Nourishing Women's Digestive Health

As we mark World Digestive Health Day, the prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders has become a growing concern, with potential links to cancer. Shedding light on this issue, renowned experts emphasize the need for women to prioritize their digestive health. Dr. Shine Sadasivan, head of the gastroenterology department at Amrita Hospital, highlights the alarming rise in gastrointestinal cases, attributing it to sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary habits.

Dr. Ismayil Siyad, senior consultant and head of the gastroenterology department at Aster Medcity, adds that heightened awareness, increased testing, and longer lifespans may also contribute to the surge in cases. Addressing this concerning trend, healthcare professionals advocate for lifestyle changes and balanced diets as crucial preventive measures. Dr. Shine emphasizes that diet significantly impacts our well-being, explaining that unhealthy eating habits disrupt the balance between beneficial and harmful gut bacteria, leading to a range of intestinal ailments.

According to Dr. Ismayil, gastrointestinal diseases can stem from various causes such as genetics, environmental factors, and lifestyle changes. To mitigate these risks, cultivating a healthy lifestyle becomes paramount. Dr. Siyad highlights that gastrointestinal diseases often arise from changes in gut health throughout one’s lifetime, underscoring the importance of maintaining a healthy digestive system.

Inflammatory diseases, including obesity and fatty liver, stand out as prevalent ailments within our society. Dr. Shine emphasizes the growing incidence of inflammatory bowel diseases, primarily affecting individuals aged 20 to 40. He attributes this rise to processed foods, high-fat, low-fibre diets, and unnecessary antibiotic consumption. Furthermore, he warns that sedentary lifestyles and diets rich in fatty foods contribute to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and even liver cancer.

Dr. Siyad advises simple yet impactful steps to protect digestive health, such as avoiding junk foods, reducing antibiotic use, and minimizing the intake of unsaturated fats and synthetic food items. Awareness campaigns play a crucial role in informing individuals about the risks associated with an imbalanced diet and unhealthy lifestyle. These initiatives can encourage regular testing and diagnosis of digestive disorders.

In light of these expert insights, here are some practical tips to prevent digestive and intestinal issues:

Adopt a well-balanced diet with reduced calorie intake.
Engage in regular exercise, dedicating 30 to 45 minutes daily, at least five days a week.
Decrease sugar consumption by at least 10%.
Limit alcohol intake.
Avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics.

By implementing these measures, women can take charge of their digestive health and pave the way for a vibrant and fulfilling life.

Re-Reported from the story originally published in New Indian Express.