PCOS diet is crucial in PCOS’ management: Neha Shetty

PCOS or Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome is a hormonal condition that women of childbearing age normally experience, said Neha Shetty, Senior Manager, Reduce-Talwalkars Better Values Fitness Limited. It causes a variety of symptoms such as excessive hair growth on the face, acne, prolonged menstrual periods and obesity. Normally, the first symptom of PCOS is excessive and unexplained weight gain. Diet should be such that reduces weight, positively affects hormones and improves insulin resistance. A moderate intake of complex carbohydrates, high protein and fair intake of healthy fats is advisable. Consuming high fibre cereals, fruits and vegetables, sprouts, egg whites, lean meat, fish, low fat dairy products and omega 3 fats is found to be very helpful in treating PCOD. Women with PCOS are often insulin resistant, meaning their cells do not use insulin as readily as they should. This increases insulin and blood sugar levels. A PCOS diet is crucial in the management of PCOS and what you eat has a significant impact on your symptoms. There are certain foods that can make your symptoms much worse and foods that can ease your symptoms: Processed foods; simple and refined carbs; milk; soy and fat; caffeine and alcohol. Breakfast is an important meal of the day for someone with PCOS as having a nutrient dense breakfast can improve the hormone levels and ovulation in women. Also consuming small frequent, say five to six meals a day is important as this avoids the sugar release and insulin surge in the body thus, avoiding insulin resistance.