Low carb advise please

[Kcobz]

I have been ttc for 16 months, I know compared its not long but after 14 months I went to see the GP and after several blood tests, they have now said I have mild Pcos. The Dr said I need to change my diet to a low carb and low sugar diet, due to my hormone levels being abnormal and insulin being a factor. (he was very confused as I have regular periods, am a healthy weight and no symtoms apart from difficulty getting pregnant)

I have found the change in diet okay so far but have a few questions and not sure who to ask...

If anyone has been threw this could they help?

Is a small amount of sugar okay? Or should I stick to no sugar at all?

Any good websites that know exactly what I should eat and shouldn't?

Thanks in advance

[Tigr]

You can google recipes that run under Low GI, keto or paleo (most of them). There is a lot in the internet fortunately! There are carbs and sugar everywhere, so it is unlikely you manage to cut it out completely. I would try to cut out the white powdered sugar as much as possible and I do cut out obvious carbs (rice, potatos, flour) but will have sweet potatos, root vegetables, sometimes corn and legumes although there are some carbs in them. I also do eat most fruit (avoiding grapes and bananas most of the time), some people rather stick to vegetables because of fruit sugars. What can help are 1-2 cheat days per month instead of having a bit of sugar every day. I believe messing up insulin levels for 2 days is better than doing it on a low level across the month but maybe I am wrong there. Is also is just nice to eat the stuff you miss sometimes at least... Be careful with the diet - you need to make sure you get all the vitamins and you don't lose too much weight! Good luck!

[Kcobz in reply to Tigr]

Thankyou! I have been on this diet/lifestyle for 5 days, so not long and have had few fruits and mainly overground veg. There is a useful wedautr called diet Doctor. I was just worried about the little bits of sugar and how much is too much but the 1-2 cheat meals a month seems to make sense 😊if I have anyothere question I hope you don't mind me asking you

[Tigr in reply to Kcobz]

You can always ask but keep in mind that I am not an expert. Any kind of restrictive diet should always be checked back regularily with your GP or a nutritionist. I am doing low carb for more than a year now and it regulates my cycles and acne amazingly and, to be honest, surprisingly well. It is a pain, especially when eating out but all the gluten-free and even more the clean eating people have paved the way for some enjoyment in eating out for us low carb bunch. Long live the sweet potato chips!

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi Kcobz. I agree, it is confusing when you are told you have PCO's. However, you can have them without the syndrome, which you obviously haven't got. When your ovaries produce too many cysts, it makes it more difficult for an egg to be expelled at ovulation time. Sometimes if there should be any issues with sugar levels, you may be prescribed a drug called Metformin that helps to remove excess insulin/sugar from your body cells and help with ovulation. I would think that your GP will refer you to a fertility specialist for further investigations and any treatment needed. They usually have good leaflets on low-carb diets etc. too. Hope all is soon sorted fr you. Oh, and a small amount of sugar should be OK, but if you find it hard, try a sweetener, some of which aren't too bad. Diane

[Kcobz in reply to DianeArnold]

Thankyou, yeah my GP said about Metformin but said i should try the diet change first as apperently it is more affective. Although I'm not sure how long I should give it before going back.

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK in reply to Kcobz]

Hi. I would give yourself another 3 months, then speak to your GP again. Good luck! Diane