Poly Cystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) - Best Dietary Tips For You!

A rising number of teenage girls in our country are getting affected with Poly Cystic Ovarian Disease or PCOD. Though an early menarche has become very rampant these days, researchers have found polycystic ovaries in young girls even before puberty thus delaying menarche. Obesity and sedentary lifestyle among young people have caused a rapid doubling of PCOD occurrence in the past five to eight years.

Occurrence and Symptoms:

Gynaecologists report that they get at least 15 fresh instances of PCOD cases, and a considerable number of teenagers aged 16-17 are not getting their menarche. Such patients are advised a strictly balanced diet which will help them to lose weight. When menarche is delayed, a visit to gynaecologist leads to diagnosis of PCOD. What’s worse isthat they could never imagine that their obesity paved the way for such a grave health issue. PCOD can cause numerous other problems like:

1. Delayed and irregular menses
2. Rapid weight gain
3. Tremendous difficulty in losing weight
4. Acne and blocked skin pores
5. Thinning of hair on scalp
6. Excessive growth of hair on chest, back and face
7. Infertility
8. Repeated miscarriages 
9. High blood pressure 
10. High blood sugar 

Help yourself with the right diet:

There is no proven evidence regarding the cause of PCOD though gynaecologists are of the opinion that some possess a predisposition to this disease, and it may be hereditary in the family. You can alleviate your PCOD symptoms to a considerable extent by regulating your diet properly.

Have loads of fruits and green leafy vegetables daily. Try to abstain from dairy products as many experts believe that dairy products are a direct cause of an increase in insulin levels, which can aggravate skin troubles along with other PCOD symptoms. Avoiding red meat and eating lean meat instead might help the condition and reduce the chances of infertility. It is always recommended to avoid hydrogenated and saturated fats, which are normally found in animal and dairy-based food. Try to put a stop to processed cheese, cottage cheese, clarified butter, pork, lamb, beef, etc. and certain baked products like cookies, cakes and fudges as they will trigger a rise in your blood sugar and cholesterol levels. 

The following dietary tips can be helpful with the condition:

1. High levels of the insulin hormone causes PCOS symptoms like high blood sugar, increased hair growth, weight gain etc. So, refined foods rich in fat and carbohydrates should be consumed in small amounts.
2. Whole foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans should be consumed in their natural, uncooked form. These are low glycemic foods that reduce the level of glucose in circulation.
3. Intake of salt should be limited. You should not consume more than 3 grams of salt a day.
4. Green vegetables have antioxidants. These are good for those suffering with PCOS because their high level of antioxidants content helps reduce oxidative stress.
5. Your daily diet should contain at least 30 grams of fiber to improve the digestion and remove toxins.
6. Milk and dairy products are best avoided because milk might increase the level of testosterone (male hormone) in the body.
7. Soy products should also be avoided, especially if you are trying to conceive, because they interfere with the ovulation cycle.
8. Processed fat is harmful but essential fatty acids found in avocado, fish, olive oil and nuts are important for the body.
9. High levels of male hormones also cause high cholesterol. So foods which have high saturated fats like butter, cream and fatty meat should not be included in the regular diet of women with PCOS.
10. Protein-rich foods like lean meat, fish, legumes, whole grains are beneficial as protein can stabilize blood sugar. These foods also keep you feeling full and prevent over-eating.

PCOD is such a condition which you can never afford to overlook.