lion's Mane and Vitamin B12 to boost your brain function, support sustained energy levels and avoid the dreaded caffeine crash.
Why are mushrooms a key ingredient?
When I first started my health journey, I discovered so many benefits of Functional Mushrooms. Extensive research has shown that there are many different chemical compounds in mushrooms that are responsible for their health-giving properties including vitamins, minerals, alkaloids, proteins and terpenoids. For centuries, particularly in China and Japan, certain mushrooms have been valued for their health benefits. Each mushrroom has a different super power, but they can support with anything from better sleep and lower stress levels through to more energy and brain function.
How do your blends support PCOS and anxiety, and how much do you recommend to drink to help symptoms?
Our Unwind + Recover blend helps to support stress levels, mood and anxiety with a concoction of mushrooms, adaptogens and vitamins. It contains Magnesium, aa key pillar for hormonal health, supporting with sleep, mood and PMS. It regulates the hormone system while also regulating blood sugar and to fight sugar cravings. Ashwagandha's adaptogenic properties help the body to cope with stress and lower cortisol. It is known to support the adrenals and thyroid function to help balance hormones. Zinc is also critical to hormone balance, it helps to balance excess androgens in women with PCOS and reduce symptoms such as hair loss, hirsutism and acne.
What is your favourite blend and way to drink it?
It's so hard to pick one blend! I'd have to say that my favourite right now is the Hormone Balance Mushroom Blend, it's so great to make an iced coffee with in summer. You get all the flavour of a regular coffee but none of the downsides! If I'm feeling extra inspired then I love making it into a Banana Date Latte which tastes so good, I'm a little bit obsessed! In winter, my favourite blend is definitely the Unwind + Recover - it's a delicious rich cacao drink that satisfies that sweet craving post dinner and helps you drift off into a restful night's sleep.
