Do You Need More Magnesium? Know the Signs Before It’s Too Late

Magnesium is often called the “invisible powerhouse” of the human body, quietly working behind the scenes to support more than 300 biochemical reactions. However, despite its importance magnesium deficiency remains a widespread issue in India. Statistics suggest that more than 60 % of urban adults are not meeting their daily magnesium requirement. For a correct and a definitive diagnosis blood testing and further consultation with a doctor is required. Early detection and management of this deficiency can prevent significant health complications.

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What Does Magnesium Do for the Body?

Magnesium plays a pivotal role in maintaining overall health. It helps:

• Regulate muscle and nerve function
• Maintain a steady heart rhythm
• Support a healthy immune system
• Keep bones strong
• Control blood glucose levels
• Aid in protein synthesis and energy production

Even mild magnesium deficiency can disrupt these essential processes, leading to symptoms that are often brushed off or misattributed to other conditions.

How Do You Know If You Have a Magnesium Deficiency?

Known medically as hypomagnesemia, magnesium deficiency tends to progress slowly, making
early detection difficult. However, there are a few tell-tale signs to watch for:

Early Symptoms

• Muscle twitches or cramps
• Fatigue and low energy
• Difficulty sleeping or restless legs
• Increased anxiety or mood swings

Advanced Deficiency

• Irregular heartbeat
• High blood pressure despite a healthy lifestyle
• Osteoporosis or weak bones
• Tingling, numbness, or hand tremors

If you’re experiencing multiple symptoms, it’s best to consult a medical professional for a complete evaluation.

Who Is at Risk for Magnesium Deficiency?

Certain populations are more prone to magnesium deficiency mainly due to reduced absorption:

• Individuals with gastrointestinal disorders like Crohn’s or celiac disease
• People with type 2 diabetes
• Chronic alcohol users
• Older adults, especially postmenopausal women
• Those on long-term diuretics or antacids

Research also suggests that changing lifestyles and diets with processed foods that lack whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes may also lead to a magnesium deficiency.

Treating and Preventing Magnesium Deficiency

As a preventive strategy, it is important to pay attention to nutrition and lifestyle practices. Here are some expert-recommended tips to help manage a magnesium deficiency:

Dietary Modifications
Include magnesium-rich foods in your regular diet:

• Plant-based: Pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, almonds, black beans, whole grains, spinach, and dark chocolate
• Animal-based: Yogurt, salmon, and chicken

Magnesium Supplements

For moderate to severe deficiency, your physician might prescribe supplements. Magnesium citrate, lactate, or chloride is best absorbed. Take supplements only on medical advice since high intake can cause diarrhea, nausea, or even heart ailments.

Lifestyle Changes

• Decrease alcohol and caffeine consumption
• Tackle stress with meditation or yoga
• Sustain underlying health issues such as diabetes

Can Magnesium Deficiency Cause Long-Term Health Issues?

Yes. Chronic magnesium deficiency left untreated can cause serious harm to your health. It may lead to:

• Osteoporosis: As a result of defective calcium metabolism
• Cardiovascular disease: Such as arrhythmias and stroke risk
• Type 2 diabetes: Impaired insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism
• Neurological disorders: Such as migraines and anxiety

Your body always sends signals when something is off; it is up to you to pay attention and seek care. If symptoms persist, do not delay seeking medical care. Whether it’s improving your diet or opting for medical evaluation, or taking supplements, consult experts at our Clinical Nutrition Therapy for further care. Your health is precious. At Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, you can consult the best nutritionist in Mumbai for magnesium deficiency concerns and helpful resolutions.

Obesity is no longer just a Western concern; sadly, it has firmly taken root in India. The country now ranks third globally in obesity prevalence, trailing only the U.S. and China. As per the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), over 13.5 crore Indians are obese. More concerning, childhood obesity has risen from 2.1% in 2015–16 to 3.4% by 2019–21, with urban children at even greater risk. These are alarming facts that need awareness and collective action from families, communities, and healthcare systems.

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What is Obesity?

Obesity is a chronic condition characterized by abnormal fat accumulation that prevents normal health. It has severe complications, including diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, joint problems, and even cancer. Obesity is not just a matter of looks—it’s a serious medical condition that should be addressed on time with help from a nutritionist or a bariatric surgeon. Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital is one of the most advanced centre for bariatric surgery in Mumbai.

