PCOD vs PCOS: How do they Differ?

Kudos to today’s women! Women are touching new highs in their life with their in-built capacity, higher education, changing lifestyles, and self-awareness. While touching new skies, it is observed that one crucial factor has become most ignorant. And it is health. When it comes to health, it is observed that most women don’t pay sufficient attention to their health which leads to several disorders. You must have come across terms like pcod, pcos while reading/listening to talks about women’s health. Many times, they are used interchangeably. Really, are they the same or are there points to describe pcod vs pcos? Learn everything you need to know about these modern lifestyle health issues, that bring life-changing experiences to the sufferer!

What is PCOD and PCOS?

According to natural phenomena, women’s ovaries release an egg every month. But the problem arises when two ovaries release immature and partially matured eggs that are later on converted to cysts. This is known as PCOD or polycystic Ovarian Disease. PCOD is developed due to following reasons:

• Excess weight

• Need to deal with a lot of stress

• Hormonal disturbance

• Habit of eating excess junk food

When comes to PCOS or polycystic Ovary Syndrome, it is related to disruption of the endocrine system. In simple words, ovaries secrete excess androgens, which further prevent the development and release of eggs and cysts are built. Some of the causes of PCOS are defined below:

• Genetics

• Obesity

• Higher levels of male hormones

• Excess stress

Common Symptoms of PCOD and PCOS

Some women observe symptoms of PCOD around the time of their first period, whereas some may discover them only after gaining excess weight or facing fertility problems. Some of the common symptoms of PCOD and PCOS are: 

• Irregular menstruation

• Excess weight gain

• Excessive hair growth on the face and body

• Acne

• Hair loss

• Skin darkening

What is the Difference Between PCOS And PCOD?

Although used interchangeably, there are significant differences between PCOS and PCOD. Explore some of them now:

Special Diet for PCOD and PCOS

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for PCOD and PCOS, but can be lowered down the severity with adequate changes in diet and lifestyle. Although both conditions are not directly caused due to particular food, a healthy and balanced diet can bring a lot of changes in the symptoms. Here is some special diet for PCOD and PCOS:

PCOD Diet:

1. Go for Organic Food

Prefer organically produced and less processed food like whole grains, millets, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables.

2. Prefer High-Fibre Food

Fibre-rich foods such as lentils, nuts, peas, and avocados may help to reduce the symptoms of PCOD.

3. Fresh and Organic Vegetables

Vegetables such as Kale, spinach, and broccoli may help to manage PCOD and attain better female health.

PCOS Diet:

1. Millets

Millets like ragi, pearl millet, sorghum, and foxtail millet can play an active role in the reversal of PCOS.

2. Whole Grains

Prefer whole grains such as brown rice, barley, and sorghum, as they may help in avoiding spikes in sugar levels.

3. Beans and Legumes

Enrich your diet with beans and protein-rich legumes to rule over PCOS symptoms with their inherited digestion-friendly and blood sugar-controlling properties.

4. Spices

No wonder, spices uncover their medicinal properties to fight against PCOS health issues. Spices like cinnamon, turmeric, basil, ashwagandha come front to make this journey easy.

Foods to avoid in PCOS and PCOD

Although individual foods are seldom the culprits behind conditions such as PCOS and PCOD, and likewise, no single food can work as magic to regain the health, health practitioner advises avoiding certain foods.

• Saturated fats like butter or margarine

• Processed snacks such as cakes, cookies, and chips

• Fried foods like wafers, French fries, and corn chips

• Sugar loaded beverages such as tea, coffee, sports drinks, cold drinks

• Alcoholic beverages

• White rice

• Refined flour, pizza crust, and pasta

Tips for Lowering the Symptoms of PCOD:

By following proper diet and trivial medical assistance, women can lower symptoms of pcod and attain better health. Here are tips for this challenging journey from us:

• Gradually increase portion of high-fibre carbs in the diet.

• Exercise regularly.

• Drink at least 2 litres of water per day.

• Prefer low GI fruits and vegetables in the diet.

• Go for food with high lean protein and monosaturated fatty acids.

• Achieve the control on the portion size of eating.

Ladies, you are already banging it on your professional, personal, and social fronts! Paying attention to your health amongst the hustle and bustle has become utmost important looking at modern changing lifestyle, less-nutrient food, and mental pressure. Deal with PCOD by having a nutritious PCOD diet, sound sleep, and regular exercise. Go with the natural and organically nourished food instead of refined carbs or highly processed food to have great control over PCOD and PCOS.

Take a consultation with your health practitioner about a healthy and balanced diet and supplements, if necessary.  We hope after reading our health blog, you must have understood key concepts to illustrate pcod vs pcos. Girls, conquer health issues with your in-built superpower, good food, and with the help of medical science! The sky is waiting for you!