Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome widely known as PCOS is a condition that causes hormonal imbalances and creates problems with your metabolism. A study conducted by, AIIMS shows that 20.25% of Indian women of childbearing age (ages 15 to 44) are suffering from PCOS. It also can lead to serious other health challenges such as diabetes, depression, cardiovascular problems, and creates problems in conceiving endometrial cancer. Women with PCOS produce a higher amount of male hormones. The hormonal imbalance causes them to skip menstrual periods and makes it harder for them in getting pregnant.
Your diet is a bank account. Good food choices are good investments. Fight PCOS with Diet:
Fibre keeps you full, improves health, and aids weight loss. Good sources include barley, oatmeal, beans, nuts, and fruits. Broccoli, cauliflower, beans, almond, sweet potatoes, pumpkin are also adorned with good fibre content.
These are particularly recommended for a woman struggling to lose weight. They are rich in iron, potassium, calcium and Vitamin K, C, E, and B.
The anti-inflammatory diet carries plenty of probiotics, fibre, antioxidants, and omega-3s, which means a diet rich in vegetables, whole fruit, whole grains, legumes. Tomatoes, spinach, almond and walnuts, olive oil, Turmeric, cinnamons also serve the purpose.
Some may hesitate to consume them due to the fructose content; however, fruits have several minerals, poly nutrients, and fibre. Consume fruits with a low glycemic index like guava, pears, strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, apples, oranges and watermelons.
To most people, the word ‘fat’ does not seem to go hand in hand with PCOS, but you need to eat healthy fats provide essential fatty acids. It includes seeds, olive oil, avocado, and nuts.
The GI measures how quickly a food raises blood sugar levels. So a low GI diet helps prevent insulin spikes by raising blood sugar levels slowly. The low-GI diet consists of eating whole lean protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats. Moreover, the advantages of consuming a low GI diet are clinically backed by lots of studies and surveys.
Avoid the following:
Here are some Pro-Tips:
There is no definite cure or medication for PCOS. Yet switching to a healthy lifestyle that is based on a better diet and regular exercise can help you fight the disorder by manifolds.
The author is the Medical Director and IVF Specialist from Mother’s Lap IVF Centre, New Delhi and Vrindavan.