How Does Diet Affect PCOS?

There is a strong connection between Polycystic Ovaries Syndrome (PCOS) and above normal Insulin levels in women. You can read about the symptoms and treatment of PCOS here.

The body secretes insulin to regular blood sugar levels. If your body is not able to absorb the insulin produced then your sugar level rises. This prompts your body to pump more and more insulin to regulate the sugar.

Really high Insulin levels can cause your ovaries to produce more male hormones such as testrone which leads to other issues.

A higher than normal body mass index also causes Insulin resistance. This in turn makes it really hard to lose weight. It is one of the reasons why women with PCOS find it really difficult to control and manage their weight.

Refined carbohydrates which are starchy and foods with sugar makes the problem worse by creating insulin resistance.

Foods to avoid

Foods that help reduce inflammation may also be beneficial. They include:

• Tomatoes
• Spinach
• Almonds & walnuts
• Olive oil
• Strawberries

Refined carbohydrates such as white bread should be avoided as it contributes to insulin resistance. These are the foods which have high levels of refined carbohydrates and sugary foods.

• White bread
• Muffins and pastries
• Sugary desserts
• Anything made with white flour
• Pasta noodles which are high in carbohydrates and low in fibre.Sugar is a carbohydrate and should be avoided wherever possible. When reading food labels, be sure to look for sugar’s various names. These include sucrose, high fructose corn syrup, and dextrose. Sugar are also found in the things you drink, such as soda and juice.

French fries, processed and red meats should be avoided as they cause inflammation.

Which foods then I should eat?

A large portion of your food should be High-fibre food. High-fibre food slows digestion and reduces the impact of sugar on the blood. Hence is highly beneficial to women with PCOS

High-fiber foods can help combat insulin resistance by slowing down digestion and reducing the impact of sugar on the blood. This may be beneficial to women with PCOS. Great options for high-fiber foods include:

• High-fiber vegetables such as beans. Wholegrain. Brown rice, pulses, nuts, dry fruits.
• Fish and other lean proteins such as tofu
• Cauliflower and broccoli
• Greens
• Lentils
• Sweet potatoes

Eating a balanced and nutritious diet, will surely help women suffering with PCOS.