PCOD - How Can Your Diet Cause It?

PCOD (polycystic ovary disease) has become almost an intrinsic part of daily life for women in the 21st century. Mainly caused due to hormonal imbalance, it is a disease which can be combated only with diagnosis and adequate treatment at the right time. In other cases, fortunately, it can be prevented altogether. How is this possible? By changing your daily diet, of course!

To modify your diet to avoid getting PCOD, you should know the specific aggravating factors present in your diet. They are:

Dietary causes of PCOD:

1. Starchy foods: Starchy foods are a high-risk factor in causing PCOD because they make you insulin resistant. This increases your risk for diabetes as well. High insulin means you can’t use insulin to control your blood sugar levels, and hence your body produces more than the normal levels of insulin. This causes PCOD, by causing more androgens (male sex hormones) to be released into your blood. Pasta, potatoes and rice are primary offenders belonging to this category.
2. Sugary foods: Sugary foods are harmful in the same way starchy foods are for you because they lead to insulin resistance. Therefore, it will make a lot of sense for you to avoid ice-creams, chocolates and cookies from now on.
3. Refined carbohydrates: Foods containing these are also on the list of foods that make for increased insulin sensitivity, in contrast to whole carbohydrate foods like vegetables and fruits. The foods to be avoided are pastries, artificially sweetened products like candies, and cakes/processed fruit juices.

Foods to actually consume to ward off PCOD:
There are some foods which help you fight this nemesis. They are:

1. Vegetables high in fibre: these vegetables slow down your process of digestion, and cause insulin to have less impact on your body than it did before. Therefore, they are very helpful for PCOD. Such vegetables are cauliflowers and broccoli.
2. Lean proteins: they are protein sources in your diet that aren’t as greasy like the regular options (curried chicken et al) and therefore provide options that can fill your stomach as well as not harm your digestion and sugar levels. Examples are tofu and fish.
3. Anti-inflammatory diet options: foods like walnuts, olive oils, almonds and spinach also help in the fight against PCOD.

PCOD is a condition that can be embarrassing to deal with, and therefore control measures should be taken beforehand so that you do not fall prey as well, like the rising number of women who have. Cut starchy and savoury, too-sweet options out of your menu, and eat fibrous, light, green stuff. Your body will thank you in the long run.