September is commemorated annually as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month around the world. This month-long observance has been established to raise awareness on how to reduce PCOD symptoms and highlight issues and reasons for PCOD. A well crafter diet for PCOD can do wonders in tackling the issue. Addressing Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) as a public health priority and mobilising awareness-raising efforts has never been more important than now, as the condition is becoming increasingly prevalent among women all over the world today. This is not to say that the condition is new: PCOS was first recognised as early as in the year 1935 by Drs. Stein and Leventhal. Recent years have, however, seen a significant spike in the incidence of PCOS. A study conducted by ‘Conquer PCOS’, a CSR initiative of Metropolis Healthcare Limited, shows that 1 out of every 10 women in India is affected by PCOS. Most women who suffer from PCOS do not have adequate information about their condition or what they can do to manage their symptoms. This causes their health condition to spiral out of controland quickly sets off a chain reaction of other diseases. If left untreated, PCOS may increase a woman’s risk for endometrial cancer. Diet is said to play a vital role in controlling PCOD and here is a detailed guide on an Indian diet during PCOD, which includes what to eat and what to avoid to manage the condition.
Chapter 1: Diet for PCOD: Importance of it
Many research studies have uncovered that a poor diet and sedentary lifestyle are the main reasons for PCOD in women. Urban living has been one of the key culprits that has encouraged more sedentary behaviour and consumption of foods with much lower nutritional Although Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome or PCOS is not life-threatening by itself, it is attributable to a higher risk for more serious conditions, such as: It is easy for many women to have the condition and not know it, as PCOS is a silent syndrome. What Is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS? The National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association, a leading authority, however, describes it as “a serious genetic, hormone, metabolic and reproductive disorder that affects women”. When there is such a hormonal imbalance, it can create problems in the ovaries. Ovaries play a vital role in releasing a mature egg (ovulation) every month. This is an important part of a healthy menstrual cycle. However, with PCOS, a hormonal imbalance resulting from an excess amount of male sex hormones called androgens or testosterone interferes with this normal reproductive function. This phenomenon can cause irregular or missed periods and may result in the development of fluid-filled sacs called cysts in the ovaries. These cysts are called ‘polycystic ovaries’. However, not all women with PCOS develop cysts. Based on the severity of the condition, PCOS symptoms can range from hirsutism or excessive hair growth on the face and chin, excessive acne, weight gain, male pattern-baldness, insulin resistance, infertility and irregular menstrual cycles. How Does Diet Affect PCOS? Although the exact cause of PCOD in women still remains unclear, insulin resistance and associated hyperinsulinemia have been identified as strong potential contributing factors. Diet in PCOD, therefore, has a lot to do with causing and worsening the syndrome. Women who regularly eat foods that are high in sugar, starch, saturated fats and/or refined and processed foods and do not get enough physical activity are at an increased risk for PCOS. These foods can sometimes When cells are unable to absorb and regulate the amount of blood sugar in the bloodstream, the pancreas releases more insulin to help cope with the situation. As more and more insulin is released into the body, the cells gradually become desensitised to it and develop insulin resistance. Increased insulin stimulates higher production of androgens by the ovaries. High levels of androgens, along with insulin resistance, can cause irregular periods and absent ovulation in women with PCOS. So how to reduce PCOD symptoms? Regular exercise and a healthy and balanced meal plan have been proven effective when it comes to managing PCOS. Key Takeaways ” “PCOD/PCOS is more common than we think in India. 1 out of every 10 women in India is affected by PCOS. A good and well-balanced diet does play a role in controlling the condition. Foods such as fibrous fruits and vegetables, lean protein such as fish, chicken, yoghurt help in controlling it while processed meat, starchy vegetables, sugary foods, fried foods, processed and refined grains, vegetable oils are a big NO-NO.”
benefits. The prevalence of the disease is also, therefore, found to be higher in urban India.
Ovulation may not take place as the egg does not develop as it should or the follicles, which contain the immature egg, fail to release it.
spike blood sugar levels in the body and may reduce the cells’ ability to absorb blood sugar.
– Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS is an endocrine and reproductive disorder that typically occurs in women of reproductive age.
– Lifestyle choices and diet in PCOD play an important role in managing its symptoms.Important:
– Parvathy Menon, Dietitian and Nutritionist
Chapter 2: PCOD Food List: What is the Best Diet for PCOS?
Women with PCOD should try to maintain a PCOS diet chart to ensure that they are including an adequate proportion of all nutritional elements and a healthy balance of a wide variety of foods in their diet. A weight loss diet for PCOD will also follow similar guidelines but at a caloric deficit depending on your BMI and BMR metrics. The following is a 7-day sample PCOD diet chart for vegetarians and non-vegetarians: Sample Indian Vegetarian Diet Plan for PCOS: Sample Indian Vegetarian Diet Plan for PCOS:SATURDAYBroccoli & gobi parathaBrown rice, stir-fry spinach, moon sprouts & curdBanana or any other fresh seasonal fruitChapatis or rotis with low-fat paneer curry and salad Sample Indian Non-Vegetarian Diet Plan for PCOS: Sample Indian Non-Vegetarian Diet Plan for PCOS:SATURDAYOnion & tomato uttapamBrown rice with fish curry & mixed sprouts subziBaked sweet potato friesChapati with egg curry We would also recommend consulting a dietitian before you make too many changes to your diet. Key Takeaways
BREAKFAST LUNCH SNACK DINNER MONDAY Poha with veggies & a glass of fresh orange juice Brown rice, rasam & cabbage stir-fry Low-glycemic fruits Wheat dosa with roasted chana dal chutney TUESDAY Vegetable oats or dalia Brown rice, beetroot poriyal, dal & curd Roasted chana Chapatis or rotis with vegetable kurma & salad WEDNESDAY Ragi rava dosa with mint chutney Brown rice pulao with raita Whole wheat bread with almond/peanut butter Besan chilla with vegetables THURSDAY Vegetable upma Brown rice, sprouts curry, rasam & curd Roasted makhana or foxnuts Chapati or rotis with chana masala & green salad FRIDAY Brown rice idlis with coconut chutney Dalia khichdi with vegetables & curd A handful of peanuts or walnuts Rotis with a bowl of sprouts SUNDAY Ragi banana pancakes Quinoa fried rice with vegetables, cashews & sesame seed Baked vegetable cutlets or sweet potato tikkis Bajra, moong and peas khichdi 
BREAKFAST LUNCH SNACK DINNER MONDAY Multigrain chicken salad sandwich Jeera rice & lentil dal curry Homemade chakli Chapati with carrot methi subzi TUESDAY Red rice adai with avial Whole wheat pasta with vegetables Millet cookies Methi thepla with pickle and chutney WEDNESDAY Ragi porridge Appam with chicken stew Whole-grain crackers with peanut butter Grilled fish with avocado salad THURSDAY Whole wheat bread & egg white omelette with veggies Oats, vegetable & brown rice khichdi Carrot sticks & hummus Chapati with green peas masala FRIDAY Soya khaman dhokla Tomato rice, beetroot salad & curd Masala peanuts Grilled, roasted or homemade tandoori chicken with salad SUNDAY Quinoa upma Chicken pulao with raita Banana or any other fresh seasonal fruit Chapati with whole masoor dal & bhindi sabji
– Maintaining a PCOD diet plan is a simple way to manage what to eat in PCOD and keep track of your weight.
– Your diet plan should always include a variety of foods, especially green leafy vegetables, low glycemic fruits and adequate amounts of lean protein.
– A weight loss diet for PCOD will also follow a similar diet plan but at certain caloric deficit depending on your BMI and BMR metrics.
