In 2011, I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a common reproductive disorder affecting women of childbearing age (Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, 2013). After researching this disorder, I became aware of the associated risks, which include depression, anxiety, acne, obesity, diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver, stroke, heart attack, infertility and a number of other chronic conditions. Understanding the severity of the associated risks I wanted to comply with the doctor's instructions, which were to "eat a healthy diet and increase your physical activity".
Initially, I didn’t know where to start, but I knew something had to change. I spent countless hours on the internet looking for answers, but they weren’t always consistent. For every woman that’s been diagnosed with PCOS, her experience and symptoms will be different from another. However, the more I studied the use of food as a therapeutic, I became aware of genetically modified organisms (GMOS), conventional and organic foods and the controversy on which of these is the most nutritious. The thought of genetically modified food frightens me, but I soon realized that it's very difficult to avoid if I was eating fast food, processed food and conventional food. I then made the decision to strictly purchase organic produce, meats and limit my grain consumption; sourcing my food from local farmers markets and Trader Joe’s to see if I would notice a difference in my symptoms.
Within a couple of months I noticed I was losing weight, acne flares were becoming non-existent, an increase in energy and my blood glucose levels were decreasing. The longer I continued this dietary lifestyle change the better I felt. Whenever, I would alter from my new norm and eat out, I would notice acne flares, increase in fatigue and digestive issues.
There may be scientific controversy on whether organic food is more nutritious, but from doing a personal trial I’ve witness the difference it has made in my life. Learning the amount of pesticides and herbicides that are involved in growing conventional and genetically modified food has to have long-term effects; we just don’t have proof yet. This is the main reason why I am pro-labeling genetically modified foods. I, as a consumer, have the right to know what is in my food, so I can make the best decision for my health.
Has anyone else had an experience where deliberately changed to a more organic diet that has improved their health?
Polycystic
Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Condition Information (2013). In Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human
Development. Retrieved from https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/PCOS/conditioninfo/Pages/default.aspx
Patrice, I was really interested to read about your experiences with PCOS and diet. I also have PCOS (found out in 9th grade), and for years had been on birth control because the doctors recommended it as the only way to not become infertile. They never even brought up healthy food choices as an option. Sometime during my junior or senior year of college, I stopped taking the medication -- I had tried at least three or four types and ALL of them made me feel hormonal and imbalanced. By that time, I had developed healthier routines and definitely noticed that diet was THE major factor in bringing me back to normalcy. Not sure if it was GMO vs. non-GMO, but I'm certain that the integration of fresher, healthier food has made my system much more regular, and I haven't had any major problems in the last five years. This is not to say that everyone with PCOS should stop taking prescribed meds :) But in my case, like you, food choices have made a noticeable difference in the symptoms, and I've read about many others online who have said the same.
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