Health

A team of US researchers has found that the Mediterranean diet may provide symptom relief for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Irritable bowel syndrome affects an estimated 4-11 per cent of all people, and a majority of patients prefer dietary interventions to medication. The low FODMAP diet leads to symptom improvement in more than half of patients, but is restrictive and hard to follow. Previous investigations from Michigan Medicine researchers in the US into more accessible alternative diets led to a proposed “FODMAP simple,” which attempted to only restrict the food groups in the FODMAP acronym that are most likely to cause symptoms. In the new study published in the journal Neurogastroenterology & Motility, participants were randomised into two groups, one following...

A night owl — or an evening person with a late sleep-wake cycle — could be at a higher risk of cognitive decline with age compared to an early bird or a morning person, a study has found. Chronotype refers to one`s sleep-wake type or times during the day when one naturally tends to be awake and asleep. A `night owl` chronotype is said to have a later sleep-wake cycle, compared to an `early bird` or a `lark`. "Are you an early bird or a night owl? It`s hard to adjust what your biological clock — your so-called chronotype — is, but you can adjust your life to it as best you can," study author Ana Wenzler, from the University Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands, said. Analysing the performance of about 23,800 participants on a cognitive test over a period of 10 years, the study found...

Even though smoking`s detrimental effects on general health are well known, many of us continue to underestimate how much of an impact it has on our oral health, which is often subtle.  Apart from the known risks to your heart and lungs, smoking tobacco can silently and rapidly accelerate a number of crippling dental issues. The repercussions go far beyond appearances, ranging from disfigured teeth and persistent foul breath to severe gum disease, substantial tooth loss, and even increased risks of oral cancer. On World No Tobacco Day, observed on May 31, Dr Shivangi Sharma, consultant- dentistry at Nanavati Max Hospital, Mumbai, and Dr Shobhit Raizada, consultant - maxillofacial prosthodontist and oral implantologist at Manipal Hospital, Goa highlight the frequently overlooked oral heal...

Urgent action is needed to ban flavoured tobacco, nicotine products that are increasingly being disguised as safer alternatives and deliberately targeted at children and adolescents, said the World Health Organization (WHO) on May 30, ahead of World No Tobacco Day.  World No Tobacco Day is observed every year on May 31. The theme this year "Bright products. Dark intentions. Unmasking the Appeal" sheds light on the concealed risks of tobacco products that are made to look attractive through enticing flavours, eye-catching packaging, influencer endorsements on social media, and misleading health claims. The WHO called on governments to urgently ban all flavours in tobacco and nicotine products, including cigarettes, pouches, hookahs, and e-cigarettes, to protect youth from addiction and di...

Conversations about women`s health have come a long way. While they were earlier in hushed whispers, today, discussions about menstruation among other subjects previously considered ‘taboo’ are commonplace due to social media. However, there is still a lot more to know about the health risks periods may pose if proper hygiene practices are not followed. Every year, Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed on May 28 to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining menstrual hygiene and advocating for access to safe period products and sanitation facilities. Besides the social stigma that is still associated with periods in some regions, accompanying physiological effects and other potential health issues related to the process may affect menstruators both physically and mentally. Potentia...

Central body fat, especially around the abdomen, is more strongly linked to psoriasis risk than total body fat, particularly in women, according to a study on Tuesday, reinforcing the role of weight management in psoriasis care. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can have a significant impact on quality of life. Many individuals with psoriasis also have elevated levels of body fat. While it is well established that increasing levels of body fat raise the risk of developing psoriasis, the impact of specific fat distribution and genetics remains unclear. Researchers from King’s College London, UK stated that the link between central fat and psoriasis remained consistent regardless of genetic predisposition, indicating that abdominal fat is an independent risk factor. ...

Even as Mumbai`s monsoon season is underway, the importance of eating the right foods is also necessary because it can also prevent food poisoning.  During this time, it is also important to strengthen one`s immunity to be able to fight off any seasonal illnesses that affect people during these months. The easiest way to do that is by indulging in immunity-boosting foods.  Vedika Premani, clinical dietician at sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, explains, "While no single food can prevent or cure infections, incorporating certain nutrient-rich foods into your diet can significantly strengthen your immune system. A well-balanced diet, complemented by powerful superfoods, supports the body’s natural defense mechanisms. For instance, turmeric contains curcumin, a potent immune boosting com...

The recent directive by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to install "Sugar Boards" in schools is an essential public health measure that also aligns with global nutrition goals, said health experts on Tuesday. Amid increasing cases of diabetes and obesity among young children, the CBSE, last week, instructed over 24,000 affiliated schools across India to establish sugar boards. The Sugar Boards will provide essential information, including recommended sugar intake, the sugar content in commonly consumed foods (such as junk food and cold drinks), health risks associated with high sugar consumption, and healthier dietary alternatives. “This initiative educates children about the dangers of excessive sugar consumption, which is a major contributor to childhood obesity and Ty...

At a time when Covid is on the rise again, almost five years after it first shook the world, it is important to find hope in daily medical miracles that are occurring around us. While they are happening around India, there are some that are happening within Mumbai, and definitely offer a ray of hope to all those suffering from illnesses, and even their families, as they navigate lives around them. A 20-year-old boy regains ability to eat, breathe, and swallow after two yearsA team of expert doctors in Mumbai, including Dr Roy Patankar, city-based gastroenterologist, GI, and robotic surgeon at Zen Multi Specialty Hospital, along with Dr Tanveer Majid, onco surgeon, Dr Pramod Kale, chief anaesthetist, and Dr Vikas Nair, anaesthetist, successfully restored a 20-year-old boy’s ability to eat...

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), an endocrine disorder in women, may have an effect on focused and divided attention, according to a study by researchers at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay. The study, published in the open-access journal BioPsychoSocial Medicine, focuses on the impact of PCOS on attention, which forms the precursor for cognitive processing. While focused attention is essential for focusing on relevant information and filtering out irrelevant stimuli, divided attention helps handle and respond to multiple tasks simultaneously. PCOS presents symptoms like irregular or absent period, polycystic ovaries, and increased levels of male hormone (androgen). While the physical impact of the condition is known, its mental effects are comparatively less explored. Thro...