If you have Polycystic Ovary Disease or Syndrome (PCOD/PCOS), then managing your diet is important. In this article, we are going to list five foods that must be avoided like the plague. Before that, let's know what PCOD is.
Also Read: Female Hormones: How Do They Affect Mood, Appetite, and Libido?
What is PCOD?
Polycystic Ovary Disease or Syndrome, also known as Stein-Leventhal Syndrome, is a kind of hormonal disorder that affects one out of 10 women. It happens mostly to the women of childbearing age in which their ovaries produce eggs, but do not release them.
Also Read: Role of Hormones in Infertility
Symptoms of PCOD/PCOS
A woman suffering from PCOD has small cysts in the ovaries that appear like a pearl string. It triggers unpredictable hormonal behavior, irregular menstrual cycle, trouble getting pregnant, male pattern baldness, and skin problems like acne and oily skin conditions. It increases the testosterone level in the body which leads to excess hair growth on the face and body. It also triggers cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, heart diseases, and diabetes. The exact cause of this problem is unknown. However, researchers have revealed a close connection between insulin and PCOD. Our pancreases have beta cells that release insulin hormone that helps to transport sugar from the blood to muscles where sugar is used as energy or saved in the form of fat for future use. But the high level of insulin cause, symptoms associated with PCOD/PCOS. If you are noticing its symptoms, you must see a doctor. Besides medicines, a well-managed diet also plays a vital role in controlling PCOD's symptoms.
Also Read: 10 Life-Changing PCOS Self-Care Tips
5 Foods to Avoid if You Have PCOD
1. Raw Kale
There is no doubt that kale is among the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. But if you have PCOS, you have to quit consuming raw kale in whatever form you consume it. This is a cruciferous vegetable that contains goitrogens that suppress thyroid function leading to PCOD. It is always a good idea to cook kale and other cruciferous veggies before eating. You can also fry these veggies on low heat with essential oils if you want. The whole thing is that avoid eating cruciferous veggies in raw form.
2. Soy products
People consume soy products for two reasons either they love it or they find it the best substitute for dairy products. But if you are suffering from PCOD, soy products are not for you. The problem is that soy contains phyto also called plant estrogen. This component acts as the estrogen produced by our body. When we consume soy products, our body is confused between the synthetic and natural estrogen produced. It causes slow production of natural estrogen and leads to slow production of luteinizing hormone and ultimately, shutting down the ovulation.
3. Stevia
When females start having problems with ovulation or the menstrual cycle, they immediately cut down the consumption of sugar. What wrong do they do is they turn to natural sweetener stevia. It is important to know that stevia had been used to prevent pregnancy in ancient times. A small amount of stevia is acceptable if you are not hormonal-sensitive. But if you are a PCOS sufferer, just avoid natural sweeteners.
4. Caffeine
Coffee has a direct impact on the health of PCOD/PCOS sufferers. Coffee acts as a stimulant that increases insulin levels and its excess intake lowers fertility rates. Apart from this, caffeine also contributes to acidity in the body, and acidity is directly linked to hormonal imbalance. Caffeine also minimizes the absorption of minerals and nutrients and excretes these elements out of the body through urine. But for a healthy hormonal balance, it is important to preserve these elements stored in our body.
Also Read: Can I Have Coffee During Pregnancy?
5. Red Meat
Red meat is abundant with protein components and excess protein decreases sex hormone binding globulin. This hormone is necessary for bringing down the testosterone levels. Red meat also decreases carbohydrates, which disturbs the supply of glucose in the body for thyroid function. And it is important to know that PCOD/PCOS is mainly sourced through poor thyroid function.
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Disclaimer: The statements, opinions, and data contained in these publications are solely those of the individual contributors not of Credihealth. 
This write-up was contributed to Credihealth by Rajita Gupta
Author Bio: I am an interest-driven blogger and creative graphic designer based in Haryana, Northern India. I hold a Master in Computer Application from Kurukshetra University. Besides the healthcare industry, I am passionate about writing for travel, fashion, lifestyle, and technology.
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