Published 07:04 IST, October 14th 2019
PCOS diet: Here are the food items to eat to effectively tackle PCOS
PCOS is a common problem occurring in many women. Find out which food items to which can help you tackle and reduce this health-related problem effectively.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common problem that occurs in one out of ten women in child-bearing age. PCOS generally causes hormonal imbalances and problems in metabolism rates. Due to this problem, many women have to face other health-related difficulties such as diabetes, depression, cardiovascular problems and more. This problem can be tackled or reduced by following a certain diet. Here are some food items that women suffering from PCOS can add to their diet.
How PCOS affects the body
Understanding how PCOS affects our body is critical. Due to this ovarian disease the insulin resistance of the body increases that causes diabetic and pre-diabetic problems. Insulin resistance means that the cells lose the strength to absorb glucose and use it for inflicting energy. A woman going through this condition can tackle it with proper food consumption.
PCOS special diet, foods that are helpful in this condition
Knowing what food to eat when facing this problem can decrease the risk of further problems that may occur because of it. There is no standard or well-defined diet suggested for PCOS. However, according to a research article by Medical News Today for this condition, one can use these three diets to control the symptoms.
- Low GI diet: As per an article by Medical News Today, foods with a low Glycaemic Index help in levelling the insulin levels in the body. Many food items are low in GI such as grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, fruits, starchy vegetables, and more. Adding these products in their diet women can control the insulin levels naturally.
- Consumption of non-inflammable food items: Foods such as berries, fatty fish, leafy greens, and extra virgin olive oil are considered as anti-inflammatory food items. These food products help in reducing inflammation-related symptoms. Fatigue is one of the common inflammatory problems that occur in human and adding these items can help in fighting such problems, the article reported.
- Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension Diet: DASH is recommended by doctors all across the globe to decrease the risks of heart-related problems. PCOS can lead to heart diseases. According to the article by Medical News Today, to avoid such risks one can use a DASH diet. A DASH diet also helps in managing PCOS symptoms. This diet includes fish, poultry, fruits, vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, dried beans, lentils, and other legumes), whole grain (nuts, including pine nuts, walnuts, almonds, and pistachios), and low-fat dairy produce. While following a DASH diet it is suggested to avoid using food products rich in saturated fats and sugar, according to the article.
These are a few dietary changes a woman going through PCOS must make in their diets. Avoiding processed food, carbohydrates, high fats and many more is advisable. Getting into physical activities will help in further management of this problem. Goal setting and self-monitoring are important as they will help a person stay on the right track in the entire process.
Updated 12:00 IST, October 14th 2019