Joyful Eating for PCOS and Gut Health – Details, episodes & analysis

Now, as you can imagine, we get all sorts of questions about hormone health. We've compiled the Top 5 Questions about PCOS that commonly arise in our PCOS Recovery Program and Instagram. 

My special guest is Cathy Chu, a hormone and digestion focused RD dietitian at The Good Life Dietitian. Cathy brings a wealth of experience and expertise in supporting patients with PCOS and overlapping functional gut disorders.

In this episode, we answer the top questions:

1. Is coffee harmful for your hormones?
2. Why is it so hard to lose weight with PCOS?
3. Can going gluten-free and dairy-free help with managing PCOS?
4. What's the best diet for PCOS?
5. What's the best exercise for PCOS?

Resources:

• PCOS Recovery Program - Now Open for Enrolment (Starts October 2)

• Meet Cathy and Trista

References:

• Bu FL, Feng X, Yang XY, Ren J, Cao HJ. Relationship between caffeine intake and infertility: a systematic review of controlled clinical studies. BMC Womens Health. 2020 Jun 16;20(1):125. doi: 10.1186/s12905-020-00973-z. PMID: 32546170; PMCID: PMC7298863.
• Juhász, A.E., Stubnya, M.P., Teutsch, B. et al. Ranking the dietary interventions by their effectiveness in the management of polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Reprod Health 21, 28 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-024-01758-5
• Patel V, Menezes H, Menezes C, Bouwer S, Bostick-Smith CA, Speelman DL. Regular Mindful Yoga Practice as a Method to Improve Androgen Levels in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2020 Apr 14. doi: 10.7556/jaoa.2020.050. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 32285088.
• Shele G, Genkil J, Speelman D. A Systematic Review of the Effects of Exercise on Hormones in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2020 May 31;5(2):35. doi: 10.3390/jfmk5020035. PMID: 33467251; PMCID: PMC7739243.

Have you ever been told that hormone health is all about eating the "right foods," only to feel frustrated when the relief you seek never comes?

If you're still battling symptoms like fatigue, irregular periods, insomnia, or bloating despite following all the advice, you’re not alone. Many people struggle to see the results they hope for when it comes to hormone health.

In this episode, we’ll explore the real impact of diet and lifestyle on hormones and share practical, effective changes you can make to finally start feeling better.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Understand how dietary choices impact hormone health for improved well-being.
• Discover the crucial link between regular bowel movements and hormone balance.
• Uncover the potential benefits of plant-based diets for managing PCOS and hormone-related challenges.
• Learn how to balance exercise with proper nutrition for optimal hormone regulation.
• Explore the role of gut microbiome in influencing hormone balance and overall health.

Resources:

• 1-on-1 Nutrition Coaching
• Free Hormone + Gut Health Toolkit

References:

• Butt MS, Saleem J, Zakar R, Aiman S, Khan MZ, Fischer F. Benefits of physical activity on reproductive health functions among polycystic ovarian syndrome women: a systematic review. BMC Public Health. 2023 May 12;23(1):882. doi: 10.1186/s12889-023-15730-8. PMID: 37173672; PMCID: PMC10176874.
• He S, Li H, Yu Z, Zhang F, Liang S, Liu H, Chen H and Lü M (2021) The Gut Microbiome and Sex Hormone-Related Diseases. Front. Microbiol. 12:711137. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.711137
• Juhász, A.E., Stubnya, M.P., Teutsch, B. et al. Ranking the dietary interventions by their effectiveness in the management of polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Reprod Health 21, 28 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-024-01758-5
• Qi X, Yun C, Pang Y, Qiao J. The impact of the gut microbiota on the reproductive and metabolic endocrine system. Gut Microbes. 2021 Jan-Dec;13(1):1-21. doi: 10.1080/19490976.2021.1894070. PMID: 33722164; PMCID: PMC7971312. 
• He S, Li H, Yu Z, Zhang F, Liang S, Liu H, Chen H and Lü M (2021) The Gut Microbiome and Sex Hormone-Related Diseases. Front. Microbiol. 12:711137. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.711137
• Juhász, A.E., Stubnya, M.P., Teutsch, B. et al. Ranking the dietary interventions by their effectiveness in the management of polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Reprod Health 21, 28 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-024-01758-5
• Qi X, Yun C, Pang Y, Qiao J. The impact of the gut microbiota on the reproductive and metabolic endocrine system. Gut Microbes. 2021 Jan-Dec;13(1):1-21. doi: 10.1080/19490976.2021.1894070. PMID: 33722164; PMCID: PMC7971312.