Four renowned experts share key insights on the importance of prioritising one’s health from the get-go.  

Fuel For The Brain

Dr Umesh Mittal, medical graduate from Maulana Azad Medical College. He has vast experience in serving society for over 42 years and is one of the most renowned consultants of Delhi NCR. His expertise lies in ensuring the patient’s total well-being through a holistic approach, including medical science and lifestyle modification. He is the Director of the Mittal Medical Centre, Delhi.

The human brain is an intricate and astonishing organ, requiring a complex mix of nutrients to function at its peak. While macronutrients like carbohydrates, proteins and fats are well-known for their energy-providing roles, micronutrients are equally vital. 

Vitamins, for instance, are indispensable for brain health. B vitamins, particularly B6, B12 and folate, are essential for the production of neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that transmit signals between nerve cells. A deficiency can lead to cognitive impairments and mood disorders. Vitamin D regulates the immune response and influences mood. Studies have linked low levels of vitamin D with an increased risk of depression and cognitive decline. Minerals are critical for optimal brain function. Iron is necessary for oxygen transport to the brain, and a deficiency can lead to fatigue and impaired cognitive function. Zinc supports neurotransmitter function and helps maintain the brain’s structural integrity. Magnesium, known for its calming properties, is crucial for learning and memory, and its deficiency is often associated with anxiety and stress.

The synergy between these micronutrients underscores the importance of a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Leafy greens, nuts, seeds, fish and dairy products are excellent sources of brain-boosting nutrients. However, it’s not just about individual nutrients but how they work together. By prioritising a nutrient-rich diet, we can fuel our brains to perform at their best, enhancing our overall quality of life.

A Tree That Keeps On Giving

Dr Devesh Rajani, MD (General Medicine), Medical Care Centre and Hospital Laxmi Complex, Uttar Pradesh.

Aging is an inevitable and natural part of life, and for women, navigating this journey with a focus on well-being is key to ensuring a fulfilling and vibrant existence. The prevalence of aging is increasing globally, with a growing population of older women. As women age, they encounter age-related challenges that are both prevalent and impactful. Worldwide, osteoporosis affects one in three women over 50, increasing the risk of fractures and compromising mobility. Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of mortality among women, demanding attention to heart health as they age. Cognitive decline, depression, and social isolation are also common, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to women’s health across all age brackets.

Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes attention to nutrition, lifestyle changes, and access to healthcare. Micronutrients, essential vitamins and minerals play a crucial role in promoting women’s health across the lifespan. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake support bone health, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

Omega-3 fatty acids contribute to cardiovascular health and cognitive function, while antioxidants like vitamins C and E protect against oxidative stress and cognitive decline. The synergy of these micronutrients, combined with lifestyle changes, forms a powerful strategy for healthy aging. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, stress management techniques, and fostering social connections all contribute to a holistic and proactive approach to aging well.

Empowering Men’s Health: Bridging Awareness & Action

Dr Peeyusha Wadhwani Rajani, MS (Obst and Gynec). 

Men’s health outcomes are poor at the global level. They are more likely to smoke, drink alcohol excessively and eat a poor diet. Men who experience a physical health problem like diabetes, joint pain or heart disease, are three times more likely to seek mental healthcare. While the opposite can also occur, a depressed mood is thought to contribute to the development and progression of some medical illnesses. Stress, emotional distress, anxiety and work pressure can all weaken the immune system and disrupt the balance of hormones in the body. 

Statistically, men are less proactive about their healthcare. The purpose of this is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. For men, the journey towards optimal health encompasses physical vitality, mental resilience and emotional equilibrium. Wellness is the act of practicing healthy habits daily.

By embracing a balanced nutritional approach, prioritising physical activity, managing stress effectively, undergoing regular health screenings and avoiding harmful substances, men can take significant strides in optimising their health — now and as they age.

Obesity & Its impacts On Society

Rohit Shelatkar, Vice President and Director of Vitabiotics Ltd, is an accomplished modern thinker and a leading keynote speaker at several medical symposia.

The global obesity pandemic is one of the toughest challenges currently faced. This disease is not only associated with premature mortality due to obesity-associated comorbidities, but also with enormous healthcare costs. According to the World Obesity Federation, the economic impact of obesity and associated comorbidities is predicted to exceed $4 trillion by 2035 if effective preventative and treatment measures are not implemented.

Obesity is an issue of a multifactorial nature with determinants stemming from the individual’s genetics as well as behaviours, and extending to broader environmental factors which may contribute to excess energy intake. Some of the less controllable factors are, for instance, genetic susceptibilities that include mutations in the leptin gene rendering affected individuals somewhat resistant to satiety signals and overeating. Foetal programming in utero has also been implicated in a higher risk for obesity as it leads to metabolic and tissue adaptations that, when faced with overconsumption of energy-dense food, may result in excess weight gain.

Excess body fat poses a significant threat to health, increasing the risk of numerous chronic diseases and conditions that can severely impact the quality of life and longevity. Obesity is associated with cardiovascular diseases, Type 2 diabetes, cancer and fertility issues, among others, contributing to a high economic burden. Addressing excess body fat through a balanced diet, regular physical activity and lifestyle changes is crucial for improving health outcomes and reducing the burden of obesity-related diseases.