What is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is the most commonly used metric to assess weight status. It is calculated by dividing one’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters (kg/m²). According to Indian guidelines:

• BMI 23.0–24.9: Overweight
• BMI ≥25.0: Obese
• BMI ≥35.0: Morbidly obese

These cut-offs are lower than global standards because Indians have a higher propensity for metabolic disorders at relatively lower BMI levels.

Childhood Obesity: A Growing Concern

Childhood obesity is growing at an alarming rate in India. Recent statistics predict that by 2030, nearly 11% of children aged 5–9 years will be obese. Several lifestyle changes that include increased screen time, intake of junk foods and sugary snacks, and sedentary routines are responsible for this.

Key Factors Contributing to Obesity in India

Several interlinked factors are fueling India’s obesity crisis:

• Unhealthy Diets
  Processed meals, sweets, and high-calorie foods are replacing traditional, healthy Indian diets.
• Sedentary Lifestyle
  There is less space for physical activity with screen entertainment, office work, and driving.
• Urbanization
  Cities value convenience over health—convenient fast foods are available, but healthful outdoor places to play are not.
• Stress & Poor Sleep
  Excessive stress and poor sleep compromise the metabolism, resulting in higher cortisol levels and fat storage.
• Genetics & Medical Conditions
  Certain people are genetically predisposed or have conditions such as PCOS or hypothyroidism.

The rise in obesity is a perfect storm of modern life, and reversing it requires both awareness and action.

Health Tips to Fight Obesity

Here are some expert-recommended tips to follow to reduce the risk of obesity and maintain a healthy weight:

• Eat Healthy
  Include whole grains, seasonal vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats in your diet. Stay away from processed foods and junk food.
• Exercise Regularly
  You must perform at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, such as walking, yoga, or swimming.
• Sleep Well
  Getting good quality sleep for at least 7–8 hours daily is essential to support good metabolism.
• Manage your Stress
  Pursue hobbies you enjoy or practice meditation to reduce cases of emotional eating triggered by stress.
• Family Engagement
  Spend family time on fitness activities and meal planning to instill lifelong healthy habits from a young age.

Why Choose Bariatric Surgery?

For individuals with severe obesity, traditional methods may not suffice. Bariatric surgery is a scientifically backed, life-transforming solution for long-term weight loss. Generally, patients with a BMI ≥35 or BMI ≥30 with co-morbidities are considered for surgery after medical assessment.

Obesity Care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Obesity is a serious medical condition that requires attention and specialized treatment. If you are a parent concerned about your child’s increasing weight or an adult seeking medical options to fight obesity, medical help is available. Our Department of Clinical Nutrition Therapy offers specialized weight loss plans to help manage obesity. Additionally, highly trained experts at our Centre for Diabetes & Bariatric Surgery offer obesity treatment in Mumbai. 

Here are some of the common Bariatric Surgeries performed at our hospital:

• Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG)
  This surgery restricts food intake by creating a small stomach sleeve, limiting meal sizes. 
• Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RNYGB)
  This procedure combines restriction and malabsorption, reducing food intake and calorie absorption. 
• Mini Gastric Bypass (MGB)
  is a simpler, restrictive, and malabsorptive procedure compared to RNYGB. Further it is reversible in nature.
• Duodenal Switch Surgery
  Combines a moderately sized stomach pouch with a bypass of part of the small intestine. It allows for larger meals while still promoting weight loss.
• Revisional Bariatric Surgery
  surgery is used for repairing previous weight loss surgeries for better outcomes.
• Endoscopic Intragastric Balloon (EIB)
  is a temporary solution that uses a non-surgical procedure of placing a balloon in the stomach to create a feeling of fullness. 

Whether you need care from a weight loss clinic in Mumbai or seek assistance from an obesity specialist in Mumbai, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital offers multiple options for obesity management. Let’s work together to Make India Fit Again—for ourselves and for future generations.

