Archive for the ‘ Health Tips ’ Category

All you need to know about Fatty Liver disease

Wednesday, April 19th, 2023

Did you know? Medical experts suggest that fatty liver disease is at the core of most liver disorders including liver cancer in India, contributing to the total disease burden of the country. In India, one in three people, or 30% of the population, have fatty liver disease. Among its many other crucial functions, the liver is an organ that removes toxins from the blood, aids in digestion by producing bile, and controls energy levels. Let us understand the key factors behind this condition, the symptoms, precautions and treatment options regarding fatty liver disease in this blog.

Fatty liver disease is a medical condition in which fat builds up in the liver, leading to inflammation and damage. There are two main types of fatty liver disease that include alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). AFLD occurs due to excessive alcohol consumption, while NAFLD occurs in individuals who do not consume alcohol but have unhealthy lifestyle habits. Research suggests that certain health conditions or diseases, your family history, diet and the digestive system may make you more likely to develop NAFLD.

Risk Factors for Fatty Liver Disease

There are several risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing fatty liver disease. The most common risk factors include obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Other risk factors include rapid weight loss, malnutrition, and certain medications. Rising rates of obesity in India and around the world are projected to make NAFLD even more common in the coming years. Medical research suggests that ninety percent of people with two or more metabolic risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, and unhealthy levels of fats in the blood may have NAFLD. The condition is becoming increasingly prevalent in children and young adults which is a disturbing fact.

Symptoms of Fatty Liver Disease

In the early stages, fatty liver disease may not cause any symptoms. With the progressing condition, you may notice the below common symptoms that need further care and attention:

  • Fatigue
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Jaundice
  • Swelling in the abdomen and legs
  • Mental confusion

Consult a hepatologist for further assistance and diagnosis; do not delay seeking medical care.

Keeping your Liver healthy

Your liver performs essential functions every day. Just like many other parts of the body, fat can build up in your liver. This may damage the liver and lead to serious health problems. It’s normal to have some fat in your liver cells, but excess fat can interfere with your liver’s normal functioning. Here are some ways to keep your liver healthy:

  • Say no to alcohol
  • Make sure that none of your medications are toxic
  • Get vaccinated to protect against hepatitis
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Follow a healthy diet
  • Engage in regular exercise
  • Control existing health conditions
  • Treat liver cirrhosis

Fatty Liver Treatment at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai

Treatment for fatty liver disease involves lifestyle changes such as losing weight, following a healthy diet, and engaging in regular exercise. These changes can help reduce the amount of fat in the liver and improve liver function. In some cases, medications may be prescribed to manage the underlying causes of fatty liver disease, such as diabetes or high cholesterol. Fatty liver disease is a serious medical condition that can lead to liver damage and other health complications. If you are experiencing any symptoms or have concerns about fatty liver disease, consult experts at our Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary surgery for further treatment and care. Please find below website link for further details: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/hepatopancreatobiliary.html

Lifestyle Changes to Manage Hypertension

Monday, May 16th, 2022

High blood pressure, often known as hypertension, is a serious medical condition that can be easily detected at a doctor’s clinic and controlled with low-cost treatment. Despite this, India ranks 193rd for women and 170th for men among 200 countries in terms of hypertension diagnosis. Surprisingly, 60–70% of Indians with hypertension are completely unaware of their disease. Because of the lack of diagnosis, extremely low rates of hypertension treatment exist, putting people at the risk of developing life-threatening diseases like heart attack and stroke.

High blood pressure (HBP, or hypertension) shows no symptoms and is a “silent killer” that quietly damages blood vessels and leads to serious health disorders. Using medications as prescribed and making lifestyle changes can enhance your quality of life and reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and more. This World Hypertension Day, let us understand the key lifestyle changes to manage hypertension and raise awareness about the same.

Know your numbers

Is your blood pressure in the normal or dangerous range? Getting your blood pressure checked is the best method to find out the same. High blood pressure is defined when one or both of your blood pressure readings are higher than 130/80 mm Hg most of the time. If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you should keep a track of it on a regular basis and seek medical help.

How to manage your blood pressure?

