June 14, 2022
Dive into how reflecting on food choices, adopting a proper mindset and following the best diet for PCOS can help alleviate symptoms and promote overall wellbeing.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that affects numerous women across Australia and the world. Characterised by elevated levels of androgens (male hormones) and insulin resistance, women with PCOS often struggle with symptoms like irregular periods, excessive hair growth, weight gain, acne and fertility issues.
Recent evidence-based research underlines the profound link between lifestyle changes and PCOS symptom management. Diet plays a pivotal role in managing insulin resistance, a key factor in PCOS. Thus, the right food choices can make a significant difference in the severity and frequency of symptoms experienced.
Understanding the rationale behind your dietary choices might help you identify patterns that may be detrimental to your health. Here are some questions to ponder:
Reflecting on these can help pinpoint areas for improvement, steering you towards a polycystic ovary syndrome diet that aligns with your unique needs and health goals.
Understanding what foods are PCOS-friendly and which ones to avoid can make a profound difference in managing the condition. Here's a deeper dive into what makes certain foods beneficial for those with PCOS and why others should be steered clear of:
PCOS-friendly foods:
Foods to avoid with PCOS:
Processed foods and those high in refined sugars: Such foods can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, exacerbating insulin resistance. Moreover, they often lack essential nutrients, leading to imbalances and furthering hormonal disruptions.
Fried foods: Regular consumption can lead to weight gain, a common concern for those with PCOS. Excess weight can exacerbate insulin resistance, making PCOS symptoms more pronounced. Additionally, they can increase inflammation in the body.
Excessive dairy and red meats: Some studies suggest that certain dairy products and red meats might increase the production of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), which can lead to higher androgen levels, exacerbating PCOS symptoms.
High-caffeine beverages and sugary drinks: Excessive caffeine intake can lead to hormonal imbalances in some individuals, while sugary drinks can rapidly spike blood sugar levels, contributing to insulin resistance.
Incorporating PCOS-friendly foods and limiting or avoiding those that can aggravate the condition can play a pivotal role in managing symptoms and promoting overall health.
Harnessing a positive food mindset isn’t about rigorous dieting or deprivation. It’s about understanding the why behind your choices, ensuring you’re making decisions based on nourishment and wellness.
Developing this mindset will help people with PCOS not only manage their symptoms but also improve their overall mental and physical health.
While it’s evident that dietary changes can significantly influence PCOS symptoms, making lasting changes requires commitment, understanding and support. If you struggle with PCOS or are interested in improving your metabolic health, consider consulting a holistic healthcare provider specialising in PCOS management. They can guide you in developing a positive relationship with food, ensuring you’re making choices that promote your best health.
And as you embark on this journey towards a healthier you, remember that tools like Vively, the metabolic health app, can be invaluable. Vively can help you improve glucose control, offer insights into your dietary choices and provide support as you make transformative changes.
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Dive into how reflecting on food choices, adopting a proper mindset and following the best diet for PCOS can help alleviate symptoms and promote overall wellbeing.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that affects numerous women across Australia and the world. Characterised by elevated levels of androgens (male hormones) and insulin resistance, women with PCOS often struggle with symptoms like irregular periods, excessive hair growth, weight gain, acne and fertility issues.
Recent evidence-based research underlines the profound link between lifestyle changes and PCOS symptom management. Diet plays a pivotal role in managing insulin resistance, a key factor in PCOS. Thus, the right food choices can make a significant difference in the severity and frequency of symptoms experienced.
Understanding the rationale behind your dietary choices might help you identify patterns that may be detrimental to your health. Here are some questions to ponder:
Reflecting on these can help pinpoint areas for improvement, steering you towards a polycystic ovary syndrome diet that aligns with your unique needs and health goals.
Understanding what foods are PCOS-friendly and which ones to avoid can make a profound difference in managing the condition. Here's a deeper dive into what makes certain foods beneficial for those with PCOS and why others should be steered clear of:
PCOS-friendly foods:
Foods to avoid with PCOS:
Processed foods and those high in refined sugars: Such foods can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, exacerbating insulin resistance. Moreover, they often lack essential nutrients, leading to imbalances and furthering hormonal disruptions.
Fried foods: Regular consumption can lead to weight gain, a common concern for those with PCOS. Excess weight can exacerbate insulin resistance, making PCOS symptoms more pronounced. Additionally, they can increase inflammation in the body.
Excessive dairy and red meats: Some studies suggest that certain dairy products and red meats might increase the production of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), which can lead to higher androgen levels, exacerbating PCOS symptoms.
High-caffeine beverages and sugary drinks: Excessive caffeine intake can lead to hormonal imbalances in some individuals, while sugary drinks can rapidly spike blood sugar levels, contributing to insulin resistance.
Incorporating PCOS-friendly foods and limiting or avoiding those that can aggravate the condition can play a pivotal role in managing symptoms and promoting overall health.
Harnessing a positive food mindset isn’t about rigorous dieting or deprivation. It’s about understanding the why behind your choices, ensuring you’re making decisions based on nourishment and wellness.
Developing this mindset will help people with PCOS not only manage their symptoms but also improve their overall mental and physical health.
While it’s evident that dietary changes can significantly influence PCOS symptoms, making lasting changes requires commitment, understanding and support. If you struggle with PCOS or are interested in improving your metabolic health, consider consulting a holistic healthcare provider specialising in PCOS management. They can guide you in developing a positive relationship with food, ensuring you’re making choices that promote your best health.
And as you embark on this journey towards a healthier you, remember that tools like Vively, the metabolic health app, can be invaluable. Vively can help you improve glucose control, offer insights into your dietary choices and provide support as you make transformative changes.
Get irrefutable data about your diet and lifestyle by using your own glucose data with Vively’s CGM Program. We’re currently offering a 20% discount for our annual plan. Sign up here.
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