Chapter 3: Foods to Avoid for PCOD: What Not To Eat
Traditional Indian food is rich in wholesome grains, lentils, immune-boosting ingredients and healing spices and herbs. However, Indianfood has also evolved to include unhealthy, and nutrient-devoid ingredients such as refined and processed flours saturated fats and sugars as well. Many of these foods can make PCOS worse and should be avoided completely especially in a weight loss diet for PCOD. Here is a list of Indian foods to avoid for PCOD:
1. Starchy Vegetables
Consumption of starchy vegetables such as sweet potato, yam, peas, corn, taro and squash should be limited in your PCOD diet plan. Starchy vegetables are rich in carbohydrates and can quickly raise a person’s blood sugar levels, causing an imbalance in hormones.
2. Fruit Juices, Processed Fruit Concentrates and Canned Fruit
Fruit juices, canned fruit and processed fruit concentrates should be eliminated from the PCOD diet chart as they are likely to contain high doses of added sugar. The Indian diet for PCOD should ideally contain fresh or frozen fruit as they posess more beneficial fibres and nutrients.
3. Vegetable Oils
Vegetable oils are highly processed and can be inflammatory for women with PCOD due to their high ratio of omega-6 fatty acids. They are also linked to obesity, cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Therefore, in the diet plan for PCOD, healthier alternatives such as coconut oil, ghee, olive oil or avocado oil should be included.
4. Sugary Foods
India has a variety of decadent desserts such as gulab jamun, kulfi, gajar ka halwa, cakes, cookies and Kheer. Most of these desserts are a high-calorie affair and are loaded with large amounts of sugar that can adversely impact PCOD in women.
5. Fried Foods
Fried foods such as pakoras, samosas and fritters are high in saturated and hydrogenated fats. These unhealthy fats can increase estrogen production and are not preferred in the diet chart for PCOS patient.
6. Refined and Processed Foods
Refined and processed carbs and foods such as white bread, white rice, instant oatmeal, rice cakes and white pasta are stripped of fibre and their original nutrient content and should be eliminated from the PCOD diet food chart.
7. Red Meat
Women with PCOD should limit their consumption of red meats such as pork, beef and mutton. These foods can aggravate existing hormonal problems as they are high in cholesterol
and saturated fats. In addition, processed meats are especially high in sodium and treated with various preservatives and additives. These include sausages, bacon, ham and salami, foods that should be excluded from the diet chard for PCOD.
8. Alcohol and Caffeine
Alcohol and caffeine can be problematic for women with PCOS. While alcohol consumption increases the risk of liver disease, caffeine can promote anxiety and kick-in stress hormones which in turn can spike up insulin levels.
9. Dairy Products
Dairy has a hormone called IGF-1 which can mimic insulin in the body, thereby causing blood sugar levels to spike and worsening symptoms of PCOS in women. Plus, regular dairy products might be laced with hormones orantibiotics that are commonly fed to animals. This can interfere with the hormones of a woman and may make it increasingly difficult to manage symptoms of PCOS.
Key Takeaways
– Women with PCOD need to avoid or limit many foods as these may raise their blood sugar levels and aggravate symptoms of their conditions.
– Foods to avoid for women with PCOD include red meat, starchy vegetables, sugary foods, fried foods, processed and refined grains, vegetable oils, fruit juices, dairy, alcohol and caffeine.