Your daily habits can affect your blood pressure (BP). The right lifestyle choices can help control your blood pressure. Here are a few expert recommended suggestions:

  • Eat a heart healthy diet
    Include more fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your diet which are high in magnesium, potassium, and fiber. Reduce your intake of saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol, which may harm your heart health. They can increase plaque buildup on blood vessels, increasing your blood pressure levels and thus your risk of heart disease. Replace them with healthy fats.
  • Limit your salt intake
    Salt causes your body to retain fluids. Extra fluid in the body can raise blood pressure. The majority of the salt people consume comes from processed foods rather than table salt. Avoid processed foods, ready-to-eat meals, ready sauces, condiments, and other similar food items.
  • Lose excess weight
    Extra weight makes it more difficult for your heart to circulate blood throughout your body. This raises your blood pressure. Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight and keep your blood pressure in check.
  • Quit smoking
    Your blood pressure rises every time you smoke. Smoking causes blood arteries to narrow and your heart rate to rise. When you have high blood pressure, these symptoms are exacerbated. Quit smoking today.
  • Manage existing health conditions
    Preexisting health conditions could worsen your hypertension. Take the required medicine as advised by your doctor. It is also important to inform the doctor about all your medications including over-the-counter treatments and herbal supplements.
  • Limit alcohol intake
    Excessive use of alcohol can increase your blood pressure. Alcohol may also react with certain medicines. Stay “No” to alcohol.
  • Exercise regularly
    Exercise can help you lower your blood pressure. It can facilitate blood flow and strengthen your heart. On most days of the week, try to obtain at least 30 minutes of exercise.
  • Manage your stress
    Certain hormones released during stressful situations can make blood pressure higher. Take some time to exercise, pursue a hobby, listen to music and find other ways to unwind and cope better with your stress levels.

Managing blood pressure is a lifelong commitment. Work closely with your doctor to learn about high blood pressure and how to manage it effectively.

Hypertension care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Worried about your fluctuating blood pressure levels? It is important to ask questions and monitor your blood pressure readings. If you’ve already been diagnosed with high blood pressure, work with our team of doctors to come up with an individualized plan to control your blood pressure. Consult our doctors for further medical assistance, call 022 42696969 for appointments or visit the below website link: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com

Liver Health – How to Keep Your Liver Healthy?

Tuesday, April 19th, 2022

Every year, roughly 10 lakh new individuals with liver cirrhosis are diagnosed in India. As per the World Health Organization, liver disease is the tenth leading cause of mortality in India. Statistics suggest that the number of people with liver problems has doubled in the last decade, leading to a requirement of more 50,000 livers for transplantation each year.

The liver is the body’s largest solid organ. It eliminates pollutants from the bloodstream, regulates blood clotting, and conducts other vital functions. Hepatitis, fatty liver disease, autoimmune conditions, genetic conditions, liver cirrhosis, liver failure, liver cancer are some of the common liver ailments that needs medical attention.

Symptoms of Liver Disease
Liver disease may not always show prominent signs and symptoms. If you notice any of the below signs and symptoms of liver disease do seek further medical care:

  • Skin and eyes that appear yellowish (jaundice).
  • Dark urine colour.
  • Pale stool colour.
  • Swelling in the legs and ankles.
  • Itchy skin.
  • Chronic fatigue.
  • Abdominal pain and swelling.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Tendency to bruise easily.

Speak to your family doctor if you notice persistent signs of a liver disease.

Functions of the Liver
The liver is a critical organ that performs over 500 important functions in the body. Here are some of its most important functions:

  • Albumin production: This is a protein that keeps fluids in the bloodstream from leaking into surrounding tissue. It also carries hormones, vitamins, and enzymes through the body.
  • Bile production: This fluid is critical to the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine.
  • Filters blood: The liver filters all blood leaving the stomach and intestines, removing toxins, by products, and other dangerous compounds.
  • Regulates amino acids: The liver maintains a healthy level of amino acids in the bloodstream that is required for production of proteins.
  • Prevents infections: The liver filters blood and removes bacteria from the bloodstream. 
  • Stores nutrients: The liver stores significant amounts of vitamins A, D, E, K, and B12, as well as iron and copper.
  • Processes glucose: The liver removes excess glucose from the bloodstream and stores it as glycogen.

Ways to Keep your Liver Healthy
The liver is one of the body’s largest and most vital organs. Having an unhealthy liver can lead to various liver ailments and metabolic disorders. Follow these tips in your daily life to maintain your liver health:

  • Avoid alcohol intake. Excessive alcohol intake can damage the liver cells and lead to inflammation and scarring (cirrhosis).
  • Exercise regularly. Exercise decreases stress on the liver, increases energy levels and helps to prevent obesity – a risk factor for liver disease.
  • Eat healthy meals. High levels of fat in the blood and high levels of cholesterol are common causes of fatty liver disease. Reduce the amount of saturated fats, trans fats and hydrogenated fats in your diet.
  • Fight obesity. Obesity, particularly, abdominal or central obesity, is a major risk factor for developing fatty liver disease. Aim for the ideal body mass index (BMI) target.
  • Protect yourself against Hepatitis B or C. Practice safe sex and avoid unnecessary sharing of personal items to prevent the spread of hepatitis B or C.
  • Quit smoking. Exposure to tobacco smoke can have toxic effects on your liver.
  • Get vaccinated. If you’re at increased risk of contracting hepatitis talk to your doctor about getting the hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines.
  • Use medications wisely. Take medicines only when prescribed and as per the recommended doses.
  • Protect yourself from toxins. Use a mask or gloves while handling insecticides, fungicides, paint and other toxic chemicals. Keep the area well-ventilated to avoid inhaling the fumes.

