Mrs Olaosebikan had been married to her husband for four years without a child. She laid on her bed and cast her mind back to the time the diagnosis was made. She was just one year into her marriage when the diagnosis was made.
' Mr and Mrs Olaosebikan, from the series of tests we ran on both of you, we discovered that madam has polycystic ovarian syndrome, and this is responsible for her inability to conceive a child. However, she will be given some medications which will help correct this hormonal imbalance. There's also the option of invitro fertilization if you are looking at conceiving a child very soon' The doctor said as he stared at them through his glasses that sat on the bridge of his nose.
'Alright, thank you doctor'. Mr Olaosebikan answered.
Mrs Olaosebikan opened her eyes suddenly and was brought back to the present. Tears filled her eyes. The scenario lives rent-free in her head. She had been religious with her medications yet she was unable to conceive. Her husband had suggested going for IVF several times but she rejected it each time he brought up the topic for discussion. She stood from the bed and was pacing up and down when her husband entered the room. His face lit up in excitement. He hummed a song and did a small dance to it. He went straight to his wife and asked her to dance with him.
'Darling, why are you so happy? Did you get a raise in your salary? Were you promoted at work?' She asked.
'No, my dear. I just found a solution to our age-long problem' He continued humming.
'What is that? I'm curious.
'Well, a colleague of mine told me about this health and lifestyle coach. She guided a woman who was diagnosed with PCOS through a series of dietary changes. The woman's symptoms improved and now she has given birth to a child.'
'Wow! Are you sure it is real?' Mrs Olaosebikan raised her eyebrow skeptically.
'Yes, of course. I confirmed from the woman in question. I already got the contact of the health and lifestyle coach.'
'Alright, dear. Let's call her'.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition in which the ovary produces higher than normal male hormones (androgen) leading to Ovarian cyst (fluid-filled sac in the ovary), abnormal hair growth, irregular or no menstruation and inflammation. Usually, the ovary produces a small amount of androgen but in PCOS, the level of androgen produced is usually higher than normal. The cause of PCOS is unknown by medical researchers but tackling the root cause through holistic lifestyle practices will go a long way in reversing symptoms. PCOS is characterized by acne, obesity/overweight, hirsutism (excessive hairiness), male pattern baldness. In the long run, it can lead to infertility, development of type 2 diabetes mellitus if it is not controlled.
People with PCOS usually have high insulin levels and insulin resistance. Insulin is an hormone that helps to regulate the blood sugar level by converting glucose to energy needed for cellular activities. Insulin resistance occurs when the insulin produced by the body is not effectively utilized. Therefore, the body responds by producing more insulin to ensure that the blood sugar level is kept within normal range. This leads to accumulation of insulin in the body causing an abnormally high level of insulin in the body. This high level of insulin leads to the excessive production of androgen by the ovary. This insulin resistance also makes it harder for people to lose weight which is why they struggle with obesity and overweight.
PCOS symptoms can be controlled by making dietary changes, reverse and even heal base on individuals differences.No single food has been implicated in the control of PCOS symptoms. Generally, mediterranean diet is an appropriate diet for controlling symptoms of PCOS. These dietary changes include:
1. Eat food rich in fiber: Food rich in fiber include lettuce, vegetables, green and red peppers, beans, almonds, sweet potatoes. These high fiber foods help to fight insulin resistance by slowing down digestion and reducing the effect of sugar on the blood and this is beneficial for people living with PCOS.
2. Eat food rich in lean protein: Foods such as fish, chicken, tofu are beneficial for people living with PCOS because they are usually filling and nutritious. They also help in controlling the symptoms of PCOS.
3. Eat foods that reduce inflammation: Inflammation has been linked to PCOS. PCOS leads to inflammatory diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and heart diseases if not controlled. Food with anti-inflammatory properties such as tomatoes, spinach, walnuts, berries, fatty fish high in Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for people with PCOS as they help prevent and combat the inflammatory process associated with PCOS.
4. Limit intake of certain food: Foods high in refined carbohydrates like white bread, foods high in sugar and starch including fried foods, saturated fats (butter and margarine), alcoholic beverages, processed and red meat should be avoided as these foods make insulin resistance difficult to manage and insulin resistance has been linked to the excessive production of androgen responsible for PCOS.
5. Lose weight: Obesity is one of the symptoms of PCOS. It is essential that people with PCOS manage and control their weight gain as this will help to control other symptoms of PCOS. Weight loss for those with PCOS can be achieved by eating smaller, more frequent meals with balanced snacks. Consume more low glycemic carbohydrates (carbohydrates that do not shoot the blood sugar up suddenly) to keep the blood sugar stable. Avoid intermittent fasting when trying to lose weight because there is a higher tendency to consume more food when the fast is broken.
6. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty water and avoided sugary drinks like soda. Rather opt for healthy fruit juice.
Beyond the medications used in the treatment of PCOS, diet plays an essential role in controlling the symptoms and ensuring that those with PCOS live a healthy and normal life. It is essential to adopt a healthy diet when combating PCOS.
NB:We are bio individuals which is to say not all size fits all.prioritizing yourself and your journey with the support and guidance of a health coach will further help in your progress and such a person would be able to get detailed information about themselves that could facilitate results.
