PCOS, or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, is a state among women that is associated with interrupted menstruation. This condition severely affects a woman’s body and can make pregnancy hard because of underlying hormonal imbalances.
Almost 12-18% of women of childbearing age are affected with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. The best and most effective way to manage PCOS is by losing weight.
The concept of intermittent fasting for women with PCOS has been quite popular in the last few years. However, the question is if an intermittent fasting diet benefits women struggling with PCOS.
PCOS – An Overview
PCOS, also known as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, is a hormonal imbalance affecting a major set of women worldwide. But the symptoms of PCOS differ from one woman to another and may include:
- Irregular periods
- Complications related to ovulation and fertility
- Growth of multiple cysts on ovaries
- Sudden weight gain
- Uneven skin (acne, blemishes)
- Mood swings (Anxiety, panic, depression)
- Sleep Apnea
- Excessive Hair Growth
Intermittent Fasting – In Brief
Intermittent fasting methods constrain your diet to a certain extent and divide it into periods of fasting and eating, either weekly or daily.
There are several ways through which you can practice intermittent fasting. However, people with PCOS should be aware of the multitude of IF.
Intermittent Fasting & PCOS – Let’s Explore The Match
Although there is a lack of evidence to prove if the intermittent fasting method is beneficial for PCOS, one cannot just avoid the fact that intermittent fasting can help you lose weight.
Women with PCOS are generally overweight due to hormonal imbalance; therefore, to maintain a healthy body, restricting the diet and exercising at regular intervals is a good way to start.
- Some intermittent fasting methods incorporate meal consumption within the eating period. When a huge quantity of glucose enters our bloodstream after a long fasting period, it increases the blood glucose levels within the body, ultimately resulting in higher insulin resistance.
What is Insulin Resistance?
Consumption of carbohydrates results in the breaking down of glucose. Insulin carries the broken-down glucose molecules to the cells that provide us energy.
Insulin resistance happens when the hormone is unable to carry out the role, and thus the pancreas is under constant pressure to combat this situation by creating more insulin, and very less glucose is eliminated from the bloodstream. This causes a higher level of blood glucose levels. Therefore women suffering from PCOS are more likely to have Type 2 diabetes. A healthy lifestyle and diet are important to control these factors and manage PCOS effectively.
- For women trying to conceive, intermittent fasting is not a very good choice, as it is not ideal to be on a strict diet during pregnancy. Also, starting an entirely new diet is not recommended.
- Women who have eating disorders or follow a strict diet or fasting may trigger them and disorient their eating patterns.
- Most of us fail to keep up with our diet plan and well-being, but those who can stick to it are gold! Therefore if you are having trouble maintaining your diet, consult a dietitian today.
Intermittent Fasting for PCOS – Why Is It Beneficial?
The intermittent fasting method is usually linked with PCOS as eating stimulates insulin production, related to PCOS insulin resistance.
When switching to fasting, the body switches from storage mode to a fat-burning machine that uses the stored extra glucose. Moreover, if the insulin level is low, the body can manage androgen production, as insulin can affect the rest of the hormones in the body.
Diet Plan For PCOS
There is a saying food is medicine, and it helps to maintain the hormonal imbalance within the body that improves our overall health. Therefore, eating healthy is extremely important to provide your cells with balanced nutrition, creating a thriving environment for your hormones. Here are a few tips to consider:
● Do not Consume Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners can affect your ovaries and are known to be steroidogenic disruptors that decrease the progesterone levels in the bloodstream and increases the estrogen.
● Avoiding food that contains Hormonal Chemicals
Food containing phytoestrogens, also known as isoflavones, can affect your body. Food like soy and flax seeds contains isoflavones, so it is recommended to stop consuming them. At the same time, you can also avoid food like – pumpkin, poppy, whole grains, wheat, and rye.
● Go for Plant Protein
Going full vegan is not that bad. Yes, it might be difficult for all meat lovers; however, maintaining your health is more important than satiating hunger. Add olive oil, chia, and fresh green veggies to your diet.
Diet for PCOS is all about adding rich nutrients that allow your body to maintain balance and heal from within.
Is the Intermittent Fasting Method The Correct Approach for You?
Although there are many ideas as to whether or not the intermittent fasting method is beneficial for you, however, there have been a huge number of people who have fought PCOS weight gain by practicing intermittent fasting.
Therefore, it is important to chat with your dietitian before you opt for it. A prolonged fasting period may cause you to overeat and develop an unhealthy relationship with food. So it is always better to consider an expert’s opinion when trying intermittent fasting, especially if you have PCOS.
