Improper diet and nutrition can have a negative impact if you have PCOS. Therefore, paying attention to what we should avoid eating helps in keeping PCOS under control.
Avoid certain foods to managing weight and hormones
Apart from body weight, the nutrients we consume can have a direct impact on our hormone production and therefore, avoiding certain nutrients or foods can help relieve PCOS symptoms at hormonal level.
Foods to avoid if you have PCOS
Processed foods: Their high glycemic index can immediately spike your blood sugar levels which may lead to a risk of developing diabetes. Women with PCOS already have high chances of developing diabetes, and therefore it is very important to avoid foods that can spike blood glucose such as biscuits, cakes, white potatoes, white bread or white rice.
Milk: It carries IGF-1 hormone which is not good for human ovaries. Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 or IGF-1 is a hormone that women with PCOS have in excess as compared to others and it is not good for your ovaries’ health. Cow milk also carries IGF-1 hormone and therefore, its consumption may further increase IGF-1 levels in your body.
Unhealthy fat: Raises already high estrogen levels in a woman with PCOS as well as weight. Foods which have saturated or hydrogenated fats in them, including dairy products such as cream or cheese as well as fatty red meats, processed foods or fried foods, all of these can increase the already higher than usual estrogen levels in your body, which can make your PCOS symptoms worse. They also lead to weight gain which further complicates PCOS.
Soy products: Raise already high estrogen levels in a woman having PCOS. As we have just discussed that women with PCOS have excess of estrogen which is also called estrogen dominance, soy products can further increase estrogen levels in the body which can be harmful.
Gluten: Can lead to inflammation which further leads to insulin resistance, diabetes or weight gain. It is not necessary that PCOS makes you gluten intolerant, but many women with PCOS are advised to cut off gluten from their diet as it can lead to inflammation which can result in insulin resistance and increase your risk of developing diabetes. Inflammation also triggers excess androgen production which can contribute to weight gain or irregular periods.
Special advice from doctor or nutritionist is very important
In addition to a good knowledge about foods to avoid with PCOS, it is always advisable to take specialist advice from a nutrition and medical perspective.