Diet plays a large role in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): it supports drug therapy and is crucial in preventing comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease. Learn the basic principles of PCOS diet therapy

Diet for PCOS - basic rules

Women with PCOS should pay attention to their daily diet. By introducing simple changes and applying them systematically, they are able to realistically improve their test results and well-being in the fight against PCOS. PCOS owners should:

  • use a properly selected, varied diet with an appropriate caloric content,
  • eat regularly, about every 3-4 hours, which prevents fluctuations in blood glucose levels,
  • give up snacking between meals,
  • drink enough water during the day (30 ml x body weight, e.g. 30 x 60=1800 ml of water / day),
  • consume about 25-30 g of fiber / day from vegetables, fruits and whole grains,
  • include spices (cinnamon, cardamom, black cumin, pepper, turmeric), nuts and seeds, fresh and dried herbs (mint, green tea, cistus) in your daily diet,
  • avoid eating excess sugars (sweets, sweet drinks), s alt and saturated fats (s alty snacks, fast food, ready meals, sausages, cold cuts, canned food),
  • eat products with a low or medium glycemic index,
  • implement daily physical activity (walk, exercise),
  • use the recommended supplementation,
  • regenerate and take care of the quality of sleep,
  • refrain from consuming stimulants such as alcohol, cigarettes, drugs.

Diet and accompanying diseases in PCOS

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome are likely to develop diseases such as excess body weight, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, cancer and depression.

A properly selected and balanced diet is of key importance in preventing the above-mentioned diseases. Numerous scientific studies show that the use of a diet with a low glycemic index affects the control of blood glucose, which is important in women with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and PCOS.

By using productsunprocessed with a low content of simple sugars, s alt and saturated trans fats, we are able to eliminate highly processed products from the diet, which in turn reduces the caloric content of meals and is recommended for reducing excess body weight, prevents cardiovascular diseases, among others arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis.

Products that should be included in the diets of PCOS patients

Products recommended in the diet of PCOS patients include:

  • Berries(blueberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, currants) - contain a large amount of antioxidants and polyphenols that reduce inflammation in the body and lower blood glucose levels, which is especially important for women with PCOS and insulin resistance.
  • Spicessuch as turmeric and pepper - are an inseparable duo in the fight for immunity. Turmeric contains curcumin (an active substance), which has a strong anti-inflammatory effect, which is why it is recommended for women with PCOS. It is best to use it with pepper, as this significantly increases its absorption. Cinnamon - this spice affects the so-called insulin sensitivity of cells, therefore it is recommended for women with insulin resistance and PCOS. Research shows that consuming cinnamon on an empty stomach helps to balance blood sugar levels, so it is worth adding it to coffee, porridge, cocktails.
  • Mint- reduces the level of androgens, incl. testosterone (women with PCOS have increased parameters), and thus restores the regularity of the menstrual cycle. The effective dose is 2 cups a day for the first 5 days of the cycle.
  • Black cumin and flaxseed- women with PCOS should include black cumin seeds in their daily diet and add them to salads, sandwiches, soups, as they balance blood glucose levels (important in insulin resistance ), and linseed (a source of unsaturated fatty acids). They support the work of the circulatory system (anti-atherosclerotic effect) and balance the level of lipids in the blood.
  • Green vegetables- have a low glycemic index and a lot of dietary fiber regulating carbohydrate metabolism. They also contain iron and folic acid, which, in combination with vitamin. B6 (whole grains) lowers homocysteine ​​levels (elevated homocysteine ​​levels increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in women with PCOS).
  • Green tea- thanks to the content of catechins, green tea affects the regulation of blood glucose levels, a particularly important factor in insulin resistance, and accelerates metabolism, and thus supports weight reduction (mass normalization body, e.g. restores ovulation).
  • Brazil nuts- are a rich source of chromium and selenium, trace elements that reduce inflammation and blood triglyceride levels.
  • Whole Grain Grain Products : Wholemeal bread and pasta, brown rice, bran, and wheat germ are all sources of dietary fiber that balances blood glucose levels. They also contain inositol - a substance that supports the sensitivity of cells to insulin.
  • Protein products(eggs, fish, tofu, pulses, lean poultry): these products provide the building blocks and essential vitamins and amino acids necessary for proper functioning of the body.

Products that should be eliminated or reduced in the diet of PCOS patients:

  • Products containing a large amount of simple sugars(sweets, sweet drinks, sweet fruit yoghurts, canned fruit, syrups and juices), these products promote excess body weight and have a very negative influence on the normalization of blood glucose levels.
  • Products containing a large amount of s alt(fast food ready meals, instant meals, canned food, sausages, ready-made sauces / pastes in jars) - the excess of products containing a large amount of s alt increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, incl. high blood pressure, which is a common disease in women with PCOS. Instead of s alt, it is recommended to use fresh and dried herbs in dishes, and ready-made products such as pesto or hummus should be made at home.
  • Stimulants (alcohol, cigarettes, drugs)- their presence in the body causes a number of negative effects, incl. increases the risk of atherosclerosis and cancer, and also intensifies ovulation disorders (dangerous in women with PCOS and insulin resistance).
  • Skimmed dairy products- the process of skimming dairy products (yoghurt, kefir, buttermilk, cottage cheese, cottage cheese) may have a negative impact on ovulation, and thus contribute to cycle disorders menstrual cycle in women. Skimmed products also reduce the absorption of vitamins (A, D, E, K). It's best to choose half-fat or full-fat dairy products, without the addition of powdered milk.

Vitamins and minerals essential for people with PCOS

Women with PCOS should ensure an adequate supply of vitamins such as: A, B6, B12, C, E, D, as well as folic acid, iron and magnesium, and inositol.

Deficiencies of these vitamins and minerals may affect ovulation disorders, worsen the sensitivity of tissues to insulin, worsen the lipid panel and reducefertility and immunity.

The role of supplementation in PCOS dietary treatment

Research shows that properly selected supplementation in the treatment of PCOS is as important as the use of a diet or physical activity.

Supplementation supplements possible deficiencies of vitamins and minerals, and also improves the condition of the body, especially the intestines, which are responsible for digestion, absorption of nutrients and the body's immunity.

Modification of the intestinal microbiota and the effects of treatment of patients with PCOS

Modification of the intestinal microbiota, through the use of appropriate synbiotics, e.g. SANPROBI Super Formula, affects the number and diversity of protective bacteria in the intestines and supports metabolic processes, e.g. weight reduction, as well as hormonal processes, e.g. lowering testosterone levels. This is confirmed by the latest research conducted by scientists from Poznań.

Weight reduction by 5% improves the menstrual cycle and restores ovulation, which is often the key to success for women with PCOS. It seems even more important to reduce the level of testosterone, which in excess not only inhibits ovulation, but also adversely affects the appearance and well-being of a woman. The improvement of this parameter causes the male hair type to decrease and the skin condition to improve. A lot depends on well-being, also the motivation to implement dietary changes …

Category:

Female diseases