Diet for PCOS patients can help them manage the symptoms of PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) if it is followed regularly. However, there is no such diet that is standardized for it, but slight changes to your diet can help you manage the symptoms of it.

Now you must be thinking, why do you have PCOS? Well, PCOS is one of the most common hormonal disorder condition that affects women globally during their reproductive age. According to WHO, 8-13% of reproductive-aged women are diagnosed with PCOS symptoms while an alarming number of 70% of women worldwide, remain undiagnosed. It is a long term health disorder for women and it is a condition that cannot be fully cured. By saying so, some of the symptoms of PCOS can be managed by making slight adjustments towards the diet, lifestyle and self-care.

This blog will explore the importance of diet for PCOS patients , the best foods to eat with PCOS, what foods to avoid in PCOS, tips to follow a PCOS friendly diet that may help in managing the PCOS symptoms.

Understanding what is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS is one of the most common endocrine hormonal endocrine disorder among the females and majorly affects women in their reproductive age. It is condition among female body where cysts develop on the outer edge of the ovaries. Also, PCOS is a broad term that is used for the hormonal imbalance symptoms.

Irregular menstruation cycle even absent periods, infertility, weight-gain, hirsutism (excess facial and body hair), baldness similar to male-pattern are some of the common symptoms of PCOS. Type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease are the long-term complications of PCOS.

According to a journal published on Press Information Bureau of India (PIB), Delhi, this endocrine disorder cause of infertility and other symptoms ranges between 3.7% to 22.5% in India. However the range can be much higher as many woman may be undiagnosed. The cause of PCOS are not well known but factors like genetics, lifestyle, obesity, endocrine system, insulin resistance, excess androgen are the causes of PCOS among females.

The Role of Diet for PCOS Patients in Managing PCOS

The diet for PCOS patients or the diet in general always play a crucial role in maintaining the health. The healthy PCOS diet, plays a role in managing insulin resistance, inflammation and high level of androgen which are the key factors for the PCOS disorder. A balanced diet for PCOS patients helps to maintain hormonal imbalance and supports weight management. It is important that the nutritional needs, both macro and micro, are met of your body during PCOS with each meal you have. Your diet should include ingredients that are rich in protein, fiber and nutrition. Such a nutritious snack option of diet for pcos patients is available with Equisential.

The PCOS and PCOD healthy diet combo by Equisential includes ingredients which are rich in nutrients like omega-3, fiber, iron, calcium, potassium, zinc, etc. This healthy PCOS diet combo may help you in tackling irregular periods and menstruation linked discomfort, may also help in regulation heavy flow of blood during menstruation, are protein rich and are excellent replacement of calcium tablets.

What to Eat for PCOS?

As said that the diet plays a essential role in managing the symptoms of PCOS, one must include the following foods :

1. Diet for PCOS patients must include lean proteins. Beans, lentils and tofu are excellent source of veg protein.
2. Fiber rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains helps in maintaining a healthy digestive health and help regulate blood sugar levels. Including fiber rich foods also helps in managing weight and can regulate the symptoms of PCOS.
3. For hormonal balance, healthy fats are necessary. Nuts and seeds are excellent source of healthy fats and protein which supports the overall health and well-being.
4. Anti-Inflammatory foods berries, spinach, whole-grains, nuts like almonds and walnuts, seeds, etc. can help in reduce inflammation which is a common factor for PCOS.
5. If you are okay with consuming eggs then you can include boiled eggs too in your PCOS diet as they are another rich source of proteins, healthy fats, vitamin B12, and other micronutrients.

Including such foods and such ingredients can contribute to better overall health and management of symptoms related to PCOS.

Which Foods to Avoid Eating with PCOS?

