Comments on: Living with PCOS- Things to Avoid continued http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2008/11/living-with-pcos-things-to-avoid-continued.html Naturally inspired living for the Christian homemaker Thu, 09 Feb 2012 20:49:19 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Quirkyhttp://www.keeperofthehome.org/2008/11/living-with-pcos-things-to-avoid-continued.html/comment-page-1#comment-73833 Quirky Thu, 24 Nov 2011 13:24:13 +0000 http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2008/11/living-with-pcos-things-to-avoid-continued.html#comment-73833 I know I'm reading this about 2 years late, but I have to agree with the most recent comment (from Lisa). I was diagnosed with "PCOS" (I hesitate to call it that) in my teens, and I had a healthy BMI of 22. I was not a vegetarian at the time. I was also far from the "typical" PCOS patient as my OB/GYN described her. I became a vegetarian the following year. I didn't lose a single pound. I ultimately went vegan (albeit, for a very short time before going back to dairy), and still, I didn't lose a pound. I was and still am very active (I participate in several endurance sports), and exercise several times a week. I've never tried to maintain a "low fat" diet, but I avoid full-fat dairy like the plague. Although we need fat in our diets to maintain normal functioning, we do NOT need animal fats - we need unsaturated fats. Animal fats are highly saturated (in different ways than saturated plant fat), and will clog those arteries quickly! So, I love me some skim (usually no-sugar-added chocolate) milk, and I indulge in olive oil or fresh avocado every day. Still, I have lost a whopping total of ZERO pounds. With just a few exceptions, I avoid added sugar, added salt, and processed food like it's evil. I eat mostly fresh produce, whole grains, eggs, beans, etc. I've experienced almost total relief from my PCOS in the years that I've been a vegetarian! I hesitate to even call it PCOS....after my first OB/GYN diagnosed me, handed me a prescription for mega-dose BC, and told me I would most definitely be back for fertility treatments some day, I got fed up. I did take the BC for about 18 months - about 6 months on the mega-dose of a hormone-heavy pill, then about a year on a newer, "more efficient" pill. When I got sick of the BC, I transferred to a new OB/GYN. I wasn't just feeling like a raving, angry lunatic (which I was), I started growing VERY dark, thicker-than-usual hair on my arms and legs. I also gained a full pants size, and would often spend days at a time laying on the couch eating saltine crackers. Yuck! So, I started seeing a wonderful Christian OB/GYN, who decided I did NOT need the pill anymore. Furthermore, he decided I might not have PCOS after all; I was exposed to substantial amounts of BPA just months before I developed a problem with PCOS. Now, I rarely have noticeable problems with cysts (maybe once a year, if that). Anyway, I am so glad I found your blog! I am continually looking for ways to cut chemicals out of my daily routine, for numerous reasons. Your no 'poo series is especially inspiring!! I know I'm reading this about 2 years late, but I have to agree with the most recent comment (from Lisa). I was diagnosed with "PCOS" (I hesitate to call it that) in my teens, and I had a healthy BMI of 22. I was not a vegetarian at the time. I was also far from the "typical" PCOS patient as my OB/GYN described her. I became a vegetarian the following year. I didn't lose a single pound. I ultimately went vegan (albeit, for a very short time before going back to dairy), and still, I didn't lose a pound. I was and still am very active (I participate in several endurance sports), and exercise several times a week. I've never tried to maintain a "low fat" diet, but I avoid full-fat dairy like the plague. Although we need fat in our diets to maintain normal functioning, we do NOT need animal fats - we need unsaturated fats. Animal fats are highly saturated (in different ways than saturated plant fat), and will clog those arteries quickly! So, I love me some skim (usually no-sugar-added chocolate) milk, and I indulge in olive oil or fresh avocado every day. Still, I have lost a whopping total of ZERO pounds. With just a few exceptions, I avoid added sugar, added salt, and processed food like it's evil. I eat mostly fresh produce, whole grains, eggs, beans, etc.

I've experienced almost total relief from my PCOS in the years that I've been a vegetarian! I hesitate to even call it PCOS....after my first OB/GYN diagnosed me, handed me a prescription for mega-dose BC, and told me I would most definitely be back for fertility treatments some day, I got fed up. I did take the BC for about 18 months - about 6 months on the mega-dose of a hormone-heavy pill, then about a year on a newer, "more efficient" pill. When I got sick of the BC, I transferred to a new OB/GYN. I wasn't just feeling like a raving, angry lunatic (which I was), I started growing VERY dark, thicker-than-usual hair on my arms and legs. I also gained a full pants size, and would often spend days at a time laying on the couch eating saltine crackers. Yuck! So, I started seeing a wonderful Christian OB/GYN, who decided I did NOT need the pill anymore. Furthermore, he decided I might not have PCOS after all; I was exposed to substantial amounts of BPA just months before I developed a problem with PCOS. Now, I rarely have noticeable problems with cysts (maybe once a year, if that). Anyway, I am so glad I found your blog! I am continually looking for ways to cut chemicals out of my daily routine, for numerous reasons. Your no 'poo series is especially inspiring!!

