Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a leading cause of female infertility, affecting many young girls. In a typical menstrual cycle, women ovulate, which involves the release of an egg from the ovaries. However, women with PCOS do not ovulate regularly. PCOS can cause various symptoms, including irregular periods, absent periods, weight gain, acne, flaky skin, hyperpigmentation, hair thinning, mood swings, and more. Weight gain is a common issue related to PCOS, which can compound the situation and cause mental and emotional distress. Women with PCOS who want to lose weight should modify their diet accordingly by consuming foods that benefit PCOS treatment and avoiding those that do not.
Here are some foods to avoid in order to manage the associated issues with PCOS:
Processed Foods:
PCOS women should avoid refined flour, which is present in foods like white rice, chocolates, bread dough, potatoes, and pastries. Refined carbs, which are abundant in these foods, are particularly harmful and must be avoided. PCOS women are more likely to develop diabetes, and consuming refined carbs causes the body to produce more insulin, which can increase the risk of developing diabetes.
Coffee:
Caffeine, which is present in coffee, can raise estrogen hormone levels in the body. Since hormone levels are already disrupted in PCOS, an increase in coffee consumption can worsen the condition. Therefore, it is advisable for PCOS women to avoid consuming coffee and other caffeinated beverages.
Sweetened beverages:
Soda, fizzy drinks, and energy drinks contain high levels of sugar, which can stimulate insulin release and affect testosterone levels. Additionally, consuming these drinks can lead to irritability and bloating. The excess sugar in these drinks is likely to be deposited in the body as fat, resulting in weight gain. Therefore, it is best for PCOS women to avoid consuming these drinks due to their negative impact on overall health and potential exacerbation of PCOS symptoms.
Fried/oily foods:
Foods that contain high levels of harmful saturated and trans fats should be avoided, as they can contribute to weight gain and increase blood sugar levels, leading to bloating and gastrointestinal issues. Fried foods are also inflammatory, which can worsen PCOS symptoms. Therefore, it is recommended that PCOS women completely avoid consuming such foods.
Processed Meats:
Salami, hot dogs, and sausages are highly processed meats that contain high amounts of saturated fat and salt, which can contribute to weight gain. Consuming these meats can also lead to inflammation, which can disrupt the body’s hormonal balance. Additionally, processed beef is also high in salt, making it important for PCOS women to avoid it.
Alcohol:
Alcohol should be avoided by PCOS women as it has been linked to the higher incidence of liver damage, regardless of body weight. Even infrequent drinking can upset the estrogen-progesterone balance and decrease fertility, making it potentially harmful during pregnancy. Additionally, alcohol can impair sleep quality and decrease self-control, leading to increased appetites, which can be a significant issue if one is working hard on their health and fitness routines. Therefore, it is best for PCOS women to avoid alcohol altogether.
Red meat:
Consuming excessive amounts of red meat, such as steaks, hog, and hamburgers, can lead to lower levels of progesterone, which is necessary for a normal menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Additionally, red meat consumption can also increase inflammation in the body and contain unhealthy fats, which can contribute to weight gain and exacerbate PCOS symptoms. Therefore, it is recommended that PCOS women limit their consumption of red meat.