Dispelling Common Misconceptions About PCOS
The increasing prevalence of PCOS comes with an influx of information on treating the condition throughout social media. How can we determine what will actually work and what is misleading?
Today, let’s aim to debunk some common myths surrounding PCOS management to provide you with a clearer path to improved health and well-being.
Common Misconceptions
MYTH 1: Restrictive Dieting is the Key to PCOS Management
It is a prevailing misconception that strict dietary restrictions are essential for managing PCOS. While a healthy diet plays a crucial role, overly restrictive eating patterns, intermittent fasting, and severely low-carbohydrate diets can be counterproductive and potentially harmful in treating PCOS. Don't get me wrong; when we consider insulin resistance and inflammation, nutrition is a foundational aspect of managing PCOS. The problem is that so many dietary recommendations focus on what to remove and avoid, which can create a poor relationship with food. Instead, oftentimes, we encourage patients to eat more or add things to their diet, which may come as a shock to many.
Myth 2: Intensive Exercise is the Best Approach for PCOS
Exercise is undoubtedly beneficial for managing PCOS, but the belief that more is always better may not hold true for everyone. For certain individuals, intense exercise regimens can lead to additional stress on the body, resulting in increased cortisol levels, elevated androgens, and disruptions in blood sugar regulation. Exercise recommendations can vary from walking and yoga to weight training and higher-intensity workouts. This underscores the importance of a customized exercise routine tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Myth 3: You Have to Cut Out Gluten and Dairy
A common recommendation you might hear is the need to eliminate dairy and gluten from your diet. While in certain cases, this can be helpful, it's important to understand that it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Similar to the first myth, restricting dairy and gluten can foster a negative relationship with food and may hinder the attainment of our essential nutritional requirements, adding further stress to the body. Instead, the removal of these foods should only be considered when it's specifically indicated for an individual. This may be the case for people who exhibit signs of food sensitivities, for instance.
A Final Word
Navigating the world of PCOS can be overwhelming, particularly when faced with misconceptions and information overload. I can attest, from firsthand experience, that these one-size-fits-all approaches are inadequate. You deserve an individualized, root-cause approach to regain control of your health and restore your confidence and vitality.
If you would like to learn more about PCOS, head over to our page on PCOS Support where numerous resources awaits you!
Ready to make a change?
You deserve a healthcare experience that goes beyond symptom management and considers your unique history, symptoms and needs. If you're seeking a better understanding of your condition and are ready for a comprehensive and personalized approach to managing your PCOS, I invite you to book a free complimentary call with me here.
Be well,
Dr. Jessica Nazareth, ND