How to Improve Your Gut Health?

56% of Indian families report digestive health problems. The gut – apart of the digestive system plays a very important role in digestion and breaking down the food you eat. Maintaining a healthy gut is essential for your overall well-being, as it plays a crucial role in your digestion, immune system, and even mental health. While the gut is home to trillions of microorganisms, maintaining a balance of beneficial bacteria is the key. A healthy gut simply means that there are more good bacteria than harmful bacteria. An increasing number of people consume high amounts of junk or processed or packaged food every week leading to several digestive problems.  A recent survey suggests that approximately 7 out of every 10 people in urban India experience digestive or gut health issues.

Important functions of your Gut

One of the primary functions of the gut is to break down food and extract essential nutrients. A healthy gut with a diverse community of beneficial bacteria ensures efficient digestion and optimal nutrient absorption. This enables your bodies to obtain the necessary vitamins, minerals, and energy required for proper functioning and growth. The key functions of your gut include:

• Enhancing your immunity
  Research suggests that approximately 70% of your immune system resides in the gut. The gut acts as a barrier against harmful pathogens and toxins, preventing their entry into the bloodstream. A balanced gut microbiome enhances the immune response, helps control inflammation, and protects one against infections.
• Boosts mental health
  The gut microbiota produces neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which play a crucial role in regulating mood and emotions. A healthy gut is known to contribute to better mental health and cognitive function and reduces the risk of mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, and even neurodegenerative disorders.
• Aids weight management
  Imbalances in gut bacteria have been associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome. A diverse and balanced gut microbiome supports efficient metabolism, regulates appetite, and helps prevent weight gain and chronic metabolic disorders.
• Disease prevention
  Research suggests that an unhealthy gut may contribute to the development of various diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), allergies, and certain cancers. By prioritizing gut health, one can considerably reduce the risk of these conditions.

Healthy tips to improve your Gut Health

Your daily food habits, your fitness routine and the lifestyle you live have a direct impact on your digestive health. Taking steps to improve your digestive health can help your digestive system function more efficiently and improve your gut health. These include:

• Eat a fiber-rich diet
• Stay hydrated
• Aim for a protein portion in every meal
• Consider supplementation
• Minimize antibiotic use
• Avoid processed foods
• Up your intake of probiotics & prebiotics
• Exercise regularly
• Quit bad habits
• Reduce stress in your life

Digestive care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai

Optimizing gut health is a long-term commitment that requires a balanced approach to diet, lifestyle, and stress management. By understanding the significance of gut health and adopting practices that promote a balanced gut microbiome, you can improve your well-being reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Prioritizing gut health is a step towards a healthier and happier life. Consult highly trained and experienced nutritionists at our Department of Clinical Nutrition Therapy for personalized guidance to help improve your gut health. If you are suffering from any irregularities in your digestive health, reach out to experts at our Department to Gastroenterology for further guidance. Please find below the website links for further details:

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

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/gastroenterology-hepatology.html

Over 2.5 crore Indian women suffer from endometriosis which often remains undiagnosed and untreated due to limited awareness. This gynecological condition is also the leading cause of infertility among women. Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that is similar to the tissue that lines your uterus grows outside of the uterus. These cells react to hormonal changes that take place throughout the menstrual cycle, which can result in pain and inflammation in the tissue around them.

Symptoms of Endometriosis

The main symptom of endometriosis is pelvic pain, often associated with menstrual periods. Although many experience cramping during their menstrual periods, those with endometriosis typically describe menstrual pain that is debilitating and affects their quality of life. The common signs and symptoms of endometriosis include:

• Intense pain during periods
• Heavy vaginal bleeding
• Pain during sex
• Pain on opening your bowels
• Difficulty getting pregnant

Seeing a gynaecologist on time and discussing your symptoms and getting the required tests done is the key to diagnosing this condition and seeking medical care.

Common Myths & Facts of Endometriosis

Myth: Endometriosis is rare
Fact: Endometriosis affects up to 10% of women between the ages of 15 and 44. Despite how widespread it is, it usually takes eight years to receive a diagnosis. The only reliable method of diagnosis is through laparoscopic, or keyhole, procedure that allows visualization of the pelvic cavity.

