Google Year In Search 2023: 3 Most-Searched Diets For PCOS

One of the most popular searches in 2023 was about diet to manage Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). As more and more women are becoming aware of the subject, they are trying to understand how food can impact reproductive health positively as well as negatively.

Among the top searches, women struggling with PCOS want to know about diet plans that can help them with weight loss and hormonal balance while not adding to any existing condition.

We spoke to Shruti Keluskar, nutritionist, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, about diets that can help women to manage their PCOS effectively. Here is what she said.

Anti-inflammatory Diet

According to the expert, an anti-inflammatory diet focuses on food items that help to reduce chronic inflammation, which is one of the primary contributors to the symptoms of PCOS, including acne breakouts, irregular periods, and increased hair growth on the body.

She added that by reducing inflammation in the body, one can correct hormonal imbalances and issues related to ovulation and fertility.

Food that have anti-inflammatory effects on the body include,

Healthy fats: Omega-3 fatty acid is loaded with healthy fats, and it can be found in fatty fish like sardines and salmon. If you are a vegan or vegetarian, you can fulfil the requirement of this ingredient from flaxseeds, olive oil, and walnuts.

Fruits and Vegetables: Rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants, fruits and vegetables like leafy greens, berries, colourful fruits and vegetables, and tomatoes can help you reduce inflammation in the body.

Whole Grains and Legumes: To load your body with fibre, you can consume whole grains and legumes, including quinoa, chickpeas, brown rice, lentils, whole wheat, and beans.

Herbs and Spices: According to the expert, some herbs and spices work wonders when it comes to reducing inflammation in the body. You should add turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger to your dishes for effective results.

Low Glycemic Index Diet

A Glycemic Index (GI) diet includes foods that have low GI, which helps to keep blood sugar levels in check. If the food items that you are consuming have a GI lower than 55, it will hardly impact sugar levels in the body and will be absorbed and digested a little slower than others.

If you have diabetes or are borderline diabetic, this diet will help you with PCOS (Morning Drink For PCOS) and management of blood sugar levels. You will have to include non-starchy vegetables in your diet, like whole grains, some fruits, and legumes.

This diet also helps with the management of weight loss as it keeps you feeling satiated. Since this diet has limited choices, you should consider a mix of other PCOS diets too.

Don't Miss: Have PCOS And Planning Pregnancy In 30s? Doctor Weighs In

DASH Diet

DASH Diet refers to Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension in which a healthcare expert advises a balanced diet to control blood pressure, aid in weight loss, and reduce the risks of heart disease.

If you prefer a DASH diet, you need to strike a perfect balance between vegetables, fruits, lean meats, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Most of these foods are rich in calcium, potassium, and magnesium, which are known to help with hormonal imbalances.

The expert added that the DASH diet also promotes reducing intake of saturated fat, salt, sodium, and sugar (Ways To Control Sugar Cravings). You have to limit the intake of fatty meats, saturated fat, and full-fat dairy products.

Don't Miss: Google Year In Search 2023: Most Searched Home Remedies For PCOS

Nutritionist Shruti Keluskar concluded, “PCOS is a complex condition that can vary greatly from person to person. What works for one individual may not work for another. A more personalised approach to diet and lifestyle modifications may be necessary to effectively manage PCOS symptoms.”