8 Nutritional Tips to Tackle PCOS

PCOS, or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, affects millions of women worldwide and is caused by a hormonal imbalance in the levels of the sex hormones Oestrogen and Progesterone.

The exact cause of PCOS is unknown, but for those who do suffer, lifestyle modifications can definitely help improve your condition. Doctors recommend that PCOS suffers incorporate a healthy diet and exercise routine to help combat the symptoms of the disease. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

1. Try low-GI

This means eating lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. Stay away from highly processed foods and refined sugars.

2. Get the healthy fats in

Not all fat is bad. Foods packed with healthy fats and omega-3 include avocados, salmon (or any oily fish), olive oil and nuts.

3. Eat regularly

Make sure you eat at least 3 solid meals per day with at least four or five hours in between each one – this can improve insulin sensitivity in PCOS sufferers.

4. Try supplements

PCOS suffers tend to have low levels of Vitamin D, so try using targeted supplements to increase the amount in your body. Helpful hint: get outside in the sunshine for a natural Vitamin D dose.

5. Limit alcohol

We already know that alcohol doesn’t do much good for our bodies, but it’s especially true for women with PCOS. To help your liver function properly, try cutting down your drinks per week until you’re not drinking at all.

6. Limit caffeine

Similarly, caffeine found in coffee can have a real impact on your hormones. Try replacing your morning coffee with black or green tea, or switch to decaf products.

7. Consider vegetarianism/veganism

While you still need protein, try finding it from non-meat sources as meat can play havoc with your system. For example, tofu, soy, eggs or meat substitutes. Any dietary changes however, must be made only with the recommendations of a qualified nutritionist.

8. Antioxidants

Enrich your diet with antioxidant heavy foods as these can neutralise acids found in the body. Try green tea, blueberries, cranberries and even dark chocolate.

No two PCOS cases are the same and each requires individual treatment and nutritional advice. If you have PCOS and want a personalised diet plan curated exclusively for you, our highly qualified in-house nutritionist Sonia Solera is here to help you.