How To Cure Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome With Diet

Women today are more susceptible to diabetes, heart problems, obesity and other psychological problems compared to women decades or centuries ago.  Modern women often neglect their health due to the busy and stressful routine. Managing home and work can be one of the common reason for stress. This leads to various health problems.

Apart from the above problems, polycystic ovarian syndrome [PCOS], a hormone disorder, affects many women these days. This is due to lack of exercise and other genetic factors. Insulin resistance in the body results in more insulin secretion by the pancreas. This affects the normal hormone functioning leading to PCOS. Irregular periods, weight gain, anxiety, stress and depression are some of the common symptoms associated with PCOS.

Diet & PCOS

Maintaining a healthy diet is the best solution for controlling PCOS. A balanced diet with moderate exercise helps us to tackle any health problem effectively. Glycemic index is an indication of how fast blood sugar levels rise after consumption of food. Hence, foods low in Glycemic index is best for polycystic ovarian syndrome. This article provides an insight into the best diet for PCOS. However this is not an alternative to any medical advice.

Vegetables Diet

All green leafy vegetables like spinach, fenugreek leaves, coriander, mint leaves suit best for PCOS. The low calorie content in greens with high amounts of fiber, vitamin and minerals acts as a major advantage for women with PCOS.

Apart from these other low calorie veggies include okra, bitter gourd, capsicum, eggplant, broccoli etc. Fenugreek leaves and bitter gourd lowers the glucose levels in the body and also provide the necessary vitamins and nutrients. Eat a variety of these vegetables in the form of salad, soup or in cuisines for better health benefits. Avoid potato, yam and sweet potato as these are high in carbohydrate content.

Fruits

In case you suffer from PCOS say goodbye to fruits such as mango, banana, grapes, apricots etc. These fruits are high in Glycemic index and hence not fit for PCOS. Don’t be disheartened as there are many other fruits you could enjoy. Some fruits such as blackberry, papaya, orange and cherry are high in fiber and low in calories. Papaya helps in regulating the menses, while blackberry lowers blood sugar and cholesterol. Various other fruits listed for PCOS diet include green apple, kiwi, strawberry, raspberry and pomegranate.

Cereals

Oats and barley are among the top cereals for PCOS diet. Barley has the lowest Glycemic index, digests slowly thereby resulting in a gradual rise of glucose in the body. It also helps in weight loss and reduces unnecessary food cravings.

Oats along with fresh fruits mentioned above makes a perfect breakfast diet for PCOS. Include protein rich food, whole grain pasta, salads, and soups for lunch and dinner. Replace white rice rich in carbohydrate with brown rice.

Healthy Fats

Use unsaturated fats in your diet. Oils containing unsaturated fats are olive oil, corn oil etc. Nuts such as almonds, walnuts etc. are rich in mono saturated fatty acids which do not contribute to weight gain. Try as far as possible to boil or steam cook foods instead of frying them. Include fat free dairy products in your diet.

Diet Precautions

PCOS can be easily controlled with a few dietary precautions. Reduce foods high in fat content. Avoid sugary foods, junk food such as cookies, colas etc. Include cinnamon in your daily diet. It is believed to be very good in controlling blood sugar. Replace snacking with fresh fruits and salads. Drink plenty of water. Water is the best hydrating agent and also promotes weight loss. Exercise and eat smart to get rid of polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Photo Credit: http://theprimalparent.com/2011/07/07/an-unconventional-approach-to-pcos-polycystic-ovarian-syndrome/