Professional Documents
Culture Documents
PCOS wreaks havoc on your hormones and body systems. Infertility is a major
complaint with PCOS, but it is not the only health problem that can appear.
Women with PCOS are also at risk for insulin resistance and the
prediabetes and type 2 diabetes that can result.
Still, being “at risk” does not mean you are helpless. Simple changes in your
diet can reduce PCOS symptoms and lower your risk for diabetes. Here are 5
easy diet tips to fight PCOS and diabetes .
Having PCOS raises your risk for obesity and makes weight loss difficult. Your
doctor may have been telling you to lose weight for years, and you might have
been trying to beat your metabolism for years. Here is some good news if you
have been struggling to hit goal weight: losing a few pounds is enough to
improve health.[1]
Better yet is that you do not need to make major sacrifices. Take smaller
portions here and there, get in an extra brisk walk every so often, and swap
soda for water a few times a week, and the pounds will slowly but surely come
off.
Good news for carb-lovers: despite popular belief, a low-carb diet may not be
your best bet for fighting PCOS or insulin resistances. A low-carb diet does not
just have health concerns, such as bone loss or kidney or liver trouble. It may
not even be the best way to lose weight or improve insulin sensitivity.[ 3]
A moderate-carb diet, with as much as 50% of your total calories
from carbohydrates , is probably your safest and most effective bet over the
long term.[4] These healthy carb sources should be your primary ones, with
sugary foods and refined starches being only occasional treats.
Whole grains, such as whole-wheat bread and pasta, oatmeal, whole-
grain cereal, and brown rice.
Raw vegetables, salads, and steamed or other non-fried vegetables.
Fresh fruit, peanuts, nuts, and seeds.
Reduced-fat dairy products, such as plain yogurt and cottage cheese.