Nutritional Program
Nutritional lifestyle change is also very important
in treating insulin resistance and other related conditions like PCOS.
The diet we recommend is a balance of 35% protein, 35% fat, and 30%
carbohydrates. This is very different than other diets, which recommend
extremes of low carbohydrate/high protein or low fat. It is also not a
diet - it is a lifestyle change. Protein is absolutely essential. An
average PCOS patient needs to consume at least 80-90 grams of protein/day. Protein acts to stabilize insulin by stimulating the body to secrete
glucagon. What does this mean? Well, when the body secretes glucagon the insulin levels are stabilized and cause hunger to subside longer. It also helps to control cravings. There are several precautions needed when this much protein
is consumed. The most important one for women is that increased protein
in the diet may decrease calcium absorption therefore it is important
to take a calcium supplement daily.
There are various forms of protein available for consumption, primarily animal and plant protein. In May 2005, the Annal of Internal Medicine published a study that plant protein is more beneficial and lower in cholesterol than animal protein. This is why we recommend the whey protein shakes. Whey also has a better amino acid structure than soy protein.
In a
balanced diet, it is important to include fat. This is what contributes
to the sense of being full after eating. Fat is also necessary to carry
certain vitamins in the bloodstream. Many "fat-free" foods are loaded
with carbohydrates, which directly stimulate the secretion of insulin.
It is important to choose polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats and
to avoid the saturated fats found in most deep-fried foods. Also
trans-fats should be avoided. More and more evidence is pointing to the need for good fats in your diet especially as it relates to ovarian function. An example of these fats is olive oil which has shown to be a great benefit to the overall health of a person.
The major
source of concern for patients is the consumption of carbohydrates.
Many people eat carbohydrates as a comfort food. Research has shown
that increased levels of carbohydrates elevate the endorphin levels in
the brain leading to a sense of well being. While carbohydrates are
important in a balanced diet, it is important to learn the difference
between simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates. Simple
carbohydrates come in the form of sugars that require very little
energy for the body to process therefore stimulating insulin
dramatically. When the simple carbohydrates are used up, the insulin is
still elevated therefore stimulating the hunger centers in the brain
and demanding more carbohydrates. This leads to the viscous cycle
previously discussed. The carbohydrates most beneficial to your body
come from vegetables and fruits,... More>> Next Page >>
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