PCOS or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is one of the most common disorders that affects women in their reproductive age. The occurrence of the disease has increased over the last few decades.
So, what is PCOS? Let’s take a look at the textbook definition; “PCOS is a syndrome manifested by amenorrhea, hirsutism and obesity with enlarged polycystic ovaries. It is characterized by excessive androgen (male hormone) production by the ovaries mainly”.
Although the cause of this disorder cannot be pinpointed, factors like environmental, genetic, poor dietary choices, and physical inactivity play a major role in causing the disease.
So considering the influence of diet in PCOS here are some foods you have to avoid for a speedy recovery.
FRIED AND OILY FOODS
All types of fried foods- shallow or deep fried, vegetarian or non-vegetarian- are loaded with calories and fats. Most of the time these foods contain trans fats which everyone, especially ones with PCOS should avoid.
Trans fats are associated with the risk of heart diseases, diabetes, obesity and even cancer. Since obesity is one of the predisposing factors of the disease, it’s a good idea to start controlling and eventually avoiding these foods.
SUGARY DRINKS
Sugary drinks such as packaged fruit juices, soft drinks, sweetened sports drinks etc. are rich in calories and most of them are just empty calories, that is, they are just about sugar and there is nothing useful in there.
The increased use of these drinks increases the risk of insulin resistance which is not good for PCOS. So instead of that, try whole fruits or home made juice or drinks with less added sugar.
REFINED CARBOHYDRATES
Refined carbs are those from which all the nutrients and fiber has been removed. Main refined carbs we use are refined or processed sugar such as sucrose and all purpose flour (Maida). These foods have a very high glycemic index and spike up the blood sugar like anything.
Most of the food products that are made by using these are processed foods such as baked goods(biscuits, cakes, white bread, pasta etc.), some breakfast cereals, parotta etc. high intake of refined carbs leads to insulin resistance and obesity which worsens PCOS.
Try complex carbs like whole grains, beans, peas, vegetables etc instead.
PROCESSED FOODS
Processed foods are those which have been cooked, canned, fortified, packaged, changed nutritional composition, milled, cut etc. Not all the processing techniques are harmful. Some of the highly processed foods are high in calories, ie, they have high fat , sugar and/or salt content.
They include ice cream, cakes, biscuits, sweetened breakfast cereals, soft drinks, chips, cheese etc. Many times the consumer is unaware how much calories he is taking in. Of course most of those foods have the nutritional value on their package ,but not everyone is very keen to read it.
So there is all sorts of junk like trans fats, processed sugars, too much sodium entering your body. Too much processed foods leads to insulin resistance, obesity, hypertension etc. so avoid these foods starting today.
DAIRY PRODUCTS
You might think that dairy is a nutritious food that we have been using since our childhood as a part of our daily diet, especially milk. What harm can it do?.
All the good qualities aside , when it comes to PCOS, you might want to think about avoiding or at least controlling the use of dairy products. Studies have shown that consumption of dairy, especially milk, leads to an increase in male hormones in females which is not good news for PCOS.
Increased Dairy intake has also been found to increase the risk of infertility in a research study. (reference:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zjjg9HW0Gx8). So one with PCOS should stop using dairy products to avoid further advancement of disease which includes infertility.
RED MEAT
Red meat consists of beef, lamb, mutton, pork, veal etc. they are high in saturated fat which is not the good type of fat you need. It is also available in processed forms which is again way too unhealthy.
. Saturated fat is associated with risk of obesity and heart disease. They are also said to produce inflammation in the body and decrease the level of the female hormone, progesterone. So red meat is one thing that you have to avoid in PCOS.
Diet plays a very important role in PCOS to prevent and sometimes even cure it. The above given are the main food items that worsens the condition and it has to be avoided at the earliest if you are a female at risk of obesity or PCOS.
Know about the foods that you are supposed to have if you have PCOS.
So those were the foods you should avoid in PCOS. Was this article helpful? Leave your thoughts, suggestions and questions in the comment section below.