While these effects can benefit both men and women, intermittent fasting may be an especially useful dietary strategy for women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (commonly known as PCOS). Intermittent fasting for PCOS can reduce symptoms and improve fertility and other quality-of-life outcomes.
Intermittent fasting has become an increasingly popular method for managing PCOS symptoms in recent years. Studies are ongoing, but there is plenty of evidence to suggest that it can be helpful for some women with PCOS.
Fasting can help manage PCOS symptoms due to overall energy deficit intake - which leads to efficient usage of stored fats for energy.
This is researched and there are many studies supporting it. I often suggest patients try intermittent fasting, either fast for 16 hours of every day or fast for 24 hours every other day. You don't have to start this amount of fasting right away, instead, give your body the time to build up to this goal.
Growing evidence suggests a connection between junk food addiction and the onset and progression of PCOS. The consumption of highly processed junk foods, which are high in carbohydrates, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives, may contribute to hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance, are causing PCOS.
Many women with PCOS have insulin resistance. This means the body can't use insulin well. Insulin levels build up in the body and may cause higher androgen levels. Obesity can also increase insulin levels and make PCOS symptoms worse.
Myth #2: If You Lose Weight, You Can Get Rid of PCOS
Unfortunately, there is no cure for PCOS, but overweight and obese women can help balance their hormone levels by losing weight. Otherwise, treatment is aimed at managing symptoms.
Insulin resistance: Women with PCOS are more likely to have insulin resistance, which means that their bodies have difficulty using insulin effectively to process glucose. It can lead to high blood sugar levels, which can make it more difficult to lose weight.
High levels of caffeine have been said to make your PCOS symptoms worse by: Increasing the stress hormone cortisol, which raises insulin, which suppresses progesterone production. Increasing sugar cravings (when you're on a low after having a caffeinated coffee earlier, you often crave a sugar boost).
Weight gain. Oily skin or acne. Excessive hair growth (hirsutism) on the face, chest, back and buttocks. Rarely symptoms of PCOS include decreased breast size, deeper voice and thinning hair.
Don't skip meals.
Eating regular, well-balanced meals will help keep your hormones in balance, a necessity for those with PCOS. A great way to manage blood sugar levels and weight gain is to build a plate that serves up a combination of food types – vegetables, protein, and starchy grains.
At a high level, intermittent fasting helps optimize metabolism, balance hormones, reduce overeating, decrease fat storage in the body, reduce weight gain and improve overall health. Some patients will pair intermittent fasting with a ketogenic diet to expedite their results.
Women with PCOS often experience higher fat deposits in the abdominal area, regardless of their body mass index. This means that even women with lean bodies or normal weight can develop a PCOS belly. Experts believe that the increased male hormones in women contribute to the development of a PCOS belly.
Like any other syndrome, PCOS can involve a variety of different symptoms. One of the more common ones is abdominal weight gain, which is often referred to as the “PCOS belly.” A PCOS belly is the result of PCOS-related weight gain and may be caused by different factors.
It's usually large and bloated but can also be small and round, depending on genes and other factors. It involves visceral fat accumulation in the lower abdomen and typically feels hard to touch. A PCOS belly is also characterized by a high waist-to-hip ratio of >0.87 (apple body shape).
And while PCOS doesn't have a clear hereditary pattern, per the Genetics Home Reference, there does seem to be some sort of family association—an estimated 20%–40% of those with PCOS have an affected family member, usually a mother or sister.
Eggs are great for women with PCOS trying to lose weight. They are full of protein that helps curb unhealthy cravings and have nutrients that improve PCOS symptoms.
This is truly the most important step. Erratic eating (which includes skipping meals, going long periods of time without eating, or grazing all day long) disrupts your blood sugar and can contribute to issues with energy, mood, digestion, and hormones.
As such, should you completely stop eating rice if you have PCOS or diabetes? According to nutritionist Bhakti Kapoor, portion control is the key! “Yes, you may eat rice even if you have PCOS or diabetes, but you must recognise that portion management is essential.