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Vitamin D Foods and its Benefits | CK Birla Hospital
Sep 22, 2023|Ms. Deepali Sharma

Vitamin D Foods and its Benefits | CK Birla Hospital

With the change in work patterns and increased time spent indoors a big lifestyle related vitamin deficiency prevalent in our society is the deficiency of Vitamin D. Which is why now more than ever it is vital to understand why this is important for us. 

Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble secosteroids responsible for increasing intestinal absorption of phosphate, magnesium and calcium and many other biological effects. The most important compounds in this group are vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 for humans.

Vitamin D impacts many functions related to the body, which includes bone health. When exposed to sunlight, our bodies produce vitamin D but getting it this way is hard. Vitamin D from supplements or food is best. Foods, including mushrooms, egg yolks and certain fish contain vitamin D. 

Most people don’t get enough vitamin D and it is estimated that 80% of adults in India have vitamin D deficiency. Research suggests that low vitamin D levels might be a risk factor for autoimmune diseases. Changing your diet may help prevent or reduce vitamin D deficiency. Whether you need a vitamin D supplement in addition to sun exposure and food is a question to ask your doctor and they can also check if you are deficient or not. 

What is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is both a hormone our bodies make and a nutrient we eat. It is a fat-soluble vitamin that has long been known to help the body retain and absorb phosphorus and calcium; both are critical for building bones. 

Laboratory studies also show that vitamin D can reduce inflammation, help control infections and reduce cancer cell growth. 

Few foods contain vitamin D naturally, but some foods are fortified with vitamin D. Because it’s difficult to get enough vitamin D from foods like vegetables, supplements are the best way to get enough vitamin D for most people. 

Vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 are the 2 types of vitamin supplements. Both of these are natural forms that are produced in the presence of UVB (ultraviolet B) rays, hence the nickname “sun vitamins.” However, D2 is produced by plants and fungi, and D3 is produced by animals, including humans. 

The predominant natural supply of vitamin D is its production inside the skin. However, many people are deficient in vitamin D, either because they live in areas where the sun doesn’t shine in the winter, or because they spend limited time in the sun because they’re indoors. Darker-skinned people also tend to have lower levels of vitamin D in their blood because the pigment (melanin) acts like a shadow and reduces vitamin D production (and reduces harmful effects on skin by sunlight, including skin cancer).

What should be the Daily Dosage of Vitamin D?

The daily amount needed to maintain normal calcium metabolism and healthy bones in healthy people is provided by the Recommended Dietary Allowance for vitamin D. 

For adults who are 19 years of age and older, it is 15 mcg daily; for women and men who are older than 70 years of age, it is 20 mcg daily. 

The maximum daily intake unlikely to cause harmful effects on health is known as  Tolerable Upper Intake Level. It is 100 mcg of vitamin D for children and adults who are 9 years of age and above. 

What are the Sources of Vitamin D?

Vitamin D comes from two primary sources:

Food Sources

Certain foods are naturally rich in vitamin D3. The best sources are fish liver oils and the flesh of fatty fish. Smaller amounts are found in cheese and egg yolks. Certain mushrooms contain vitamin D2. Additionally, some commercially available mushrooms contain higher levels of D2 due to intentional exposure to high levels of UV light. Many supplements and foods are fortified with vitamin D like cereals and dairy products. Some other food sources are:

  • Fortified cereals
  • Egg yolk
  • Plant and dairy milk fortified with vitamin D
  • Orange juice fortified with vitamin D
  • Cod liver oil

Ultraviolet Light

When the sun’s UVB radiation (tanning rays) breaks down the steroid 7-dehydrocholesterol, a chemical process occurs in human skin that produces vitamin D3. Vitamin intake varies greatly. The following conditions reduce exposure to UVB light and reduce vitamin D absorption:

  • Using sunscreen. Proper application of sunscreen reduces vitamin D absorption by more than 90%
  • Wearing full clothing that covers the skin.
  • Spending limited time outdoors.
  • Due to the high levels of melanin pigment in darker skin tones, it acts as a type of natural sunscreen.
  • As we age, our 7-dehydrocholesterol levels drop, skin changes become more noticeable, and we are more likely to spend more time indoors.

Also Read: Benefits of Taking Fish Oil

Which Foods are Rich in Vitamin D?

Here are some healthy foods which are high in vitamin D:

1. Cod Liver Oil

  • This is a popular supplement. Taking cod liver oil is another way to get nutrients if you don’t like fish.
  • At about 4.9 mL, it offers a massive 56% of the daily value. Treatment for a vitamin D-deficient person with this method dates back many years. Additionally, it has a history of usage in the management of rickets, psoriasis, and TB. 
  • With 150% of the recommended daily intake in only 4.9 mL, cod liver oil is also particularly rich in vitamin A. In excess, vitamin A can be hazardous. The safe upper limit for vitamin A is 3,000 mcg. The amount of vitamin A in a teaspoon (4.9 mL) of cod liver oil is 1,350 mcg. 
  • Make sure that you aren’t exceeding the upper limit with any vitamin A supplements or cod liver oil.
  • Additionally, cod liver oil is also high in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s may play a role in reducing inflammation in the body and heart health. Cod liver oil is another source of these fatty acids along with fatty fish. It can be hard to get enough omega-3 in your diet if you don’t eat fish. 

2. Egg Yolks

  • Whole eggs are a wonderfully nutritious food and another good source of vitamin D. 
  • Most of the protein in an egg is found in the white and the minerals, vitamins and fat are found mostly in the yolk.
  • The yolk from one large egg contains 5% of the daily value of vitamin D.
  • Some factors affect the vitamin D level of egg yolks. Exposing liquid yolk to UV light, the vitamin D content of the chicken feed and the sun exposure for the chicken increases vitamin D in the egg.    
  • Eggs from hens grown in the sunshine and on pasture have levels that are three to four times higher.  
  • Choosing eggs marketed high in vitamin D or from chickens raised outside can be a great way to meet your daily requirements.

3. Mushrooms

  • Mushrooms are the only sufficient non-animal source of vitamin D besides fortified foods. 
  • Mushrooms can synthesise vitamin D when exposed to ultraviolet light like humans. 
  • Animals produce vitamin D3, however, mushrooms produce vitamin D2. Vitamin D2 helps increase blood levels of vitamin D, but it may not be as effective as vitamin D3. 
  • One cup of mushrooms contains vitamin D which is roughly 17% of the daily value, depending on the type of mushroom. 

4. Cow’s Milk

  • Cow’s milk is a naturally good source of many nutrients, including riboflavin, phosphorus and calcium. 
  • In several nations, cow’s milk is vitamin D-fortified. Usually, one cup of fortified cow’s milk contains vitamin D which is about 15% of the daily value. 

5. Soy Milk

  • Vegans and vegetarians may find it difficult to get enough vitamin D as it is exclusively found in animal products. 
  • For this reason, plant-based milk substitutes like soy milk are normally fortified with vitamin D, along with other nutrients typically found in cow’s milk.
  • The amount can vary depending on the brand. One cup contains vitamin D which is around 13–15% of the daily value.

6. Orange Juice 

  • Around 2% of people worldwide have a milk allergy and around 65% of people are lactose intolerant. 
  • For this reason, some companies fortify orange juice with nutrients (like calcium) and vitamin D. With breakfast, one cup of this fortified fruit juice can provide you with 12% of your recommended daily intake of vitamin D. 

7. Oatmeal and Cereal

  • Cereals are another food that might be fortified with vitamin D. 
  • One cup of fortified wheat bran flakes contains vitamin D equivalent to 18% of the daily value. One cup of fortified crisp rice cereal has vitamin D equal to 11% of the daily value.  
  • An important thing to consider is that not all cereals contain vitamin D. It is smart to check the nutrition label to ascertain how much vitamin D is in the product. Despite having less vitamin D than many natural sources, fortified oatmeal and cereals can still be a useful method to increase your consumption. 

What are the Benefits of Vitamin D Foods?

Vitamin D has numerous functions and roles, which include the following:

1. Bone Maintenance

  • Vitamin D regulates the circulating levels of phosphorus and calcium, which are the most important minerals for bone maintenance and growth. It encourages your body to absorb these elements from your food.

