fitmuncher: PCOS Diet For Indian Women

Thursday 22 November 2018

PCOS Diet For Indian Women

PCOS, Indian Women And Diet

POLY CYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME (PCOS) is a very complex yet common endocrine disorder, commonly seen in women of age group of 12-45 yrs. (reproductive age). It is more like an epidemic these days as one in every three females is either suffering from PCOS or a thyroid disorder- (hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism).

What is PCOS?

At times ovaries in an ultrasound may look enlarged as it may contain many “small cysts”. These might be located on the outer edge of ovaries. These look like “a string of BEADS”.

Ovaries fail to release eggs.
Higher level of male hormones than normal, or male hormones that are more active than normal

Even if only two of the above features are present, this is enough to confirm PCOS.

Why PCOS happens?

Cause is unknown. But mostly it is a genetic disorder or seen in families where members are suffering from diabetes, high cholesterol and obesity.

How can PCOS be diagnosed?

In most cases, getting the conclusive diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome comes from the appearance of your ovaries in an ultrasound done by a doctor.

Here a special mention, in many cases ultrasound does not reveal PCOS. But, a person shows majorly all its symptoms.

Symptoms of PCOS

Irregular periods with weight gain
Excessive facial and body hair (hirsutism)
Problems in getting pregnant
Acne, Hair fall and Hair thinning
Insulin resistance – means the inability of body to use insulin effectively. This will result in high blood insulin levels causing PCOS.

Are PCOS and hypothyroidism related ?

Mostly females suffering from hypothyroidism have many symptoms in common with PCOS, such as “anovulation” i.e. menstruation without releasing an egg cell. A long term anovulation can be the cause of PCOS. Its related low progesterone is another cause of concern.

Treatment and Cure for PCOS

There’s no cure for PCOS, but the symptoms are treatable.

To help regulate the menstrual cycle and improve hair growth, specific contraceptive or drugs such as clomid and metformin may be prescribed by doctor.
Change in lifestyle, weight management becomes essential for health management.
Diet related changes also help in controlling its symptoms.

PCOS and Infertility

This is for all the beautiful women who are reading this and are struggling to start their families.

There are treatment options for infertility caused by PCOS.
There’s medication to increase ovulation which is to be taken under gynecologist guidance.

So the good news is many women with fertility problems due to PCOS can still have a baby.

Diet Instructions for PCOS women

Eat the right kind of food. Eat lots of vegetables, fruits and protein-rich food.
Have green vegetables as it contains a lot of folic acid in them. Folic acid is often advised by gynecologists to women who are planning to conceive or who already are pregnant.
Consume vitamin C-rich food by eating plenty of fruits like orange, lemon, sweet lime, grape-fruit, and grapes.
Alcohol and smoking is a big NO.
Eat whole-grain foods instead of processed, refined foods such as wheat flour (maida). Also, whole fruit instead of fruit juice will maintain insulin and blood sugar levels.
Avoid cakes, pastries, junk food, colas, jams and pickles.
Eat foods that are high in fiber as they will also cause a slower, more controlled rise in blood sugar and insulin levels.
Whole legumes and vegetables in your diet are a must.
Add fiber to help you manage your sugar levels.
Combine protein and carbohydrates as protein helps to regulate the blood sugar spike caused by the carbs.
Eat small, healthy meals more frequently to manage cravings and hunger pangs and NEVER miss breakfast!
Corn, soy, cottonseed, and grapeseed oils should be avoided.
Also avoid chemical in the form of preservatives, additives, artificial sweeteners and colorings.

Share your PCOS experiences here. We are listening.

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