Polycystic ovary syndrome, known as PCOS, is the most common hormonal disorder among women of childbearing age, according to the Mayo Clinic website. Numerous cysts on the ovaries give the condition its name. Other symptoms include, weight gain, excessive hair on the face and body, infertility, disruption of the menstrual cycle and acne. Research shows that dietary changes such as increasing protein may ease the symptoms of PCOS. If you have PCOS, consult your health-care professional before making major dietary changes.
Causes of PCOS
The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but it is thought to be heredity. A woman with a sister or mother with PCOS is more likely to have it herself. Excess insulin is also thought to play a role. Insulin allows cells to use their main energy supply, sugar. If your ability to use insulin is impaired, the pancreas is stimulated to produce more. Excess insulin is thought to boost the production of male hormones called androgens. Excess androgen production can cause weight gain, acne and hair growth and interfere with ovulation.
Increase Complex Carbohydrates.
The main function of carbohydrates is to provide energy. Carbohydrates are classified as simple or complex. Simple carbohydrates such as white bread, white rice and cakes break down and release sugar quickly into the body. Complex carbohydrates such as brown bread, brown rice, lentils, cereals, whole-wheat pasta and beans contain more fiber than simple carbohydrates and release their sugar more slowly. Women with PCOS need to increase their consumption of complex carbohydrates and reduce their consumption of simple carbohydrates.
Increase Protein
Protein is needed to make and repair cells. Protein forms a major part of muscles, skin and organs. Sources of protein include chicken, eggs, fish and milk. In a study published in a 2007 issue of "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," researchers studied the effect of protein on blood sugar and ghrelin levels in women with PCOS. Ghrelin, a hormone, triggers feelings of hunger in the brain. The authors found that protein helped to balance blood-sugar levels and suppressed ghrelin levels.
Low-Glycemic Index Diet.
The glycemic index, commonly called GI, is a measure of how quickly foods raise blood-sugar levels in the body. Foods such as white bread, parsnips, dates and cakes have a high GI and release their sugars quickly into the body. Foods with a low GI such as brown rice, oats, peas and carrots release their sugar slowly. In a study published in a 2010 issue of "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," researchers studied the effect of a low-GI diet on insulin sensitivity and weight loss in women with PCOS. The team found that following a low-GI diet for 12 months improved insulin sensitivity, weight loss and menstrual cycle regularity.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition": Relation of nutrients and hormones in polycystic ovary syndrome: Sidika E Kasim-Karakas, Wendy M Cunningham1 and Alex Tsodikov: 2007
- "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition": Effect of a low glycemic index compared with a conventional healthy diet on polycystic ovary syndrome: Kate A Marsh, Katharine S Steinbeck, Fiona S Atkinson et al 2010