2. Immune System Regulation

  • It also strengthens and regulates your immune system function. 
  • Vitamin D supplements might also reduce the risk of respiratory tract infections and help to prolong people’s lives, especially older adults living in care facilities or those who are hospitalised.  

Conclusion

Vitamin D is an essential element required for bone health. To include it in sufficient quantities in your daily diet list, it is advisable to seek medical help from an experienced dietitian. Timely care and help can ensure a vitamin D-rich diet which is appropriate to your body’s requirements. 

At the CK Birla Hospital, we ensure patients get holistic medical support which includes treatment in a compassionate environment. This patient-centric approach not only helps patients heal better but also ensures they are aware of the preventive measures as well. In case you need to consult a dietitian, reach out to us, or book a direct appointment with Ms. Prachi Jain at the CK Birla Hospital.

FAQs

How much Vitamin D must One take Daily?

The recommended daily amount of vitamin D is 800 IU (international units) for people over 70 years, 600 IU for people aged 1 to 70 years and 400 IU for children up to age 12 months. 

What Happens when Your Vitamin D is Low?

Low vitamin D levels result in an increased risk of muscle weakness, muscle pain, bone fractures and bone pain. Severe vitamin D deficiency in older adults might also contribute to an increased risk of falls.

Why is My Vitamin D Low?

There can be numerous causes of vitamin D levels being low, including insufficient exposure to sunlight, darker skin pigment, malnutrition, certain medications and genetics. 

Suffering From Scalp Ringworm (Tinea Capitis) In Summer? Know Its Treatment & Prevention

Suffering From Scalp Ringworm (Tinea Capitis) In Summer? Know Its Treatment & Prevention

Scalp ringworm is a fungal infection on the scalp which can cause itchy bald spots. It is also called Tinea capitis and this infection affects the hair shafts and scalp, causing small patches of scaly, itchy skin. Some common symptoms include focal areas of scaling and itching, loss of hair, red papules and localised pustules. 

It is a highly contagious infection which usually spreads through sharing pillows, hats, towels and combs or by person-to-person contact. Although it can infect a person of any age, it is most common in children than adults.

When the scalp ringworm appears on the face, extremities or trunk of a person, it causes a bright red ring-shaped rash. The other areas of the body that ringworm typically affects are the groin, feet, hands and toenails. Doctors can identify tinea capitis by running a fungal culture on a sample of the affected hair in the beginning, reviewing a person’s symptoms and performing a physical examination. Medicated shampoos may prevent a person-to-person spread of infection and the fungus that causes ringworm on the scalp can be killed by taking oral medication.

What is a Scalp Ringworm?

Scalp ringworm is an infection which is the result of a fungus which develops on a person’s scalp. It isn’t caused by a worm, contrary to what the name might suggest and is contagious. It usually spreads from person to person, person to animal and person to object and occurs mostly during the summer months. The scalp ringworm leads to the formation of scaly, red and round rashes that may itch. 

What are the Types of Scalp Ringworms?

Clinical features vary according to the extent of the inflammatory host response, the type of hair invasion and the species of dermatophyte. Partial hair loss with some inflammation is a common characteristic of all types.

Tinea capitis clinical features are categorised into inflammatory and non-inflammatory variants, such as:

Inflammatory Variants

Kerion

It is caused by a zoophilic species and may result in permanent alopecia. A delayed immune response to the fungus results in a severe inflammatory reaction. 

Favus

T. schoenleinii causes this rare chronic inflammatory infection. It is characterised by yellow-crusted cup-shaped lesions (scutula) around the base of the hairs and matted hair.

Diffuse Pustular

It is a patchy alopecia with associated folliculitis or pustules.

Non-inflammatory variants

Black Dot

Patches of alopecia with fine scaling which appear speckled with black dots. The dots are hair shafts which are broken, secondary to endothrix infection.

Diffuse Scale

It resembles generalised dandruff; alopecia is absent or subtle.

Grey Patch

Patches of alopecia and fine scaling of the scalp, which has spores coating the affected hairs making it appear grey. 

Also Read- Suffering From Tinea Cruris Or Jock Itch: Treatment & Prevention

What are the Causes of Scalp Ringworm?

Dermatophytes are the fungi which cause ringworm on the scalp.  Fungi are organisms that thrive on dead tissue, such as the outer layers of the skin, hair, and fingernails. Dermatophytes thrive on sweaty skin as they prefer moisture and warmth. Poor hygiene and overcrowding increase the spread of ringworm.

Scalp ringworm spreads easily among children especially. The other ways of transmission are:

  • By touching the skin of someone with the infection.
  • Using the objects, bedding and combs of an infected person, increases the risk.
  • House pets like dogs and cats and farm animals like pigs, horses, cows and goats can also be carriers, although they might not show any signs of infection. 

What are the Symptoms of Scalp Ringworm?

Itchy patches on the scalp are the most common symptom of ringworm. The scalp will develop bald spots, red areas and a scaly texture as a result of sections of hair breaking off and black dots appearing where the hair breaks off. These areas can gradually spread and grow if left untreated. 

Other symptoms include:

  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Low-grade fever
  • Painful scalp
  • Brittle hair
  • Crusty swellings are called kerion in severe cases, which drain pus. These can lead to permanent scarring and bald spots.

What is the Treatment of Scalp Ringworm?

Medicated shampoo and fungi-killing oral medication are what a doctor will probably prescribe. 

Antifungal Medication

Terbinafine hydrochloride and griseofulvin are the leading antifungal medications for ringworm. Both oral medications are to be taken for approximately six weeks. Your doctor may recommend taking these medications with high-fat food such as ice cream or peanut butter. 

Medicated Shampoo

To prevent the spread of infection and to remove fungus, your doctor may prescribe a medicated shampoo. The shampoo contains selenium sulfide or the active antifungal ingredient ketoconazole. 

Medicated shampoo doesn’t kill ringworm but it helps prevent the fungus from spreading. This type of treatment must be combined with an oral medication. This shampoo may be prescribed by your doctor a couple of times per week for a month. Leave the shampoo on for five minutes, then rinse your hair. 

Conclusion

Scalp ringworm is an infection which causes issues in the scalp which usually don’t disappear on their own. It is highly contagious and may easily spread to your friends, family, colleagues etc. So it is always advisable to seek medical help from an experienced dermatologist. This is a disease that can leave a permanent emotional scar that can substantially reduce confidence levels.  

At the CK Birla Hospital, we ensure patients get holistic medical support which includes treatment in a compassionate environment. This patient-centric approach not only helps patients heal better but also ensures they are aware of the preventive measures as well. In case you need to consult a dermatologist, do reach out to us, or book a direct appointment with Dr. Seema Oberoi Lall at the CK Birla Hospital.

FAQ’s

Is Ringworm on the Scalp Serious?

Scalp ringworm is an infection which is not fatal, however, if left untreated can grow and spread across the scalp of a person, resulting in loss of hair in some cases.

Will the Scalp Ringworm go Away by itself?

Tinea capitis or ringworm of the scalp doesn’t normally go away on its own and needs to be treated to remove the fungus and to stop the further spread of the infection.

What Kills Ringworm on the Scalp?

Oral medications which contain griseofulvin and terbinafine hydrochloride are generally prescribed by doctors for about 6 weeks to get rid of the scalp ringworm.

Can coconut oil cure scalp ringworm? 

Coconut oil is effective in treating mild cases of scalp ringworm due to its moisturising and antifungal qualities. It’s even better than prescription medications or OTC treatments as it normally has less risk of side effects. 

