The glycemic index and South Beach diets are two dietary approaches to managing hormone imbalances associated with polycystic ovary syndrome. While both diets are designed to improve blood sugar stability and insulin resistance, the GI diet offers the added benefit of assigning each food items with a specific rating called a glycemic index. For best results, talk to your doctor about which diet will be more effective in managing the symptoms associated with your condition.
Definition
Polycystic ovary syndrome is a type of hormonal disorder associated with the accumulation of small cysts on the outer edge of the ovaries, according to MayoClinic.com. Common symptoms include prolonged menstrual periods, acne, obesity and excessive hair growth. While the exact causes of the condition remain unknown, lifestyle changes such as diet adjustments are frequently recommended as part of the healing process. Since obesity worsens insulin resistance, both the GI and South Beach diets may offer a way to reduce insulin and androgen levels by helping you lose weight.
About the GI Diet
The GI diet uses a rating system that assigns a number to each food based on how it affects your blood sugar levels. Foods with a high glycemic index are more likely to cause spikes in your blood glucose, which can potentially exacerbate some of your symptoms by causing fluctuations in your hormone levels. According to Harvard Health Publications, foods with high glycemic indexes include plain white baguettes, rice cakes, puffed wheat cereals, dried dates and oven-baked pretzels.
About the South Beach Diet
The South Beach diet follows an approach similar to that of the GI diet by emphasizing nutrient-dense, fiber-rich foods such as vegetables, lean proteins and reduced-fat cheeses. By eating primarily these foods, you may eliminate some of your cravings for sugar and refined starches, according to the tenets of the diet.
Which Is Better?
Since both diets encourage the consumption of low-sugar, nutrient-rich foods, they may have similar benefits when it comes to polycystic ovary syndrome. However, the GI diet is the only diet of the two that has been studied for its specific benefits for polycystic ovary syndrome patients. According to a report published in a 2011 issue of “BMC Research Notes," low glycemic index diets may decrease some of the long-term health risks associated with polycystic ovary syndrome, such as endometrial cancer. While more evidence is needed to make a definitive claim, the report cites previous studies that suggest that the GI diet may offer benefits as a lifestyle intervention method for women with polycystic ovary syndrome. While the GI diet may have more evidence to support its use, both diets appear to offer the benefits of a reduced sugar and caloric intake, which may be effective in helping to fight obesity and unstable blood sugar conditions.
Safety Concerns
Always talk to your doctor before making any dramatic change in your diet. Since your blood sugar levels are closely related to your diet, it is possible that a sudden change could cause worsening of some of your symptoms. When in doubt, consult a clinical nutritionist about the specific foods you can eat to help you manage your symptoms.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
- MayoClinic.com: Glycemic Index Diet: What's Behind the Claims?
- Harvard Health Publications: Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load For 100+ Foods
- SouthBeachDiet.com: How the South Beach Diet Works
- BMC Research Notes: Evaluating Compliance to a Low Glycaemic Index (GI) Diet In Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