Any food that that increases the insulin levels suddenly in the body should be avoided in the diet for PCOS patients. The PCOS diet must exclude :

1. Refined Carbohydrates like pastries, cake, white bread, pizza, snacks made of refined sugar etc. should be avoided.
2. Carbonated drinks and sugary drinks like energy drinks, soft drinks, certain fruit juices contribute to insulin resistance and weight gain therefore they should be avoided from the diet of the PCOS patients.
3. Fast foods and foods with unhealthy fats must be avoided to reduce inflammation and improve overall health.
4. Not necessarily but some women with PCOS have managed to cope better with PCOS symptoms on avoiding gluten.
5. For better PCOS symptom management alcoholic drinks should be avoided.
6. Fruits which are high in sugar concentration like mangoes, grapes, cherries, pineapple, bananas etc.

Long-Term Risk of PCOS

The long-term risks of PCOS if not diagnosed on time are :

• Infertility in women with PCOS as ovulation is disturbed.
• Being overweight and obese is another long term risk associated with PCOS.
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) and abnormal cholesterol levels.
• Risk of developing type-2 diabetes due to insulin resistance to control blood glucose levels.
• Mothers who are breastfeeding may find it difficult to produce sufficient milk if they have PCOS.

The risks may be much more of PCOS in long term which are yet to be determined.

Some Tips for Following a PCOS Friendly Diet

One general tip is that a PCOS friendly diet must include vitamins and minerals like vitamin A,C,D,E and minerals like iron, zinc, potassium, calcium etc. in simulating the glands to balance various hormones. Some other for following a PCOS friendly diet are :

• To ensure that nutritious options are available for you when you are hungry or have temptation to choose unhealthy foods, plan and prepare your meals in advance. This will help maintain a healthy diet for PCOS patients.
• Make an informed dietary choice for your meal by reading the nutritional values.
• Mindful eating by avoiding processed and fast foods can help you in controlling the PCOS symptoms.
• For maintaining hydration and bodily functions, your go to drink has to be water or certain juices that are low on sugary levels.
• Inclusion of workouts also aids in managing symptoms of PCOS. Workouts basically complements healthy diet in managing PCOS. It could be anything, from daily walks to dance which involves physical activities.
• Do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional to ensure that you miss nothing in managing PCOS.

Treatment for PCOS

It is important to note that there are no solid cures for PCOS. Therefore the focus is on controlling the hormonal imbalance. Change in lifestyle and opting for a healthy pcos diet along with inclusion of few workout options can reduce the symptoms of PCOS. Birth control medicines are also used to regulate menstruation cycle and reduce symptoms. For treating infertility due to PCOS, medicines or surgery are used to stimulate regular ovulation.

Conclusion

In the end, we can say that a proper diet for PCOS patients must include foods that are rich in protein, healthy fats, dietary fiber, and are anti-inflammatory foods. Planning and mindful eating can support the dietary changes and seeking support from a professional healthcare can provide further benefits. By making slight changes to the lifestyle and adhering to the above tips, it will be easier for a woman to manage symptoms of PCOS more effectively and maintain their overall well-being.

FAQ’s

Q1. Is Jaggery good for PCOS?

Ans. Jaggery is rich in magnesium, vitamin E, calcium and iron and is a good source of energy. Consuming jaggery in moderation is good for PCOS patients. However, a regular check on blood sugar levels is advised.

Q2. Are Dates good for PCOS?

Ans. Dates are a great source of dietary fiber which can help regulate blood sugar levels and dates are rich in antioxidants which can help reduce inflammation and can be a part of PCOS friendly diet. Inflammation is a common factor for PCOS. However, they should also be consumed in moderation.

Q3. Where to buy PCOS Laddu?

Ans. Equisential have laddus that are beneficial for providing nutrition in PCOS. These PCOS laddus are made of healthy ingredients. Laddus like flax seeds laddu and dry fruits seeds mix laddu are beneficial for PCOS patients. Also asthiposhak panjiri, which is made of multiple ingredients and is available in powder form, is another beneficial snack that can be included in the diet for PCOS patients.

References:

• https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1893279
• https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/polycystic-ovary-syndrome#:~:text=Key%20facts,affected%20women%20remain%20undiagnosed%20worldwide
• https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome#:~:text=Approximately%2050%20percent%20of%20women,ovarian%20cysts%2C%20obesity%20and%20infertility