
by Christine Fung
PCOS is a condition in which the ovaries develop several small egg-follicles (cysts) which do not develop to be big enough, thereby preventing a normal ovulation. This is caused by a hormonal imbalance with an excess production of luteinizing hormone (LH), estrogen and androgens (male hormones), a low production of progesterone and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). It is also not uncommon to see an insulin resistance, contributing to a high blood-sugar level. These hormonal imbalances make it more difficult for an egg to develop and be expelled.
You can adjust your diet. You need to consume more: 1. High fibre foods like Sprouted Flaxseeds, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, leafy greens. 2. Lean protein foods like Sprouted Flaxseeds, lentils, beans, almonds.
When it comes to PCOS or insulin resistance, I can say flaxseeds is the superstar. It improves Insulin resistant, balance hormones, manage BMI (it’s very high in fibre and it makes you feel full, so you won’t over eat), control blood sugar, lower blood pressure, and lower cholesterol. If you were told that you need to lose weight to improve better fertility outcome, sprouted flaxseeds is the one to go for. I highly recommend sprouted flaxseeds as part of your diet. Make sure the seeds are sprouted and sealed in small packages. Although flaxseeds are full of nutrients, your body can only absorb them from flaxseeds when they are sprouted.
You need to avoid pesticide residue produce, processed foods and sugar. We have talked about sugar alternatives a few weeks ago. I highly recommend monk fruit sweetener. It’s completely natural and it has no interference with blood sugar level. It’s perfect for people who have insulin resistance and PCOS.
For those who have PCOS, you want to pay extra attention to sugar intake because of insulin resistance. If you experience fatigue or energy crash easily after meals, you want to watch your sugar level. There is one sugar alternative that’s natural and wont jerk up your blood sugar level. This is monk fruit. Monk fruit only has 3 calories per serving. That’s almost considered none. It’s 150 times sweeter than sugar. The best thing is that it doesn’t jerk up your blood sugar level so it won't mess with your hormones. It satisfies your sweet tooth, but it won’t crash your energy or make your kids go wild. After all, it's 100% natural.
About the author
Christine Fung is a registered acupuncturist and registered traditional chinese medicine practitioner who's focus in Women's health and fertility. Her practice, Acupuncture Shiatsu Clinic in Mississauga, provides holistic services to treat chronic pain, infertility, depression and other chronic diseases
Tune into Christine's Instagram video channel for weekly wellness tips and fertility Q & A
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