नाभि खिसकने के घरेलू उपाय
Sep 20, 2023|Dr. Vikas Jindal

नाभि खिसकने के घरेलू उपाय

नाभि को बेली बटन के नाम से भी जाना जाता है, वास्तव में यह अपने आप अपनी जगह से खसकती या फिसलती नहीं है। यह एक निश्चित शारीरिक विशेषता है जो भ्रूण के विकास के दौरान बनती है और व्यक्ति के जीवन भर स्थिर स्थिति में रहती है। हालाँकि, कुछ परिस्थितियों में लोगों को ऐसा महसूस हो सकता है जैसे कि उनकी नाभि हिल गई है या अपनी जगह से खिसक गई है।

इस धारणा का एक संभावित कारण शरीर के आकार या वजन में बदलाव है। जब कोई व्यक्ति महत्वपूर्ण मात्रा में वजन बढ़ाता या घटाता है, तो पेट क्षेत्र में वसा और ऊतकों का वितरण बदल सकता है, जिससे नाभि की उपस्थिति और स्थिति बदल जाती है। उदाहरण के लिए, वजन बढ़ने से पेट बाहर निकल सकता है, जिससे नाभि नीचे या “हिली हुई” दिखाई दे सकती है। इसके विपरीत, वजन घटाने से पेट सपाट हो सकता है, जिससे नाभि ऊंची या अलग स्थिति में दिखाई देती है।

एक अन्य कारक जो खिसकी हुई नाभि की धारणा में योगदान कर सकता है वह है कुछ चिकित्सीय स्थितियों या सर्जिकल हस्तक्षेप की उपस्थिति। पेट की सर्जरी, जैसे एब्डोमिनोप्लास्टी (टमी टक), नाभि की स्थिति को बदल सकती है। इसके अतिरिक्त, नाभि हर्निया जैसी स्थितियां, जहां नाभि के पास एक कमजोर स्थान के माध्यम से पेट की सामग्री बाहर निकलती है, नाभि विकृत या विस्थापित दिखाई दे सकती है। 

खुद में नाभि ऊपर खिसकने के लक्षण अनुभव करने पर या बार बार नाभि खिसकने का कारण जानने के लिए आपको जल्द से जल्द डॉक्टर से मिलना चाहिए। इस ब्लॉग में हम नाभि खिसकने के कारण, नाभि खिसकने के नुकसान, नाभि खिसकने से होने वाले रोग और नाभि खिसकने के घरेलू उपाय के बारे में विस्तार से जानने की कोशिश करेंगे।

नाभि को अपनी जगह पर कैसे लाएं?

यदि आपको लगता है कि आपकी नाभि खिसक गई है या अपनी जगह से हट गई है, तो यह ध्यान रखना महत्वपूर्ण है कि आप शारीरिक रूप से इसे अपनी मूल स्थिति में “वापस” नहीं ला सकते हैं। नाभि की स्थिति आपकी शारीरिक रचना द्वारा निर्धारित होती है और इसे चिकित्सकीय हस्तक्षेप के बिना आसानी से नहीं बदला जा सकता है।

हालाँकि, ऐसी कुछ स्थितियाँ हैं जिन्हें संबोधित करने के लिए चिकित्सा उपचार आवश्यक हो सकता है जो नाभि की उपस्थिति या स्थिति को प्रभावित कर सकते हैं जैसे कि:

अम्बिलिकल हर्निया

यदि आपको अम्बिलिकल हर्निया है, जहां पेट की मांसपेशी नाभि के पास एक कमजोर स्थान से बाहर निकलती है, तो आपको हर्निया को ठीक करने के लिए सर्जरी की आवश्यकता हो सकती है। सर्जरी में पेट की दीवार को मजबूत करना और अंगों या ऊतकों को उनकी उचित स्थिति में वापस लाना शामिल है।

एब्डोमिनोप्लास्टी

एब्डोमिनोप्लास्टी, जिसे आमतौर पर टमी टक के रूप में जाना जाता है, एक शल्य चिकित्सा प्रक्रिया है जिसमें पेट से अतिरिक्त त्वचा और वसा को निकालना शामिल है। इस प्रक्रिया में, अधिक सौंदर्यपूर्ण रूप से सुखदायक परिणाम प्राप्त करने के लिए नाभि को दोबारा स्थापित करने की आवश्यकता हो सकती है। यह प्रक्रिया किसी योग्य प्लास्टिक सर्जन द्वारा की जानी चाहिए।

यदि आप अपनी नाभि की उपस्थिति या स्थिति के बारे में चिंतित हैं, तो सामान्य सर्जन या प्लास्टिक सर्जन जैसे विशेषज्ञ से परामर्श करना सबसे अच्छा है। वे आपकी विशिष्ट स्थिति का मूल्यांकन कर सकते हैं, सटीक निदान प्रदान कर सकते हैं और यदि आवश्यक हो तो उचित उपचार विकल्पों पर चर्चा कर सकते हैं।

Also Read: पेट साफ करने के घरेलू उपाय ( Pet Saaf Karne Ke Upay)

नाभि खिसकने से क्या क्या दिक्कत होती है?

यह ध्यान रखना महत्वपूर्ण है कि नाभि का वास्तविक रूप से खिसकना या हिलना एक दुर्लभ घटना है और आमतौर पर अंतर्निहित चिकित्सा स्थितियों या सर्जिकल जटिलताओं से जुड़ी होती है।

अम्बिलिकल हर्निया

अम्बिलिकल हर्निया के कारण नाभि खिसकी हुई प्रतीत हो सकती है। यह तब होता है जब आंत या पेट के ऊतकों का एक हिस्सा नाभि के पास कमजोर क्षेत्र से बाहर निकलता है। इससे नाभि उभर सकती है या विकृत दिखाई दे सकती है।

सर्जिकल जटिलताएँ

कुछ मामलों में, सर्जिकल प्रक्रियाएं जिनमें पेट का क्षेत्र शामिल होता है, जैसे एब्डोमिनोप्लास्टी  या हर्निया की मरम्मत, के परिणामस्वरूप नाभि की स्थिति या उपस्थिति में परिवर्तन हो सकता है। इन प्रक्रियाओं में कॉस्मेटिक या चिकित्सीय कारणों से नाभि का स्थान बदलना या संशोधित करना शामिल हो सकता है।

खिसकी हुई नाभि के घरेलू उपचार क्या हैं?

यदि आपको लगता है कि आपकी नाभि खिसक गई है या अपनी जगह से हट गई है, तो यह ध्यान रखना महत्वपूर्ण है कि आप शारीरिक रूप से इसे अपनी मूल स्थिति में वापस नहीं ला सकते हैं। नाभि की स्थिति आपकी शारीरिक रचना द्वारा निर्धारित होती है और इसे चिकित्सकीय हस्तक्षेप के बिना आसानी से नहीं बदला जा सकता है।

नाभि ठीक करने का तरीका अपना कर आप नाभि खिसकने से होने वाले रोग की संभावना को दूर करना है। नाभि खिसकने के लक्षण और उपाय की मदद से डॉक्टर आपकी परेशानी को दूर कर सकते हैं। हालाँकि, ऐसी कुछ स्थितियाँ हैं जिनको संबोधित करने के लिए चिकित्सा उपचार आवश्यक हो सकता है जो नाभि की उपस्थिति या स्थिति को प्रभावित कर सकते हैं जैसे कि:

  • आराम करें और तनाव से बचें
  • नियमित व्यायाम करें और स्वस्थ वजन बनाए रखें 
  • एक सपोर्टिव एब्डोमिनल बाइंडर या सपोर्ट बेल्ट का उपयोग करें
  • एक साफ कपड़े को गर्म पानी में भिगोकर पेट के प्रभावित क्षेत्र पर गर्म सेक लगाएं

अगर ऊपर दिए गए नाभि खिसकने के घरेलू उपाय के बाद भी कोई फायदा न हो तो नाभि खिसकने के नुकसान से बचने के लिए आपको विशेषज्ञ से परामर्श करना चाहिए। आपकी विशिष्ट स्थिति के अनुरूप सटीक निदान और उचित उपचार विकल्पों के लिए विशेषज्ञ से परामर्श करना आवश्यक है।

Also Read: पेट दर्द के कारण, लक्षण और घरेलू इलाज

अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न

मुझे कैसे पता चलेगा कि मेरी नाभि शिफ्ट हो गई है?