Myth: Endometriosis is just painful periods
Fact: While painful periods are a symptom of endometriosis – it is far more than that. Contrary to normal periods, endometriosis pain isn’t just brought on by the uterus contracting; it’s also brought on by endometrial-like tissue that is growing in other places in the pelvic cavity and causing discomfort and inflammation. Because this tissue can develop in the bladder, bowel, and, in extremely uncommon circumstances, the lung, it is possible for pain and other symptoms to manifest throughout the body.

Myth: A gluten-free diet can treat endometriosis
Fact: Medical research doesn’t support the claim that use of a gluten-free diet can reduce your endometrial symptoms. Going gluten-free necessitates a major diet overhaul, which also entails cutting out many healthy foods like fortified wholegrain breads and cereals, which are a significant source of fibre and minerals. If you have endometriosis and are worried that you can’t tolerate gluten, you must consult your dietician.

Myth: If you have endometriosis, you can’t get pregnant
Fact: Most women suffering from endometriosis are concerned about their fertility and ability to become pregnant. The reality is that while there is a link between endometriosis and fertility issues, natural conception is still possible even in cases of severe endometriosis. Statistics suggest that 60–70% of people with endometriosis are thought to be able to conceive naturally.

Myth: Endometriosis patients must avoid dairy products
Fact: The reason behind this myth is for the widespread misconception that dairy causes inflammation, despite the fact that many dairy products are actually considered to be anti-inflammatory. There is not enough medical research available to support this claim. A well balanced diet filled with organic foods is recommended for endometriosis patients.

Myth: Surgery can cure Endometriosis
Fact: There isn’t a single treatment for endometriosis. After a diagnosis, there are numerous choices for managing the illness. While a surgical procedure aims to remove existing endometriotic tissue and scar tissue, it does not address the fundamental reasons for the growth of endometrial tissue.

Endometriosis treatment at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai

Endometriosis is a serious condition that affects many women worldwide. Early detection and treatment are crucial in easing the symptoms. The Department of Gynaecology & Obstetrics at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai has experienced and compassionate doctors who work with patients to diagnose and manage this condition. Do not suffer in silence for unusually heavy or painful periods. Consult our team for a detailed evaluation and further care. Please find below our website details:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicsatkh/endometriosisclinic.html https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/gynaecologyobstetrics.html

Suffering from chest pain, wheezing and a cough that refuses to go away? Air pollution is a major problem in urban and rural India, and it is having a significant impact on the health of the people who live there. Many cities in India have very poor AQI levels, which mean that the air is highly polluted and can cause a range of health problems. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a measure of the quality of the air that we breathe, and it is used to describe how polluted the air is. According to the network of monitoring stations that make up the System of Air Quality Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), an AQI (Air Quality Index) of 0-49 is regarded as “good,” 50 to 99 as “satisfactory,” and 100 to 199 as “moderate.” AQI in excess of 200 is considered “poor”, and above 300 “very poor”, AQI above 400 “severe” and above 500 is considered “severe+”. In the first week of February 2023, the AQI in Mumbai was recorded in the very poor category as it stood at 303. Mumbai’s air quality has deteriorated and is now worse than Delhi’s AQI.

Mumbai has been ranked the second most polluted city in the world last week. Throughout the last winter, Mumbai has experienced slow to very slow windspeed in most of the days, due to which the suspended particulate matters remained suspended in air for longer duration, therefore affecting the AQI. Experts attribute this weather condition as well as external factors like construction and vehicular emission for the deteriorating air quality. Pollution levels have been soaring in the financial capital for the last few weeks, leading to more and more respiratory infections for residents, especially the elderly and young children.

How poor AQI harms your health?

Several people are visiting hospital and clinics with complaints of respiratory distress, asthma, allergic rhinitis and chronic inflammation of the airways, among other issues. The health effects of poor air quality can be significant. High levels of air pollution have been linked to respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. One of the most common pollutants in the air is particulate matter (PM), which is made up of tiny particles that can get into our lungs and cause serious respiratory problems. In addition to PM, other pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide can also cause health problems. Exposure to air pollution for long periods can also exacerbate existing health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes. It has also been noted that ophthalmologists in the city are getting cases with eye irritation related to air pollution, especially in people who travel daily for long distances.