Treatment for Liver Disease at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
Liver diseases can affect your ability to filter out toxins, break down fat and make vital proteins. The Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary surgery specialises in a wide range of acute and chronic conditions affecting the liver, pancreas and the associated biliary system and is supported by the latest technology for the diagnosis and treatment of liver disease.

Consult our team of hepatologists who are skilled at diagnosing and treating all conditions that affect your liver. Please find below website for further details:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/hepatopancreatobiliary.html

Thyroid Awareness

Saturday, January 15th, 2022

Thyroid diseases have become one of the most common health concerns in India, with an increasing number of people being diagnosed with them. Thyroid diseases affect 42 million Indians, with hypothyroidism affecting one out of every ten men and women. One-third of thyroid patients in India still remain unaware of their condition. Over time, untreated thyroid dysfunction can lead to obesity, joint pain, infertility, and heart disease. This disorder affects people of all ages, but women are more likely to develop it. January is celebrated as “Thyroid Awareness Month” worldwide to raise awareness regarding the various health problems related to the thyroid gland. Let us look at the common thyroid disorders, symptoms, complications and tips to manage your thyroid condition.

Common Thyroid Problems

Some of the most common thyroid problems include:

  • Goiter – enlargement of the thyroid gland.
  • Hyperthyroidism – when your thyroid gland makes more thyroid hormones than your body needs.
  • Hypothyroidism – when your thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormones.
  • Thyroid cancer.
  • Thyroid nodules – lumps in the thyroid gland.
  • Thyroiditis – swelling of the thyroid.

Symptoms of Thyroid

Thyroid disease is a term that refers to a group of disorders that have similar symptoms. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can have opposing effects on the same physiological systems, but goitre, thyroid cancer, and Grave’s disease each have their own set of symptoms. Your thyroid affects many different body systems and can have symptoms like:

1. Weight Changes

Unexplained weight changes can be a sign of a thyroid disorder

  • In hypothyroidism, you may gain excess weight.
  • In hyperthyroidism, you may experience sudden weight loss.
  • Not everyone with thyroid disease will have these changes.

2. Temperature

Both forms of thyroid disease can make you temperature-sensitive.

  • In hypothyroidism you may feel cold.
  • In hyperthyroidism you may feel hot and sweaty despite a normal temperature around you.

3. Fatigue and Sleep

Sleep issues and fatigue are common with thyroid issues in spite of a good night’s rest.

Hypothyroidism can make you

  • Wake up exhausted, even after 8 hours of night sleep.
  • Take longer naps.

Hyperthyroidism can make you

  • Have a hard time falling asleep.
  • Have sleep disturbances.
  • Feel anxious at bed time.

4. Mental Health

Depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders are common with thyroid problems.

5. Neck or Throat

Thyroid conditions can cause health problems in your neck or throat. It may lead to autoimmune thyroid disease, nodules, goiter or enlarged thyroid or thyroid cancer. This may cause swelling of the neck, trouble swallowing or breathing, a hoarse voice.

6. Hair, Skin, and Nails

An imbalance in your thyroid hormones may cause changes in your hair, skin, and nails. It may lead to brittle, dry hair, severe hair loss, fine hair, brittle, thin, dull hair,

7. Bowel Habits

Thyroid conditions can cause digestion problems such as persistent constipation,  diarrhoea, loose stools, or irritable bowel syndrome.

8. Menstruation and Fertility

Thyroid conditions can increase your risk of irregular periods, infertility and may raise your risk of having miscarriages.

9. Eye Problems

Thyroid conditions can affect your eyes and may cause symptoms like dryness, blurred vision, swollen puffy eyes, or proptosis.

10. Musculoskeletal System

You may experience muscular pains and joint discomfort, particularly in your arms and legs, if your thyroid is hyperactive. For persons with an underactive thyroid, fibromyalgia-like pain is prevalent, and you may also have carpal tunnel syndrome in your hands.

Thyroid Complications

Early diagnosis and timely treatment of thyroid can help lower the risk of complications. Here are some complications that you must watch out for:

Hypothyroidism

  • Neuropathy.
  • Trouble conceiving a baby.
  • Pregnancy complications.

Hyperthyroidism

  • Osteoporosis.
  • Atrial fibrillation.
  • Pregnancy complications.

How to manage your Thyroid

Work with a specialist to help monitor and treat your thyroid levels. Take your medications on time and be regular with your thyroid tests to reassess the medication requirements if needed. Here are some health measures to adopt to reduce the impact of thyroid and help control it:

  • Avoid packaged foods.
  • Practice good sleep hygiene.
  • Get daily sunlight.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Manage stress better
  • Quit smoking.
  • Have vitamins, proteins and whole grains.

