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A Diet for Polycystic Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome, sometimes called polycystic syndrome, is a medical condition that can affect a woman's hormone levels and cause changes in her menstrual cycle. Since some foods and beverages can increase the severity of PCOS symptoms, diet changes can help to control this condition and improve your health and comfort. Necessary diet changes may include caffeine avoidance, carbohydrate reduction and a low-glycemic diet.

  1. Caffeine Avoidance

    • According to Colette Harris and Theresa Cheung, authors of "The Ultimate PCOS Handbook," too much caffeine can cause the adrenal glands to become weak and interfere with hormone levels. It also may lead to nutrient depletion over time. While caffeine can contribute to hormonal problems, complete avoidance of caffeinated products is not necessary. Harris and Cheung advise PCOS sufferers to drink no more than three caffeinated beverages per day. In order to reduce caffeine intake, they recommend drinking caffeine-free soft drinks, drinking more water, using a small cup instead of a large mug, and cutting back caffeine consumption gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

    Carbohydrate Reduction

    • According to Dr. Walter Futterweit, M.D. and Martha McKittrick, a registered dietitian, insulin plays a major role in the development of PCOS. Insulin is a hormone that is released whenever food is consumed. This hormone transports sugar to the liver, muscle and fat cells, where it is either stored as fat or converted to energy. For women with polycystic syndrome, insulin resistance is a common problem. This means that the body's cells are resistant to insulin, requiring more insulin to carry sugar out of the blood. Insulin resistance can lead to PCOS, increased risk for heart disease, and weight gain. Patients experiencing difficulty losing weight due to insulin resistance should follow a low-glycemic diet, which contains foods that do not cause the blood sugar to rise quickly.

      Dr. Walter Futterweit is a clinical professor of endocrinology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, and works with many women who have PCOS. He recommends that a woman who is not obese get 50 percent of her calories from carbohydrates, and a woman who is obese get 40 percent of her calories from carbohydrates. Choose complex carbohydrate options over refined carbohydrates. For example, women with this condition should choose whole grain breads over white breads. If the diet works, women will experience fewer cravings, weight loss and increased energy.

    Low-Glycemic Diet

    • The glycemic index is a database that ranks carbohydrates by how they affect blood sugar levels in the body. Women with PCOS should eat carbohydrates that have a low GI, which cause only small fluctuations in blood sugar and insulin levels. According to professionals at the Harvard School of Public Health, good examples of low glycemic carbohydrates include whole grains, fruits, beans and vegetables. Foods you should avoid include white rice, non-diet soft drinks, processed foods, pastries and baked goods. These foods can lead to weight gain or make it difficult to lose weight.

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