Overcoming PCOS through a Healthy Diet
Posted By Gautham PB on Monday 28th November 2022
PCOS. The first time I heard this term was when a friend shared that his teenage daughter was suffering from it.
Poly cystic ovarian syndrome is a condition that affects a womans hormone levels, which can lead to weight gain and irregular periods. Women with PCOS produce higher-than-normal amounts of male hormones. This hormone imbalance may cause them to skip menstrual periods and makes it harder for them to get pregnant
While some women with PCOS may not experience a period at all, others may have prolonged bleeding, or heavy monthly flow. Heavy bleeding associated with menstrual disturbances can increase a womans risk of iron deficiency, weight gain, dark patches, unwanted hair growth, acne, mood swings etc.
As per a study by PCOS Society, One in every 10 women of childbearing age in India, suffers from PCOS. And, out of every 10 women diagnosed with PCOS, six are teenage girls. This draws attention to the importance of early diagnosis in adolescent girls.
While there is no clear evidence on what causes PCOS, many researchers believe that stress and environmental factors (including diet, exercise, and pollution), as well as genetic factors, play a role in the development of PCOS.
Recently I met up with Dr. Surya Ramesh, a Naturopathy doctor. During the course of discussion, the topic of PCODor PCOS came up, and she mentioned “A healthy diet with some regular exercise or yoga has helped many of my patients come out of this health condition”. She immediately went on to talk about the ideal diet for combating PCOS and heres what I learnt -
· Plenty of Green Leafy Vegetables (at least 1 green per day) - Recommended to have among others - Mint, Amruthaballi, Agasse and Drumstick Leaves - These especially will help with increasing Iron in the body.
· Vegetables - 40 to 45% of a meal
· Fruits - At least 500 g of fruits per day - Preferably seasonal - Recommended to have among others raw papaya, pineapple, passion fruit· Seeds - Chia Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds, Sesame Seeds, Hemp seeds
· A2 Ghee
· Oil - Cold Pressed Sesame Oil
· Dals - Recommended to have Horse Gram and Moong Dal among other dals.
· Papad with pepper
· Avoid Wheat (Since it generates heat)
· Recommended to have unpolished rice & millets
· Replace sugar with honey or Jaggery.
· Recommended to use Cast Iron Vessels or Earthen ware as much as possible.
Typically the diet should look like the following
· 25% Salad (combination of vegetables and green leafy vegetables to be eaten raw)
· 25% Cooked vegetables
· 10% Greens
· 20% Protein
· 20% Grain
Must Avoid - Non Veg, Egg, Milk, Paneer, Butter, Wheat
Naturopathy suggests the above additions to ones diet to help those with this condition. But one is advised to consult a doctor since each person has different dietary requirements based on their body type (Prakriti).
For those who are not aware, Naturopathy is an alternate medicine which believes medicines take the form of food combinations, natural herbs, customized diet and healthy practices. Just like how it was in good old days.
When I met my friend again, he happily mentioned that his teenage daughter has been cured of this syndrome purely by following a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Article is non-promotional and is purely for knowledge and experience sharing.
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Article written by Gautham (Co Founder at HealthyBuddha.in) with active inputs from Dr. Surya Ramesh (Naturopathy Doctor)
Gautham PB, Co Founder - Healthy Buddha
You can follow Gautham on Instagram & Twitter
HealthyBuddha.in home delivers fresh organic fruits and vegetables in Bangalore and North Goa.
Gautham PB, Co Founder - Healthy Buddha
You can follow Gautham on Instagram & Twitter
HealthyBuddha.in home delivers fresh organic fruits and vegetables in Bangalore and North Goa.
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