In today’s fast-paced urban lifestyle, women often find themselves juggling professional goals and personal responsibilities, with little time to prioritize their health. Amid rising fertility concerns in India, one condition has emerged as both common, misdiagnosed and untreated is Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD). According to the Ministry of Science and Technology, the prevalence of PCOS (used interchangeably with PCOD) in India ranges from 3.7% to 22.5%. In certain urban cities this number can be as high as 36% in adolescents. Despite being highly prevalent, PCOD is still surrounded by misinformation. Let us understand more details of this hormonal disorder and explore the options for PCOD treatment in Mumbai.

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What is PCOD?

Polycystic Ovarian Disorder (PCOD) is a hormonal condition that disrupts a woman’s ovaries,
inhibiting the normal formation and release of eggs. This results in ovaries filling with several
immature follicles and an excess production of male hormones (androgens). This results in
conditions like irregular menses, infertility, acne, and excess hair growth.

Common Symptoms of PCOD

Signs and symptoms can start at puberty or become noticed later, particularly with weight gain.
The most frequent signs are:

• Irregular periods or amenorrhea
• Oily skin and acne
• Increased body or facial hair (hirsutism)
• Thinning hair or hair loss on the scalp
• Weight gain or inability to lose weight
• Infertility or an inability to conceive

If you’re experiencing at least two of these symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a specialist. You
can consult some of the best gynecologists for PCOD at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
for a detailed investigation.

What Causes PCOD?

The exact cause of PCOD still remains unknown. However, years of medical research indicate
that some of these factors may contribute to PCOD:

• Genetics
  Family history plays a significant role. If your mother or sister has PCOD, your chances of
  developing it are higher.
• Insulin Resistance
  Up to 70% of women with PCOD have insulin resistance. This means the body struggles to use
  insulin effectively, leading to high blood sugar and excess androgen production.
• Inflammation
  Chronic low-grade inflammation can also trigger androgen production and worsen PCOD
  symptoms.
• Lifestyle
  Urban women are increasingly getting subjected to sedentary lifestyles, irregular diet patterns,
  and stress, all of them contributing to PCOD.

Lifestyle Changes to Manage PCOD

While PCOD does not have a permanent treatment, it can be reversed in many cases with
sustained lifestyle modifications:

• Weight Management
  Excess weight can have a negative effect on your hormones. Maintain a healthy weight to regulate your hormones and restore ovulation.
• Balanced Diet
  Focus on high-fiber foods, lean protein, healthy fats, and whole grains.
• Exercise Regularly
  You must regularly practice at least 30 minutes of physical activity—HIIT, cardio, yoga, or strength training—most days of the week.
• Sleep Well
  You must create a healthy sleep routine and get atleast 7 to 8 hours of good quality sleep daily.
• Stress Reduction
  Learn to cope with daily stress by including yoga, meditation or any other relaxation technique.

The Role of Diet in PCOD Management

Are you finding a PCOD-friendly diet? You must focus on eating whole foods, stay away from
processed foods and create a diet plan that includes low glycemic index carbohydrates, and
anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Foods to Eat:

• Leafy greens like spinach and kale
• Whole grains and legumes
• Low-fat dairy
• Nuts and seeds
• Omega-3 rich fish like salmon

Foods to Avoid:

• Refined sugar
• Processed foods
• Deep-fried or fatty meals

Exercise Recommendations

Choose a combination of:

• Cardio (walking, cycling)
• Strength training (to improve insulin sensitivity)
• Mind-body exercises (yoga, pilates) for hormonal balance

Treatment for PCOD

If lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough, medical intervention is available. PCOD treatment doctors in Mumbai offer a range of options tailored to individual needs. This includes the use of certain medications in most cases to manage the condition. If medications don’t help, some surgical options may be considered.

PCOD Care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

While there is no permanent treatment for PCOD, this hormonal disorder is manageable with early medical intervention. Care includes lifestyle changes, better dietary habits and certain medications. Consistent care can help women with PCOD lead more fulfilling lives. If you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms, don’t delay seeking medical care.

Our Department of Gynaecology & Obstetrics is a beacon of hope for women facing PCOD. Our experienced team of specialists offers comprehensive care, from diagnosis to treatment, using the latest medical advancements. We provide personalized treatment plans, including lifestyle guidance and medication, to help get relief, improve fertility and your quality of life. Do not hesitate to seek medical care for PCOD symptoms. An experienced team of gynaecologists at one of the leading gynaecology hospitals in Mumbai, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital helps guide you with personalized care for PCOD.