Health precautions

So, what can people do to protect their respiratory health in areas with poor air quality? One of the most important things is to monitor the AQI levels and take appropriate precautions when the levels are high. These include:

• Avoid exercising outdoors when pollution levels are high
• Try to stay indoors if possible
• Wear a mask if stepping outdoors
• Quit smoking
• Invest in an air purifier
• Keeping indoor plants
• Don’t burn wood or garbage
• Take medication for asthma

The AQI in many cities in India is a major public health concern, and it is essential for individuals to take steps to protect their respiratory health. This might include monitoring AQI levels, maintaining good indoor air quality, and staying informed about the latest research on air pollution and its health effects.

Do any members of your family have chest pain or breathing difficulties? Do your kids have a persistent cough and cold? Consult our highly experienced team of doctors at the Department of Pulmonary Medicine. Our pulmonologists can help manage your symptoms with prompt diagnosis and care and also recommend preventive care. Call 022 42696969 for appointments or visit our website for more assistance: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/pulmonarymedicine.html

The thyroid is a tiny, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck. It significantly affects general health and wellbeing and is essential for your body’s metabolism. Unfortunately, millions of people throughout the world experience thyroid diseases such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Statistics suggest that thyroid disorders are one of the most common endocrine disorders and affect nearly 4.2 crore Indians.

How does the thyroid gland function?

The thyroid gland makes hormones that control various aspects of the body’s metabolism, such as heart rate, body temperature, and the rate at which energy is used by the body. Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) are released into the bloodstream to do this. These hormones are essential for preserving the body’s homeostasis, or overall equilibrium. The body’s metabolism runs more efficiently when the thyroid is in good health. However, thyroid abnormalities can result in a number of different health problems.

Common thyroid disorders

There are several thyroid disorders that can affect the body’s metabolism and overall health. The most common include:

• Hypothyroidism
  This occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone. 
• Hyperthyroidism
  This occurs when the thyroid gland makes high levels of thyroid hormone.
• Goiter
  This is a condition that causes the thyroid gland to become enlarged, resulting in a visible swelling in the neck. This may occur due to a variety of factors, including an iodine deficiency, autoimmune disorders, and certain medications.
• Thyroid nodules
  These are small lumps that can form in the thyroid gland. Most thyroid nodules are benign (non-cancerous), but some rare ones may be cancerous.
• Thyroid cancer
  This is a cancer that affects the thyroid gland.

Warning signs of thyroid disease

Depending on whether the body is producing too much or too little thyroid hormone, different indicators of thyroid disorders might be seen in different people. Thyroid issues are more common in women than in men. Around 1 in 8 women may experience thyroid issues at least once in their lives. Some women are more prone to thyroid issues than others, depending on factors including age, body type, and the level of thyroid hormone in the body. Here are some of the signs and symptoms that could indicate a thyroid abnormality:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Sensitivity to heat and cold
• Significant weight gain or weight loss
• Change in the appearance
• Feeling miserable
• Headaches
• Mood swings
• Digestive issues
• Dry skin
• Menstrual irregularities
• Fertility issues
• Thinning hair

While these symptoms may not necessarily indicate thyroid problems, you must still speak to your doctor for further testing and diagnosis. Thyroid disorders can often be diagnosed through a blood test that measures the levels of thyroid hormones and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in the body. This helps take the required medical action and reduces your risk of suffering from thyroid complications.

Facts about your thyroid

Here are some essential things to know about your thyroid gland:

• A TSH test is the most accurate way to diagnose a thyroid imbalance.
• Stress can worsen thyroid disorders.
• A thyroid imbalance must be addressed before and during pregnancy.
• Thyroid disorders can be emotional.
• Thyroid disorders usually require lifelong treatment.
• Women are more prone than men to have thyroid issues.
• Most thyroid disorders cannot be prevented.

Treatment of thyroid disorders

Treatment for thyroid disorders typically involves medication to correct hormone imbalances. Surgery might be required in some complex cases to remove all or a part of the thyroid gland. Thyroid imbalance is serious and can have a significant impact on your overall health and well-being. You must take charge of your thyroid health without any delay and seek specialist care. Consult doctors at our Department of Endocrinology & Diabetes for a detailed evaluation, management and care of your thyroid. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent long-term health complications. Do refer this link for further details:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/endocrinologydiabetes/thyroidclinic.html