We recently looked at best foods for PCOS, now let’s see a list of foods to avoid if you have PCOS.

When it comes to managing PCOS symptoms, the first thing you should consider is your diet. Diet really plays an enormous role when it comes to producing and balancing hormones in the body. This is very vital because PCOS is a hormonal problem. 

Knowing the worst foods to avoid if you have PCOS can help you promote ovulation in the body, regulate periods, solve infertility issues, reduce acne and so much more. Lets see the top 7 foods to avoid if you have PCOS below:

Top 7 Foods to Avoid if you Have PCOS 

1.    Soy Products 

If you’re consuming soy products such as soy milk, then it’s best to stop doing so. Soy contains phytoestrogen which acts like estrogen in the body. Consuming too many soy products will raise your estrogen levels, making your body think it has enough estrogen. 

This makes it limit estrogen production which slows production of the luteinizing hormone. When this happens, ovulation can stop leading to irregular periods and infertility issues.  

Organic free-range dairy can be consumed safely in moderate amounts. However, if you are avoiding dairy, then look into plant milks such as oat milk! It tastes a lot better than almond milk in my opinion. 

2.    Red Meats 

Red meat such as beef, lamb and pork should not be eaten in high amounts when you have PCOS. Avoid following the paleo diet, which many women with PCOS are advised to do. This is because high consumption of red meat has negative inflammatory effects on the body. 

Red meat is also packed with protein which decreases production of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) that helps in reducing testosterone levels. 

Try to limit consumption of red meats. You can consume white meat such as organic chicken and wild fatty fish. 

 3.    Refined Cooking Oil 

Stay away from refined cooking oils such as sunflower and canola oils. Refined cooking oil contains unhealthy fats that raises LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Our bodies hormone producing glands actually needs good cholesterol levels to make hormones such as estrogen, testosterone and cortisol. 

Swap refined cooking oil and artificial spreads such as margarine for healthy fat such as avocado oil, coconut oil and grapeseed oil. 

 4.    Alcohol

It’s a no-brainer to avoid alcohol consumption to get your body functioning optimally. Alcohol can increase inflammation in the body and make hormones go out of whack, which worsens PCOS symptoms. 

 5.    Sugary Drinks 

Most women with PCOS also suffer from insulin resistance and they have higher risks of getting type 2 diabetes. Avoid sugary drinks such as sodas, diet sodas and artificially processed fruit juices. 

Consuming too much sugar increases blood sugar which can lead to insulin sensitivity. High blood sugar also aggravates hormonal imbalances which worsens PCOS symptoms. 

Opt for natural sweeteners such as raw honey and stevia to add a touch of sweetness to baked goods, herbal teas, oatmeal, yogurt, etc. 

 6.    Caffeine 

When you have PCOS, it’s best to avoid caffeinated beverages as best as you can. Caffeine is one of the biggest causes of hormonal havocs. It also leaves you feeling dehydrated and can cause inflammation & acidity in the body when consumed in high amounts. 

Are you addicted to your morning coffee? Try substituting it with hot cocoa made with raw cacao powder – a wonder superfood for women with PCOS. Find the recipe here. 

7.    Raw Cruciferous Vegetables 

These include kale, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and others. Cruciferous vegetables contain goitrogens that suppress thyroid function (hypothyroidism) which many women with PCOS suffer from. 

So, it’s best to avoid making smoothies with raw kale and eating raw cabbage in salad when you have hypothyroidism and PCOS. Make sure to cook these veggies before consuming them.