Cases of Alzheimer’s disease in India are increasing! According to a 2023 medical report, approximately 88 lakh Indians—7.4% of adults aged 60 and above—are living with dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, and its numbers are steadily rising. This neurological condition can have devastating effects of Alzheimer’s disease on your cognitive health. Understanding how this disease affects the brain is critical for early detection, timely intervention, and compassionate care for Alzheimer’s treatment in Mumbai.

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What is Alzheimer’s Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a degenerative neurological disorder that mainly involves memory, thinking, behavior, and the capacity to perform daily activities. It is not a normal aspect of aging but a brain disorder due to abnormal changes in the brain. These changes damage cognitive functions over time and may impact all areas of an individual’s personality and life. Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, reputed as one of the best Alzheimer’s hospitals in Mumbai, helps provide multidisciplinary care for this condition.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease

Symptoms typically develop slowly and worsen over time. Early signs may include:

• Difficulty remembering names, places, or conversations
• Confusion with time or place
• Trouble organizing thoughts or following plans
• Withdrawal from social or work activities
• Changes in mood, personality, or behavior

As the disease progresses, individuals may require help with daily activities such as dressing, eating, or using the restroom. Reach out to the best doctor for Alzheimer’s treatment in Mumbai at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital for further assistance.

Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

The disease typically progresses through the following stages:

• Preclinical Stage
  No visible symptoms, but brain changes are underway
• Mild/Early Stage
  Minor memory loss and confusion
• Moderate Stage
  Greater cognitive decline, personality changes, and assistance required
• Severe/Late Stage
  Complete dependence on caregivers, loss of verbal communication, and physical decline

Understanding these stages helps families and physicians plan care more effectively.

How Alzheimer’s Affects the Brain

Alzheimer’s disease gets in the way of the brain’s structure in very precise ways. Here’s an explanation of how various components of the brain are affected:

Limbic System

An area that gets affected first, it is involved in memory and emotion. Damage to this area could result in:

• Forgetting where things are
• Paranoia or suspicion
• Mood disturbances like anxiety or depression

Hippocampus and Temporal Lobes

These areas deal with short-term memory and learning. When these get compromised, patients suffer from:

• Trouble remembering recent events
• Frustration in identifying familiar people or locations
• Loss of verbal memory and vocabulary

Frontal Lobe

Decision-making, planning, and social behavior are its functions. Damage is likely to result in:

• Apathy or lack of interest in things
• Social withdrawal
• Repetitive actions

Parietal Lobes

Spatial orientation and sequencing activities are their functions. Damage at this site may result in:

• Problem with language and mathematics
• Growing easily lost
• Problems with executing hard activities such as driving or managing finance

Occipital Lobe

Despite not being directly affected, areas around visual processing can be impaired, leading to:

• Loss of depth perception
• Inability to interpret visual cues

These brain structural changes account for why Alzheimer’s manifests as a blend of cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and physical deficits.

Alzheimer’s Treatment at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

There is no treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, but medication and other treatments can control symptoms and enhance quality of life. If you or someone you know experiences any of the warning signs, get a medical checkup right away. Early diagnosis enables improved management of symptoms, access to therapies, and care planning for the future.

Our Centre for Neurosciences has a specialist Alzheimer’s and Memory Clinic for people with neurological problems. We offer a comprehensive screening and care program for Alzheimer’s disease and other memory disorders, including neurology consultation, physical and cognitive rehabilitation, and psychotherapy. Our team also provides family counseling services to support patients and their loved ones with long-term home care.

Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t just affect memory—it impacts the entire essence of a person. Reach out to Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, the best hospital for Alzheimer’s disease in India for long-term care that can make a difference.

Cataracts are one of the most common causes of vision loss globally. With changing lifestyles where visual needs are high, cataracts can interfere with both professional and personal life. Cataract is known as the leading cause of blindness and visual impairment in India, particularly among those aged 50 and older. Understanding when cataract surgery is necessary—and when it’s best to proceed—can help you maintain an active and independent lifestyle.

