Introduction
When it comes to PCOS there is no specific isolated foods that cause it and also the diet isn’t one size fits all, every girl has a different body and cause for this condition(see here for the causes breakdown).
when it comes to diet , I want you to think of its more of balancing the blood sugar, reduce inflammation and support healthy hormone levels
Why the Diet?
so you must be wondering why diet? its because girlies with PCOS do struggle with weight gain, insulin resistance is the main cause of PCOS and it can lead to diabetes , cardiovascular diseases & high blood pressure if not managed well, diet also helps with managing the hormone levels to curb symptoms like irregular period, hair growth and acne.
Core Principles:
When it comes to PCOS diet the core principles to always keep in mind are below
Food Sources and Nutrients:
The below are the nutrients and examples of food sources that support the core principles
What to Avoid:
These are the food sources to avoid and why its best to
Eating Pattern Tips:
- Regular meals (don’t skip breakfast if you tend to have blood sugar crashes).
- Consider balanced snacks (e.g., apple slices with almond butter).
- Some people with PCOS do well with moderate intermittent fasting, but it depends on individual response.
Helpful Add-Ons:
- Spearmint tea may help reduce androgens.
- Inositol (myo- & d-chiro) supplements can support insulin sensitivity under professional guidance don’t self prescribe
- Vitamin D, omega-3s, magnesium if deficient (test first).
Conclusion:
With this diet guides in mind you can always curate a diet plan that suits you, an example of a diet plan I can recommend is the Mediterranean diet but as I always say diet is personal its your preference and goal that matter and never forget to pick one that has food you enjoy.
For more information on what PCOS is and personal journey please take a look at these posts PCOS, PCOS Personal Story.