I was directed to Shazzie's website by someone on these boards and I have been reading it all night. Forgive me, but I always thought of raw vegan as an extreme I couldn't venture into.

<<SIDENOTE>>I have polycystic ovarian syndrome and my doctors are wanting to remove my ovaries by age 27 due to the severity of my case. I am 23 this year, after I get married, which only gives us 4 years of mild fertility to have kids. I don't think that we are in a good financial position to have kids right away.<</>>


I read on Shazzie's site that 2 of hr featured transformations had PCOS and no longer have it after going raw. I switched to a very high raw (as close to 100% as I can manage) immediately in the hopes of delaying the kid scene until we're more financially stable. :juggle:

Has anyone else experienced reduction or absence of PCOS symptoms?

The word 'raw' has the same problem as the words 'vegetarian' and 'vegan'. Each is a label slapped onto a huge range of possible diets, some undoubtedly more 'healthy' than others. :sunny:

Dr. Fuhrman (www.drfuhrman.com) says he has seen lots of people recover from PCOS. He does treat it with diet/nutrtion, but not raw.

I believe PCOS is in many ways similar to pre-diabetes. Diets that help diabetes should help you, i.e. low fat, low protein, low refined carbs, high fiber. Also, exercise to help your insulin sensitivity.

If you haven't already you should cut out all dairy and eggs from your diet. The hormones and fat can monkey with your own hormones.

Thanks everyone. I am on day 2 of almost all raw. I had a bread roll today, but either than that entirely raw!!

I believe PCOS is in many ways similar to pre-diabetes. Diets that help diabetes should help you, i.e. low fat, low protein, low refined carbs, high fiber. Also, exercise to help your insulin sensitivity.

If you haven't already you should cut out all dairy and eggs from your diet. The hormones and fat can monkey with your own hormones.
This seems like sound advice to me.

eliminating all caffine from your diet supposedly helps too according to the nutrition books I've read-- It also reduces cyctic breasts. I hope you try the nutritional route before having your ovaries removed. Good luck.

I also have PCOS and have been thinking about going raw and would like to hear of any experiences. PCOS sufferers are supposed to stay away from sugar, so I'm wondering how the juices/smoothies/sweets in the raw foods diet factor. I know you don't have to have these things as part of the diet but I'd like to!

Thanks

There are quite a few people on the rawfoodtalk forum who have PCOS and those who have helped it quite a bit with going raw. It might be good to read about their experiences with it and what has worked for them.

I'll have to search other raw forums that talk about PCOS.

Here's a journal of a girl named Jaime who had PCOS and started eating raw: http://www.shazzie.com/raw/transformation/jaime.shtml

I've seen some more, but I can't remember where.

Well, I'm still mostly raw and I have decided to not use birth control this month to see how it affects my cycle. Last time I did this I had severe complications and pain due to the PCOS, so I'm hoping for better results due to diet. I have not lost much weight in the last couple of weeks, but some weight is good for me!

I have PCOS and have been on a raw food diet for about a year and a half. Prior to raw I had done atkins (blech) with grat success with my pcos symptoms. When I went back to raw I had some symptoms but for the most part they all went away again....I did some research to figure out the best raw diet for me...a low sugar/GI diet is what works best for me. I have to make sure I add in enough fats for me as well. I do something similar to Cousen's 'Rainbow Green, Live Food Cuisine' diet.

As was said before in a person with PCOS it is similar to pre-diabetic people. In women with PCOS the pancreas releases insulin the body doesn't properly use it. So when we eat to much sugar the body produces more insulin which doesn't get used properly again and it's basically a cycle.

Since going raw I've noticed that I know the moment my menstral cycle begins...I can feel it. I've noticed that my flow is much lighter and I get NO cramps whatsoever. If you need any more info let me know!

Ursula

I'd love more info. What is a daily menu for you? Do you limit your fruits? I'm not sure that I could be as happy on raw as I am right now if I were to be limiting my fruit intake. Thanks for the help!

I was directed to Shazzie's website by someone on these boards and I have been reading it all night. Forgive me, but I always thought of raw vegan as an extreme I couldn't venture into.

<<SIDENOTE>>I have polycystic ovarian syndrome and my doctors are wanting to remove my ovaries by age 27 due to the severity of my case. I am 23 this year, after I get married, which only gives us 4 years of mild fertility to have kids. I don't think that we are in a good financial position to have kids right away.<</>>


I read on Shazzie's site that 2 of hr featured transformations had PCOS and no longer have it after going raw. I switched to a very high raw (as close to 100% as I can manage) immediately in the hopes of delaying the kid scene until we're more financially stable. :juggle:

Has anyone else experienced reduction or absence of PCOS symptoms?
I have pcos; but I a new to raw.
I go to www.rawfoodtalk.com
I LOVE shazzies site! I wish she had a message board!

FORGOT to add.
You will never be "cured" of PCOS. (people say they are cured; but there is no such thing)
just remember that; it will NEVER go away.
BUT the symptoms will lessen (and often do)as you lose weight or change to a health lifestyle.
(but NOT always)