What you eat plays a big role in managing PCOS symptoms, but with so much conflicting information out there, it can be hard to know what to believe. A PCOS nutrition expert debunks some of the biggest myths – and offers helpful tips for finding trustworthy guidance.

In this article:

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or are feeling confused about which nutrition recommendations are most beneficial for managing your symptoms, you’re in the right place.

We know Google can be a quick, easy way to get information, but there is so much advice out there that it can be difficult to figure out which nutrition recommendations are actually right for you.

That’s where we come in! We’re here to point you in the right direction by dispelling some common PCOS and nutrition myths and showing you how to find information you can trust.

Here’s what to look for:

Individualized care is especially important for those with PCOS, because the condition affects each person in a slightly different way. Some struggle with weight management, others battle insulin resistance, and others may only have irregular cycles.

Keep in mind: Any high-quality medical professional should first focus on obtaining a detailed medical and diet-related history from you before making recommendations.

We encourage you to seek out healthcare that is tailored to your needs, rather than following those pushing generalized nutrition advice and/or recommending tons of supplements without getting to know you first. 

At Illume Fertility, we work together with our multidisciplinary PCOS team to develop specially-designed nutrition and support plans for each patient. We firmly believe that nutrition requires a tailored approach – not a one-size-fits-all plan.

Here are a few common nutrition and PCOS myths you might have come across during your research, and our professional recommendations (some of which may surprise you):

Why is that important? Patients with PCOS are already at higher risk for heart disease, so a keto diet can end up working against you and increasing that risk even more.

Also, our bodies need carbohydrates for energy, so we do not want to eliminate them. What should you do instead? We recommend choosing more complex carbs and whole grains, which have more fiber, are less processed, and can help to control glucose and insulin.

Gluten and dairy can both be a part of a well-balanced diet for patients with PCOS.  

If you are simply not sure if either one are causing gastrointestinal distress like bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or other negative symptoms, then working with a professional is even more important. Your dietitian can provide specific recommendations for limiting, eliminating, or reintroducing gluten and/or dairy products to determine what is best for you!

Any movement that you find enjoyable (and are motivated to do) is the best one for you – even with PCOS. Exercise can help tremendously with controlling glucose and insulin, as well as being beneficial for heart health and improving energy and mood.

The bottom line? Focus on finding types of movement you truly enjoy so you can build a sustainable exercise routine that doesn’t feel like a chore.

As a registered dietitian, my preference is always that my patients primarily get their nutrition from a well-balanced diet. I typically only recommend supplements if there is a true deficiency (such as vitamin D) or if there is a research-based benefit to adding it, such as inositol.

After reviewing your current blood work, diet and lifestyle habits and medical history, the next step would be to see if there is anything missing. For example, if you are not getting in enough calcium or iron-rich foods, we might suggest other foods to include in your diet, or recommend supplementation if needed.   

The best diet for PCOS is a well-balanced one that includes lean proteins, complex carbs, colorful fruits and veggies, and healthy fats.

This can be further individualized when meeting with your dietitian for a nutrition visit, since they will be able to assess several key factors before creating a plan with you. These factors can include things like:

• Lifestyle: What’s going to work best for your schedule? 
• Lab results: Do you have insulin resistance or impaired glucose tolerance? Do we need to consider elevated cholesterol or triglycerides?
• Personal preferences: What do you enjoy eating?

As you can see, there are many benefits to working one-on-one with a registered dietitian nutritionist – particularly if you are looking to optimize your health, manage PCOS symptoms, or increase your chances of a successful pregnancy. 

Always turn to your trusted healthcare professionals with questions before checking in with Dr. Google! By doing so, you’ll know that you are getting the most reliable, current, accurate information possible as you navigate your PCOS journey.