For the 10-25% of women in America with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), better understanding your condition (and how you can affect it!) can be crucial for improving your fertility.
PCOS impacts the balance of reproductive hormones, which creates imbalances between the levels of testosterone and estrogen the body would normally produce. That imbalance can impact ovulation schedules, lead to an increase in body hair and belly fat, and more.
If you have PCOS, it becomes especially crucial to understand how your diet can impact your condition. In particular, you need to carefully avoid food that adversely affects your blood sugar, weight and inflammation. Keep reading to learn the worst food items for PCOS.
Careful with the Carbs
Refined carbs, found in sources like white rice, white bread, pizza dough and pasta, are especially difficult for women with PCOS to process–meaning that they can easily lead to excessive weight gain, while also spiking insulin levels. That weight gain, in turn, can have a negative impact on your overall fertility levels.
Sorry, Sweetie
Women with PCOS are particularly vulnerable to the effects of sugar on their insulin levels. Since your insulin levels are already going to be elevated from PCOS, consuming too many processed, sugary treats can raise your insulin levels to the danger zone, leading to a wide range of potentially dangerous consequences.
One challenge can be that many of the sources that might LOOK healthy are deceptively high in sugar. Smoothies, juices and specialty coffees can often hide enormous amounts of sugar in every drink–sometimes as high as 30 grams or more.
When it comes to foods, living with PCOS means limiting your processed sugary foods. That means cutting back on cookies and cakes, sweet cereals, and other foods high in sugar.
Fast Food Flunks
If you have PCOS (or even if you don’t!) It’s no surprise that fast food and junk food probably aren’t your best choices. The saturated fats in those burgers and hot dogs, and the trans fats in those fries and desserts are exactly what your waistline doesn’t need. Putting on extra weight with PCOS is like pouring gasoline on a fire, so you need to be extra careful to avoid “cheat foods” as much as possible.
If you have any questions about the worst food items for PCOS, fertility, or your specific health concerns, the team at the Fertility Institute of San Diego, can give you the support you need. They are a boutique San Diego fertility center that firmly believes that total wellness is an essential component during your fertility journey and pregnancy. Dr. Hosseinzadeh and her dedicated team of fertility specialists are here to help you throughout any part of your journey. Southern California residents can take advantage and book a free consultation with Dr. Hosseinzadeh, to go over nutrition or any other fertility related questions, by going here.
