Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: PCOS or 'Polycystic Ovary Syndrome' is a hormonal disorder that affects approximately more than 10 per cent of women worldwide. Androgen production is high in women suffering from PCOS. This can lead to insulin resistance, which in turn causes spikes in blood sugar levels. Women suffering from PCOS are at higher risk of type 2 diabetes, blood pressure and depression. Other problems associated with PCOS include irregular periods, excessive growth of unwanted hair, pimples, weight gain and difficulty in getting pregnant.
PCOS can be controlled through a good diet. However, some food items can also increase the problems related to PCOS. Here we are going to tell about some such food items, which should always be avoided by women suffering from PCOS.
Women with PCOS should avoid these things
1. Processed food: Processed food, including frozen dinners, fast food and packaged snacks, are usually high in salt, sugar and unhealthy fats. They can also contain artificial flavours and preservatives, which can increase the problem of insulin resistance and inflammation. Women struggling with PCOS should try to avoid these food items as much as possible. Instead, you can eat simple homemade food like pulses, vegetables, roti, rice and curry etc.
2. Sugar-Rich Drinks: Sugary drinks like cold drinks, packaged fruit juices, soda etc. are rich in sugar, which can not only increase blood sugar levels but can also cause insulin resistance. Do you know that a can of cold drink contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar? This is the reason that drinking these sweet drinks can increase the problems of PCOS patients. To avoid insulin spikes, you can drink healthy drinks like peppermint tea, lemon tea, lemongrass tea, black coffee and vegetable juices etc.
3. Food items with high glycemic index: Food items with a high glycemic index such as white bread, rice and pasta etc. can increase the level of blood sugar. Women with PCOS should choose to consume whole grains instead of these things, which are high in fibre and also help in controlling blood sugar levels.
4. Dairy products: Consumption of dairy products can worsen the condition of some women associated with PCOS. According to a study published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics in 2013, insulin resistance was higher in PCOS women who consumed higher amounts of dairy products. It is important to know here that the effects of dairy products can be different in all women. It may also happen that dairy products do not have any side effects on a woman. But if dairy products do not suit, then you should eat or drink something nutritious, such as oat milk, almond milk and soy milk etc.
