PCOD/PCOS might be Common and Serious than you Thought!

Once diagnosed with PCOS/PCOD, you’re told drugs and birth control pills are the only options. But these merely cover up your symptoms, and if you ever decide to start a family and be off these pills, PCOS will revisit, often more severely.

While 50% of women with PCOS are overweight and might contribute to PCOD, it’s still far from the cause. I believe that weight gain is rather a symptom than the cause. While the exact cause of PCOD is uncertain, insulin imbalance and stress caused by your diet and emotional factors play a major role.

Usual Weight Gain vs. PCOS Weight Gain

PCOD/PCOS usually comes along with other health issues like high insulin levels, inflammation, and weight gain. Under PCOS, a woman’s body begins to produce high levels of male sex hormone called androgen, at times leading to excess body hair growth, skin rashes, irregular periods and weight gain. While weight gain is experienced by most PCOD/ PCOS patients worldwide, it’s the least talked about, until recently. Excess weight can often contribute to several health issues. Obesity or sudden weight gain may increase a woman’s risk of developing PCOD.

In women fat deposits around the hips, arms and thighs while on men it deposits around the abdomen. However, during PCOS, weight gain is triggered by androgen, so the gain weight is around the abdomen making an apple-shaped body.

PCOD/PCOS Diet Plan

Cinnamon - It detoxifies your body and helps balance blood sugar levels. It also curbs one’s appetite. A regular consumption of cinnamon can normalize blood sugar levels and control weight gain. Enjoy sipping it as tea or powder.

Green and leafy vegetables – These are rich in anti-oxidants and detox your body, boost metabolism, and promote healthy and natural weight loss. So, do not forget to add spinach, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower etc. into your daily diet. They will help boost metabolism and are also known to improve thyroid function in PCOD patients.

Bright colored vegetables - Capsicum, beetroot, carrot, etc. not only add color to your plate, but are also loaded with tons of health benefits! These vegetables are high in antioxidants and help reduce levels of oxidative stress in PCOD patients and thus help them combat depression.

Apple cider vinegar – It is a powerful detoxifying agent and speeds weight loss. While helping you manage your PCOD symptoms better, a daily consumption of this drink will also help you lose weight naturally. You can also mix apple cider vinegar with fresh fruit and vegetable juice for better results.

Fish - It is a good source of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids. Since PCOD patients are more likely to develop high cholesterol problems, they should certainly add more fish to their diet. Salmon, mackerel and tuna are high in Omega-3 fatty acids which combat bad cholesterol (LDL) and boost good cholesterol levels (HDL). Ensure you add at least 1 of these healthy fish options in your weekly diet.

Fenugreek or Methi seeds – These are excellent blood glucose regulators and when consumed on a daily basis, can help lower high blood sugar levels naturally. While helping you lose weight, fenugreek is also known to promote heart health and work as an effective home remedy for gastrointestinal problems.

Fruit – They are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals which help detoxify your body and naturally speed up your weight loss. However, make sure you include low glycemic index fruit into your diet such as apples, guava, berries etc. It is likely to have skin rashes and acne in PCOD. A daily consumption of fruit such as watermelon, orange, and lime can help improve one’s skin condition and combat acne.

Beans, legumes and lentils – These are extremely low in glycemic index and so an ideal food for PCOD patients. A regular consumption of lentils can keep a check on high blood glucose levels, as well as weight gain.

What to Avoid

High GI fruit & vegetables, dried fruit, dairy products, soy-based foods, fatty meat, caffeine, alcohol, processed food.

PCOS makes your weight loss journey more difficult. Since the weight gain is rather unusual, so must be the PCOS/PCOD diet plan to lose the PCOS inflicted weight. PCOD is a sensitive clinical condition and therefore it is highly recommended that you follow a customized PCOD diet plan by a doctor, one size does not fit all.