Thyroid care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Meet highly trained and experienced endocrinologists at our Thyroid Clinic for a detailed diagnosis of your thyroid condition. The team is equipped with advanced thyroid care facilities to conduct thyroid profile, ultrasound, fine needle aspiration cytology, isotope scanning, radio-iodine treatment and surgery. Please find the below website link for further information: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/endocrinologydiabetes/thyroidclinic.html

Stay Healthy with a Strong Immunity

Saturday, January 8th, 2022

Is everybody around you feeling sick or recovering from a respiratory infection? Depending on how powerful their immune system is, some people will experience moderate symptoms while others would be seriously affected. Your immune system is a large network of organs, white blood cells, proteins (antibodies), and chemicals. This system works together to protect you from foreign invaders (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) that cause infection, illness, and disease. A normally functioning immune system keeps you healthy by fighting off harmful foreign intruders such as bacteria and viruses. However, a weak immune system makes it difficult for your body to fight external infections. A weak immunity makes you more vulnerable to infections, can produce unpleasant symptoms, and takes longer recovery periods too. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and consuming healthy foods go a long way in increasing your immunity.

Nutrition and Immunity

Eating enough nutrients as part of a varied diet is required for the health and function of all cells, including immune cells. Choosing fresh, whole, unprocessed foods does wonders for your overall health. Several nutrient-rich foods, particularly those that include vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, selenium, iron, and protein are important to help boost your immunity. Limit your intake of salt and sugar and avoid consumption of fried foods. Here are a few recommended foods to help strengthen your immune system:

  • Vitamin C
    Vitamin C is well-known for its immunity-boosting properties. It is best consumed in fresh form than in packaged juice. Include oranges, broccoli, kiwi or bell peppers in your diet.
  • Probiotics
    Probiotics are healthy gut bacteria that protect your body against infection. Fermented foods such as idli and dosa, curd, buttermilk, and pickles are excellent sources of probiotics.
  • Antioxidants
    Stress can reduce your immunity, making you more susceptible to sickness. Have a diet rich in antioxidants to protect yourself from oxidative stress and build a strong immune system. This includes colourful fruits and vegetables such as berries, carrots, pumpkin, spinach, etc.
  • Eat anti-inflammatory foods
    A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods helps balance hormones, improves your body’s ability to fight infection, and improves your digestive health. Dark leafy green vegetables, nuts, and seeds, ghee, avocado, olive oil are all good examples of anti-inflammatory foods.
  • Add protein to your diet
    The amino acids in protein help the body manufacture antibodies and can help protect you against a wide range of infections.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids
    These are essential fats that your body cannot make but must be procured from food. Foods high in omega-3 include fish, vegetable oils, walnuts, flax seeds, flaxseed oil, and leafy vegetables. They are essential to maintain strong immunity.
  • Ginger and garlic can help
    Make ginger and garlic a part of your daily diet. Garlic’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities aid to improve the function of your immune cells. Ginger, on the other hand, reduces inflammation and strengthens the immune system due to its antibacterial characteristics.

Lifestyle Improvements

It is not just the diet you eat on a daily basis that makes you healthy and strong., but your lifestyle habits matter too. Adapting good and healthy habits consistently can significantly improve your immune function and make you stronger. Follow these simple health tips to increase immunity naturally:

  • Find ways to manage stress
    Are you busy handling various responsibilities and chasing deadlines? Being stressed all the time lowers your immunity. Take frequent breaks and find ways to cope better with stress.
  • Get adequate sleep
    Lack of sleep releases higher levels of stress hormones in the body and this can cause more inflammation in the body. A regular sleep cycle serves as the ideal time for the body to regenerate cells, repair any broken cells and organs, and thus boost your immune function.
  • Say No to smoking and drinking alcohol
    Excessive cigarette use and alcohol intake weakens the immune system and makes people more susceptible to lung infections. Furthermore, other substances generated during cigarette smoking, such as carbon monoxide and nicotine, have been shown to inhibit the formation of immunity-boosting cells.
  • Exercise regularly
    Exercise increases your resilience so you can fight off infection. Your body can function better when you are physically active every day.
  • Get enough sunlight
    Vitamin D is important for your immune system, and regular sun exposure can assist to enhance it. Take some morning sunlight every day to help strenhtne your immunity.
  • Meditation
    Even five minutes of guided meditation every day, or simply sitting quietly and concentrating on your breath, can help. Meditation helps relieve your anxiety and thus strengthens your immunity.
  • Preventive health checkup
    Regular health checkups help detect diseases early and start treatment early. This helps correct any irregularities with timely medical intervention and thus helps maintain your immunity.

Follow these healthy lifestyle tips to build a strong defence against any external pathogens, virus or bacteria. Stay healthy, stay safe.