At just 22, Naina had already stepped into the real world.
She was a medical intern long shifts, skipped meals, cold coffee for breakfast, and late-night snacks to survive duty hours.
But her body began to protest.
Her periods became irregular.
Sometimes they came after 40 days, sometimes not at all.
Acne appeared suddenly. She felt tired all the time.
After tests, one word changed everything: PCOD.
Naina felt scared. Not because of pain but because of the future.
What if this affects my health forever?
What if one day I can’t become a mother?
That’s when she met Dr. Ananya, who didn’t just talk about medicines she talked about food, care, and balance.
Food Is Not Just Fuel It’s Treatment
Naina sat across Dr. Ananya, still in her scrubs.
“Doctor,” she said softly,
“I don’t even eat properly. Can food really fix PCOD?”
Dr. Ananya smiled gently.
“Yes, Naina. In PCOD, food is the first medicine.”
What Is PCOD in Simple Words?
Dr. Ananya explained:
- PCOD means ovaries release many immature eggs
- These eggs form small cysts
- Hormones get slightly disturbed
- Periods become irregular
“And diet plays a huge role,” she added.
“Because hormones listen closely to what you eat.”
Why Poor Diet Worsens PCOD
- Skipping meals confuses hormones
- Junk food increases insulin levels
- Too much sugar leads to weight gain
- Poor digestion affects periods
Naina sighed,
“So my night duties and instant noodles didn’t help?”
Dr. Ananya smiled kindly,
“They helped you survive shifts not heal your body.”
Emotional Side of PCOD at a Young Age
Naina admitted quietly,
“My relatives keep saying I’m too young to have health problems. Some even joke about marriage and kids.”
Dr. Ananya replied gently,
“PCOD doesn’t care about age. And food choices today protect your future.”
Q&A
Q1: Can diet really improve PCOD?
Yes. Diet is the most powerful treatment for PCOD.
Q2: Is PCOD caused by poor eating habits?
Poor eating habits don’t cause PCOD alone, but they worsen it.
Q3: Is PCOD dangerous at a young age?
No, if managed early with diet and lifestyle changes.
PCOD Diet Food Chart
What to Eat, What to Avoid, and Why
Dr. Ananya pulled out a simple chart.
“This is not a strict diet,” she said.
“It’s a PCOD-friendly food chart realistic for busy interns like you.”
PCOD Diet Food Chart (Simple & Practical)
Breakfast Options
- Oats or porridge
- Boiled eggs
- Fruits like apple, papaya
- Nuts (almonds, walnuts)
Lunch Options
- Brown rice or roti
- Dal or grilled chicken
- Vegetable sabzi
- Curd or buttermilk
Evening Snacks
- Roasted chana
- Fruits
- Coconut water
Dinner Options
- Light meals
- Soup
- Roti with vegetables
- Paneer or tofu
Daily Must-Haves
- Plenty of water
- Fiber-rich food
- Protein in every meal
Foods to Avoid or Reduce
- Junk food (pizza, burgers, chips)
- Cold drinks and sugary juices
- White bread and bakery items
- Fried food
- Too much caffeine
Naina laughed weakly,
“So my diet was basically the opposite of this.”
Dr. Ananya smiled,
“That’s okay. Awareness is the first step.”
How Diet Helps Control PCOD
- Controls insulin levels
- Reduces cyst formation
- Improves ovulation
- Makes periods regular
- Reduces acne and hair fall
Q&A
Q1: Do I need to follow this diet forever?
Not strictly, but healthy habits should stay.
Q2: Can I eat junk food sometimes?
Yes, occasionally. Just don’t make it daily.
Q3: Will diet alone regulate periods?
In many young women, yes especially in early PCOD.
Precautions and Side Effects in PCOD
What to Be Careful About & What Happens If Ignored
Naina looked serious now.
“Doctor, what happens if I don’t take PCOD seriously?”
Dr. Ananya answered honestly.
Precautions Every PCOD Patient Must Take
- Don’t skip meals
- Avoid crash diets
- Don’t over-exercise suddenly
- Sleep regularly (as much as duty allows)
- Manage stress
- Follow up regularly
“Extreme steps harm hormones,” Dr. Ananya warned.
Possible Side Effects If PCOD Is Ignored
- Persistent irregular periods
- Weight gain
- Acne and hair fall
- Increased risk of diabetes
- Difficulty getting pregnant later
Naina swallowed hard.
“So food today affects my future?”
“Yes,” said Dr. Ananya softly.
“But the good news you are early. You can prevent all this.”
Emotional Healing Is Also Important
Dr. Ananya added something Naina didn’t expect:
“PCOD affects emotions too.
Stop blaming yourself.
Stop feeling embarrassed.
Your body is not broken it’s asking for balance.”
Naina’s eyes filled with tears.
“I needed to hear that.”
Q&A
Q1: Can PCOD cause fertility problems later?
It may, if ignored. Early care prevents this.
Q2: Are side effects permanent?
No. With diet and care, they improve.
Q3: When should I take medicines?
Only if lifestyle changes don’t help enough under doctor guidance.
Conclusion
Three months later, Naina returned to the clinic.
“My periods are more regular now,” she smiled.
“And I don’t feel tired all the time.”
Dr. Ananya smiled back.
“You didn’t just follow a diet. You listened to your body.”
Naina laughed,
“And I still survive night shifts just with better food!”
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