Take a walk on the healthy side with advice from these four renowned doctors.
Tips & Tricks For Easing Infant Discomfort
Dr S Samaddar, MDDCH, Jabalpur; Senior leading Pediatrician practicing at Shishu Swasthya Kendra, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, since 1986.
Babies fuss and cry, especially during the first three months of life. Infantile colic is frequent, prolonged, and intense crying or fussiness in a healthy infant that occurs for no apparent reason.
Sometimes, there is relief in symptoms after the infant passes gas or has a bowel movement. Herbs in gripe water can work as a remedy for stomach upsets and colic in babies. For ages, dill oil has been used to cure digestive issues and fennel oil is essential in treating abdominal spasms or flatulence. Simethicone works by creating an easier passage for trapped gas to pass. A combination of aromatic water with simethicone is prescribed to relieve colic pain, flatulence, and cramps, bloating of the stomach experienced by babies under two years of age. However, it is important to approach these remedies with care and consult your pediatrician before trying them.
Colic can be a challenging issue, other tips to relieve a baby’s discomfort are:
> Massage their tummy very gently and avoid putting any pressure.
> Burp your baby frequently.
> Consistent feeding and sleeping schedules can help regulate your baby’s digestion and mood.
> Turn on a calming sound and swaddle your baby.
Power Of Good Bacteria
Dr Mandar Lalit Katkar, MBBS DCH, Kalyan, Mumbai; Senior leading Pediatrician practicing at Jagannath Hospital, Kalyan.
“Good bacteria” are primarily located in our gut, where they contribute to digestion, boost immunity, and even influence our mood. Among these beneficial microbes, prebiotics and probiotics stand out as key players. Together, they help ensure that our internal environment remains balanced, promoting overall well-being.
Probiotics, the live beneficial bacteria, help maintain a balanced microbiome, which is crucial for proper digestion, nutrient absorption, and protection against harmful pathogens. They can improve immune function, reduce inflammation, and even contribute to better mental health through the gut-brain axis. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are non-digestible fibres that serve as food for probiotics. By nourishing these good bacteria, prebiotics help them thrive and maintain a healthy balance in the gut. Foods rich in prebiotics like garlic, onions, bananas, and whole grains, support the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria, amplifying the positive effects of probiotics.
Additionally, regular consumption of probiotics has been linked to improved skin health, reduced allergy symptoms, and enhanced metabolic functions. Whether through diet or supplements, probiotics are a powerful tool for maintaining health and preventing disease, making them essential for a holistic approach to well-being.
Best Approaches For Hyperacidity Relief
Dr Pradeep Patel, MD (Medicine), Government Medical College (GMC), Surat; Fellowship in Diabetes Management, Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore; Experienced Consulting Physician with a special interest in Diabetes Management, holding a prestigious Fellowship in Diabetes Management from CMC, Vellore and MD in Medicine from GMC, Surat.
Hyperacidity, or acid reflux, is a common digestive issue that can significantly impact daily life if not properly managed. Fortunately, there are several effective strategies for relieving hyperacidity, starting with dietary modifications. Identifying and avoiding trigger foods such as spicy dishes, citrus fruits, tomatoes, caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks is crucial.
Mindful eating habits play a key role in preventing hyperacidity. Chewing food thoroughly aids digestion and reduces the amount of acid the stomach needs to produce. Additionally, avoiding late-night meals and finishing your last meal of the day at least three hours before bedtime can help prevent nighttime acid reflux. Keeping a food diary can help pinpoint specific triggers, allowing for more informed dietary choices.
Additionally, opting for smaller, more frequent meals can reduce the pressure on the stomach, minimising the risk of acid reflux. Incorporating alkaline foods like bananas, melons, oats, and leafy greens can further help neutralise stomach acid and soothe the digestive tract. Herbal and natural remedies can provide additional relief. Ginger, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, can reduce acid production while soothing the stomach. Aloe vera juice, with its natural soothing properties, can reduce inflammation in the esophagus and stomach, offering pre-meal relief.
By understanding and implementing these approaches, you can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of hyperacidity episodes and improve your overall quality of life.
Stress & Indigestion
Dr Ramesh B Pawar, MBBS, MD – Medicine; Sai-Sachet Hospital at Nashik Road, Nashik (Maharashtra – India); President of IMA, Nashik Road, Nashik, in 2017-18.
The National Mental Health Survey (NHMS) estimated that the Indian population suffering from some form of stress or anxiety-related disorder is highest between the age group of 18-29 years. Stress has a direct relation with indigestion. Indigestion usually results from reduced enzymatic action in the GIT. When the breakdown and absorption of nutrients are hampered, symptoms like stomach pain, flatulence, bloating, constipation, stomach cramps, and acidity are observed.
The central nervous system is closely interconnected to the gut, therefore it is also called the “second brain”. When the body is in flight or fight mode, neurotransmitters are released in the gut, and the body immediately takes a survival path. Thus gastric emptying is delayed, which leads to a decrease in the breakdown of complex food components. Chronic stress can also lead to the depletion of cytoprotective prostaglandins, reduction of gut microbiota, inflammation of GIT, and an increase in stomach acids.
Pepsin, a digestive enzyme required for the breakdown of proteins into smaller peptides, is released when the stomach has acidic pH. When the pH is disrupted, the conversion of pepsinogen (inactive form) to pepsin (active form) is impaired. Amylase is another enzyme that is responsible for digesting starchy food. Indigestion causes insufficient production of amylase. Supplementation of amylase or pepsin-based products can also help promote digestion by breaking down complex carbohydrates and starch and digesting proteins into amino acids.
To combat stress related to indigestion, lifestyle changes such as diet, meditation, and exercise can help. A balance between a healthy life and a sound mind will help counter stress-related indigestion.