कुछ संकेत और लक्षण हैं जिन पर आप गौर कर सकते हैं जो आपकी नाभि के साथ संभावित समस्या का संकेत दे सकते हैं:

  • दृश्यमान विकृति
  • दर्द या असुविधा
  • लालिमा या सूजन
  • बेचैनी या संवेदना की अनुभूति

यह याद रखना महत्वपूर्ण है कि ये लक्षण विभिन्न स्थितियों के कारण हो सकते हैं, और एक सटीक निदान के लिए एक विशेषज्ञ द्वारा उचित चिकित्सा मूल्यांकन आवश्यक है।

नाभि खिसकने पर क्या खाना चाहिए?

अगर आप नाभि में कथित बदलाव अनुभव कर रहे हैं, तो यह ध्यान रखना महत्वपूर्ण है कि केवल आहार परिवर्तन से सीधे तौर पर स्थिति का समाधान या इलाज नहीं किया जा सकता है। हालाँकि, स्वस्थ आहार बनाए रखने से समग्र कल्याण में सहायता मिल सकती है। यहां कुछ सामान्य आहार दिशानिर्देश दिए गए हैं जिनका पालन किया जा सकता है:

  • संतुलित आहार लेना
  • पर्याप्त फाइबर का सेवन करना
  • हाइड्रेटेड रहने के लिए पूरे दिन पर्याप्त मात्रा में पानी और जूस पीना
  • उन खाद्य पदार्थों से बचन जो आपकी स्थिति को ट्रिगर कर सकते हैं

यह याद रखना महत्वपूर्ण है कि अकेले आहार परिवर्तन से खिसकी हुई नाभि या अंतर्निहित स्थिति का इलाज नहीं किया जा सकता है। यदि आप अपनी नाभि के बारे में चिंतित हैं या लगातार लक्षणों का अनुभव कर रहे हैं, तो उचित मूल्यांकन, निदान और उचित उपचार के लिए विशेषज्ञ से परामर्श करना आवश्यक है।

सांस लेने में दिक्कत हो तो क्या करें?
Sep 20, 2023|Dr Vikas Mittal

सांस लेने में दिक्कत हो तो क्या करें?

सांस लेने में दिक्कत एक आम स्वास्थ्य समस्या है जो कई लोगों को प्रभावित करती है। यह समस्या व्यक्ति को न केवल शारीरिक बल्कि मानसिक रूप से भी परेशान करती है। इसलिए, सांस लेने में दिक्कत के लक्षण को ठीक से समझना और उचित उपचार करना महत्वपूर्ण है।

इस ब्लॉग में हम सांस लेने में तकलीफ होना यानी सांस लेने में दिक्कत के कारणों पर चर्चा करेंगे। साथ ही, सांस लेने में दिक्कत हो तो क्या करें घरेलू उपाय का इस्तेमाल करें आदि के बारे में जानने की कोशिश करेंगे। अगर आपको अचानक सांस लेने में दिक्कत होना, गैस के कारण सांस लेने में दिक्कत होना या सोते समय सांस लेने में दिक्कत होना आदि से परेशान हैं तो यह ब्लॉग आपके लिए महत्वपूर्ण है।

ये भी पढ़े: सूखी खांसी: कारण, लक्षण, घरेलू उपाय और निदान

सांस लेने में दिक्कत क्यों होती है? ( Why there is Difficulty in Breathing)

सांस लेने में कठिनाई विभिन्न कारकों के कारण हो सकती है, हल्के से लेकर गंभीर स्थितियों तक। सांस लेने में कठिनाई के कुछ सामान्य कारण यहां दिए गए हैं:

श्वसन संक्रमण

सामान्य सर्दी, फ्लू, ब्रोंकाइटिस या निमोनिया जैसे संक्रमणों से वायुमार्ग में सूजन और संकुचन हो सकता है, जिससे सांस लेना अधिक चुनौतीपूर्ण हो जाता है।

अस्थमा

यह पुरानी स्थिति वायुमार्ग की सूजन और संकुचन का कारण बनती है, जिसके परिणामस्वरूप सांस लेने में तकलीफ, घरघराहट और खांसी होती है।

क्रॉनिक ऑब्सट्रक्टिव पल्मोनरी डिजीज (सीओपीडी)

इस शब्द में क्रोनिक ब्रोंकाइटिस और वातस्फीति जैसी स्थितियां शामिल हैं, जो फेफड़ों को लगातार नुकसान पहुंचाती हैं और लगातार सांस लेने में (difficulty in breathing) कठिनाई होती हैं।

एलर्जी

पराग, धूल के कण, पालतू जानवरों की रूसी या कुछ खाद्य पदार्थों से एलर्जी की प्रतिक्रिया श्वसन संबंधी लक्षण पैदा कर सकती है, जिसमें सांस लेने में कठिनाई भी शामिल है।

चिंता और घबराहट

तीव्र चिंता या घबराहट के दौरे से तेजी से सांस लेना, सीने में जकड़न और सांस लेने के लिए संघर्ष करने की अनुभूति हो सकती है।

हृदय की स्थितियाँ

हृदय की विफलता (cardiac arrest), कोरोनरी धमनी रोग, या अतालता सहित विभिन्न हृदय समस्याएं, हृदय की रक्त को प्रभावी ढंग से पंप करने की क्षमता को ख़राब कर सकती हैं, जिससे सांस फूलने लगती है।

मोटापा

अत्यधिक वजन श्वसन प्रणाली पर दबाव डाल सकता है, जिससे सांस लेना कठिन हो जाता है, खासकर शारीरिक परिश्रम के दौरान।

पल्मोनरी एम्बोलिज्म

फुफ्फुसीय धमनी में रक्त का थक्का, जो फेफड़ों को रक्त की आपूर्ति करता है, रक्त प्रवाह में बाधा डाल सकता है और अचानक सांस लेने में तकलीफ हो सकती है।

फेफड़े के रोग

फुफ्फुसीय फाइब्रोसिस, फेफड़े का कैंसर, या फुफ्फुसीय उच्च रक्तचाप जैसी स्थितियां फेफड़ों की कार्यप्रणाली को ख़राब कर सकती हैं और परिणामस्वरूप सांस लेने में कठिनाई हो सकती है।

अन्य कारक

अधिक ऊंचाई, प्रदूषकों के संपर्क में आना, धूम्रपान, कुछ दवाएं और एनीमिया या न्यूरोमस्कुलर विकार जैसी अंतर्निहित स्वास्थ्य समस्याएं भी सांस लेने में कठिनाई में योगदान कर सकती हैं।

यह ध्यान रखना महत्वपूर्ण है कि सांस लेने में कठिनाई एक गंभीर चिकित्सा स्थिति का लक्षण हो सकती है, इसलिए यदि आप लगातार या गंभीर सांस लेने की समस्याओं ( severe breathing problem) का अनुभव कर रहे हैं तो चिकित्सा सहायता लेने की सलाह दी जाती है।

सांस लेने में दिक्कत के लक्षण

अगर आपको सांस लेने में दिक्कत होती है तो इसके आलावा आप अन्य एलक्शन भी अनुभव कर सकते हैं जैसे कि सांस लेने में तकलीफ या घाबराहट का अनुभव करना, घुटने की आवाज़ सुनाई देना या श्वास कष्ट का अनुभव करना, सांस लेने में अच्छी तरह से खींचने में कठिनाई या दर्द महसूस करना और सांस लेते समय फूलने का अनुभव करना आदि।

Also Read: जानिए क्या होते हैं प्रेगनेंसी के शुरूआती लक्षण

सांस लेने में दिक्कत हो तो क्या करें?

