hello XXXXX,

Thanks for posting the query.

PCOS, as you would know is associated with hormonal imbalance. Sometimes, the lack of ovulation makes it difficult to conceive. However, with proper treatment and carefully planned diet one can expect good results.

Here are some dietary suggestions to help you with PCOS:

• Reduce the total calorie intake: pay attention to the complex and insoluble fibers. Theses do not provide any calories but add bulk to the diet, making you feel full while consuming lesser calories. Including the simple carbohydrates like sugar, juices, ice-cream etc. would increase the total calorie intake hence adding extra kilograms to your weight.

• Prefer the unsaturated fats, like vegetable oils and its preparations. The saturated fats have a higher calorific value and are not good for the heart also.

• Avoid the full cream dairy products like cream, white butter and also the full cream milk. Low fat dairy should be preferred and if possible include the soy milk and its products in your diet.

• Include lot vegetables in the daily diet. The fiber XXXXXXX vegetables like, spinach, cauliflower, cabbage, beetroot etc. should be regularly taken. Fruits are also equally important and shoul dbe taken regularly. You may avoid the carbohydrate XXXXXXX fruits like Mango, Banana, Grapes, Custard XXXXXXX Sapota, Custard XXXXXXX Avocado and Watermelon, if you are overweight.

• Increase the fluid intake. Consuming approximately 2.5 to 3 liter of water every day would help you manage the weight. You may include fluids like sugarless lemon juice, tender coconut water, fresh soups and green tea. Green tea contains a lot of antioxidants which improves metabolism.

• Limit the intake of caffeine in your diet. Excess of tea and coffee are not advisable. Exchange these drinks with the healthier drinks like soup and barley water, drumstick leaves soup etc . Avoid the carbonated beverages.

• Too much refined foods like refined flour and strained fruit juices lack the essential fiber and are XXXXXXX in calories. These foods are not allowed while aiming at weight loss. Make sure that you include rice only once in a day, preferably for lunch.

• Including foods like whole grains, beans, pulses, chickpea, kidney beans is advisable as these are XXXXXXX in proteins.. Getting the proteins from plant sources is better.

• If you are a vegetarian, you should make sure that your protein requirements are sufficiently met. For achieving this, include at least 2 portions of the protein XXXXXXX foods in your diet.

• It’s advisable that you also keep a check on the foods that contain additives and preservatives. Reduce the consumption of packed savories and other foods like cookies and bakery items.

To improve fertility consider foods like Beans, Green Leafy vegetables, whole wheat breads, pumpkin seeds, olive oil, nuts and oil seeds. Include plenty of antioxidants from fruits and vegetable sources. Try Green tea a couple of times in a day . Taking a diet XXXXXXX in fiber, protein and antioxidants is recommended, while trying to conceive.

Recommendations: Watch your weight, as PCOS is associated with heavy weight gain due to hormonal imbalance. Focus on a balanced healthy diet with regular exercises. Include Drumstick leaves in your daily diet these are excellent fertility boosters. Try them in soups, as curry etc.

Hope I answered your query.

Meenakshi

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