Your hormonal imbalance and metabolism problems could have an effect on your health as a PCOS sufferer. However, PCOS can be a highly frustrating condition that affects your menstrual cycle, fertility, weight, and looks. Even though the fashion tips for teenage girl are not appealing anymore, most people with PCOS can still have healthy, normal lives thanks to medical treatment or lifestyle changes, which may include adopting a proper healthy diet.
Dr Archana Batra, dietitian, nutritionist, physiotherapist, and certified diabetes educator, says, “The significant hormonal disturbance associated with PCOS is the elevated levels of androgens like testosterone in females. These abnormalities are what cause typical PCOS symptoms, such as abnormal hair growth, acne, infertility, and weight gain.
Your weight and the amount of insulin your body is producing both have some effect on this. Additionally, PCOS alters the control and synthesis of insulin and metabolic processes involved in preserving a healthy weight. Hormonal abnormalities that are left untreated can make you more susceptible to heart problems, high blood pressure, and some types of cancer.”
PCOS signs and symptoms, and treatment options
A balanced diet can help prevent the signs and potential problems caused by hormone imbalances, insulin resistance, and inflammation.
Here is how changing your diet might be beneficial.
- According to Dr Batra, the following items could be beneficial for those with PCOS:
- Eating low glycaemic index (GI) meals and keeping an eye on your carbohydrate intake may be beneficial if you have PCOS, especially if you are obese or have high insulin levels.
- Anything that has been heavily processed and made with white flour should be avoided.
- PCOS patients struggling to lose weight may turn to high-protein diets because they are often filling. Less food is consumed, and more weight is lost when there is a higher protein intake.
- Avoid caffeine-containing beverages like coffee and black tea if they exacerbate your symptoms. Alcohol should ideally be avoided or consumed in moderation because it might induce weight gain quickly. Avoid high-sugar drinks, such as soda, energy drinks, and sweetened fruit juices. Water is the healthiest option for staying hydrated, although the PCOS diet is alright with drinking coconut water and green tea. It poses a good fashion tip for moms.
- The PCOS diet generally advises avoiding full-fat dairy. Greek yoghurt and cottage cheese are two examples of dairy foods that are suitable for a modified diet because they are low in fat and lactose. You can also use dairy-free, low-sugar substitutes like almond, rice, or coconut milk.
- PCOS and inflammation have been connected.
- The relationship may be in an endless cycle. Many PCOS sufferers can benefit from an anti-inflammatory diet for the treatment of their symptoms. This loop might be broken by dietary adjustments encouraging a healthy weight and reducing inflammation. Foods high in fibre with anti-inflammatory qualities include cruciferous vegetables, particularly broccoli, leafy greens, grapes, and red berries.
- The main dietary recommendations for PCOS include whole grains, fresh fruit, and plant-based proteins while minimising sugar, processed foods, and trans fats.
- Depending on your demands in terms of general health, you should change how much of the macronutrients (fat, protein, and carbohydrates) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) you consume or take additional supplements.
- After starting your PCOS diet, give the changes time to take effect. Be kind to your body and continue making dietary changes as you pay attention to how they make you feel.
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