Best PCOS Diet: Should I Limit Carbs?

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or PCOS, is often caused by Insulin Resistance (IR). IR occurs when the body’s cells do not respond to insulin, resulting in a spike in blood sugar and a hormonal imbalance.1 To fight the effects of IR and PCOS, which include a long list of both physically and emotionally distressing symptoms, women who have these conditions are encouraged to maintain a diet that minimizes the production of insulin.

Decreasing Insulin Production by Limiting Carbohydrates

PCOS nutrition encompasses a wide variety of fresh, healthy foods, including non-starchy vegetables. A PCOS diet is one that is designed to decrease the release of insulin into the bloodstream. Carbohydrates, especially simple, refined carbohydrates, spark the production of insulin, encouraging the body to release it. For women adhering to a diet plan for PCOS, this can be dangerous. As a result, a low carb diet is often suggested as a way to limit insulin production.

Testing The Effectiveness of Low Carb Meal Plans

In 2005, Eric C. Westman of Duke University published a study that he conducted concerning the effects of a low-carbohydrate diet on PCOS. This study educated its participants about the benefits of a low carbohydrate meal plan and required them to follow a low carb diet. Each participant ate less than 20 grams of carbohydrates per day for six months.2

At the end of the study, Westman measured several variables that had been recorded at the beginning of research, including weight, testosterone, LH/FSH ratio, blood pressure, and insulin. The results indicate that women who have PCOS and follow a diet that is low in carbohydrates can lose weight, decrease their blood pressure, and improve hormonal ratios.2

Important Considerations

Westman notes that, although the research does in fact prove that limiting carbohydrates can improve the health of women who face this disorder, it is unclear whether the improvements were sparked by weight loss or by the limitation of carbohydrates.2 Weight loss is an important step in addressing this condition, one that on its own may lead to similar health benefits. This said, Westman asserts that his pilot study has fulfilled its goal in determining whether or not this type of diet should be further researched. Through additional study, the benefits recorded in Westman’s work can be attributed to the correct behavioral and physical changes.

Although more research is needed, women who have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome can comfortably limit their intake of carbohydrates in an effort to lose excess weight and improve their condition.

The other thing a women suffering Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) might do is to look into the Insulite Health PCOS 5-Element System for reversing the condition. In particular, the PCOS System offers hormone-balancing effects that have been scientifically calibrated to reverse the condition. That means there is hope for women who properly educate themselves and take the precautions necessary to thwart the effects of the disease, and no reason why PCOS has to be interpreted as a devastating diagnosis.

To learn more about the subject of Sugar, Carbs, Cravings and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), visit us on the web at www.pcos.com?ap_id=healthstatus.

Insulite Health, a Boulder, Colorado USA based company, is committed to reversing Insulin Resistance – a potentially dangerous imbalance of blood glucose and insulin. Scientific research has revealed that this disorder can be a primary cause of excess weight gain and obesity, plus Pre-Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes. Insulin Resistance can also underlie the cluster of increased risk factors for cardiovascular damage called Metabolic Syndrome (Syndrome X) as well as PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) – a major source of serious diseases as well as heartbreaking female infertility.

Recognizing that there are millions of people who need this kind of systematic approach to reversing insulin resistance, Insulite Health has developed systems to address the underlying causes of Metabolic Syndrome, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), Excess Weight/Obesity, Pre-Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes.

For more information about Insulin Resistance and research links to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), PubMed Health, GenBank and more visit us at www.pcos.com.

1“PCOS Symptoms and Signs,” About.com, 20 June 2009 <https://pcos.about.com/od/pcos101/a/pcosymptoms.htm> (15 February 2012).

2“The effects of a low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet on the polycystic ovary syndrome: A pilot study,” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 16 December 2005 <https://www.nutritionandmetabolism.com/content/2/1/35> (15 February 2012).

Next Steps

Becoming victorious over the symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is not an easy task, but you can overcome your symptoms to live the life you deserve.

It takes strength, courage, and perseverance. It can be challenging and that’s why Insulite Health created the PCOS 5-Element System. It’s a step-by-step process that will help you balance your hormones and reverse PCOS symptoms using our proprietary 5% Solution.

So take the next steps now! Use the links below to learn how to make the changes that will transform your health and your life forever.

  1. Read more about PCOS
  2. Take the PCOS Test and assess your risk!
  3. Learn more about the Insulite 5-Element PCOS Solution

About Insulite Health PCOS.com

Insulite Health, is committed to helping women reverse their symptoms of hormone imbalance. Scientific research has revealed that this imbalance can be a primary cause of many devastating health symptoms. Hormone Imbalance can also underlie the increased risk factors for PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) – a major source of serious diseases as well as cause of excess weight gain, adult acne, unwanted facial hair, depression, anxiety, and heartbreaking female infertility.

©Insulite Health, Inc., pcos.com empowers women with PCOS to transform their lives through a process of healing with the 5-Element PCOS System — the world’s only complete solution for helping women heal from the symptoms of PCOS and hormone imbalance.

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Robin is an Integrative Clinical Nutritionist, Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition. She comes to Insulite Health with a passion for helping women live vibrant, passionate lives. Robin had her own struggles with health. As a teenager she suffered from digestive disorders, weight, acne and hypoglycemia. As an adult she continued to struggle with balancing blood sugar, adult acne, mood swings, weight gain, arthritic conditions in her hands and chronic inflammation. Robin understands first hand how symptoms of poor health can keep us from living the life we dreamed of.

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Written by Robin Nielsen
Medical Writer & Editor

Robin is an Integrative Clinical Nutritionist, Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition. She comes to Insulite Health with a passion for helping women live vibrant, passionate lives. Robin had her own struggles with health. As a teenager she suffered from digestive disorders, weight, acne and hypoglycemia. As an adult she continued to struggle with balancing blood sugar, adult acne, mood swings, weight gain, arthritic conditions in her hands and chronic inflammation. Robin understands first hand how symptoms of poor health can keep us from living the life we dreamed of.

View all post by Robin Nielsen