April 30th, 2010
Those of us with PCOS are particulary vulnerable to pre-diabetes, which, though reversible, is often the precursor to type 2 diabetes. But blueberry juice with a little added bacteria from the fruit’s skin may help women with both PCOS and pre-diabetes escape the onset of type 2 diabetes, which is irreversible in most cases and often requires daily injections of insulin.
Canadian researchers found that juice “biotransformed” with bacteria protected young pre-diabetic mice from type 2 diabetes as well as obesity, according to a study appearing online in August in the International Journal of Obesity.
The bacteria Serratia vaccinii, a new strain isolated from blueberry, appeared to work by enhancing the fruit’s natural antioxidant effects. The blood glucose levels of lab mice, which were genetically predisposed to obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes and hypertension, fell by 35% after three days of drinking the super juice.
More research is needed. But in the meantime be sure to include lots of blueberries in your PCOS and pre-diabetes diet as they are a powerhouse fruit when it come to antioxidants.
April 29th, 2010
Did you know one whole, medium-sized avocado contains just 17 grams of carbohydrate and a truly impressive 11 grams of fiber? That’s almost half of the daily recommended minimum intake of fiber in a single item, which gives a great boost to a healthy PCOS diet.
An avocado also provides an excellent dose of heart healthy, unsaturated fatty acids. And the good news doesn’t end there, either.
Avocados deliver almost 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. The latter are special plant chemicals that convey myriad health benefits.
Guacamole tip: to keep avocado dips from turning brown before they’re served, press plastic wrap tight over the edges of the container, leaving no air pockets.
April 28th, 2010
Those of us with PCOS are especially vulnerable to heart-damaging metabolic syndrome – a disorder which is expected to affect between 50 and 75 million men and women in the U.S. alone this year.
But you don’t have to be part of that group if you can adapt to a balanced, nutritious diet and regular exercise.
Weight loss is crucial for most victims of metabolic syndrome, who tend to have weight problems, though it is present in about 5% of people with normal body weight. The condition affects 22% of people who are overweight and 60% of those considered obese.
Adults who continue to gain five or more pounds per year raise their risk of developing metabolic syndrome by up to 45%. So remember: it’s never too late to begin countering the effects of this condition by losing weight via a healthier lifestyle.
Even if you’re of normal weight, diet and regular exercise can help reverse the symptoms of PCOS and metabolic syndrome.
April 27th, 2010
Standing up to PCOS is the best way for those of us with this condition to lead a normal life. As well as eating a healthy diet, regular exercise is a great means of achieving that aim of independence, so consider taking these steps, especially if you have PCOS-linked diabetes as well:
- Talk to your health care team about which activities will be safe for you. Your health care provider’s advice will depend on the condition of your heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, feet and nervous system.
- Consider which activities appeal to you and make detailed plans accordingly. Think about those that are realistic for you and choose the ones you think you can do. Start slowly. Your activity should be somewhat challenging but not overly difficult.
- Learn your blood glucose response to exercise. Checking your blood glucose before and after exercise can show you the benefits of activity. You also can use the results of your blood glucose checks to prevent low or high glucose levels.
