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A widely followed diet posing potential threats to female health

Diet consisting mainly of meat may alter hormonal balance in females

A widely followed diet posing potential threats to female health

A predatory diet, known for its high consumption of animal products and low intake of plant-based foods, may throw a wrench in a lady's delicate hormonal balance, leading to reproductive problems and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The sobering truth comes from Dr. Karan Rajan, a colorectal surgeon from the UK's National Health Service.

This diet's primary issue revolves around the lack of fiber, as vegetables and fruits are absent at the dinner table. Fiber aids digestion, but more importantly, it binds to excess estrogen, eliminating it from the body. With insufficient fiber, estrogen gets reabsorbed in the intestine, leading to hormonal imbalances that can manifest as menstrual irregularities, infertility, acne, and weight gain.

But the pitfalls of a carnivorous diet don't end there. PCOS, a condition characterized by the presence of numerous small cysts in the ovaries, is another frightening consequence. In PCOS, the eggs often fail to leave follicles, increasing the risk of infertility. Dr. Rajan attributes PCOS to this hormonal imbalance caused by a deficiency of fiber.

Now, if you're grappling with kidney-related health issues, there are diets that might be beneficial. The DASH diet, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, is touted for its heart health benefits and can also aid PCOS management by improving insulin resistance. Key features of the DASH diet include:

  • Consuming high-fiber foods like vegetables and whole grains daily.
  • Selecting lean proteins, such as lean meats, fish, and low-fat dairy.
  • Incorporating nuts and seeds occasionally.
  • Limiting sodium intake to under 1500 mg per day.

Another approach is the Low Glycemic Index (Low GI) diet, which focuses on foods that gradually raise blood sugar levels instead of causing sharp spikes. Focus on whole grains, legumes, and vegetables for optimal results.

The Mediterranean diet, inspired by the cuisine of Mediterranean regions, also merits consideration. It emphasizes plant-based foods, healthy fats, and lean proteins. Adopt a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, fish, and poultry for maximal benefits.

To tackle PCOS, incorporate fiber-rich foods such as berries, apples, bananas, pomegranate, leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, peppers, whole wheat, oats, brown rice, lean proteins like chicken, turkey, fish, tofu, and omega-3 fatty acids from sources like walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and fatty fish. This superfood selection will help manage PCOS symptoms by improving insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, and supporting hormonal balance.

  • Dr. Rajan, a colorectal surgeon, warns about the potential drawbacks of a predatory diet on women's health, citing hormonal imbalances and increased risk of reproductive problems, including PCOS.
  • Fiber, found abundantly in plant-based foods, aids digestion and binds to excess estrogen, eliminating it from the body. A predatory diet, low in fiber, could lead to estrogen reabsorption and hormonal imbalances.
  • Science suggests that healthy-diets, such as the DASH diet and Low Glycemic Index (Low GI) diet, can aid PCOS management by improving insulin resistance. Both diets emphasize consumption of high-fiber foods.
  • The Mediterranean diet, with its focus on plant-based foods and lean proteins, could help manage PCOS symptoms by improving insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, and supporting hormonal balance.
  • Women dealing with PCOS may find beneficial health-and-wellness outcomes by incorporating fiber-rich foods, like berries, apples, and leafy greens, into their healthy-diets, along with lean proteins, whole grains, healthy fats, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Women's Hormonal Balance Potentially Affected by High Consumption of Meat

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