Fact Check: Can warm water with ghee on first day of periods prevent PCOD?

A viral Instagram post claims that warm water with ghee on first day of periods can prevent PCOD. The claim by the user is FALSE.

Claim

In an Instagram post, it is claimed that warm water with ghee on first day of periods can prevent PCOD. In the reel the user fried_moni, says that  If you drink warm water with ghee on the first day of your period when menstruation starts, it will help in several ways. The user says, "First, you won’t experience pain. Second, the clots that usually appear during menstruation won’t occur, It will also help prevent PCOD. Additionally, your periods will become regular, and problems like constipation, which often persist, will also be relieved. Moreover, it will prevent issues like gas and acidity." 

The reel has gone viral, garnering 17.2 million views, 241,438 likes, 785 comments, and 477k shares. It can be accessed here.

Fact Check

The claim by the user that warm water with ghee on first day of periods can prevent PCOD is FALSE. PCOD can be managed but it cannot be cured or prevented.

What is PCOD?

Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is a condition primarily caused by a mix of hormonal imbalances and genetic factors. In a typical menstrual cycle, the ovaries alternate in releasing mature eggs ready for fertilization. However, in PCOD, the ovaries often release eggs that are either immature or partially matured. These can develop into fluid-filled sacs, known as cysts, causing the ovaries to enlarge and swell.

This condition also leads to excessive production of androgens (male hormones) by the ovaries, resulting in symptoms such as irregular periods, weight gain around the abdomen, male-pattern hair loss, and, in severe cases, infertility.

Can PCOD be prevented or cured?

As noted by UNICEF, PCOD cannot be cured or entirely prevented, as it is primarily influenced by hormonal imbalances and genetic factors. However, its symptoms and complications can be effectively managed through lifestyle modifications, such as maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management etc.

What are the benefits of warm water?

Drinking warm water offers multiple health benefits. It aids digestion by flushing out toxins, breaking down food, and optimizing bowel movements, which can alleviate constipation. Warm water may improve blood circulation, relax muscles, and help alleviate pain, including menstrual cramps and headaches. It might also boost metabolism, promoting weight loss by aiding fat breakdown and controlling food cravings when paired with lemon. Additionally, warm water helps prevent premature aging by eliminating toxins and repairing skin cells, enhancing elasticity. 

What are the nutritional benefits of ghee?

Ghee offers significant nutritional benefits, primarily due to its composition and nutrient profile. Made from milk, cream, or butter through processes that remove almost all water and non-fat solids, ghee is predominantly fat, containing 99.5% fat and less than 0.5% moisture. It serves as a rich source of fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K. These vitamins play crucial roles in supporting vision, bone health, immune function, and blood clotting. Additionally, ghee contains phospholipids, contributing to cellular health and function.

Can warm water with ghee on first day of periods prevent PCOD?

No, drinking warm water with ghee on the first day of periods cannot prevent PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease). While consuming ghee may offer certain benefits, there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to confirm that this combination can support female reproductive health or prevent PCOD.

Ghee, a type of clarified butter commonly featured in traditional diets, is celebrated for its numerous health benefits. A study by Anil Kumar et. al. highlighted the characteristics of ghee, particularly its high content of short-chain fatty acids, which contribute to its superior digestibility and potential anti-cancer properties. The study also emphasized ghee's role as a carrier for fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) and essential fatty acids, such as linolenic acid and arachidonic acid. 

Similarly, a review published in Prostaglandins & Other Lipid Mediators explored the potential of ghee as a complementary therapy, particularly for managing conditions like osteoporosis and arthritis.

Another study by Kumar et. al., determined that ghee contains butyric acid; a short-chain fatty acid that helps in digestion.

While ghee offers general health benefits, consuming warm water with ghee on the first day of menstruation does not directly impact female reproductive health or prevent PCOD, a complex hormonal disorder.

Responding to the claim Dr. N Sapna Lulla, Lead Consultant - Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore explained, "There's no scientific evidence to suggest that consuming warm water with ghee on the first day of the period can prevent Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a complex endocrine disorder involving an imbalance of key hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and insulin. There's no established scientific link between this specific remedy and the hormonal factors that contribute to PCOS. PCOS management typically focuses on evidence-based approaches, such as dietary changes, regular exercise, weight management, and in some cases, medications to regulate hormones and manage symptoms."

Dr. Nazia Dalwai, MBBS DGO obstetrics and Gynecology, Consultant Physician and Gynaecologist, Mumbai further said, "Social media is flooded with claims about using ghee in warm water as a natural remedy for PCOD-related menstrual disturbances. However, these claims lack scientific backing and are False and Misleading, While ghee, rich in butyric acid, may support gut health, there is no scientific evidence linking this practice to the prevention or management of PCOD. PCOD is a complex lifestyle disorder influenced by factors like genetics, hormonal imbalances, and lifestyle habits. Managing PCOD requires a holistic approach, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and medical guidance. Relying on unverified remedies like ghee in warm water can delay proper treatment and worsen symptoms. Always consult a doctor for evidence-based care."

Medical Dialogues Final Take

While ghee and warm water may have general health benefits, they are not proven to influence hormonal balance or ovarian health. Further, there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to support the claim that warm water with ghee on the first day of periods can prevent PCOD. PCOD is a complex hormonal disorder that cannot be prevented or cured.

Hence, the claim by the user is FALSE.