Learn some PCOS diet tips to create a better, happier, and healthier life to enjoy!
The idea behind following a PCOS diet is that it can help with losing weight, eating on a more consistent schedule and being more active. Each of these outcomes work to help improve insulin sensitivity and increase fertility. The chances of achieving a PCOS pregnancy are a lot higher when the diet is followed.
Have you ever heard the phrase “food is medicine”?
It’s common knowledge that food can have a major influence on how we look and feel, but what if it could help to improve common conditions?
Those who live with PCOS can benefit from living by the phrase “food is medicine”, as following a PCOS diet can be key in helping to manage symptoms.
Our best PCOS diet tips include saying YES to fiber filled foods, antioxidant heavy foods, lean proteins, organic whole soy products, and foods included in the Mediterranean diet.
Those looking to follow the PCOS diet should also stay away from refined carbs, sugary beverages and foods, most dairy products, food with saturated and trans fats and alcohol.
If you’re interested in learning more about PCOS and which PCOS diet foods can help to fight unwanted symptoms, read this post! It has all of the information you could need on the topic and tips to changing your lifestyle for a better future with PCOS.
What is PCOS?
PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. It is a condition that takes place in women during childbearing years where the hormones become out of balance.
The ovaries produce too much testosterone and not enough estrogen which means that the body is unable to go through regular ovulation. The eggs are then not able to be properly released which causes them to cluster and form cysts on the ovaries.
Common PCOS Signs and Symptoms
PCOS signs include the formation of numerous small cysts on the ovaries, which contribute to hormone imbalance. While this is a common PCOS sign, some women who experience the disorder do not develop cysts.
Many women with PCOS will have problems with the ovaries, such as not getting their period on time or not getting it at all. Other common symptoms also include hair loss, hair in unwanted areas, acne, mood changes, weight gain and pelvic pain. PCOS is also known to be a leading cause of infertility.
None of these symptoms are pleasurable or fun to deal with, which makes PCOS treatment important to those who suffer with it.
Is PCOS Treatable?
There are a few PCOS treatment options which include the use of birth control, PCOS Metformin and Spironolactone. These each can help the body to better process insulin or reduce excess hair growth.
One of the best ways to treat PCOS is with a healthy diet and lifestyle. When you are able to maintain a healthy weight and achieve PCOS weight loss, you can better manage symptoms and reduce inflammation in the gut.
The idea is that you can use food as medicine to heal your body from the inside out.
PCOS Diet Tips
Here we give you our best tips for items that you should include in your PCOS diet and how they can each work to improve unwanted symptoms.
Fiber filled foods
Fiber can help to lower insulin levels in the body and increase antioxidants with help to fight inflammation. Foods like black beans, flax, chia, quinoa, rice, oats and seeds are great for women experiencing PCOS.
Antioxidant heavy foods
Foods like strawberries, whole wheats, nut butters, olive oil, kale and avocado are filled with antioxidants which help to decrease inflammation and improve PCOS symptoms.
Lean protein
Sources of lean protein are best for weight loss. This is one of the goals that the PCOS diet works to achieve. Lean proteins include sources of fish and poultry, or plant protein sources such as tofu, beans and tempeh.
Organic whole soy products
Organic whole soy products include isoflavones which help to increase the chance of a PCOS pregnancy, and pregnancy in general. Examples of organic whole soy products include tempeh, edamame and miso – perfect for a savory dinner!
Foods included in the Mediterranean diet
The Mediterranean diet consists of seafood, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats. Each of these foods are compliant with the listed tips above.
Now that you’re aware of what foods you should be including in your PCOS diet, you will want to make sure that you are also avoiding certain foods.
Refined carbs
Carbohydrates are hard for women with PCOS to process properly ,and eliminating refined carbs can help with PCOS weight loss. Try to stay away from white bread, pasta and rice.
Sugary beverages and foods
Sugar is known to spike the blood sugar which is a bad thing for high insulin levels! Natural sugars found in foods like fruit are much better for blood sugar and include more fiber which is great for helping to manage PCOS symptoms.
Most dairy products
By eliminating dairy products, women on the PCOS diet often experience quicker PCOS weight loss as these products are known to be high in calories. This can also help to better balance hormones.
Limit processed cheese, ice cream and yogurts with added sugar.
Foods with saturated and trans fats
Saturated fats and trans fats are your enemy when it comes to PCOS weight loss. Try to avoid foods like processed meats, French fries, frozen pizzas and doughnuts. These foods can also spike inflammation which worsens the effects of PCOS.
Alcohol
Eliminating alcohol from your diet can help to manage fatty liver in combination with PCOS. While it’s ok to have the occasional glass of red wine, sugary cocktails can cause harmful inflammation.
All in all, coping with PCOS and managing the symptoms and stresses of infertility that go along with it can be hard. While there is no true cure for PCOS, a positive outlook and a willingness to create constructive lifestyle change, can help to fight these symptoms and make them better over time.
The hope is that women can use food and these PCOS diet tips to create a better, happier, and healthier life to enjoy.
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