-
Is PCOS an Autoimmune Disease?- A Functional Dietitian Talks
Continue readingTable of Contents
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, or PCOS, affects women at a rate of about 6-12% of women of reproductive age in the US, making it one of the most common causes of female struggles with fertility. PCOS is usually classified as an endocrine disorder. As research stands at this time, there is no exact proof that PCOS is an autoimmune disease. But it very well could be. Or at least the two are likely to coexist in women.
To understand what links PCOS has with autoimmunity, we first have to understand what’s going on in the body of a woman experiencing PCOS and autoimmune disease. We need to know what underlying dysfunctions are driving PCOS and autoimmune disease – and then understand why these two conditions may be linked. We’ll discuss all of this below.
What is an autoimmune disease?
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, an autoimmune disease is a condition in which the body’s natural defense system (the immune system) can’t differentiate your own cells from foreign cells. There are different types of autoimmune conditions in which certain cells or tissues in the body may be involved. “Foreign cells” often refer to food particles that, because of improper immune responses relating to autoimmunity, the body sees as harmful and mobilizes an attack against them.
-
Detox Support Pesto
What is Detoxification?
Detoxification is the process by of removing toxic substances or no-longer-needed compounds from our body. As our bodies complete thousands of processes each day, we build up metabolites, hormones, and other compounds that we need to eliminate. This natural detoxification system in our bodies requires a multitude of organs and nutrients working together to maintain optimal health. We need to provide detox support. This is when “food as medicine” really shines.
Our bodies carry out detoxification naturally when functioning optimally. The nutrients we consume make all the difference.
-
Amazing No Sugar Added Banana Bread Bars {Gluten Free, PCOS friendly}
No sugar added!
No sugar added banana bread- can it still taste good? Ah my friends, yes indeed! My version is also gluten free & easily dairy free. It contains NO added granulated sugar except for some sugar in the chocolate chips IF you choose to add those, but you can easily add no-sugar-added chocolate chips. See below.
This gluten free banana bread is sweetened only with bananas (and a few dark chocolate chips!). Most recipes available on the internet contain too much added sugar. However, I believe the bananas are sweet enough on their own! How do you make banana bread without added sugar? Just don’t add it! This no sugar added banana bread recipe is totally balanced. It’s not a sugar free recipe. Honestly, sugar free dessert always means sugar substitutes, some of which are detrimental for gut and metabolic health in the long run. Rather, this is a low sugar banana bread. It’s balanced with protein and fiber and a more moderate level of wholesome carbs. So it can be eaten as a dessert OR as a snack (or even as part of your breakfast!).
Give it a try! You may find that you enjoy the less sweet flavor and find yourself delighting in the banana & baked oat flavor. Kick those overly-sweetened recipes to the curb!
-
“Mac and Cheese” Oatmeal
I’ve heard feedback from all angles- this mac and cheese oatmeal recipe sounds SO interesting vs. I ONLY eat my oatmeal with sweet ingredients! But keep an open mind. Your new favorite recipe idea awaits!
Oats Are Versatile at Any Meal
In recipes, oats take on the flavor of the other ingredients. So that’s why oats make not only a great sweet breakfast entree but also a savory side dish or main entree. Just as many people eat rice as part of a savory meal but also make it into sweet rice pudding, you can make oats go sweet or savory.
Oats Nutrition
Oats are a healthy whole grain, naturally gluten free, and contain around 5 grams fiber and 6 grams protein per serving. In addition, they are excellent sources of B vitamins, iron and other minerals. Since they are high in soluble fiber,, they help make bowel movements nice & comfortable. And a lot of that fiber is beta-glucan, a fiber well known for helping boost the immune system, improve cholesterol, and balance blood sugar.
Mac and Cheese Gets a Healthy Makeover
