PCOS
Do you have any recommendations for women suffering from PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)?
In a nutshell, the recommended strategies for tackling PCOS include:
- Exercise -- increases insulin sensitivity and fights insulin resistance, which is a root cause of PCOS.
- Avoiding specific foods and eating habits that rapidly elevate blood glucose levels -- which means following a low-glycemic index diet to control blood sugar levels. Often patients with PCOS also have problems with insulin resistance. Protein Power and Atkins are in the same good realm for diets because for the woman with PCOS, carbohydrates can be silent killers.
- Considering supplements that increase insulin sensitivity. Supplements that help with insulin sensitivity are: chromium picolinate 400mcg; magnesium 1000 mg; vanadium 30mg; and flax oil 1-6 grams (all per day).
- Also, a book we would recommend is Marilyn Shannon's Fertility, Cycles, & Nutrition, which is available on Amazon.com or from the Couple to Couple League, www.ccli.org
Obviously the individual patient's circumstances are important and she should consult with her doctor, but this should get you started.