Do you have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)? Did you know that PCOS affects about 5 to 7.5% of all women? It is the number one cause of infertility in women and, if left untreated, can lead to myriad problems including endometrial cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Since insulin resistance appears to play a major role, experts now believe that a low glycemic diet should be part of the treatment plan.
It is still unknown what causes PCOS but most experts are in agreement that insulin is a major player. Insulin resistance, the primary underlying problem in PCOS, is the condition in which normal amounts of insulin do not adequately produce a normal insulin response from fat, muscle and liver cells. Some of the symptoms of insulin resistance include:
Fatigue Weight gain and difficulty losing weight Increased blood pressure Increased blood triglyceride levels High blood sugar Depression
The good news is that there is a suitable diet for PCOS that can help with insulin response and weight gain. It all starts with understanding carbohydrates. There are two types of carbohydrates: simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates, found in many processed foods, are absorbed by the body faster by the body, which leads to a sudden increase in blood sugar and are therefore identified as high glycemic foods. Simple carbohydrates are often called the “bad” carbohydrate and should be curbed or eliminated if you are dieting for PCOS. Sugar and pasta are full of simple carbohydrates, for example.
Complex carbohydrates are found in foods such as wholegrain breads, oats, muesli, fibrous vegetables (celery, broccoli, lettuce, etc.) and contain a good amount of fiber. These carbohydrates break down into glucose more slowly than simple carbohydrates thus providing a steady stream of energy throughout the day. Natural complex carbohydrates are a much better choice if you are attempting to improve PCOS through diet.
In addition to low glycemic food consumption, it is important to note that carbohydrates should always be consumed with a protein or a good fat (such as olive or canola oil, part-skim cheese, etc.). Drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluids throughout the day as lower carbohydrate consumption can lead to dehydration.
In summary, a PCOS diet filled with fiber-rich complex carbohydrates, including whole grain foods and low glycemic fruits and vegetables my not only help bring PCOS symptoms under control but can significantly help with weight gain issues and high blood pressure.
To get more information on PCOS and other fertility issues, visit HowToConceive.org where you will find this and much more, including tips on getting pregnant.