Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can be a terrible nightmare for many females out there. The disruptive mood swings and depressed soul can worsen the whole life experience. However, PCOS can’t be so dreadful if proper treatment is done. A balanced PCOS diet plan can contribute in reducing the side effects of the hormonal imbalance caused by PCOS. But first it is pertinent to see what exactly PCOS is.
Knowing What PCOS Means
PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome that causes a formation of cyst inside the ovaries of a female body. It may results in enlarged ovaries containing small amount of fluid — called follicles.
Who gets PCOS?
A report has determined that obesity may contribute in getting this metabolic disorder as 50% to 60% women who have been diagnosed with PCOS are found obese. PCOS is a disorder that affects over 5-10% women of childbearing age. Even it can be diagnosed in 11 years old girl.
Symptoms of PCO that you should know
The formation of these cysts is not deemed to be life threatening however; this disorder can lead to many chronic diseases including:
- Difficulty in conceiving that may lead to infertility
- Hormonal imbalance
- Abdominal obesity
- Cardio Vascular disorders
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Abnormal hair growth or hair loss
- Moderate to severe acne
- High insulin level
- Increase in the testosterone level
After a person is diagnosed by PCOS, any such condition may dread her for the longest time. After all, any abnormality or disorder can affect the whole life cycle of an individual. PCOS usually affect women that are overweight or obese. Losing weight can help in reducing the production of male hormones (known as Testosterone) level due to which affected individuals may gradually begin to ovulate. Thus, women suffering from PCOS should follow a healthy PCOS diet plan that can eventually help to reduce all problems regarding PCOS.
Be Wise; Follow Your PCOS Diet Plan
- Fresh fruits or canned fruits without added sugars should be taken. A balanced amount of carbohydrates and proteins is required so you should monitor your diet on a regular basis. Berries, figs, pears, kiwi, lime, apricot, grapefruits, watermelon and oranges are also healthy to eat.
- Drink 8 liters of water daily. Additionally, add up 2 liters of water per day in your diet to help you combat with PCOS. Water helps to flush out all the toxins present in your body thus making you feel vibrant, fresh and lively.
- Green vegetables such as peas, spinach, and broccoli should be a significant part of your PCOS diet plan. Bright colored vegetables including red and yellow bell pepper, carrots, eggplant, and tomatoes help to reduce oxidative stress in women. It also helps in removing antitoxins from the body.
- You can also add up seeds and nuts such as flax, walnuts, pecans, almonds and sunflower seeds in your meal to make it healthier.
- Proteinaceous foods such as chicken, eggs, tofu, beef, fish, nuts, yogurt, cheese, low-fat milk should be taken moderately. Excessive intake of chicken may complicate PCOS.
- Carbohydrates for example, sweet potatoes, brown rice, apples, beans, berries, quinoa and whole grain tortilla gives you the boost of energy that is required to fulfill your your daily requirements.
- Vitamins should be included in your diet especially Vitamin A, D, E, C, B1, B2, B3, B6, and B12.
- A diet containing essential minerals is important for human body. Minerals such as iron, zinc, folic acid, chromium, magnesium, selenium, and manganese are safe to consume in PCO.
Food to be avoided at absolute cost
Shedding the extra weight is also important to reduce the symptoms of this health issue. PCOS requires a balanced diet with a proper intake of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Eliminating fats from your diet is not the right way to deal with PCOS but balancing every nutrient in your diet can help you to treat your PCOS symptoms well. Obesity increases the chances of PCOS related problems; therefore you should be careful in your eating habits. Find some more healthy tips that you should follow especially if you are trying to conceive.
- Dairy products taken in PCOS can increase the risk of ovarian cancer as it contains IGF-1. It is a hormone stimulant which can be harmful in PCOS as female hormones tend to get sensitive in this condition. Eliminating dairy products from your diet can decrease skin problems such as acne due to PCO.
- Some people think that by eradicating dairy products from the diet; one can switch to soy but if you’re suffering from PCOS taking soy products in your diet can interrupt or delay the ovulation process. Small quantity of soy may not hamper the ovulation process in some women however; the same amount of soy can result in complications for others. So, it is not recommended to use soy for those women who intend to conceive.
- Legumes or grains are advised to be avoided because they may contain a significant amount of pesticides and insecticides, as these substances cannot be seen so you can never guess how much chemicals you are consuming.
- Insulin resistant legumes should be avoided because they contain a high amount of carbohydrates and such significant amount can lead to further complications in PCOS.
So, now you should know that how you have to go about with your diet plan if you are suffering from PCOS. Just get rid of the junk food from your kitchen and roll out the healthy and nutritious food items. After all, being healthy is the absolute way to combat any kind of disease.