PCOS: FOODS TO AVOID AND FOODS TO ADD IN YOUR DIET

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common women health condition affecting reproductive hormones. An irregular period or lack of menstruation is one of the most prevalent symptoms. PCOS can be handled with the assistance of your OBGYN and by establishing healthy behaviors. Diet and lifestyle choices can have a significant impact on PCOS and the symptoms experienced. Learn more about which foods to eat and which to avoid.

What exactly is PCOS and how does it affect the body?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a female hormonal disorder. This condition is relatively common, affecting 10% of women of child bearing age. PCOS disrupts female reproductive hormones, causing ovaries to alter. This results in a slew of symptoms, including:

• Ovarian cysts
• Increased androgen levels (male hormones)
• Menstrual irregularities
• Excessive hair on the face and body
• Acne (chin and forehead area)
• Skin pigmentation
• Difficulty getting pregnant
• Weight gain
• Hair thinning
• Mood swings

People who have these symptoms frequently do not consult a doctor. Patients with PCOS may not seek medical attention until they are having problems conceiving. PCOS can also contribute to depression, heart disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, anxiety, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and endometrial cancer. While there is no known treatment for PCOS, there are numerous strategies to address the symptoms.

How Your Diet Influences PCOS?

According to studies, more than 70% of women with PCOS exhibit insulin resistance, which indicates that the body's cells cease responding to insulin normally, causing insulin blood levels to rise above normal.

Insulin resistance is typical in obese or overweight PCOS women who follow a poor diet. Diabetes can develop if insulin resistance is not addressed. According to research, more than half of women with PCOS are diabetic or pre-diabetic by the age of 40. To alleviate the symptoms of PCOS, it is critical to manage insulin levels by consuming nutritious food and maintaining a healthy weight.

Foods to Avoid If You Have PCOS:

• Sugary drinks
• Fried foods
• Processed meats (sausages, hamburgers, and hot dogs)
• Refined Carbohydrates (white bread, pasta, and pastries)
• Processed food (cakes, candy, sweetened yogurt, ice creams with excess sugar)
• Coffee or caffeinated drinks
• Alcohol
• Dairy products
• Soy products

Foods to Include in Your Diet If You Have PCOS:

• Fatty fish (tuna, sardines, mackerel, and salmon)
• Broccoli and cauliflower
• Legumes, dried beans and lentils
• Leafy greens (spinach, kale, and artichokes)
• Nuts& seeds
• Dark chocolate in moderate quantities
• Berries
• Spices (turmeric, ginger and cinnamon)