Today, 2.2 million women worldwide received the diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), but at least 60 to 65% of people suffering of PCOS are misdiagnosed.
PCOS is a condition caused by an imbalance of sexual hormones characterized by the presence of high levels of male hormones (androgens) in women. This can lead to various symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, acne-prone skin, excessive hair growth, weight gain and fertility problems. Weight gain can increase the following risks: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, heart problems and type 2 diabetes.
However, not all patients experience the same PCOS-related symptoms. For example, it is estimated that 50% of patients suffer from excessive weight gain and insulin resistance.
While presently there is no approved treatment for PCOS, eating a healthy, balanced diet can alleviate symptoms.
Following a suitable diet is not easy when you suffer from this syndrome, especially since it can be associated with a risk of depression and anxiety. Hence the importance of not having the feeling of depriving yourself and not being too hard on yourself! The main thing is to eat a varied and balanced diet on a daily basis, taking into consideration some subtleties related to PCOS such as an insulin level higher than the norm.
It is not necessary to completely cut out sugar, gluten or lactose, but try to favour foods with a low Glycaemic Index (which will not cause raised blood sugar). You can choose cereals, nuts, vegetables, legumes, and fish, the so-called Mediterranean diet!
Healthy diet recommendations for PCOS:
First, try to opt for the good fats found in vegetable oils like olive oil, avocados and nuts.
It is also advisable to increase your fiber intake which is present in fruits such as pears, oranges, figs, kiwis. It is also in vegetables such as peas, spinach and squash; legumes such as lentils, chickpeas; whole grains such as quinoa, brown rice; and nuts and seeds especially almonds, flax seeds and sunflower seeds.
Finally, focus on plant-based protein foods and/or lean meats and poultry that provide more fiber and less saturated fat than other types of protein foods. Thus, try to eat fish, seafood, beans, eggs, and tofu.
But remember that adopting such a diet is not synonymous with restriction and deprivation! Our goal is to help you find a healthy balance that will limit the risks that PCOS can cause. Thus, it is not recommended to eliminate carbohydrates from your diet, as they provide energy to your body. Instead of refined foods made with white flour like white bread or white rice, you can, for example, opt for whole grains like whole wheat bread or brown rice.
So, our advice:
Eat a balanced diet but with pleasure and without counting your calories!
“This article is based on an interview of Laurence vanden Abeele from Make Mothers Matter with Emelyne Heluin,the vice-president from l’Association Esp’OPK in France”