Chapter 4: Losing Weight With PCOD: Best Lifestyle Practices and Diet
Ayurveda, India’s ancient medical practice has always underlined that aahar (food) and vihaar (lifestyle) when regulated, restrictedand practised daily, can greatly help in losing weight and the cure of PCOD. Indian food generally comprises a healthy balance of grains, legumes, beans, fruits and vegetables all of which are power-packed with essential and healthy dosesof fibre, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. The liberal use of spices and herbs such as ginger, garlic, cinnamon, turmeric, black pepper, cumin, saffron and cloves also provide important antioxidant defencesagainst various diseases and conditions. An Indian diet during PCOD consisting of an amalgamation of the above has plenty to offer to those suffering from the disease. Losing weight with PCOD can be challenging however, when the right diet and lifestyle is incorporated at a calorie deficit, you can achieve your desired weight goals. The following are some of the best foods for PCOD that can be included: 1. High-Fibre Vegetables High-fibre vegetables such as broccoli, mustard greens, spinach, sweet potato, green beans, cauliflower, snake gourd and carrots should be included as a part of the Indian diet during PCOD. 2. Fruits Fruits such as mangoes, bananas, plantain, apples, berries, guava, pineapple, papaya, melon, pomegranate and guava are recommended as part of a PCOD diet plan. Fruits can help satisfy sweet cravings, are highly nutritious and also rich in fibre. Hence, it is generally recommended that the diet chart for PCOS patient include only a small serving or a piece of fruit between their meals. Fruits eaten along with the skin are also recommended over fruits eaten without the skin, as they have a lower glycemic index (GI). A lower GI will ensure that food is digested more slowly and there is a slower rise in the blood glucose levels. 3. Pulses Pulses such as split peas, green moong, yellow moong, dried beans, chana dal, lentils, soybeans and chickpeas are a great addition to the Indian vegetarian diet plan for PCOS. Pulses are also low glycemic food and, therefore, beneficial for regulating insulin levels. 4. Whole Grains Whole grains like whole wheat, brown rice, buckwheat, quinoa, oats, poha, muesli and barley are a great PCOS foods. Whole grains are rich in fibre and unprocessed carbs. They also take longer to digest and can, thereby, help in controlling blood sugar levels. 5. Lean Protein An Indian diet for PCOD must consitute of a substantial amount of lean protein. Protein stimulates metabolism and digestion and also plays a key role in the synthesis of hormones such as testosterone, estrogen and insulin. Thus, including lean protein is beneficial for managing symptoms of PCOS. 6. Nuts and Seeds Nuts and seeds such as almonds, hazelnuts, flaxseeds, pine nuts and sesame seeds are a great source of healthy fats and recommended to cure PCOD. Women are advised to include a handful of nuts and seeds (not more than 20 grams) in their daily PCOS Indian diet plan. 7. Indian Spices and Herbs Indian spices and herbs such as fenugreek, cinnamon, turmeric, mint, tulsi, basil, ginger and cloves are all helpful in regulating insulin levels and fighting various symptoms of PCOD in women. Women with PCOD are, therefore, advised to flavour their diet with these antioxidant herbs and spices. Key Takeaways 
Vegetables that are high in fibre will help to maintain blood sugar levels and also reverse insulin resistance by slowing down digestion in the body and decreasing the workload of the pancreas.
The diet for PCOD patient should potentially include at least 25 grams of fibre daily.
Being on a fruit diet alone or eating too much fruit at once, however, is not a recommended option for the PCOD diet plan. These fruits for PCOD, although rich in vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants also contain varying amounts of carbohydrates that can cause blood sugar to spike.
Lean protein sources may include egg whites, lean poultry such as skinless chicken, fish such as shrimp, salmon, tuna and cod, skimmed milk, curd and tofu. Dairy intake from milk and yoghurt should, however, be limited to fewer than two servings per day.
– PCOS can be controlled by including a number of easily available Indian foods in their daily diet.
– An Indian diet during PCOD includes fibrous fruits and vegetables, lean protein such as fish, chicken, yoghurt as well as various pulses, whole grains, spices, herbs, nuts and seeds.