यदि आपको या किसी अन्य को सांस लेने में कठिनाई हो रही है, तो तुरंत कार्रवाई करना आवश्यक है। अनुसरण करने के लिए यहां कुछ चरण दिए गए हैं:

शांत रहें

घबराने से सांस लेने में कठिनाई बढ़ सकती है। शांत और केंद्रित रहने का प्रयास करें।

तत्काल चिकित्सा सहायता लें

यदि सांस लेने में कठिनाई गंभीर है, लगातार है, या अन्य संबंधित लक्षणों के साथ है, तो आपातकालीन सेवाओं को कॉल करें या बिना देरी किए निकटतम आपातकालीन कक्ष में जाएं।

आरामदायक स्थिति में बैठें

सीधे या थोड़ा आगे की ओर बैठें, क्योंकि इससे वायुमार्ग को खोलने और सांस लेने में सुविधा हो सकती है। सीधे लेटने से बचें, क्योंकि इससे सांस लेने में और रुकावट आ सकती है।

निर्धारित दवा का सेवन करें

यदि आपके पास अस्थमा या सीओपीडी जैसी स्थितियों के लिए निर्धारित इनहेलर है, तो इसे अपने स्वास्थ्य सेवा प्रदाता के निर्देशानुसार उपयोग करें। इन्हेलर वायुमार्ग को खोलने और सांस लेने में होने वाली कठिनाइयों से राहत दिलाने में मदद कर सकते हैं।

गहरी सांस लेने का अभ्यास करें

अपनी सांस को नियंत्रित करने और चिंता को कम करने में मदद के लिए धीमी, गहरी सांसें लें। अपनी नाक से धीरे-धीरे सांस लें, कुछ सेकंड के लिए अपनी सांस रोकें और फिर अपने मुंह से धीरे-धीरे सांस छोड़ें।

ट्रिगर्स से बचें

यदि आप अपनी सांस लेने में कठिनाई का कारण जानते हैं, जैसे कि एलर्जी या जलन पैदा करने वाले पदार्थों के संपर्क में आना, तो अपने आप को उस वातावरण से दूर करने का प्रयास करें या जोखिम को कम करने के लिए कदम उठाएं।

टाइट कपड़े ढीले करें

छाती या कमर के आसपास तंग कपड़े सांस लेने में बाधा उत्पन्न कर सकते हैं। बेहतर वायु प्रवाह के लिए किसी भी तंग कपड़े को ढीला कर दें।

हाइड्रेटेड रहें

अपने आप को हाइड्रेटेड रखने के लिए पानी पीते रहें। शुष्क वायुमार्ग से सांस लेने में कठिनाई बढ़ सकती है।

चिकित्सीय मूल्यांकन लें

भले ही आपकी सांस लेने में कठिनाई कम हो जाए या सुधार हो जाए, फिर भी अंतर्निहित कारण निर्धारित करने और उचित उपचार प्राप्त करने के लिए चिकित्सा मूल्यांकन कराना महत्वपूर्ण है।

याद रखें, ये चरण सामान्य अनुशंसाएँ हैं, और आपकी विशिष्ट स्थिति के आधार पर उचित निदान और मार्गदर्शन के लिए स्वास्थ्य देखभाल विशेषज्ञ से परामर्श करना महत्वपूर्ण है।

सांस लेने में दिक्कत हो तो क्या खाना चाहिए?

यदि आप सांस लेने में कठिनाई का अनुभव कर रहे हैं, तो स्वस्थ और संतुलित आहार बनाए रखना महत्वपूर्ण है। उन खाद्य पदार्थों के सेवन पर ध्यान दें जो श्वसन स्वास्थ्य को बढ़ावा देते हैं, जैसे कि विटामिन सी से भरपूर फल (जैसे खट्टे फल), पत्तेदार साग, तैलीय मछली, नट और बीज, और सूजन-रोधी गुणों वाले खाद्य पदार्थ (जैसे हल्दी और अदरक)। हाइड्रेटेड रहें और ऐसे खाद्य पदार्थों से बचें जो एलर्जी पैदा कर सकते हैं या श्वसन संबंधी लक्षण खराब कर सकते हैं।

सांस फूलने पर क्या नहीं खाना चाहिए?

सांस की तकलीफ का अनुभव होने पर, कुछ ऐसे खाद्य पदार्थों से बचने की सलाह दी जाती है जो श्वसन संबंधी लक्षणों को बढ़ा सकते हैं। इनमें प्रसंस्कृत और तले हुए खाद्य पदार्थ, मीठे स्नैक्स और पेय पदार्थ, उच्च वसा वाले डेयरी उत्पाद और ऐसे खाद्य पदार्थ शामिल हैं जो एलर्जी या संवेदनशीलता पैदा करने के लिए जाने जाते हैं।

इसके अतिरिक्त, उन खाद्य पदार्थों को सीमित करना या उनसे बचना महत्वपूर्ण है जो सूजन या गैस का कारण बन सकते हैं, जैसे कार्बोनेटेड पेय, बीन्स, गोभी और प्याज। अपनी विशिष्ट स्थिति के आधार पर व्यक्तिगत आहार संबंधी सलाह के लिए विशेषज्ञ से परामर्श लें।

Also Read: खून की कमी के कारण, लक्षण और इलाज | Blood Deficiency In Hindi

अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न

मनुष्य को सांस लेने में कठिनाई कब होती है?

मनुष्य को सांस लेने में कई कारणों से दिक्कतें हो सकती हैं। इसमें मुख्य रूप से गैस, अल्सर, अस्थमा या दिल से संबंधित बीमारी से पीड़ित होना शामिल हैं।

सांस लेने में घबराहट क्यों होती है?

आमतौर पर दिल की बीमारी होने पर व्यक्ति को सांस लेने में घबराहट होती है। इसके अलावा, किसी बात की चिंता होना, तनाव होना या किसी चीज से डर जाना भी अचानक सांस लेने में दिक्कत होना आदि में शामिल है।

सांस की नली को कैसे साफ करें?

सांस लेने में दिक्कत होने पर डॉक्टर हल्का गर्म पानी पिने, ग्रीन टी पिने और लाइट खाना खाने का सुझाव देते हैं। इससे सांस लेने में आसानी होती है।

Suffering From Tinea Cruris Or Jock Itch (Groin Ringworm) In Summer? Know Its Treatment & Prevention

Suffering From Tinea Cruris Or Jock Itch (Groin Ringworm) In Summer? Know Its Treatment & Prevention

One of the most common fungal infections in India is jock itch (groin ringworm), which is also called ‘tinea cruris’ by medical professionals. It causes one or multiple red and itchy rashes on your skin. Jock itch mostly appears on the inner thighs and the groin area. 

In most cases, it is caused by moisture and sweat. People who sweat a lot, those who are overweight and athletes are the ones who are the most susceptible to developing the condition.

As per an estimate, approximately 20 to 25% of the total world population has the problem of jock itch. More than 10 lakh cases are reported in India alone every year. The red and itchy rashes can make some people uncomfortable but usually, it is not a cause for concern. To cure and treat jock itch, the groin area should be kept dry and clean at all times. 

You should shower regularly and tight-fitting clothes should be avoided as they don’t allow the skin to breathe. In addition to this, topical antifungal medications might need to be used on the affected skin for the prevention of the infection, provide relief and kill the fungus. If you are witnessing severe symptoms or if the jock itch doesn’t improve even after some weeks, it’s advisable to see a doctor or receive medical help as soon as possible.

What is a Groin Ringworm? 

Groin ringworm or jock itch is a common infection that’s caused by a fungus. It causes a burning, stinging, itchy rash on the skin around the butt crack, groin and inner thigh. It is also called Tinea cruris. Cruris means groin and Tinea is another name for ringworm. People who are overweight and sweat a lot are very likely to get it. 

With jock itch, bumps or blisters may develop on the skin and it can become cracked or scaly. Most often, young adult men and adolescents get jock itch. It’s uncommon in females. Women are 3 times less likely to get jock itch than men. 

Also Read: Types of Skin Problems & their Solutions

What are the Causes of Groin Ringworm?

Jock itch or groin ringworm is caused by a fungus. It is a type of ringworm. The fungi can easily survive for months on skin, soil and household objects and are quite contagious. It usually spreads from contact of a human with another infected person, animal, soil or object.

Moist and warm temperatures are ideal conditions for the growth of the fungus and wearing tight clothing near the groin area creates such a condition. 

You may also get jock itch if:

  • Your groin area is moist from sweating 
  • A wet bathing suit is worn for a long duration 
  • Sweaty clothes or wet towels are shared with other people
  • Proximity is maintained with someone who has a jock itch
  • You are overweight
  • You suffer from a weakened immune system or are diabetic

What are the Symptoms of Groin Ringworm? 

With groin ringworm, the affected skin itches and burns. The skin may change colours and appear irritated, flaky or scaly. The skin rash may also develop rings and develop blisters or bumps.

