Written by Eden Davis, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and co-owner of Pearl Wellness Practice
Do you or a loved one struggle with PCOS? If so, let's discuss three effective things to keep in mind with this hormonal and endocrine disorder to make life more enjoyable.
Finding Body Acceptance
Individuals with PCOS may experience hormonal imbalance, fatigue, inflammation, excessive hair growth or loss, hormonal acne, weight fluctuation, and so much more. With all of these rapid changes taking place in the body, it can be difficult to foster a healthy relationship with body image.
The sudden changes that come with PCOS can be frustrating, we understand that. However, learning to heal this relationship can be rejuvenating, empowering, and
way less exhausting than spending the rest of your life hating your own home . . .
In our body image course and workbook, we explore the various definitions of body image. One of those is body acceptance. With body acceptance, it's important to understand the fact that this is a multi-layer approach. There is not one direct way to find body acceptance and that's okay!
We can't accept and don't have to accept everything at once. We don't have to dislike, like, or love our bodies and PCOS symptoms at all times. Body acceptance is more of a process where we learn to meet the body where it currently is without trying to make changes to it or cast judgment around it (easier said than done, we know).
One activity that our team guides clients through is the mirror challenge. This activity can make space for more neutral and objective thoughts, aiding in body acceptance. We encourage you to try this exercise when you're in a safe space and reflect on what comes up for you.
Addition Over Restriction
There are so many rigid, extreme, and unhelpful diets out there when it comes to PCOS, that we don't even know where to begin. A common thing that our Registered Dietitian, Eden, hears often from individuals with PCOS is the urge to restrict all foods.
We've been given this advice that somehow "eating less is best" (spoiler: it isn't) and that cutting calories is the way to solve PCOS symptoms. This simply doesn't hold any truth to it.
When it comes to nutrition for PCOS, Eden encourages individuals to consider addition over restriction. Applying gentle nutrition to this condition by replenishing and prioritizing certain macronutrients and micronutrients that have been shown to effectively manage PCOS, whether one's looking for fertility support or to alleviate pain and discomfort.
When we shift gears from restricting all foods and counting calories to exploring the science behind different foods and deepening our understanding of their benefits, nutrition management for PCOS can be a game changer!
Therapeutic Support
Did you know that an individual with PCOS is 77% more likely to have anxiety, twice as likely to form depression, or that more than 60% of these individuals form an eating disorder? With the hormonal shift that takes place in the body, along with several other factors, mental health can be challenging at times.
Our in-house Registered Dietitian and Licensed Therapist specialize in the treatment of eating disorders and often work with individuals experiencing PCOS and an ED. This is not uncommon and needs to be taken seriously. If you or a loved one are interested in seeking support, feel free to schedule a complimentary consultation call today.
Mental health needs to be prioritized in this population and can be helpful in supporting the individual's unique needs. There are wonderful therapists who specialize in anxiety, depression, infertility, chronic illness, and more.
If you're looking to expand your care team, but not sure where to start, we'd be happy to connect you with an appropriate provider. Feel free to reach out here and one of our clinicians will follow up with you.
Navigating an endocrine and hormonal disorder such as PCOS can be difficult, but you don't have to do it alone. If you're looking to deepen your understanding of this diagnosis, manage your health through nutrition and movement, or support your fertility journey, we encourage you to check out the PCOS course.
This course was created by our in-house Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), Eden Davis, who specializes in providing medical nutrition therapy for individuals dealing with PCOS. Recognizing the overwhelming and frustrating nature of this diagnosis, Eden is dedicated to simplifying nutrition through an evidence-based and realistic approach.
Her mission is to empower clients to live their best lives by offering practical and achievable strategies for managing PCOS through personalized and compassionate nutritional guidance. If you're looking to dig deep into healing your relationship with PCOS, this course is for you!
Thanks for taking the time to connect with us today, we wish you the best on your wellness journey.
With Pearls of Wisdom,
Eden & Kira
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