DIET IN PCOD

FOODS TO INCLUDE:

GREEN LEAFY VEGETABLES:

Green, leafy vegetables have the most nutrients per calorie than any other food. They are rich in iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, as well as vitamins K, C, E, and many of the B vitamins.

Vitamin B in particular plays a vital role in managing PCOS symptoms.. Here are just some of the things that Vitamin B is responsible for: sugar and fat metabolism, thyroid function and hormone balance, amongst others. It plays a vital role in the management of PCOS.

FRUIT:

Fruit is a rich source of fibre, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients and should be enjoyed as part of a PCOS diet. Many women with PCOS are reluctant to eat fruit or avoid fruit as it can cause a spike in blood sugar levels and therefore insulin.

However, fruit still plays an important role in providing the nutrients we need to combat PCOS. So, try to eat fruit that has a lower GI and have a handful of seeds or nuts with your fruit as protein helps to regulate the sugar spike resulting from fruit.

ORGANIC, PASTURE-FED MEAT

This may be expensive but it is important that you eat good quality, lean meat if you do eat meat. Grass-fed meat tends to be leaner and contain less hormones than standard meat. Grass-fed is also important because livestock is often fed grain and feed that has been genetically modified or contains pesticides which are unhelpful for hormone balance and PCOS.

HEALTHY FATS:

Not all fat is bad and healthy fats are essential for your PCOS diet.

Essential fatty acids are really important for maintaining the cell wall, which allows nutrients in, and toxins out. They are also vital for hormone balance, weight management and fertility.

These healthy fats are found in nuts and seeds, oily fish, avocado and olive oil so be sure to incorporate those into your diet.

SUPPLEMENTS:

Following the diet described above will give you a good chance to get all of the vitamins and minerals you need but many women with PCOS are still lacking in some nutrients.

So, make sure that you take a good multivitamin and mineral supplement. It should contain the following Vitamins and minerals: Vitamin A, D, E, C, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, folic acid, magnesium, iron, zinc, chromium, selenium and manganese.

This should provide you with a good supplemental basis. Many women with PCOS also take a Vitamin B complex, chromium and Essential Fatty Acids.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES:

lifestyle changes that will help to overcome PCOS and its symptoms.

• Exercise regularly
• Manage stress levels
• Share the burden and get good support from your family and friends.
• Look after yourself and pamper yourself. We need to reclaim our womanhood and femininity so a little bit of TLC is definitely in order.