How to Cure PCOD Naturally | Top 10 Foods to Add & Avoid for PCOD Relief | Shivangi Desai Podcast

Summary

PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) is a common hormonal imbalance affecting women, leading to symptoms like weight gain, irregular periods, acne, and infertility. The root causes of PCOD include insulin resistance, inflammation, hormonal imbalance, obesity, and poor gut health. To manage PCOD, it's crucial to avoid refined carbs, sugar, fried foods, dairy, and processed foods while incorporating foods like leafy greens, turmeric, high-fiber vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and probiotics. By making informed dietary changes, women can effectively manage PCOD symptoms and improve their overall health.

Takeaways

• 😀 PCOD is a condition where male hormones (androgens) are produced excessively in women, leading to hormonal imbalance and symptoms like excessive hair growth, acne, and infertility.
• 😀 Up to 30% of women, particularly in urban populations, suffer from PCOD, with 50% at risk for type 2 diabetes and many facing infertility challenges.
• 😀 The primary causes of PCOD are insulin resistance, inflammation, hormonal imbalance, obesity, and poor gut health.
• 😀 Symptoms of PCOD include irregular periods, excessive facial and body hair, acne, weight gain, infertility, and mood swings.
• 😀 Insulin resistance is a major contributor to PCOD, with foods that spike blood sugar (like refined carbs) exacerbating the condition.
• 😀 Inflammation caused by processed foods, refined sugars, and trans fats increases the severity of PCOD symptoms.
• 😀 Hormonal imbalance, triggered by unhealthy fats and sugars, can worsen symptoms like hair growth and acne.
• 😀 Obesity increases the risk and severity of PCOD symptoms, making weight management crucial for symptom control.
• 😀 Gut health plays a key role in managing PCOD; probiotic-rich foods and fiber are essential for maintaining hormonal balance.
• 😀 Foods to avoid include refined carbs, sugary drinks, fried foods, dairy products, artificial sweeteners, alcohol, and gluten, as they worsen PCOD symptoms.
• 😀 Foods to include for better management of PCOD are leafy greens, turmeric, high-fiber vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, good quality proteins, cinnamon, fermented foods, and proper hydration.

Q & A

What is PCOD and how does it affect women?

PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) is a condition where male hormones, or androgens, are produced in excess by the ovaries in women. This hormonal imbalance leads to symptoms such as excessive facial and body hair (hirsutism), acne, weight gain, and infertility. It also causes the formation of multiple cysts in the ovaries.

What are the main causes of PCOD?

The main causes of PCOD are insulin resistance, inflammation, and hormonal imbalance. These factors disrupt normal bodily functions, contributing to the development and worsening of PCOD symptoms.

How is insulin resistance related to PCOD?

Insulin resistance occurs when the body's cells stop responding to insulin, leading to high blood sugar. This can trigger an increase in male hormone production, further worsening symptoms like irregular periods, weight gain, and acne. It is important to avoid foods that spike blood sugar to manage PCOD.

What foods should be avoided to help manage PCOD?

Foods to avoid include refined carbohydrates (such as maida, bread, and packaged foods), high-sugar foods and drinks (like soda and packaged juices), fried foods, dairy products (especially milk), artificial sweeteners, high-sugar fruits (like mangoes and grapes), alcohol, packaged foods, caffeinated beverages, and gluten-rich foods.

What are the top foods that can help in managing PCOD?

Top foods to add include leafy greens (such as spinach and fenugreek), turmeric and curcumin, high-fiber vegetables (like broccoli and cauliflower), whole grains, low-glycemic fruits (such as berries and apples), healthy fats (like walnuts and chia seeds), good quality protein, cinnamon, fermented foods (like yogurt and kimchi), and adequate hydration.

How does gut health affect PCOD?

Gut health is directly linked to hormonal health. A healthy gut microbiome can improve hormonal balance, which is crucial in managing PCOD. Probiotic-rich foods like curd, buttermilk, and fermented items can enhance gut health and help alleviate PCOD symptoms.

What role do anti-inflammatory foods play in managing PCOD?

Anti-inflammatory foods help reduce the inflammation associated with PCOD. These foods, such as leafy greens, berries, nuts, seeds, and turmeric, can help balance hormones, reduce insulin resistance, and improve overall PCOD symptoms.

Why is weight management important in PCOD?

Excess fat increases the risk of PCOD and exacerbates its symptoms. Maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition, including high-quality protein, healthy fats, and fiber, can help manage PCOD and prevent its complications.

How can hormonal imbalance be managed in PCOD?

Hormonal imbalance in PCOD can be managed by avoiding foods that cause inflammation or disrupt hormone levels, such as trans fats, refined sugars, and ultra-processed foods. Adding omega-3 rich foods, like flaxseeds and walnuts, can help balance hormones and reduce inflammation.

What lifestyle changes can help prevent PCOD or reduce its symptoms?

Lifestyle changes to manage or prevent PCOD include regular physical activity, a balanced diet with whole grains, low-glycemic fruits, and anti-inflammatory foods, stress management, sufficient hydration, and avoiding triggers like high-sugar foods, refined carbs, and alcohol.