PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a hormonal disorder that occurs in women who are of reproductive age. It affects the hormonal levels of women and forms cysts in the ovary. However, many women with PCOS do not have cysts. PCOS can delay or stop your periods and make them hard to predict. It can cause problems while conceiving and increase the risk of getting health problems like diabetes and high blood pressure. It is an extremely common condition in women because of the modern lifestyle and food which can be controlled by PCOS diet and ba healthy lifestyle.
While the exact causes of PCOS are still unknown, there are several factors that contribute to it. The pancreas produces insulin which helps the cell to use the sugar that it absorbs from the bloodstream. This sugar is the body’s primary source of energy. However, if your body becomes resistant, the production of insulin will increase. This in turn will also increase the androgen production in your body which can cause difficulty with ovulation. When ovaries produce excessive amounts of androgen it can cause ovulation problems, hirsutism (or growth of hair on face, chest and back) and acne. PCOS might be hereditary. If it runs in the family it can contribute to the condition.
PCOS treatment usually focuses on dealing with individual concerns of infertility, hirsutism, acne or obesity. Apart from medication, PCOS patients are also advised lifestyle change. Lifestyle changes are necessary in order to treat PCOS. A low carb diet with physical exercise is important. Even a slight reduction in body weight can improve your condition and make the medications more effective. This condition responds very well to a low carb or ketogenic diet.
A fertility specialist at the Jacksonville Center for Reproductive Medicine in Florida, named Dr. Michael Fox, said “Cutting carbohydrates to less than 20 total grams and boosting fat to 75 percent of the diet rapidly restores periods, increases fertility, and greatly improves distressing symptoms like acne and weight gain.” A low carb diet can also improve reproductive and metabolic conditions in women. Therefore, we have created a list of 9 well-researched reasons why adopting a low carb diet can be beneficial for women with PCOS.
Here is our list of reasons why a low carb diet is beneficial for women with PCOS:
- Our bodies are genetically programmed to thrive on low carb diets.
According to the Journal of Endocrinology and metabolism PCOS is a complex genetic condition that is known to have been around for 150,000 years. According to research, the condition existed in a different form in the Paleolithic Age which acted as an advantage for women and their children for the better spacing of children and helping them to survive famines. Moreover, their diets automatically provided them with improved strength and disease resistance power. In recent times, the consumption of carbohydrates and sugar has increased immensely. Therefore, cutting down on carbs will allow women with PCOS to improve their health.
- Low carb diet can improve glucose tolerance.
While cystic ovaries are not always present in women with PCOS, almost all women affected with the condition suffer from insulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance. Carbohydrates cause insulin release. Studies have shown that a PCOS diet (low carb diet) can improve glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in women with PCOS.
- Improvement in fertility and restoration of the menstrual cycle.
Women who have followed a low carb diet have reported to have seen results within three months. The improved metabolism and the lowering of insulin levels normalized their menstrual cycle. Low carb diets have also been proved to improve hormone profiles and fertility.
- Loss of excess weight.
Weight loss is the best way to restore your menstrual cycle to normalcy and improve metabolism. After diagnosis, the doctor will suggest you to lead a healthy lifestyle accompanied by a low carb diet. Low carb diets have been proved to considerably reduce weight within two to three months from its commencement. However, it is important that you do not go back to your unhealthy eating habits because that may cause a relapse.
- Visible reduction in acne.
Acne is a persistent problem for women with PCOS from adolescence through to adulthood. Research has shown that reducing the glycemic load, i.e. cutting down on the carbohydrates that quickly transform into sugar can help reduce acne. Moreover, it is a known fact that the consumption of junk or excessively oily food can contribute to acne formation. Therefore, a low carb diet can dramatically improve skin conditions like acne.
- It may ease anxiety and depression.
Due to the drastic hormonal changes, women with PCOS often suffer from anxiety or depression. While the link between the food we consume and our mental health is not apparent, there have been anecdotal evidences of low carb diets easing mental health issues like anxiety and depression. This can partially be for the simple reason that the low carb diet itself promotes quicker healing of the condition. Noticeable improvement in physical health may have a positive impact on mental health.
- Improvement of Bulimia.
Bulimia is a potentially life-threatening eating disorder where the patient binge eats followed my methods to avoid gaining weight like forceful vomiting. Bulimia can arise from psychological problems in women with PCOS when they develop the fear of gaining weight. A low carb diet ensures that the right nutrients enter your body while keeping harmful elements that contribute to weight gain away.
- Improved Pregnancy.
While infertility, weight gain, and acne are the more prominent problems for women with PCOS, pregnancy is also a risky issue for them. When women with PCOS get pregnant the chances of complication increases. A low carb diet can be beneficial to improve pregnancy.
- Reduction of risks of health problems after menopause.
Women with PCOS have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. A low carb diet can reduce the chances of health risk by cutting out carbohydrates and improving glucose tolerance.
Conclusion:
PCOS is a very common condition that can be overcome through a healthy lifestyle and dietary restrictions. The above article carried information on reasons to Adopt a Low Carb Diet for PCOS. You can also check How to Reverse PCOS blog to find how you can reverse PCOS with a low carb diet.