The Importance of Dietary Fiber For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Fiber is an essential part of the diet, especially for women with PCOS. Why is this so?

* Fiber has a bulking effect on the digestive tract, helping prevent constipation, but it is also important to slow the rate of glucose uptake into the bloodstream. This helps reduce the demand for insulin, which has a positive effect on hormones and insulin resistance.

* Fiber can also reduce the absorption and absorption of cholesterol, which is good news for the cardiovascular system, and also helps in the production of excess hormones, as it is released into the gut through the liver.

* Other benefits you may not be aware of, is that soluble fiber (such as flaxseeds, nuts, nuts, grains, sweet potatoes and sweet potatoes) can help lower testosterone. This is not a direct effect, but what happens is that the bacteria in the intestines plant soluble fibers that produce molecules called 'short chain fatty acids'. One of these acids stimulates the production of SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin). SHBG binds to certain hormones such as testosterone in the bloodstream. If you do not have enough, there will be more testosterone available to your cells, which contributes to the symptoms. The more SHBGs you have, the less testosterone you have for running wild! This can help with acne, excessive hair, and irregular cycles.

* Try this fiber recipe to increase your intake, but remember - you must drink plenty of water to maximize fiber benefits: -

1/4 cup rice bran

1/4 cup psyllium husk

1/4 cup elm slick

1/4 cup mixed LSA (dried grass, sunflower & almond seeds)

Mix with a fork, store in a glass jar in the fridge. Put 2 tablespoons daily on a low GI grain, or in a juice or smoothie.

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