Irregular periods? Are you suffering from PCOD? PCOD affects more than 10% of women of menstrual age. You may not realise you have PCOD unless you take a test. What you eat and your lifestyle can impact your PCOD and its symptoms. Wondering how changing your diet can help and what a PCOD diet is all about? Read on.
Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is a medical condition that affects a female's reproductive organs and fertility.
During every menstrual cycle, the ovaries release one mature egg. In PCOD, the ovaries will be filled with multiple .As a result, the ovaries will start immature Follicles, swelling and become large, increasing the production of androgens (male hormones).
Due to excess androgen in the body, the female can start experiencing abdominal weight gain, male pattern hair loss, irregular periods, or even infertility. Unfortunately, PCOD does not have an effective permanent cure. You can manage the symptoms and keep them under control by making a few changes in your lifestyle.
Following a nutritious diet and cutting back on certain foods can help keep the effects of PCOD in check. It can help control the excess weight gain and blood sugar and manage the hormonal imbalance.
Fibre is essential for overall gut health. Fibre-rich foods can help stabilize blood sugar, control hunger, and improve digestion. Including fibre-rich food in your PCOD diet can help reduce cholesterol and the risk of cardiovascular issues and diabetes.
Green leafy vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. If your PCOD is causing anemia, green leafy vegetables can help increase the iron content in your blood.
Antioxidants help reduce inflammation and support detoxification in the body. As a result, it reduces oxidative stress and the risk of multiple diseases. Antioxidants help fight the free radicals in the body that can cause damage from the inside.
Protein is important for muscle health. Protein takes time to digest, thus keeping you full longer. Lean proteins are a great source of energy that is low in both carbs and sugar.
Not all fats are bad for your health. Healthy fats are essential for the proper functioning of the body. Include healthy fats regularly to reduce inflammation in the body and also to balance your hormones.
The hormonal imbalance in PCOD can lead to insulin resistance and sometimes even type 2 diabetes. Consuming foods low in glycemic index can keep your blood sugar under control.
Fruits have natural sugars and are rich in fibre. Eating fruits daily can satiate hunger, satisfy your sweet tooth, and not add calories or increase your glycemic index.
Some foods tend to aggravate your PCOD symptoms. These foods can not only increase your weight but can worsen your hormonal imbalance and increase the risks of developing other health issues as well. Foods you must avoid if you have PCOD are:
If you have PCOD, consult a dietician and come up with a nutritious diet chart. Here are 10 tips for a perfect PCOD diet chart:
PCOD is irreversible and can cause various issues as you age. A PCOD cure diet will not cure PCOD completely but help manage it. PCOD leads to hormonal imbalance, which in turn can affect your health in multiple ways. What you eat can have a big impact on your hormones and overall well-being.
Avoid foods rich in sugar, carbohydrates and caffeine. Avoiding processed foods, packed beverages, and junk foods can help control your PCOD symptoms.
Herbal teas are very beneficial for PCOD. You can opt for a spearmint or a green tea anytime you want a refreshing drink instead of a coffee.
A woman suffering from PCOD should increase her consumption of foods rich in fibre, antioxidants and lean protein. They will help her feel fuller and aid in weight loss.
