Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that many people who menstruate all over the world struggle with. It comes with a variety of symptoms – from irregular periods to hormonal imbalances. And when it comes to managing these symptoms, many people choose to change their diet to deal with them. But here’s the tricky part – although there is a lot of helpful advice out there, there are also a lot of myths that crop up. Have you ever heard people suggest that you should completely avoid dairy products if you have PCOS? If yes, then this article is for you. Have you ever wondered if this is true? If you have these and other questions, let’s find out whether dairy products affect your PCOS condition or not.
Also read: PCOS Diet: 5 Herbs & Spices That Can Naturally Reduce PCOS Symptoms
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What is PCOS?
Polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS is a common hormonal disorder that affects people who menstruate in their childbearing years. People with PCOS may not ovulate, may have increased androgen (male hormone) levels, or may even have small cysts on the ovaries. Some of the common symptoms of PCOS are irregular menstrual cycles, facial hair, weight gain, acne, oily skin, etc.
How is PCOS linked to diet?
According to a 2023 review published in Cureus, high-carbohydrate, high-fat diets, low-fiber diets, high glycemic index and glycemic load, and Western diets are associated with a higher risk of PCOS. Several medical articles and studies also mention that certain strategies — such as an anti-inflammatory diet — may help deal with PCOS symptoms in people who menstruate.
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Should you avoid consuming dairy products when dealing with PCOS?
There is no scientific evidence for this. According to nutritionist Amita Gadre, no research supports the claim that dairy products are directly related to PCOS or its inflammation. However, one important thing to remember is that your total fat intake should be within limits and you are not consuming too much saturated fat.
Also, some people are lactose intolerant. So, in that case, if you are consuming milk or milk products, it can further aggravate the problem of indigestion, making it difficult to maintain your overall health.
What if you’re not lactose intolerant?
According to the expert, lactose intolerance is the only reason why you can avoid dairy products. However, if you do not have lactose intolerance, nutritionist Gadre said you can consume curd and buttermilk (lassi) which are good sources of protein and help reduce bloating.
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Also read: What to eat for PCOS: 5 quick and easy diet tips from experts
While this advice may help you clear your doubts, always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet. If you are looking for 5 herbal drinks that help manage PCOS naturally, click here.
