Since I live with PCOS, changing my diet made a huge difference in getting pregnant. After 3.5 years of no blessing, what helped me significantly, that in the 2 months before conceiving I completely cut out sugar and refined carbohydrates and ate more wholesome food.
Here are 10 things for you to consider if you have PCOS and would like to have a baby. The good news is, that it is all possible! 🙂
- Eat low glycemic foods. – every food item is categorized by how much it effects the blood sugar levels and is labeled by a glycemic index number. The lower the number the better for us who have PCOS, due to the insulin sensitivity. Be mindful of high GI fruits as well, such as dates. Dates are super healthy, if you have it with almonds for example it shouldn’t spike sugar levels that much. Avoid refined carbohydrates and sugar. Eat preferably gluten free products, pasta or bread in moderation.
- High fibre foods. – high fibre foods (like fruits and vegetables, legumes, etc.) eliminate estrogen faster and also great for keeping you regular which can be also a side effect of PCOS.
- More frequent meals. – keep your blood sugar levels stable and happy by eating more frequently, smaller portions. I find that if I wait until I feel hunger I am not just very edgy, but also feel headaches coming on.
- Eat organic. – know where your food is coming from. The soil where our food grows is highly contaminated or overused, so eating organic will not only increase your intake of vitamins and minerals, but you can avoid pesticides and other chemicals used in conventional agriculture. If you are a carnivore it is very important to know where your meat is coming from as non-organic meat can interfere with your hormones.
- Take essential fatty acids. – good fats are our friend! Have a spoon of coconut oil, cook with grass fed butter or add flax seeds and walnuts to your diet for those Omega-3 fatty acids.
- Take 1-2 tbsp cinnamon a day to help increase insulin sensitivity. You can blend it in your smoothie or sprinkle on your porridge, maybe have it with a fresh veggie juice.
- Balance your daily protein with balanced carbs. Eat carbs and protein with every meal.
- Quit coffee. It elevates estrogen levels. This was never a problem for me as I only drink coffee occasionally, however if you are serious about getting pregnant, giving up coffee for a while is just a small sacrifice. Drink some rooibos tea instead which is high in antioxidants and caffeine free.
Learn the AVIVA METHOD. – with PCOS it is recommended to exercise 30 minutes daily just to get your circulation going. You can do any moderate intensity group exercise, swimming, yoga, Pilates, but in my opinion for a complete hormonal balance the best is the AVIVA Method. This method is a danced based exercise sequence which you can practice easily at home and doesn’t take longer than 30 minutes. It helped me greatly in regulating my cycle. As an Aviva instructor I teach the method through workshops and private sessions. Learn more here. The sequence contains specific exercises enhancing your ovulation too!
- Practice acupressure. – Helps ovulate. Increase male fertility as well. There are certain acupressure points with which you can work with. Find a certified acupressure practitioner near you.
Hope these guidelines will help you in your journey of becoming a mama. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask or comment below.
To your fertility,
Andrea x