Four renowned doctors share keen insights on protecting our health.
How Gut Health Impacts Mental Health
Dr Rajeev Saxena, MD Medicine; Consultant Physician; Member of Indian Society of Cardiology; Director, NR Hospital and Research Centre, Kota, Rajasthan.
The “gut-brain axis” highlights the connection between gut health and mental well-being. The gut microbiome — trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi — regulates neurotransmitters, inflammation, and stress responses, influencing mood and cognition. Serotonin, the “happy hormone,” is primarily produced in the gut, playing a crucial role in emotional stability.
An imbalance in gut bacteria (dysbiosis) is linked to anxiety, depression, and neurodegenerative diseases. The microbiome affects mental health by regulating neurotransmitter production, inflammation, and cortisol levels while ensuring nutrient absorption. Poor gut health can lead to brain fog, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.
To optimise gut health, consume fiber-rich foods, probiotics, and fermented foods. Manage stress through meditation, deep breathing, and exercise. Avoid processed foods and excess sugar, which disrupt gut flora and increase inflammation. Stay hydrated and consider probiotic and prebiotic supplements when necessary.
The gut and brain share a dynamic relationship, making gut health essential for mental wellbeing. By adopting gut-friendly dietary and lifestyle habits, individuals can support mood balance, cognitive function, and overall emotional health. Prioritising gut health may be key to achieving optimal mental wellness.
Management Of Neurodegenerative Disorders
Dr Ashutosh Jain, MD Medicine; Consultant Physician; Member of IMA; HOD SDS Global Hospital, Department of Medicine, Meerut, UP.
Neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and ALS pose a growing global health challenge. Over 55 million people live with dementia, and Parkinson’s affects over 10 million individuals worldwide. As aging populations increase, so does the urgency for effective management strategies, including nutritional interventions.
Micronutrients play a key role in brain health and may slow neurodegeneration. Deficiencies in vitamins B6, B12, D, and E, as well as zinc and magnesium, are linked to cognitive decline. Antioxidants like vitamin C and polyphenols combat oxidative stress, while omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and support neuronal function. Ensuring adequate intake of these nutrients may lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
Neuroprotective supplements such as Ginkgo biloba improve brain circulation and cognitive function, particularly in early Alzheimer’s. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) protects neurons from oxidative damage and may slow Parkinson’s and ALS progression. Other compounds like curcumin, resveratrol, and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) support mitochondrial function and reduce inflammation. While further research is needed, incorporating these supplements into a balanced diet may complement conventional treatments, offering potential benefits for cognitive health and disease management.
Cancer Prevention: What You Can Do To Reduce Your Risk
Dr Ajay Pratap, MBBS from Saint Petersburg, Russia; MD (Medicine), State Medical Academy Saint Petersburg, Russia; Certificate Course in Diabetes from Prof M Vishwanathan Diabetes Research Centre. He is a Senior Consultant Physician & Diabetologist at Tirupati Polyclinic, Dwarka, New Delhi.
Cancer prevention involves lifestyle changes, regular screenings, and nutraceuticals that support immune function and cellular health. Nutraceuticals like Vitamin C, Coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine, citrus bioflavonoids, ashwagandha, and selenium help reduce oxidative stress, modulate inflammation, and enhance DNA repair. Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals that cause DNA damage, while Coenzyme Q10 supports mitochondrial function and healthy cell proliferation, reducing cancer risk.
Immune modulation is key to cancer prevention. Ashwagandha strengthens immune resilience by lowering cortisol and boosting natural killer (NK) cell activity. Selenium, an antioxidant trace mineral, aids DNA repair and apoptosis, lowering cancer risk. Citrus bioflavonoids improve capillary integrity and reduce inflammation, preventing a tumour-friendly environment.
L-carnitine supports cellular metabolism by facilitating fatty acid transport for energy production, enhancing metabolic health. When combined with a balanced diet, exercise, and stress management, these nutraceuticals contribute to maintaining cellular integrity and reducing malignant transformation risk. Evidence-based nutraceutical supplementation can complement conventional cancer prevention strategies, promoting long-term health and disease resilience.
Prime Your Body. Nurture Your Pregnancy. Empower Your Baby.
Dr Sunita Tandulwadkar, Head of the Department (OBGYN) & Chief – IVF & Endoscopy Center, Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune; Advisor & Consultant, Dr DY Patil IVF & Endoscopy Center, Pune; Founder & Medical Director, Solo Clinic IVF – A Center for Excellence in Infertility & Endoscopy, Pune; Founder & Medical Director, Solo Stem Cells – A Stem Cell Research & Application Center, Pune Aliv Wellness Clinic
SAMPOORNA, a pioneering social initiative, is a presidential activity of FOGSI dedicated to reducing maternal and neonatal morbidities and mortalities by advocating preconceptional care as the cornerstone of a healthy pregnancy.
Why SAMPOORNA?
The journey to motherhood begins long before conception. By ensuring that women are in optimal physical and mental health before planning pregnancy, we can significantly reduce complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
SAMPOORNA focuses on:
• Pre-planned pregnancies – Educating women on the importance of planning for a safe and healthy pregnancy.
• Optimising health parameters – Managing weight, nutrition, hemoglobin levels, blood sugar, thyroid function, and BMI before conception.
• Empowering women with knowledge – Raising awareness about contraception, preconceptional folic acid and micronutrient supplementation, and overall reproductive health.
• Reducing maternal and neonatal risks – Ensuring every pregnancy is nurtured from the very first step to minimise complications and promote healthy births.
Our Vision:
To create a future where every pregnancy is a planned pregnancy, every mother is empowered with knowledge, and every baby is born healthy. With SAMPOORNA, we are transforming maternal and neonatal health in India, one pregnancy at a time. Because healthy mothers create a healthier nation. Join the movement. Let’s make every pregnancy a SAMPOORNA pregnancy!