What is the Treatment of Groin Ringworm? 

If groin ringworm is left untreated, then it can last for months and might spread to other parts of the body. It can be cleared in a few weeks by using over-the-counter medicines called antifungals. These are available in the form of sprays, creams, powders, ointments and gels.

These products have terbinafine, tolnaftateclotrimazole or miconazole in them. A few prescription antifungal medications are also available in the form of pills. These contain terbinafine, fluconazole or itraconazole. It is very important to finish the full course of your medicines because if it is stopped in between, your jock itch may appear again and be harder to treat. 

Some Steps which can be Taken for Healing Faster are:

  • Wash the affected skin and dry it using a clean towel
  • For the rest of the body, a different towel should be used
  • The medicine should be applied as per the directions on the medicine label
  • Medicine should be applied as per the duration prescribed or else the jock itch may come back if it is stopped sooner

In the case of a mild jock itch, rubbing alcohol may cure it and stop or prevent fungal growth on the skin’s surface. There are certain home remedies which can be tried to treat or prevent jock itch by stopping or preventing the growth of bacteria, which include using peppermint, eucalyptus oils, bitter orange and tea tree.

Garlic can also be used as it contains a compound called ajoene. The growth of bacteria can be stopped or prevented by Ajoene. Garlic and essential oils may not be able to completely get rid of the fungal infection. 

At the CK Birla Hospital, we ensure patients get a prompt diagnosis and treatment by a reputed Dermatologist doctor. This patient-centric approach not only helps the patients heal better but also ensures they are aware of the preventive measures as well. In case you face any symptoms, do reach out to us, or book a direct appointment with Dr. Seema Oberoi Lall at the CK Birla Hospital.

FAQ’s

Is Ringworm in the Groin Contagious?

Groin ringworm is contagious as it has a fungus which grows on or in the skin. Moist and warm temperatures create an ideal condition for this fungus to grow, especially when you are wearing tight pants or underwear. Jock itch spreads from skin-to-skin contact or contact with an infected surface. You can also get a jock itch by sharing clothing or towels and sexual contact with an infected person. 

How Long does Groin Ringworm Last?

Groin ringworm normally doesn’t disappear on its own. If it is not treated, it can spread to other parts of the body. If you follow your healthcare provider’s instructions properly for treatment, then your jock itch should go away in one to eight weeks. Even if the symptoms go away, it is important to complete the full course of medicines as the jock itch can come back and be harder to treat. 

Suffering From Vaginal Yeast Infection In Summer? Know Its Treatment & Prevention
Sep 18, 2023|Dr. Anjali Kumar

Suffering From Vaginal Yeast Infection In Summer? Know Its Treatment & Prevention

One of the most common ailments that female patients complain about during summer is a yeast infection. One-third of all vaginal infections are yeast infections. Summers are especially the time when reported cases of yeast infections in women surge up. This is because the hot weather makes it easier for yeast to grow in the body. However, a lot of it also depends upon hygiene and so yeast infections can also occur at any time of the year. 

This fungal infection happens due to the moisture and heat trapped in the vagina. Intense itchiness, painful sexual intercourse and pain during urination, burning sensation, discharge and vaginal irritation are some of the common symptoms of this condition.

In the journal, Open Forum Infectious Diseases, a review published indicates that yeast infection of the vagina or vaginal thrush affected approximately 2.4 crore women of reproductive age, with repeated attacks. Some women tend to suffer in silence until their condition worsens to the point that it hampers their daily lives as they feel ashamed of sharing problems about their sexual health. Let’s take a look at how to prevent future infections and what you can do for treatment if you have a yeast infection.

Why does Yeast Infection occur/become Worse in Summer and is it Seasonal?

Summer is that time of the year when there are a lot of patients visiting a doctor for yeast infections as yeast is an organism that thrives in a damp and warm environment. Hot weather is conducive for the growth of the yeast in the body and the humidity in the weather causes moisture and sweating in the intimate parts, although the infection can happen during any time of the year.  Females usually wear Spanx and swimsuits in summer, which increases the risk of getting a yeast infection. 

Can Heat and Sweat Cause a Vaginal Yeast Infection?

Yes, heat and sweat are the primary factors in causing vaginal yeast infection. Yeast thrives in a moist and warm environment. Wearing tight-fitting clothes like swimsuits raises the chances of developing the infection as they trap moisture and heat inside. 

Apart from sweating, there are other things which cause yeast infections, like medical conditions ranging from HIV and diabetes, to obesity, pregnancy and unhealthy lifestyle habits. 

Finishing a course of antibiotics can also be the reason for the infection as it wipes out the normal bacteria in the vagina that would usually prevent the infection from occurring in the first place. 

One can also be prone to yeast infection due to postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy, increased estrogen levels and immunosuppression – patients who are on immunosuppressive medications, have HIV or are taking long courses of steroids. 

How do You Prevent Vaginal Yeast Infections in Hot Weather?

If you’re sweating in your workout leggings or wearing a wet swimsuit, then change them as you can. Use an unscented hypoallergenic soap to cleanse the vulvar area when you bathe. Don’t wash inside the vagina as this will wash away the protective bacteria and allow infective bacteria and yeast to grow. Stay away from harsh laundry detergents and sleep without underwear. 

Also Read: Stomach Pain During Early Pregnancy

Here are Some Tips for Staying Itch-Free and Balancing Your Vaginal ph Level

Wearing Loose Cotton Underwear

Proper ventilation is the most important thing to reduce moisture and sweating in your intimate area. Wearing cotton underwear and avoiding polyester material underwear and Spanx is recommended, especially if you sweat or exercise a lot. Keep your intimate area clean by taking a shower.

If you wear tight clothes or exercise for an extended period, it is advisable to avoid wearing underwear while sleeping and taking a shower before bed to increase ventilation. Change your wet bathing suit and get into dry cotton underwear if you go to the beach. 

Avoid Using Fragrant Products Near Your Intimate Area

Soaps with chemicals and toxic ingredients, creams, perfumes and body sprays are not recommended. During baths and showers, fragrance-free soap and warm water is the best way to clean your vagina. Also, ensure that soap should only be applied to the external parts of the vagina. 

No Douching

The risk of vaginal infections increases if women douche (washing out the vagina with a liquid solution or spraying a stream of water).

Eating a Healthy Diet

Eating habits should be improved if you feel pain or itching down there. A great way to fight the yeast both externally and internally is by consuming yoghurt without sugar. Sugar intake should be reduced as it helps in the growth of yeast. Drinking lots of water is also good for your body as it is helpful if you are suffering from yeast infections. 

Get tested and be Safe 

Certain sexually transmitted infections and yeast infections have similar symptoms, like itchiness and burning sensation when urinating. You must use protection to prevent STDs if you are sexually active or have multiple partners. Consult a health care provider and get tested if you experience other symptoms of STDs or experience discomfort. This will help identify the treatment required and the cause of the symptoms.

Taking Medicines Timely

Your healthcare provider will prescribe an antifungal cream for yeast infection which contains fluconazole or an oral medication after diagnosis. Getting over-the-counter medicines are not advised by doctors for yeast infections as taking them without the disease can cause a resistant infection which is difficult to treat.

At the CK Birla Hospital, we ensure patients get a prompt diagnosis and treatment by a reputed Gynecologist. This patient-centric approach not only helps the patients heal better but also ensures they are aware of the preventive measures as well. In case you face any symptoms, do reach out to us, or book a direct appointment with Dr. Renu Mathur at the CK Birla Hospital. (Booking Link)

FAQ’s

Does Sweating Increase Yeast Infection?

Sweating raises the chance of yeast infection growth, especially in tight-fitting clothing as yeast thrives in a warm and moist environment. 

Does Heat Speed up Yeast?

Heat, just like sweat, increases the risk of yeast infection growth as it is part of an ideal environment in which yeast grows and multiplies. 

Should I Self-treat Vaginal Yeast Infection?

You should not try self-treatment of the yeast infection such as washing the inside of the vagina as it gets rid of the protective bacteria and promotes the growth of yeast instead. Using over-the-counter medicines is not advised too as it causes a resistant infection which is difficult to treat.

