Here are some things to know about intermittent fasting for PCOS patients. Check out below!
Is intermittent fasting for PCOS patients safe and effective? This is what an expert said about this frequently asked question.
The most common hormonal disorder that occurs in women is Polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS, a condition that comes with several signs and symptoms. This occurs in females who are in their reproductive age.
Is there any cure to treat this condition?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for PCOS. However, you can do something that will help you manage the symptoms for better life quality. Several foods for PCOS have also been listed to ease the signs that concern you.
Among other things that will accordingly help patients with this condition is intermittent fasting. As much as we all know, weight gain is among the symptoms of PCOS and IF is said to be effective to lose weight.
Famous actress Alice Dixon did intermittent fasting and she swore to the great effects and benefits of the method. It was, at first, hard for her, but in the long run, she got used to it and gained great results such as losing excess weight.
How about IF for PCOS? Is this safe and effective?
Anna Löfgren, a nutritional therapist specializing in female hormone health, discussed this matter. She noted that IF is linked to these benefits:
- improved insulin sensitivity
- improved cognitive function
- improved new cell growth
- increased weight loss and reduced body fat
- reduced inflammation
However, she cited some studies that showed unlikely results for women with PCOS. According to her, a 2005 study by Obesity Research suggested that IF improved insulin sensitivity in men but it worsened in women.
It may also slow down certain functions like reproduction, digestion, and weight loss. An IF study in 2013 also found that IF can stop ovulation and disrupt estrogen, cortisol, and thyroid hormones.
With this, Löfgren concluded that IF is not good for people with the following conditions based on the post from Nutritionist Resource:
- ongoing hormonal imbalances
- infertility
- blood sugar issues
- insulin-resistant PCOS
The safe ways to do IF for women with PCOS are:
- Make sleeping time the IF window.
- Eat your last meal two hours before sleeping and sleep for eight hours.
- Eat your first meal within 30 minutes after you wake up.
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