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How Diet Affects PCOS

Your Fertility May Benefit from Low-carb Eating

By Teri Brown

"With regard to diets, I prefer to think of a nutritional approach that could best be called sensible carbs," says Dr. Feinberg. Though he maintains that it is virtually impossible to prescribe one specific diet approach for everyone, many of Dr. Feinberg's patients have benefited from a sensible carbs approach, which deletes simple sugars and sugar waters from their diet. "I do feel that there is a useful place for higher fiber [and] lower glycemic index carbs, including most fruits and vegetables," he says. "Some multigrain, high-fiber breads and starches might even be OK, especially if energy expenditure occurs throughout the day."

Dr. Feinberg believes the key to sensible nutrition probably lies in how insulin and related hormones are secreted minute-by-minute, both while awake and asleep. Any nutrition plan that causes major surges in insulin hormones is probably anti-fertility for women.

"Avoidance of simple sugars and foods with high glycemic indications probably helps control insulin levels," he says. "Overnourishment needs to be avoided. Believe it or not, individuals can still gain weight on high-protein diets if they take in more calories than their bodies' burn. The body contains special enzymes that can convert protein and fat to simple sugars. It's the body's way of protecting itself from starvation."

Exercise is also a key in Dr. Feinberg's plan to help women suffering from Syndrome O, as stress worsens insulin output through adrenal cortisol production. "Sensible carb nutrition is part of an overall plan toward healing Syndrome O," he says. "I call the overall plan the Syndrome O Survival (SOS) Strategies. We have many, many success stories with patients who understand the life-altering approaches they need to take to improve their health and fertility."

Want to see more?

• Join the discussion on our Family.com community!
• Making Sense of PCOS: Answers to Common Questions
• Healthy Eating During Preconception: Good Nutrition While You're Trying to Conceive
• Trying to Conceive with Diagnosis of PCOS: Short Stories About Trying to Conceive
• The Low-carb Craze: Should Pregnant Women Participate?

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