Diet That You Should Take After Chemotherapy
Sep 18, 2023|Dr Deepti Sinha

Diet That You Should Take After Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a common cancer treatment which involves taking one or multiple drugs to fight cancer cells in a person’s body. Its symptoms include fatigue, nausea, dry mouth and taste changes and can make eating seem like a task and unappealing. It is important to eat a balanced and healthy diet during your cancer treatment for the optimal functioning of your body. 

People who have been diagnosed with cancer usually need to follow a different diet, which ensures they can deal with the side effects of the treatment with adequate strength. They often require extra calories and protein. Some of the best options include foods which are nutrient-dense, easy on your stomach and mild in flavour. 

During the cancer treatment, knowing the type of foods to consume, like bland foods for mouth sores and wet or creamy textured food for a dry mouth may help provide the necessary nourishment for your body. Additionally, incorporating food safety practices is also important to reduce the risk of food poisoning. A proper diet helps a person maintain a healthy weight, manage the side effects of the treatment, preserve the body’s immune system, reduce inflammation and increase energy levels and muscle tone.

What to Eat/not Eat before Chemotherapy?

Before chemotherapy starts, you should try to maintain a moderate weight and eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet should include legumes, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables. Ultra-processed foods, added sugars and refined carbohydrates should be reduced in a healthy diet.  

This healthy diet will help lower the risk of infection, increase the chance of receiving treatment without unplanned breaks and cope with side effects better. During this period, you can prepare by stocking up healthy and comfort foods which a person enjoys. Frozen dinners can also be useful as they require little or no cooking and preparation time. 

Also Read: How Chemotherapy Works Against Cancer

What to Eat or Avoid during Chemotherapy?

Once the cancer treatment starts, a person’s body will require healthy and nutritious foods to function at its best. It is vital to get enough proteins and calories during this time. 

  • You should eat foods containing health-promoting properties, high protein foods, vegetables and brightly coloured fruits. 
  • Highly processed and sugary food consumption needs to be kept at a minimum.
  • Hard-boiled eggs, crackers, chicken salad, nuts and seeds and yoghurt are some protein-rich snacks which may help maintain energy and strength. 

A person’s eating habits may be affected by the side effects experienced during chemotherapy. For example, a person with diarrhoea may want to avoid very high-fibre foods and a person with a sore mouth may find it distressing to eat acidic fruits. 

Also Read: Nutrition in cancer care

The food items which should be avoided are raw or lightly cooked fish like sushi, foods which contain raw eggs like homemade mayonnaise or soft-cooked eggs, dairy products and unpasteurized cheeses, unwashed vegetables and fruits, undercooked or raw mutton or other undercooked or raw poultry and meat. Fried foods should also be avoided as they have a lot of hydrogenated oils, which can result in inflammation.

A healthy diet followed during chemotherapy contains certain food items which are:

Healthy Fats

Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats have health benefits. Walnuts, grapeseed oil, olive oil and avocados are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which improve cardiovascular health and help in combating inflammation.

Plant-based Proteins

Plant-based proteins are some of the best foods to eat during chemotherapy as they offer the highest levels of vitamins and minerals. It includes food items like seeds, nuts, legumes, beans and vegetables. Choose lean options like chicken or fish if you do eat animal proteins. 

Healthy Carbs

Minimally processed foods like oats, bran and whole wheat should be chosen in the case of carbohydrates. They help in maintaining good gut bacteria as they have soluble fibre, which helps in everything from cellular repair to metabolism. 

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins and minerals play a big role in reducing inflammation and boosting immune function by helping our bodies’ enzymatic processes.

What to Eat/not Eat after Chemotherapy?

After chemotherapy, a person needs to find out about food restrictions by checking with the cancer care team. You can also ask a dietician to prepare a nutritious and balanced eating plan, which includes citrus fruits, dark green and yellow vegetables, fruits and a variety of colourful vegetables. High-fibre foods like whole grains, beans, vegetables and fruits should be consumed and protein-rich foods should be incorporated at every snack and meal. You also need to limit the intake of alcohol, added sugar and carbohydrates. 

Cancer is a disease that tends to turn a patient’s life upside down. Apart from the physical stress, the patient also undergoes a lot of emotional stress due to the uncertainty of the outcomes. Chemotherapy might be accompanied with the various reactions and complications due to the reduced immunity in the body. 

At the CK Birla Hospital, we ensure patients gets holistic medical support which includes treatment and counselling in a compassionate environment. This patient-centric approach not only helps patients heal better but also ensures they are aware of the preventive measures as well. In case you need a second opinion for cancer care, do reach out to us, or book a direct appointment with Dr. Jyoti Bhatt at the CK Birla Hospital.

FAQ’s

Can I Eat Papaya during Chemotherapy?

During chemotherapy, you can eat ripe papaya as it’s safe for consumption and has anti-cancer properties. A chemical found in papaya seeds called Isothiocyanate has anticancer properties and prevents the formation of tumours in the prostate, breast, leukaemia, lung and colon. 

Is Rice Good during Chemo?

Carbohydrates like rice can be eaten during chemotherapy, especially brown rice as it has more fibre than the white version. The risk of developing specific types of cancers can be reduced by high-fibre diets, particularly colorectal cancer.

Is Coconut Water Good for Chemo Patients? 

Natural fruit drinks like coconut water help cancer patients with electrolytes and rehydration. It replenishes body water and regulates internal fluids as it is rich in potassium and other minerals.

Can You Eat Salt During Chemo?

It is best to limit the intake of salt during chemotherapy as it may cause problems if you have the issue of fluid retention. The sodium in salt can also increase the risk of stomach cancer, stroke and heart attack.

Lactose Intolerance & It’s Possible Treatment

Lactose Intolerance & It’s Possible Treatment

The reaction in the digestive system to lactose, the sugar compound found in milk, is known as lactose intolerance. It causes symptoms which cause discomfort after you eat dairy products. Not everyone experiences noticeable symptoms from intolerance, although many people have difficulty digesting lactose. It occurs in people who lack the enzyme which breaks down lactose in their body. 

The symptoms of lactose intolerance usually surface in the form of gas, diarrhoea and bloating after consumption of drinks or foods that contain lactose. Milk and its products, like cheese or ice cream, contain a natural sugar called lactose. About 68% of the world’s population has lactose malabsorption as per a recent estimate by experts and is more common in some parts of the world than in others. Most people suffer from lactose malabsorption in Asia and Africa. 

What is Lactose Intolerance?

It is a condition in which you have digestive symptoms, like bloating, diarrhoea and gas after the consumption of drinks or foods which have lactose. Products such as ice cream, cheese, milk and milk products contain lactose, and are not suitable for people who are susceptible to lactose intolerance.  

What causes Lactose Intolerance?

Gut sensitivity and lactose malabsorption are the two factors which contribute to lactose intolerance. The most important factor is lactose malabsorption. It is the inability to break down and absorb lactose in the small intestine which leads to the lactose entering your large intestine and triggering symptoms that cause discomfort later. Here are some of the causes that maybe the root cause for developing this intolerance. 

Lactase deficiency

Lactase is a specific enzyme that is needed by the small intestine to break down lactose into smaller molecules, which can be absorbed. During infancy, most people produce lactase naturally in their small intestines to digest breast milk. As people grow up, most people begin to make less of it. 

You won’t be able to digest lactose if you don’t have enough of this enzyme. Some people produce less or more lactase than others. Worldwide, the majority of people have lactose malabsorption due to lactase deficiency. Lactase continues to be produced into adulthood only in certain populations.

Gut and You

Gut sensitivity is another important factor for lactose intolerance. We can’t fully digest some things which we consume from time to time. The bacteria living in our guts are fed by certain sugars and dietary fibres that go straight through our digestive systems. Without overwhelming symptoms to some extent, most of us tolerate a little of it.

However, all our bodies react differently to different things. Our diet, sensitivities, intestinal health and genes all play a role. The different types of bacteria living in your colon (your unique gut microbiome) may process lactose differently from someone else’s. The amount of lactose you can tolerate can be told by the kind of symptoms you experience. 

