Shikha Dwivedi, dietitian and nutritionist, OZiva
Picture a world where women can naturally and holistically combat the complexities of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). In India, a country grappling with lifestyle-related factors contributing to a surge in PCOS cases, this vision is gaining traction. PCOS, a prevalent hormonal disorder, presents a growing concern, and an intriguing trend has emerged as a potential solution: dietary supplements. These supplements offer a promising approach to managing PCOS symptoms and complications.
In India, the PCOS treatment market is rapidly expanding, with its value expected to rise from 3.53 billion in 2022 to an impressive 5.67 billion by 2031, driven by a robust 5.61 per cent annual growth rate projected between 2023 and 2031. This growth underscores the evolving landscape of PCOS management in the country. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) data, approximately 116 million women (3.4 per cent) are affected by PCOS globally. This condition affects an estimated 8–13 per cent of women of reproductive age, and up to 70 per cent of cases are undiagnosed due to a lack of awareness, highlighting the need to explore alternative solutions such as dietary supplements in PCOS management. This also impacts 1 in every 5 women in India. Thus, India’s dietary supplements market has experienced significant changes, fueled by increasing health and wellness awareness and a growing interest in preventive healthcare.
This market expansion encompasses a wide range of products, from vitamins and minerals to Ayurvedic herbal extracts and specialised clean and plant-based nutrition supplements, catering to diverse health needs. This shift aligns with changing lifestyles, urbanisation, rising incomes, and the growing popularity of e-commerce platforms for supplement purchases. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that the dietary supplements market in India faces regulatory and quality challenges, emphasising the necessity of strict quality control measures and consumer education to ensure product safety and efficacy. In summary, India’s dietary supplements market continues to adapt to meet the diverse health and wellness needs of its population, paralleling the growth observed in the PCOS treatment market.
Risks Associated With PCOs
Amid the immediate challenges posed by PCOS, it’s essential to recognise the significant long-term health risks that underscore the importance of effective management. Beyond the evident symptoms, women with PCOS face an elevated risk of developing various serious conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and endometrial cancer. However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. If left untreated, PCOS can also lead to additional concerns such as obesity, skin issues, and unwanted hair growth, all of which can profoundly impact a woman’s overall well-being. Furthermore, the hormonal imbalances associated with PCOS can contribute to fertility problems, making it one of the primary causes of infertility among women. These substantial and potentially life-altering risks emphasise the critical need for holistic approaches to PCOS management, including dietary clean, plant-based PCOS supplements. Such an approach can address not only the immediate symptoms but also mitigate the long-term health implications of this complex hormonal disorder in India.
A Guide To Managing PCOS Through Treatment & Education
In the grand journey of life, where many women envision themselves as future mothers and nurturing figures, education and regular screening for PCOS are invaluable stepping stones. These proactive steps not only protect their health and fertility but also ensure a smoother path into motherhood. Moreover, given the potential long-term side effects linked to certain allopathic treatments, embracing healthier alternatives featuring a nutritional diet, healthier lifestyle, and clean, plant-based supplements whenever possible take centre stage. This forward-thinking approach not only reduces the risk of adverse effects on women’s health but also offers a safer and more sustainable way to manage PCOS. In a world where women often wear multiple hats as caregivers and providers, safeguarding their well-being through informed choices and holistic strategies becomes paramount—a journey worth embarking on with enthusiasm and diligence. Most importantly, the importance of nutrition and having the right diet cannot be understated in managing PCOS.
The Role Of Sensible Nutritional Practices
When considering the PCOS management dietary supplements market in India, it’s clear that your food choices are crucial. Begin by making smart decisions about carbohydrates and fats. PCOS often involves insulin resistance, which can worsen with excessive sugar and simple carbs. So, its beneficial to opt for a balanced diet with whole grains, healthy fats and Omega-3 sources such as walnuts, almonds and flax seeds to help stabilise blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of insulin spikes and acne breakouts, a common PCOS concern, with Vitamin E and C. Healthy fats from sources like olive oil, nuts, avocado, and rice bran oil contain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) that can reduce inflammation, improve fertility, and lower excessive testosterone levels—key factors in PCOS management. Equally important is cutting back on simple carbs like sugar, white rice, and refined flour, as they can worsen insulin resistance and hormonal imbalances. Instead, include complex carbs like oats, quinoa, brown rice, and indigenous grains like Jowar and Bajra in your diet for sustained energy and better hormone regulation. Additionally, a diet rich in a lot of fruits, leafy greens & cruciferous vegetables, protein-rich foods and fibres like broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, beans, lentils, almonds, berries, sweet potatoes, pumpkin etc. can do wonders in PCOS management.
The Significance Of Adding The Right Health Supplements
Selecting the right nutrition supplements can be a game-changer in managing PCOS symptoms, and in some instances, it may even help reverse this life-altering condition. It’s essential to recognise that addressing fundamental deficiencies, such as Vitamin D, plays a pivotal role in managing insulin resistance, glucose metabolism, and fat processing. When seeking supplements, look for those that blend natural Ayurvedic herbs renowned for their effectiveness in addressing PCOS symptoms. These herbs, including Shatavari, Chasteberry, Gokhru, Flax Seeds, Ashoka, and Aloe Vera, collectively contribute to enhancing fertility, reducing stress, regulating ovulation, and maintaining hormonal balance. Consider adding a clean, plant-based PCOS supplement to your routine as an excellent option. It aids in hormone balance through ingredients like Chasteberry and Ashoka, supports regular menstrual cycles with Pomegranate, Fennel, Chasteberry, and Ashoka, promotes reproductive health with Shatavari, enhances digestion with digestive enzymes, and supports healthy skin with ingredients like Chasteberry and Aloe Vera. These PCOS supplements are also certified 100% clean and vegan, free from harmful elements like gluten, soy, and artificial sweeteners, ensuring the highest quality and purity for your well-being.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the status of PCOS management dietary supplements in India presents a holistic and promising approach to addressing the complexities of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. With the PCOS treatment market on a rapid growth trajectory and a substantial portion of affected women remaining undiagnosed, dietary supplements offer an alternative solution. These supplements not only aid in managing immediate symptoms but also mitigate the long-term health risks associated with PCOS, such as diabetes, heart disease, and infertility. Furthermore, embracing informed dietary & lifestyle choices, regular physical activity for 30 minutes, meditation for stress management, 7-8 hours of sleep and 2 litres of water daily, play a crucial role in PCOS management. Coupled with the selection of the right health supplements that are certified clean and plant-based, women in India can embark on a journey towards holistic well-being and effective PCOS management, safeguarding their health, fertility, and overall quality of life.