Chapter 5: How To Cure PCOS Permanently: Lifestyle Changes in Indian Women
Apart from a healthy diet, doctors often recommend making certain lifestyle changes to manage symptoms of PCOD. Physical activityand exercise are one of the highly recommended lifestyle changes that are advised for women suffering from PCOD. As obesity and sedentary behaviour increases a woman’s risk of developing and complicating symptoms of PCOS, a diet plan for PCOS weight loss and exercise are some of the best ways to counteractthe unhealthy consequences of this condition. How to cure PCOS permanently? Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for PCOS. However, there are several remedies for PCOS you can adopt to drastically reduce its symptoms. So if you are wondering how to how to cure PCOS, here are some proven remedies you can follow: 1. Regular Exercise For women suffering from PCOS, maintaining a healthy weight is a priority for managing the condition. Regular exercise is, therefore, both effective and essential. Along with a sample Indian diet during PCOD, a regular exercise routine for PCOD can include brisk walking, cycling, jogging or swimming. These activities help to reduce insulin resistance, aid in weight loss and are It is recommended that women with PCOS do at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity 5 days a week. Strength training exercises and core strength exercises are also advised at 2. Yoga Along with PCOS diet and exercise, yoga is a complementary practice that is found to be increasingly helpful for promoting hormonal balance, managing, improving anxiety and managing blood sugar. Restorative yoga, gentle yoga and yin yoga are some of the best practices for women suffering from PCOS. These yoga practices help to reduce muscle tension, deactivate stress hormones and improve symptoms such as irregular periods and mood instability. 3. Keeping a Check on Mental Health PCOS is a complex condition and can sometimes cause symptoms of anxiety and depression in women with the condition. Hormonal imbalances and frustrating symptoms such as excess body and facial hair, acne, obesity and infertility can contribute to depression and anxiety. A study conducted in India revealed that 28% to 39% of women with PCOS in India suffered from anxiety, while 11% to 25% of Indian women with PCOS suffered from depressive disorders. Women with PCOD are, therefore, advised to keep a close check on their mental health. Practising mindfulness, meditation, and breathing exercises are some complementary and alternative therapies that can help fight depression and anxiety. Key Takeaways
also helpful in boosting fertility and improving symptoms of depression and anxiety.
least two times a week to boost metabolism, build body mass and alleviate symptoms such as lower back pain.
– Women with PCOS are advised to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity five days a week. Pilates, yoga, walking, strength training, and cardio are all good exercises for PCOS.
– Yoga and other complementary practices such as mindfulness, meditation and breathing exercises can also help regularise hormones and blood sugar levels and improving symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Chapter 6: How to Cure PCOS Permanently at Home: Indian Home Remedies
Many women with PCOS are wary of taking over-the-counter medications and drugs to treat their condition. This is because they worry that some of the common treatments for PCOS could have adverse side effects.For women with mild PCOD symptoms, home remedies might be recommended by doctors in order to manage the condition. How to cure PCOS permanently at home? Here are some natural PCOD home remedies that can be safely included in the Indian diet plan for PCOD that have found to be effective for the condition: 1. Amla The use of amla or Indian gooseberry to boost fertility has been documented in ancient texts of Ayurveda. Amla is power-packed with antioxidants and is a rich source of iron, calcium and Vitamin C and is one of the best fruits for PCOD. It supports reproductive health by regularising How to Use Amla for PCOS? Amla can be eaten raw, powdered or juiced. Women with PCOS are advised to drink amla juice diluted in warm water in the morning daily. 2. Honey Pure organic honey is a naturopathic remedy that is commonly recommended for PCOS. Honey helps in the metabolism of fat and aids in weight loss. How to Use Honey for PCOS? Add a spoonful of honey along with a few drops of lemon juice to a glass of warm water. This drink should be had on an empty stomach early in the morning. Doing this regularly along with following your Indian diet for PCOD can significantly promote better gut health and even weight loss. 3. Flax Seeds Flax seeds are a superfood packed with B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, iron, manganese, phosphorous and antioxidants. This PCOD food is also high in omega-3 fatty acids and fibre and promotes detoxification and weight loss. How to Use Flax Seeds for PCOS? Flax seeds are best-consumed ground. They can be added to smoothies or simply had with a glass of warm water daily. You will see that the benefits of including flax seeds in your daily PCOD diet food chart are endless. 4. Methi Seeds Methi or Fenugreek seeds have high antioxidant content and can aid in weight loss, reduce insulin resistance and correct hormonal imbalances. How to Use Methi Seeds for PCOS? Methi seeds can be soaked overnight in water and had the next morning. A fantastic addition to your Indian diet for PCOD, they can also be boiled in water, filtered and had after it has been allowed to seep for at least 5 to 6 hours. Key Takeaways
hormones, flushing out toxins and regulating periods. Amla is also effective in the cure of PCOD symptoms such as fighting obesity and unwanted hair growth.
– Home remedies are mostly safe for treating symptoms of PCOS.