]]> By: Keeper of the Home : Living with PCOS: A very good place to starthttp://www.keeperofthehome.org/2008/11/living-with-pcos-things-to-avoid-continued.html/comment-page-1#comment-26975 Keeper of the Home : Living with PCOS: A very good place to start Wed, 21 Oct 2009 23:32:24 +0000 http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2008/11/living-with-pcos-things-to-avoid-continued.html#comment-26975 [...] this is done through the bigger picture of improving our nutrition, exercising, avoiding those things that hamper our efforts, and supplementing with herbs, homeopathics, vitamins and [...] [...] this is done through the bigger picture of improving our nutrition, exercising, avoiding those things that hamper our efforts, and supplementing with herbs, homeopathics, vitamins and [...]

]]> By: Lisahttp://www.keeperofthehome.org/2008/11/living-with-pcos-things-to-avoid-continued.html/comment-page-1#comment-22855 Lisa Sun, 12 Jul 2009 01:05:24 +0000 http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2008/11/living-with-pcos-things-to-avoid-continued.html#comment-22855 Actually both my PCP and my Ob/Gyn state that vegetarianism is one of the best lifestyles to adopt with PCOS... For one healthy weight management and for two hormonal balance. I switched to a vegetarian lifestyle because of my PCOS and Diverticulosis based on the advice of many specialists. It has helped almost every aspect of PCOS, especially the cramping, weight gain and hormone levels. Aside from sites and books created by non-physicians, you should speak with a real researcher, not people making assumptions. I do not take any medications. Vegetarianism was one of the best choices I have ever made for my health. Actually both my PCP and my Ob/Gyn state that vegetarianism is one of the best lifestyles to adopt with PCOS... For one healthy weight management and for two hormonal balance.

I switched to a vegetarian lifestyle because of my PCOS and Diverticulosis based on the advice of many specialists. It has helped almost every aspect of PCOS, especially the cramping, weight gain and hormone levels.

Aside from sites and books created by non-physicians, you should speak with a real researcher, not people making assumptions.

I do not take any medications. Vegetarianism was one of the best choices I have ever made for my health.

]]> By: Stephanie @ Keeper of the Homehttp://www.keeperofthehome.org/2008/11/living-with-pcos-things-to-avoid-continued.html/comment-page-1#comment-22854 Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home Tue, 21 Apr 2009 21:21:52 +0000 http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2008/11/living-with-pcos-things-to-avoid-continued.html#comment-22854 Hi Liz, I was referring to that web site more for it's other information on dioxin, but I can see how it's statement is confusing when compared with the rest of what I am saying. The statements about dioxin levels in animal products are why it is so important to purchase these foods only from reliable sources, providing naturally raised, pastured/free range animals. Organic products are also valuable for avoiding these toxins, although not all organic products have as high of standards as those raised on smaller farms where you are able to really inquire about how the animals are raised. Hi Liz,
I was referring to that web site more for it's other information on dioxin, but I can see how it's statement is confusing when compared with the rest of what I am saying.
The statements about dioxin levels in animal products are why it is so important to purchase these foods only from reliable sources, providing naturally raised, pastured/free range animals. Organic products are also valuable for avoiding these toxins, although not all organic products have as high of standards as those raised on smaller farms where you are able to really inquire about how the animals are raised.

]]> By: Lizhttp://www.keeperofthehome.org/2008/11/living-with-pcos-things-to-avoid-continued.html/comment-page-1#comment-22853 Liz Tue, 21 Apr 2009 19:52:09 +0000 http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2008/11/living-with-pcos-things-to-avoid-continued.html#comment-22853 For #7 you refer to a dioxin website that says that the best way to avoid dioxin is to adopt a vegan lifestyle. This contradicts with #6. I'm a bit confused. -Liz For #7 you refer to a dioxin website that says that the best way to avoid dioxin is to adopt a vegan lifestyle. This contradicts with #6. I'm a bit confused. -Liz

]]> By: Zserahttp://www.keeperofthehome.org/2008/11/living-with-pcos-things-to-avoid-continued.html/comment-page-1#comment-22852 Zsera Thu, 12 Mar 2009 18:45:50 +0000 http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2008/11/living-with-pcos-things-to-avoid-continued.html#comment-22852 I never thought about all of the chemicals in tampons and pads. Makes total sense. Thanks! I never thought about all of the chemicals in tampons and pads. Makes total sense. Thanks!

