PCOS management mein diet + exercise foundational hain — medication uske upar additional layer hai. Indian context mein diet adjust karna mushkil nahi — humare traditional foods mostly low-GI hain. Issue modern processed shift se aaya hai.
Yeh include karein (regular basis):
- Whole grains over polished: Millets (bajra, ragi, jowar, foxtail), atta roti, brown rice, oats. Polished white rice 1-2 servings per week max.
- Dal + sabzi balance: Har meal mein ek dal/legume source (chana, rajma, moong, masoor) plus 2 vegetables. Fiber + protein together insulin spike ko slow karte hain.
- Healthy fats: Ghee in moderation (1-2 tsp daily), olive oil, mustard oil, nuts (almonds, walnuts), seeds (flaxseed, chia).
- Protein every meal: Paneer, eggs, dahi, dal, chicken, fish, tofu. Protein satiety badhata hai aur muscle preserve karta hai.
- Anti-inflammatory spices: Haldi (curcumin), dalchini (cinnamon, insulin-friendly), methi (fenugreek, insulin sensitivity improve karti hai), ginger.
- Hydration: 2-3 liters paani daily. Chai 2-3 cups max, coffee 1-2 cups max.
Yeh kam karein ya avoid karein:
- White sugar, maida (refined flour), biscuits, namkeen, packaged snacks.
- Sugary drinks — colas, packaged juices, sweetened lassi/chai outside.
- Deep-fried fast food daily basis — occasional treat OK, daily nahi.
- Late-night eating — insulin sensitivity raat ko worse hoti hai. Dinner 8 PM tak ideal.
Intermittent fasting (IF) ka caution: Social media par IF PCOS ke liye magic bullet bani hui hai. Reality — kuch women ko fayda hota hai, kuch ko cortisol spike, period disruption aur disordered eating trigger ho jaati hai. Apne body ko sun, gynae/dietitian se discuss karein, aggressive 18-20 hour fasts start na karein bina supervision.
Exercise: Weekly 150 min moderate cardio (30 min walk x 5 days) plus 2-3 sessions strength training. Strength training PCOS ke liye specifically beneficial hai — muscle mass insulin sensitivity improve karti hai. Yoga + stress reduction practices bhi cortisol manage karne mein help karte hain.
Realistic expectation: 5-10% body weight loss bhi cycles regularize karne, ovulation restore karne aur androgenic symptoms reduce karne mein significantly help karta hai per multiple Indian studies. "Goal weight" chasing ki zaroorat nahi — sustainable improvement zaroori hai. Yeh process medical guidance ke saath hi karein, NEVER promise of permanent "cure" nahi.