The worst foods for PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome or what we call PCOS is one of the most famous diseases affecting women these days. As known, this syndrome results from an imbalance or disruption of hormones.
Sadly, PCOS can cause many unpleasant symptoms for any woman that include menstrual disturbances, hair loss, weight gain, and much more.
Luckily, there is a way to reset your hormonal imbalance naturally through following PCOS diet.
However, we explained in this article, the two main concepts nutritionists built PCOS diet on. Also, you will know if you may lose weight on PCOS or is that impossible.
Like any diet, the PCOS diet has its own rules that explain what not to eat in PCOS and what to eat. So, as you may know, that superfoods can be the best foods you can fill your plate with, here we will explain the worst foods for PCOS diet that can mess up your hormones again.
Check out the best superfoods you can add to your diet.
PCOS diet foods to avoid
Definitely, you know that even if these foods aren’t good for your health. However, there are many reasons to include the worst foods for PCOS even though you know you should avoid. These reasons include:
- Convenience of these types of foods.
- They may be your only choice for a quick meal at work or when travelling.
- All of these foods are either fully cooked and ready to eat, or just need to be fried quickly.
- The taste of these foods is strong and delicious, because of taste additives or high sugar content.
So, what are the worst foods for PCOS?
In general, foods prohibited for PCOS include unhealthy items that can increase insulin resistance and affect weight loss, such as
· Processed foods, especially processed meats, such as sausages and canned meat.
· Refined carbohydrates such as white bread, white rice, cakes and pastries.
· Fried foods, such as ready frozen meals.
· Solid fats, such as margarine.
· Foods or drinks which are full of sugar, such as sweets, soft drinks and energy drinks.
Anyway, it is better to replace the previous foods with healthy ones, such as: vegetables rich in fiber, sources of harmful lean protein and nuts.
Effect of diet foods on PCOS
Diet affects PCOS patients by controlling body weight, insulin production level and resistance, as many women with PCOS have insulin resistance, which leads to an increase in blood sugar and therefore a high level of insulin responsible for converting glucose into energy.
A higher-than-normal level of insulin leads to an increase in the production of testosterone by the ovaries. In addition, an increased insulin level leads to difficulties in losing weight. So you may end up asking questions like why do I keep gaining weight even though I don’t eat much?
Thus, a diet that suits your daily nutritional needs while maintaining a healthy weight can significantly contribute to maintaining a normal insulin level, which improves PCOS symptoms.
What not to eat in PCOS
If you have polycystic ovarian disease, it certainly poses a lot of inconvenience to you, and many doctors can definitely recommend a moderate diet.
In fact, food does not cause polycystic ovary syndrome, but changing the way you eat can significantly improve your life.
The biggest link between PCOS diet is the method used by your body to respond to insulin, it is very common for women with PCOS to have high insulin resistance, which means that their body does not use it properly, and increase their blood sugar levels. However, these symptoms are typical for a state called prediabetes.
Check out How long does it take to reverse prediabetes?
On the other hand, a diet rich in refined carbohydrates contributes not only to insulin resistance, but it can increase your body inflammation, plus it will definitely make you gain weight.
It can be difficult to lose weight if you have PCOS, and it is common for this condition to develop in parallel with mood disorders such as anxiety or depression.
However, doctors point out that lifestyle changes that promote weight loss can significantly improve your health starting with simple changes in your health.
You should limit your consumption of:
- Processed foods.
- Ready-cooked meats.
- Certain types of cheeses.
- Desserts, but you can replace them with low carb desserts.
- Foods high in refined carbohydrates like pastries, white bread, breakfast cereals and drinks high in added sugars.
Added sugars and refined carbohydrates can contribute to inflammation and insulin resistance, two common problems in women with PCOS.
Check out How to Know if you have inflammation in your body.
According to nutritionists, there is no diet specifically designed for women with PCOS. However, a diet with:
- A lot of lean protein.
- Fiber-rich foods.
Is one of the best things you can do to lose weight that prevent insulin resistance and reduce the severity of symptoms.
Instead of filling your plate with worst foods for PCOS we mentioned above, try to include fish and lean meat, broccoli, spinach and kale.
Lean protein and fiber can help you achieve a feeling of fullness faster and keep that feeling longer. This makes you less likely to overeat and promotes weight loss.