Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD)or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)is adisorder due towhichthe ovariesemita number of immature orsomewhatmature eggs that turn into cysts. To understandwhatthismeans, you should knowthatwomen have two ovaries on either side of the uterus.
Each ovary releases an egg alternately every month.When this normal functioning is replaced by one or both ovaries releasing immature eggs that turn into cysts, it results in enlarged, fluid-filled sacs inside the ovaries. This condition is known as PCOD.PCOS is also a hormonal imbalance where the ovaries make more androgens (the male hormone that the ovaries make in minute quantities) than normal.
This condition isverycommon andin fact,affects almost 5 to 10% of women in their reproductive ages,i.e.,13-45 years.While the exact cause of this condition is still unknown, experts think it has something to do with genetics, hormonal imbalances, obesity, or stress, or a combination of these factors.
Symptoms seen in PCOD include irregular periods, infertility or issues in conceiving, abdominal weight gain, PCOS hair loss, acne, and excessive hair growth on the face or body (hirsutism).
Understanding thediet for PCODWhen it comes toPCOD, foodintake can be quite a challenge for many.You can consult a nutrition consultant to get details on thebest diet for PCOD weight lossand an overalldiet plan for PCODmaintenance.Overall, thediet plan for PCOD patientshould behighin fibreand low in carbohydrates,processedfoods and junkfoods.
Some of thebest food for PCODincludes:
- Lowglycemicindex(GI)foods such as foods made with whole wheat, whole grain, wheat flour, brown rice, brown rice poha and wheat pasta.
- Spinach, fenugreek leaves (methi), broccoli, lettuce and othergreen and leafyvegetablesfor PCODwork wondersas theyhelp get in the nutrition you need and also aid weight loss.
- The dietshould alsoinclude othercomplex carbohydratessuch as peas, corn, potatoes and sweet potatoes, yams, radish, etc.
- Berriessuch strawberries and cranberries that are packed with nutrients and antioxidantsalsohelp.
- Increase intake of plant proteinssuch as lentils, legumes anddried beans– think rajma, black eyed beans,dals,etc.
- Consume seeds such asmethidana,flaxseeds and sesame seeds.
- Increase your intake of antioxidants, probiotics andalsospices such as ginger and cinnamon.
Foods to avoidfor PCOD
When charting out aweight loss diet for PCOD,anutritionist willtry and understand what it is that you eat on a daily basis and then come up with a well-suitedPCOD diet chart.Nutritionistssuggestthefoods to avoid for PCODinclude:
- Fried foods, be it fried packaged snacks,bhajiyasand pakoras, or other deep-fried foods
- Sweeteners such as sugar, honey and jaggery
- Refined carbohydrateslikebiscuits and cookies, white bread, cakes and pastries
- Refined cereals such assooji(rava),maida, white rice, and poha made from white rice
- Red meats,processed and frozen meats as theseincrease the risk of infertility
- Saturated fats that increase your calorie intake as well as cholesterol
- Dairy and dairy products should be avoidedas much as possible.