– However, some home remedies can sometimes interfere with certain prescribed medications and drugs. Therefore, it is advisable for PCOD patients to talk to a doctor before trying any home remedy.
References
Q1. How is PCOS diagnosed? Most doctors use the Rotterdam criteria to diagnose PCOS. Women who have at least two of the following symptoms may have PCOS: Q2. Can PCOS be cured completely? There is still no definite cure for PCOS. However, exercise, diet and certain medications can eliminate or decrease symptoms of PCOS. Q3. What are commonly prescribed medications for PCOS? Birth control pills, anti-androgens, insulin-sensitising drugs and other fertility treatments and drugs such as Clomid may be prescribed to alleviate the symptoms of PCOS. Combined birth control pills contain both progestin and estrogen. These hormones help to regulate the menstrual cycle, improves symptoms such as acne and hirsutism and also decreases the risk of endometrial cancer in women. Q4. How can women with PCOS improve their chances of pregnancy? Successful weight loss for women who are overweight, medications to induce ovulation, and in some cases, surgery may help to improve the chances of pregnancy. Q5. Are natural sugars safe for women with PCOS? No, women with PCOS are advised to avoid even the most natural sources of sugar such as coconut sugar and maple sugar from their PCOS diet plan as they contain high amounts of fructose. Stevia is considered a relatively safe sweetener for women suffering from PCOS. This plant-based sweetener is completely free of glucose and fructose and can be included as part of the Indian diet plan for PCOD in limited amounts. Q6. Should fats be eliminated from the PCOD diet completely? No, fats should not be completely eliminated: they are a vital part of the Indian diet during PCOD and should be had in appropriate quantities. Trans fats and hydrogenated fats should, however, be avoided. Healthy fats to consider in your PCOD diet food chart include avocados, oily fish, olive oil and unsalted nuts and seeds. Q7. What are some safe dairy alternatives for women with PCOS? Lactaid, a type of dairy milk that has lactose removed, is safe for women with PCOS. Apart from this, soy milk is also a safe alternative. Q8. What are some safe dairy alternatives for women with PCOS? Tea is not only safe; it is also considered a great addition to the PCOD diet chart. Green tea and Spearmint tea especially are shown to reduce symptoms of PCOD in women. Some of the best herbal teas that you could include in your Indian diet for PCOS also include liquorice root tea, dandelion root tea and cinnamon tea, among others. Q9. Why is weight loss important for women with PCOS? Most women with PCOS tend to gain weight. While the exact cause is not known, weight gain is possibly triggered by high androgen levels. For most women who are overweight, weight loss alone helps to regulate their menstrual cycle and improve their cholesterol and insulin levels. Following a workout routine and PCOS diet chart for weight loss can help in weight regulation. Strength training can stimulate metabolism, reduce insulin resistance, lower cholesterol and aid in weight loss, all of which are useful in treating PCOS. However, too much exercise can increase the levels of cortisol or stress hormones in the body and worsen symptoms of PCOS. Q10. Can goods baked with almond or coconut flour be included in the PCOD diet plan for weight loss? While almond flour and coconut flour are a healthier substitute to refined white flour as these flours are made from nuts. Nuts are calorie-dense and should, therefore, be restricted or had only in limited quantities in your Indian diet for PCOD, As a healthier alternative, besan or chickpea flour has a low glycemic index and is, therefore, safe to include in the diet chart for PCOS patients. Q11. Can a lack of sleep cause PCOS? Lack of sleep can definitely aggravate symptoms of PCOS in women. Researchers found that women who had disturbed or inadequate sleep were at a much higher risk of having menstrual irregularities and developing insulin resistance. PCOD is a lifelong condition, and while there is still no definitive cure or treatment for the condition, it can be managed and controlled in several ways. The best way to treat PCOS is to find out what diet and lifestyle changes gives you positive results! The symptoms and severity of PCOS may vary from woman to woman, and there is, therefore, no one-size-fits-all approach to treating this condition. Eating healthy and staying active can prevent most long-term complications associated with PCOS.Conclusion
