Impact Of Lifestyle On PCOS

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a condition where we witness hormonal imbalances

Women with PCOS produce more male hormones than normal women. It can cause women to witness more hair growth on the face and the body. It is a condition where women also miss their periods sometimes or see infrequent periods.

Some of the common symptoms of PCOS are irregular menstrual cycle, excessive hair growth, thinning of hair or hair loss, darkening of the skin, especially in your groin, underneath your breasts, and along the creases around the neck, acne on the face, upper back, and chest and darker armpits and the neck area.

Your lifestyle has a great impact on PCOS. The kind of diet you eat, the timetable you follow for your diet, etc. actively contribute to handling PCOS. Nowadays, there is a rush to be able to multitask and be good at everything. This has probably made people forget how crucial it is to eat right, exercise, sleep well and have a good emotional balance. The increased prevalence of PCOS in young adults may be directly related to a sedentary lifestyle and a lack of nutritional food. Lack of exercise, weight gain, and obesity lead to metabolic imbalances, such as insulin resistance, which are high in the urban Indian population. Insulin resistance leads to dysfunctional hormones and increases the likelihood of diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

Our genes have always played an important role; They certainly increase the risk but do not necessarily lead to a certain condition. However, a study conducted in the UK showed that 24 percent of women (with PCOS) have mothers with PCOS, and 32% of women have sisters with the same condition.

Diet, the most important pillar, is the fuel for our cells. Women suffering from PCOS should consume a balanced diet with high-fiber foods that fight insulin resistance. Also, good protein sources should be included in the diet. Instead of three big meals, five small meals should be taken, this helps in weight loss. Avoid foods with a high glycemic index. Include lots of greens and fruits in your diet. Make sure you stay away from reheated, processed junk food. Try switching to unrefined salt, sugar, flour, and oil. Consume good fats like ghee, mustard oil, seeds, sesame, and cashew.

One of the important aspects involves losing weight. Any short-term fancy crash diets for weight loss should be avoided as they can lead to serious nutritional deficiencies.

Sometimes we think we are healthy and eating well, but due to chronic underlying inflammatory and metabolic disorders in PCOS, a person can be severely nutritionally deprived. The five nutrients that women with PCOS typically lack are vitamin D (about 67 to 85 percent of women are deficient), vitamin B12, zinc, magnesium, and folate. It is also important to have enough water throughout the day.

Maintaining a proper sleep schedule is an important factor. Get eight hours of sleep, during which you should disconnect from all gadgets at least an hour before bedtime. This will definitely help you sleep well. Maintaining a healthy weight is a priority when it comes to managing PCOS. This can be achieved by including 30 minutes of exercise.