A large number of immature eggs that create cysts are released from the ovaries in polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) cases. PCOD treatment and nutrition work towards mitigating symptoms.
Diet is primarily suggested in order to limit the usual symptoms such as extra facial hair, acne, pain in the pelvis, infrequent or missing periods, crampy periods, and infertility. In some places, some individuals may even observe dark, velvety skin.
PCOD occurs in nearly one-third of the females in this world. Treatment at the proper time might reduce major health complications in females. Your suitable diet plan may be shared here to make you more comfortable and help you towards your PCOD treatment.
What Causes PCOD in Women?
Several environmental factors and genetic reasons will cause PCOD for women. If any of your mother, aunt, or grandmother has PCOD, then you may also have it. The changes in the surrounding atmosphere may also be the reason for affecting PCOD in women. You are not the reason behind your PCOD issue. Some common causes are as follows:
Hormonal Disruption:
The major reason behind PCOD is the hormonal imbalance in the process of releasing eggs from the ovaries. It can be triggered by excess levels of insulin and androgens (male sex hormones).
Genetics:
PCOD may run in families because it can be inherited.
Insulin Resistance:
Excess levels of insulin might lead to excessive testosterone production, as the majority of women with PCOD are not able to absorb insulin.
Inflammation:
PCOD may also arise because of increased levels of inflammatory markers in the body.
Although the cause is not yet identified, these are some key points.
Common Symptoms of PCOD
- Being extremely tired for a long period physically and mentally
- Sudden weight gain
- Developing more acne and oily skin
- Thinning of hair
- Irregular periods (such as a change of every month cycle)
Effect of PCOD on Pregnancy
Women in their reproductive years can suffer from this PCOD issue. After marriage, if they undergo any irregular menstrual cycles, they must visit a nearby healthcare provider. Because irregular menstrual cycles and lack of ovulation can make them more challenging to become pregnant.
The excess level of androgen hormones hampers the process of ovulation, leading to poor ovulation. A normal menstrual cycle is the solution to the ideal conception.
Treatment For PCOD
PCOD can be managed through appropriate diet and minor lifestyle modifications as below:
- Following a balanced diet and reducing sugar intake
- Exercise daily to keep weight healthy.
- Management of stress through techniques like yoga or meditation
- Medication for regulation of periods (if necessary)
How Does Diet Help to Manage PCOD?
For PCOD women, insulin levels are usually high. The pancreas is the vital organ that secretes insulin required by our body. This facilitates the metabolism of glucose or sugar that is required by our body. If the body cells don’t use this insulin for energy production, then it will raise the insulin level of the body.
The higher level of insulin causes the male hormones androgens and testosterone to rise. This also enhances the risk of maintaining the ideal body weight for women. A sudden increase in body weight may be experienced by many women who are affected by PCOD. A regular diet and exercise will help to mitigate these issues and improve your lifestyle with good food habits.
Diet Chart for PCOD Patients
Before starting your diet, make up your mind to not skip any meals during the day. Also, strictly follow the plan to consume moderate amounts of food, not excess. If you feel hungry, split your meal into two portions and eat them at different times.
| Day | Breakfast | Mid-meal | Lunch | Evening | Dinner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sunday
|
2 Idlis with Sambar and chutney
|
Green gram sprouts
|
2 Rotis, salad, fish curry, cabbage subji
|
A portion of fruit (avoid high-sugar fruits)
|
2 Roti/Chapati with tomato subji |
|
Monday
|
2 slices brown bread, low-fat cheese, boiled egg whites
|
A portion of fruit (avoid high-sugar fruits)
|
Veg pulao, soya chunk curry, buttermilk
|
Light tea with wheat rusks
|
2 Roti/Chapati with ladies' finger subji |
|
Tuesday
|
2 Chapatis with green peas curry
|
Boiled black chana
|
Rice, dal, spinach subji, low-fat curd
|
A portion of fruit (avoid high-sugar fruits)
|
Broken wheat upma with green beans subji |
|
Wednesday
|
Wheat paratha with chutney
|
A portion of fruit (avoid high-sugar fruits)
|
Rice, chicken curry, cucumber salad
|
Light tea with brown rice flakes poha
|
Wheat dosa with bitter gourd subji |
|
Thursday
|
Vegetable oats upma with low-fat milk
|
Plain yogurt with raw/grilled vegetables
|
Rice, chapatis, kidney beans curry, snake gourd subji
|
Boiled chana with light tea
|
2 Roti/Chapati with mixed vegetable curry |
|
Friday
|
Mixed veg poha with low-fat milk
|
A portion of fruit (avoid high-sugar fruits)
|
2 chapatis with cluster beans subji and fish curry
|
Tea with 2 digestive biscuits
|
2 Rotis/Chapathi with ridge gourd subji |
|
Saturday
|
2 uthappams with green chutney
|
Boiled chana
|
Rice, soya chunk curry, ladies' finger subji, low-fat curd
|
A portion of fruit (avoid high-sugar fruits)
|
Broken wheat upma with green beans subji |
Lifestyle Modifications
Changing lifestyle helps individuals to manage PCOD. Exercise and a nutritious diet support individuals as follows:
- Decrease weight
- Enhance responsiveness to insulin
- Menstrual regularity
- Reduction of male hormone levels
- Decrease in cholesterol
Women can try the following actions to treat PCOD:
- Create your short-term goals, which can be achievable.
- Track your progress.
- self care yourself by having adequate sleep.
- Don’t engage in over-commitments.
- Take a break when necessary.
When to See A Doctor
You should see a gynaecologist if you’re on a PCOD diet and still experience symptoms such as acne, hair growth, weight gain, oily skin, irregular periods, pelvic pain, or difficulty conceiving. You will heal faster if you receive care earlier. Most individuals delay seeking medical attention when they are experiencing difficulty in conceiving.
Make a list of “good food/bad food.” Replace your white rice with brown, dal and veggie instead. Certain sugars can be easily replaced with healthy palm sugar- take chana, nuts, or even fruits like apples and guavas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, PCOD treatment needs a comprehensive approach that involves exercise, diet, and appropriate medical guidance. You might be able to control symptoms, enhance hormone levels, and improve your overall well-being by following natural and nutritious foods and by adopting modest and routine lifestyle changes.
Of course, remember that you must see a healthcare provider with special advice for proper care, and your patience and persistence go a long way in controlling PCOD. A dramatic improvement in your physical and emotional well-being may be seen if you follow the above suggestions.