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What is a Cataract?

A cataract is a progressive clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which lies behind the iris. Over time or because of other medical factors, this transparent lens becomes cloudy, cutting down the light reaching the retina. It could result in blurred vision, contrast sensitivity, and more glare to cause extensive loss of vision over the course of time.

Signs of Cataract

Cataracts develop slowly, and early stages may go unnoticed. However, key symptoms to watch for include:

• Halos around lights
• Blurry or cloudy vision
• Increased glare, especially at night
• Fading of colours, or a yellowish tinge
• Difficulty with reading, driving, or recognizing faces
• Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription

When these symptoms begin to interfere with daily life, it is time to consider your options.

Health Risks of Delay

Delaying necessary cataract surgery can result in more than just poor vision. As cataracts advance:

• There is greater risk for falls and injury, particularly in older people
• Severe loss of vision can hinder independence
• In some conditions like glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy, postponing surgery can cause other eye illnesses to become worse
• Night driving can be hazardous with glare and halos

Although temporary solutions such as more powerful glasses or improved lighting might be helpful at first, these are not permanent solutions. Delaying surgery is not advisable.

What is the Right Time for Cataract Surgery?

There is no one-size-fits-all timeline for cataract surgery. The decision should be personalised, based on your lifestyle and how much the cataract affects your vision.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Am I struggling with work tasks, reading, driving, or household chores?
• Do I feel unsafe or uncomfortable walking outdoors or driving at night?
• Have I stopped enjoying hobbies like reading, sports, or socializing due to poor vision?

The best person to make this decision for you is an experienced eye specialist. Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, reputed as one of the best eye hospitals in Mumbai for cataract surgery offers advanced techniques with excellent outcomes. In certain cases, when patients have glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy—early surgery may be recommended even before cataracts reach an advanced stage.

Considerations Before a Cataract Surgery

If you are preparing for cataract surgery in India, here are some factors to consider:

• General health
  Your eye specialist will check for co-existing health issues (such as diabetes or high blood pressure) prior to surgery.
• Lens selection
  There are a number of intraocular lens (IOL) varieties available, including monofocal, multifocal, and toric lenses. Having the correct IOL is important to maximize visual results.
• Post-operative recovery
  Although contemporary cataract surgery is rapid—typically lasting 10-15 minutes—adhering to post-surgery instructions ensures easy recovery.
• Lifestyle goals
  If freedom from glasses or enhanced nighttime driving vision is your goal, advise your surgeon of these desires.

Healing is usually brief, with most patients seeing clearly in a few weeks. Adhering to medication, protective eyewear, and activity limitations under the recommendation of your doctor can lead to optimal outcomes.

Cataract Surgery at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

Is cataract affecting your daily life? Then it may be time to seek the best doctor for cataract surgery in Mumbai and take the next step toward better vision. Discover world-class cataract care with cutting-edge techniques at our Department of Ophthalmology. Cataract surgery is a highly successful procedure (95-98% success rate) and our team offers comprehensive cataract solutions using advanced technologies and techniques. These include:

• Phacoemulsification (Stitch-free Surgery):
  Minimally invasive, quick recovery with state-of-the-art Centurion Vision System.
• Lens Star & Specular Microscopy:
  For precise IOL (Intraocular Lens) calculation and corneal health check.
• Monofocal IOL:
  Corrects distance vision; reading glasses usually needed.
• Monofocal Aspheric IOL:
  Enhanced contrast, sharper vision, improved night vision.
• Toric IOL:
  Corrects astigmatism (cylindrical number).
• Multifocal IOL (Restore/Tecnis):
  Reduces dependence on glasses for both distance and near vision.
• EDOF Symfony IOL:
  Extended range of clear vision with minimal glare or halos.
• Prelex (Presbyopic Lens Exchange):
  Removes need for both distance and reading glasses in patients over 45.
• Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL):
  For high myopia/hyperopia; provides excellent vision correction.

Reach out to highly experienced eye specialists and eye surgeons at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital for the best cataract surgery in Mumbai. Delaying surgery can lead to unnecessary risks, while a well-timed procedure provides not just clear vision but renewed independence. Experience personalized care and exceptional cataract outcomes with us.