Genetic Causes

In some cases, genes decide how likely you are to continue to produce lactase. The types of bacteria in your gut and gut sensitivity may also be partly affected by genes. Some bacteria convert lactose into gas and others convert it to lactic acid.

People with Asian genetic profiles are found to be more likely to be lactose intolerant and have lactose malabsorption. Some people are also born with congenital lactase deficiency, which is a genetic disorder that causes lactose intolerance from birth. 

Also Read: Gas problem – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Some Other Rare Factors Responsible for Lactose Intolerance are due to:

  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Visceral hypersensitivity
  • Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth 
  • Disease or injury which damages your small intestine
  • An underdeveloped small intestine caused by premature birth
  • Radiation therapy
  • Small bowel resection
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Celiac disease
  • Enterocolitis 

What Happens if You Ignore Lactose Intolerance?

 You won’t be seriously harmed if you ignore lactose intolerance. The symptoms will eventually end if you can cope with them while the lactose passes through your digestive system. Lactose-free dairy products and lactase supplements can also help you easily avoid the symptoms of lactose intolerance. 

In certain cases, like developmental lactose intolerance in babies who are born prematurely, they usually grow out of the intolerance. The damage to the small intestine which causes secondary lactose intolerance may be reversed after the small intestine recovers, depending on how permanent the damage is. 

In the case of congenital or primary lactose intolerance, lactase production won’t ever start naturally, however, if your microbiome or intestinal health changes then your symptoms might change as well. 

How to Cure Lactose Intolerance?

You need lactase in your gut if you want to be able to digest lactose. Natural lactase production is absent in most people with lactose intolerance. Lactase supplements can help provide the body with the required lactase it needs to break down lactose. You can take them as drops or tablets before consuming lactose. 

Ingesting the lactic acid bacteria as probiotics may help as they convert lactose into lactic acid instead of gas. Consuming these bacteria with prebiotics that feed them might improve lactose tolerance. 

You can also find lactose-free and lactose-reduced versions of most dairy products at the supermarket. Certain dairy foods when consumed in certain amounts or when combined with other foods help some people, so you can experiment with your diet to find out what your lactose threshold is. 

Conclusion

Lactose intolerance can cause recurrent discomfort to those who like to consume dairy products but face difficulty in digesting lactose. It is always advisable to seek medical help from an experienced gastroenterologist doctor if the symptoms are hard to manage. Timely care and help can ensure the reduction or elimination of lactose intolerance symptoms.

At the CK Birla Hospital, we ensure patients get holistic medical support which includes treatment in a compassionate environment. This patient-centric approach not only helps patients heal better but also ensures they are aware of the preventive measures as well. In case you need to consult a gastroenterologist doctor, do reach out to us, or book a direct appointment at the CK Birla Hospital.

FAQ’s

Can You Suddenly become Lactose Intolerant?

Damage to the small intestine can result in the sudden development of secondary lactose intolerance. Chronic diseases, infections, surgery or injury may damage the cells that produce lactase. This can cause sudden intolerance and lactose malabsorption, even if you could previously digest lactose.

How do I test for Lactose Intolerance?

There are several ways of testing for lactose intolerance by healthcare providers which have their respective indicators or signs for the intolerance, which include hydrogen breath test (high methane and hydrogen gas in breath is an indicator), blood sugar test (no rise in blood sugar after the test is an indicator) and stool acidity test (an acidic stool is an indicator).

Everything About Wrist Tendonitis
Sep 14, 2023|Dr Debashish Chanda

Everything About Wrist Tendonitis

What is wrist tendonitis?

Like any joint, the wrist depends on tendons (thick and fibrous cord that attaches bones and muscles) and tendonitis is a type of inflammation that occurs in the wrist. Tendonitis wrist can appear as an outcome of a wound or a continuous motion of the wrist that forces the tendon to rub against other bodily tissues, such as bone.

A person’s wrist has numerous tendons. Jointly, they allow the activity of the wrist, hand, and fingers. Any of the tendons can have tendonitis because of the impact of injuries and overuse. 

 

What are the probable symptoms of wrist tendonitis?

You experience discomfort or difficulty in carrying out specific movements, which involve using more of your hands and wrists. Common activities would include opening jars, rotating door knobs, or holding up pets, babies or small children.

Apart from this the immobility of the wrist or “catching” or a popping feeling when dragging your wrist or fingers can also indicate towards wrist tendonitis.

Another symptom can be swelling around your wrist or the base of your fingers.

Specifically any form of discomfort along the side of the wrist, close to the thumb or small finger can definitely indicate the onset of wrist tendonitis.

 

What are the possible treatments for wrist tendonitis?

Maximum patients find relief from pain through a mixture of conservative (nonsurgical) remedies. Your healthcare professionals may recommend:

  • Medication: Use of prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce discomfort and inflammation. In some extreme circumstances, your healthcare practitioner may suggest steroid injections for pain relief.
  • Therapy: Physiotherapists can help you recover from this using various exercise techniques. Well guided physiotherapy will help restore the power, mobility and capacity of motion in your wrist and fingers. Gradually you will find typing or lifting things less painful.
  • RICE method: At-home remedies such as rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE) can work to minimize wrist swelling and pain

    • Rest: The most effective treatment for wrist tendon pain is rest. Experts always advise to avoid resisting the discomfort, instead it is better if you stop activities involving your wrist so that your tendons can get some time to heal by themselves.
    • Ice: Within every two hours hold your hand in upward direction and put ice on your wrist for 20 min.
    • Compression: If the pain is manageable the doctor will prescribe a way to keep the wrist protected and safe from further damage.
    • Elevation: Make sure your hand is above the level of your heart and put a towel between the ice and your skin to stop any harm to your skin.
  • Splinting: A splint is a support mechanism that helps to stabilise and immobilise your wrist and sometimes your fingers. Your doctor might recommend a custom splint depending on the location of the problem and its severity. 

 

What causes tendonitis in the wrist?

Any tendon can grow pain and cause discomfort, but tendonitis is more ordinary in a few specific tendons. That’s due to their anatomy plus common actions.

Tendonitis can be caused by:

Trauma

Overuse

Repetitive movement

It’s tough to pinpoint the exact cause of wrist tendonitis, but mostly it is associated with wrist strain, overuse, repetitive action, or infection. It may also appear as a result of diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. Tendonitis can also be provoked by a sudden concussion to the wrist, for example, as the outcome of an accident or fall.

 

What is the recovery time for wrist tendonitis?

After surgery, the wrist will be immobilized to benefit the healing procedure. Roughly for three to four weeks, the wrist is put in splint for about a week or a brace. The progress of the wrist tendonitis treatment process is monitored, usually through the help of an imaging machine. The healing process takes about six to seven weeks and is completely healed after that. Tendonitis infrequently recurs after surgery. Nonetheless, it is extremely significant to follow all of the post-operative instructions to minimise complications.

 

How Can I Prevent Wrist Tendonitis?

The most beneficial method to prevent the occurrence of wrist tendonitis is to re-do your activities that aggravate it. This may include:

  • Taking regular breaks from activities can help heal tendonitis wrist\
  • Makeover your desk setup and go for  ergonomic equipment
  • Try to reduce the load on tendons when by modifying posture, stretching or strengthening
  • Avoid doing strength exercises
  • Stretching before and after workout
  • Using a protecting splint as suggested by your physiotherapist

 

Conclusion 

Wrist tendon in hand and wrist normally fades away with some rest, proper medication, injections or splinting. Some people require surgery, though. If you have a job or play a sport that requires repetitive movements of your wrist, be sure to take frequent halts to rest and stretch your wrists. When in pain speak or consult with a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

 

FAQ’s –

Can you get tendonitis in your wrist

Yes, wrist tendonitis is common and can happen to you because of trauma, accidents, repetitive actions of the wrist. 

What does tendonitis feel like in the wrist?

Generally a tendonitis wrist feels like an ache or pain in the affected area, also sometimes comes with immobility and swelling in the wrist. 

Should I massage wrist tendonitis?

No, one should stop massaging the particular area in tendonitis as it can additionally irritate the swelling tendon. To reduce the inflammation you can use some ice.