PCOD stands for Polycystic Ovarian Disease. It is an endocrine disorder in which the body does not release eggs timely during menstruation which, as a result, turns into a cyst that pertains to the ovaries, which leads to a larger production of the male hormone androgen and lesser production of the female hormone estrogen. PCOD or Polycystic Ovarian Disease can be caused by excess insulin, low-grade inflammation, lifestyle issues, or it can be heredity as well.
The most common symptoms of PCOD include Hormonal acne, excessive weight gain and difficulty in losing it, acne, baldness, pelvic pain, patches of thick, darker, velvety skin, abnormally increased hair growth on the face and other parts of the body, Fertility issues, Irregular or no menstruation, etc. PCOD is a very serious disease that has no cure. The only cure found yet is weight loss.
In order to lose weight and manage PCOD, it is very important to consume food items that will not add put to the weight and will promote satiety which will promote less calorie intake and daily exercise and lifestyle change. Or then there are surgical methods, like laparoscopy (band-aid surgery)
If you are suffering from PCOD, here are the five foods to avoid that you need to know in order to cure PCOD:
Carbohydrates
If you are suffering from PCOD, then carbohydrates are your biggest enemy. Food items such as potatoes, dried beans, for example, lentils and kidney beans, corn, peas, and grains, such as rice, oats, wheat, etc., contain glucose, and as more glucose goes into the blood, higher the level of insulin which is the major cause behind Diabetes and PCOD. As a result, it leads to the production of more androgen, which causes irregular menstrual cycles, acne, and abnormal hair growth. In order to cure PCOD, one should stay away from food items containing carbohydrates, such as cakes, pastries, white bread, etc.
Beverages containing sugar
We have heard that we should avoid packed fruit juices and soft drinks, which as these drinks lead to obesity. Ever wondered why? These beverages contain high levels of sugar in them, which can worsen the symptoms of PCOD. Sugary preserved and prepacked beverages contain high sugar levels, which give a perk to blood insulin which is the main cause of PCOD and eventually leads to a lot of health-related problems. In order to manage and terminate PCOD, we should avoid consuming packed sugary items at all costs.
Processed foods
It is very important to avoid processed food items such as hot dogs, burgers, sausages, etc., and especially sweet items such as candies, cookies, cakes, pastries, etc., as these food items tend to have a higher Glycaemic Index (GI), which plays a major role in insulin production and diabetes. Consumption of these items will cause a spike in your blood sugar levels, induce weight gain and destroy your gut microbiome, which will lead to the worsening of PCOD. In order to satisfy the cravings, an individual can have home cooked healthy meal, and for the people who have a sweet tooth, it is advised to have desserts or sweets made from jaggery and honey.
Caffeine
A large number of populations love coffee as it gives a perfect kick-start to their day and terminates the feeling of laziness. But there is bad news for coffee lovers. If you are suffering from PCOD, it is advised to avoid caffeine as it directly impacts health and worsens the symptoms of PCOD. By acting like a stimulant, Coffee increases insulin levels. If consumed in heavy amounts, it can lower the fertility rate. Also, caffeine causes acidity, which eventually causes hormonal imbalance. So, in order to cure PCOD, one should avoid caffeine and replace it with a healthy habit of having lemon water, green tea, etc.
Dairy items
We involve dairy items in almost everything. From a cup of coffee or tea to a delicious meal, we involve milk, cheese, cottage cheese, cream, etc. And in case you love having dairy products, there is bad news for you. If you are suffering from PCOD, it is advised to avoid dairy items as this will help them to lose weight faster, which eventually leads to balanced hormone levels. Also, dairy items contain carbohydrates. So, excess consumption of dairy items can lead to an increase in blood glucose levels which will lead to the worsening of PCOD. Lactose-intolerant women suffering from PCOD must avoid dairy items at all costs, as PCOD increases sensitivity and intolerance towards dairy. So, instead of having dairy items, one can go for soy milk, tofu, etc.
Mentioned above are the five food items to avoid while suffering from PCOD. But it is always advised to seek professional help before adding or removing anything from your diet, as there is no definite cure for PCOD. And it is advised to reach a dietitian in order to maintain a PCOS diet chart to ensure a diet containing an adequate proportion of all nutrition and a healthy and fulfilling diet with a variety of foods.