Your genes are making you prone to PCOD! + How you can manage it

Factors that are making you prone to pcod! + how you can manage it

A problem of the body's endocrine system (a system of hormone producing glands), polycystic ovarian disease (or pcod) affects about 18% of indian women. Women in the age group of 15-30 years make up the majority of the victims of this disease. Although the root cause of this problem is still unknown, it can be a result of:

1. Genes

A family history of pcod can increase your risk of developing the endocrine disorder. Even a family history of obesity or diabetes can increase your prospect of developing pcod.

2. Low-grade inflammation

Inflammation occurs when the body's white blood cells (wbcs) produce substances to fight harmful matter that attack the body. A disruption of this natural response of the body can cause low-grade inflammation (a mild but sustained inflammatory response brought on by microbial bacteria called endotoxin). As a consequence, it causes the stimulation of polycystic ovaries to create more androgens (male sex hormones) than female sex hormones. This brings about the appearance of pcod symptoms such as ovulation problem, growth of excessive body and facial hair.

3. Excessive insulin production

Excessive insulin (a hormone produced by the pancreas) production occurs when the cells of the body become resistant to insulin. It causes an increase in the production of androgens, in turn affecting the ovaries' ability to release eggs during ovulation.

4. Obesity

Although not a direct cause of the disorder, being obese can increase your chances of pcod significantly. The excess fat in the body can worsen your insulin resistance, and can consequently bring about an increase in the androgen levels, causing weight gain in the end.

5. Unhealthy eating habits

Irregular meal timings and poor eating habits (a diet rich in sugars and carbohydrates) can make you prone to obesity, a risk factor of pcod.

How to manage the problem of pcod?

Although the condition doesn't have a permanent cure, the symptoms can be easily managed by employing these ways:

- limit the intake of refined sugars and carbohydrates to counter the imbalance of insulin and glucose

- exercise for 30-60 minutes a day to boost metabolism for weight loss as well as control of insulin levels

- avoid coffee and other caffeine stimulants that may cause an increase in the production of insulin

- avoid dairy based products and red meat

- include lean meat in your diet

- avoid saturated fats (found in baked foods and lamb, cheese and other dairy products) to control your cholesterol levels

- consume foods that have a low glycaemic index (a scale for determining the effect of food on blood sugar level) such as brown rice, wheat pasta and wholegrain.

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