PCOD has become a rising concern among women of reproductive age. Affecting around 6-10% of women worldwide, this number is gradually increasing every year. 

Though this medical condition is not curable, diet and other lifestyle factors can play a significant role in managing this condition and its associated health issues.

So, let us learn from B Town’s famous acupuncturist, Dr. Jewel Gamadia about PCOD and what all you should eat and avoid in your diet along with the supplements you should take if you are diagnosed with this medical condition.

What is PCOD?

PCOD or Polycystic Ovarian Disease is a hormonal disorder that occurs when a woman’s ovary/ovaries produce immature ovum/egg from the ovarian follicles in excessive amounts. This means instead of producing one mature egg for fertilisation every month, the ovaries release multiple and partially mature or immature eggs. 

The excessive production of eggs inside the ovaries lead to cysts formation. It also causes production of an excess quantity of male hormones called androgens in the bloodstream and that leads to menstrual cycle issues and even infertility in some cases.

You can't get rid of this medical condition in your entire life, however, lifestyle changes like taking a good diet, supplements and exercising can go a long way in dealing with PCOD.

PCOD Diet Plan: What to Avoid

1. Do not go excess on protein. If you want to have it add some carbs as this will make sure that your body’s pH levels don’t get disturbed.
2. Do not consume foods which have high sodium. These include processed, canned, and packaged foods.
3. Make sure you have less coffee as it can increase the oestrogen levels which are already high in women with PCOD.
4. Avoid spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels by reducing your sugar intake, eating fewer refined carbs and keeping a healthy weight.

PCOD Diet Plan: What to Eat

1. Start your day with cinnamon and ginger tea. While cinnamon can reduce insulin resistance in the body of a woman who has PCOD, ginger on the other hand contains an anti-inflammatory compound that can even prevent ovarian cancer.
2. Do include green vegetables like spinach and broccoli in your diet. These vegetables are both nutrient-dense and very low on calories, making them perfect for both nourishment and loss of weight.
3. Include brown rice in at least one meal daily. As it has a lower glycemic index, replacing it with white rice can lead to weight loss and improvement in the PCOD symptoms.
4. Have walnut and olive oil in your diet so that your body has the right amount of Omega 3, which is not just anti-inflammatory but also improves the quality of eggs produced from the ovaries, in turn improving fertility.

Supplements for PCOD

1. Vitamin D - Get your Vitamin D levels checked. If they are low, start taking its supplement in the morning on an empty stomach.
2. Zinc (upto 20 mg) - Studies have shown that women with PCOD have low levels of zinc. Taking its supplements will not just help in regulating the menstrual cycle but will also help in controlling the blood sugar level, reducing hair loss and growth of unwanted hair. You can take the zinc supplement either after breakfast or lunch.
3. Calcium (200 mg) and Magnesium (500 mg) - While magnesium supplements help in reducing insulin resistance and lower inflammation, Calcium supplements are essential for egg maturation and follicle development as part of healthy ovulation. You can take their supplements either in the evening or at night after dinner.

As per Dr Gamadia, if you follow the above diet plan and take the mentioned supplements, your body will get whatever it needs to maintain and regulate your hormonal growth. He further suggests PCOD patients to exercise daily but avoid straining the body too much. Doing mild exercises will help the lymph to move through the lymphatic system and reduce swelling.

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