How to manage PCOS/PMOS symptoms?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had a chat with my doctor the other day, and she mentioned that I am carrying a few extra pounds for my height, especially since I have been diagnosed with PCOD/PMOS. She suggested I cut out the sweets, which is a bit of a bummer. But then I stumbled upon these sugar substitutes meant for weight loss.

Are they safe to use, and can you recommend the best ones? Along with the weight gain, I have been dealing with irregular periods, acne, and all sorts of mood swings. It is like my body is playing tricks on me, and I am just trying to find a way to get it back on track.

I have heard mixed things about sugar substitutes; some say they are a lifesaver for weight loss, while others warn about potential health risks. I do not want to swap out one problem for another. I am wondering if there is a safe option out there that can help me shed these extra pounds without causing any more issues.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

First I want you to understand why food choices are important and why weight gain happens. The first impact on the body is insulin sensitivity takes place, so what you eat is not metabolized in the body and simply stored as fat and you do not get satiety levels so you get cravings.

Different kinds of food choices are made which are full of preservatives and sugar or salt, consuming high carbohydrates which leads to high sugar levels in the blood. This leads to a faster deposition, so it adds to the current PCOS/PMOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome/Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome) problem and leads to more hormonal imbalance. I would suggest you follow the guidelines below to help and come back for a burnout routine

You should avoid:

1. Sodas and sweet drinks like aerated drinks, and tetra-pack fruit juices are to be avoided in the diet because they are high in carbohydrates, which increase blood sugar. Also, their high fructose content has been linked to insulin resistance.

2. Refined carbohydrates like white bread, pasta, and rice are low in fiber and they are high in glycemic index. This combination can result in high blood sugar levels instead have chickpea pasta, whole wheat pasta, or multigrain pasta.

3. Fruit-flavored yogurts are usually low in fat but high in sugar so go for a high-protein one.

4. Breakfast cereals like cornflakes, sugar-coated muesli, and sugar-coated wheat flakes.

5. Use honey, maple syrup, jaggery, and brown sugar widely as they at least have high nutritional values.

6. Packaged snacks are typically highly processed foods made from refined flour that can quickly raise your blood sugar levels and lead to weight gain.

7. Fruits like bananas, chikoo, mangoes, dates, ,and raisins are high in the glycemic index as well as load and thus need to be avoided.

8. Starchy vegetables need to be avoided like potatoes, yam, colocasia, beetroot, squash, corn, and sweet potatoes.

9. Eat less salt (use less salt in cooking, replace salt with other herbs and spices, cut out commercial soups and gravies that have a very high salt content, and use a salt substitute).

I hope this helps.

Thank you.