]]> By: Jacquelinehttp://www.keeperofthehome.org/2008/11/living-with-pcos-things-to-avoid-continued.html/comment-page-1#comment-22851 Jacqueline Fri, 28 Nov 2008 23:32:51 +0000 http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2008/11/living-with-pcos-things-to-avoid-continued.html#comment-22851 Thanks for taking on this topic. Can't wait to read your list of do's! The BPA in cans thing really confuses me. If you don't heat the can, is it okay? I never knew BPA was in the lining of cans until a few weeks ago when I was reading about BPA being banned in baby bottles (in Canada). As for PCOS, here are two links I've found very helpful.... A quiz to see if you actually have a hormonal imbalance: http://www.womentowomen.com/healthassessment/default.aspx and a pretty good intro article for those of us new to the topic: http://www.womentowomen.com/insulinresistance/pcos.aspx I love your blog! Thanks for taking on this topic. Can't wait to read your list of do's! The BPA in cans thing really confuses me. If you don't heat the can, is it okay? I never knew BPA was in the lining of cans until a few weeks ago when I was reading about BPA being banned in baby bottles (in Canada). As for PCOS, here are two links I've found very helpful.... A quiz to see if you actually have a hormonal imbalance: http://www.womentowomen.com/healthassessment/default.aspx and a pretty good intro article for those of us new to the topic: http://www.womentowomen.com/insulinresistance/pcos.aspx

I love your blog!

]]> By: Hollyhttp://www.keeperofthehome.org/2008/11/living-with-pcos-things-to-avoid-continued.html/comment-page-1#comment-22850 Holly Fri, 07 Nov 2008 19:11:28 +0000 http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2008/11/living-with-pcos-things-to-avoid-continued.html#comment-22850 Hello there, Thanks for writing about PCOS. I was diagnosed about a month ago. I just started having symptoms in March, after I lost a baby to ectopic pregnancy. My doctor immediately put me on bc which I am pretty against, but my husband wants me to be healthy so he insists I follow through with it. I have been deeply heartbroken with my diagnosis because of all the drugs my doctor was telling me I would have to take and how high risk my pregnancies would likely be, etc. I have longed to be a mother more than anything, and the doctor pretty much said that it would be very difficult. I have really changed my diet around substantually. I have also started exercising daily (trying very hard anyways.) It was so encouraging to stumble upon this site. Thank you. Hello there,
Thanks for writing about PCOS. I was diagnosed about a month ago. I just started having symptoms in March, after I lost a baby to ectopic pregnancy. My doctor immediately put me on bc which I am pretty against, but my husband wants me to be healthy so he insists I follow through with it. I have been deeply heartbroken with my diagnosis because of all the drugs my doctor was telling me I would have to take and how high risk my pregnancies would likely be, etc. I have longed to be a mother more than anything, and the doctor pretty much said that it would be very difficult. I have really changed my diet around substantually. I have also started exercising daily (trying very hard anyways.) It was so encouraging to stumble upon this site. Thank you.

]]> By: Stephanie @ Keeper of the Homehttp://www.keeperofthehome.org/2008/11/living-with-pcos-things-to-avoid-continued.html/comment-page-1#comment-22849 Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home Thu, 06 Nov 2008 06:24:15 +0000 http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2008/11/living-with-pcos-things-to-avoid-continued.html#comment-22849 Oh Amanda, I'm so sorry. I'm so glad you've joined us here! Mrs. M, the insulin balancing is so important. I'm eager to get to that more! Nola, I'm with you on the prices! Kellie, yep, non-organic produce is better than lots of other things! Check out the link above about washing your produce- it gives lots of suggestions for working with conventional produce when it's all you can buy! :) Oh Amanda, I'm so sorry. I'm so glad you've joined us here!

Mrs. M, the insulin balancing is so important. I'm eager to get to that more!

Nola, I'm with you on the prices!

Kellie, yep, non-organic produce is better than lots of other things! Check out the link above about washing your produce- it gives lots of suggestions for working with conventional produce when it's all you can buy! :)

]]> By: Kelliehttp://www.keeperofthehome.org/2008/11/living-with-pcos-things-to-avoid-continued.html/comment-page-1#comment-22848 Kellie Thu, 06 Nov 2008 04:36:25 +0000 http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2008/11/living-with-pcos-things-to-avoid-continued.html#comment-22848 I do look forward to it!! YAY! I am so bummed, but there is just no way that we can have tons of fresh fruit and vegs and organic, too. Pesticides SUCK! It is out of the question for us. No matter how much people say you can afford it, we can not. And it's a bummer, but it's better than Oreo's, right??? I do look forward to it!! YAY! I am so bummed, but there is just no way that we can have tons of fresh fruit and vegs and organic, too. Pesticides SUCK! It is out of the question for us. No matter how much people say you can afford it, we can not. And it's a bummer, but it's better than Oreo's, right???

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