Latest news with #RakeshKochhar
Indian Express
24-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
‘Avoid cut fruits, drinking stored water from carts': Experts on heat-related stomach infections, food poisoning in Chandigarh
With soaring temperatures, the number of cases of stomach infections, associated fever, nausea and food poisoning are on the rise and being reported in health facilities. To avoid food poisoning, Dr Rakesh Kochhar, former head, department of gastroenterology, PGI, Chandigarh, recommends being vigilant about the shelf life of foods and if cooked, ensuring that they do not lie around unrefrigerated for over two hours. 'Micro-organisms grow quickly, which can cause gastroenteritis. So, avoid cut fruits and drinking stored water from roadside carts. Do not consume stale cream, mayonnaise, cheese and uncooked or partially cooked vegetables like those in some Chinese dishes and salads. Avoid ice cubes in public places if you are not sure whether the water in it is filtered or not. Meat, chicken and fish have limited shelf life; cook and consume them within a day. Be extra careful with water, milk products and salads, and consult a doctor for treatment,' says Dr Kochhar. Experts warn that if you are drinking too many sodas or carbonated water on hot summer days, you might just end up dehydrating yourself even more. With rising temperatures, the most common problem to hit people is dehydration, especially those who work outdoors, says Dr Vikas Bhutani, Director (Internal Medicine), Fortis Hospital. 'Dehydration can manifest in different ways, ranging from giddiness to exhaustion and abdominal discomfort. People should take plenty of fluids, such as coconut water, ORS drinks, fruit juices, buttermilk etc., apart from liberal intake of water to keep them well-hydrated. Avoid soft drinks, especially carbonated beverages, and alcohol. Even water-filled fruits such as melon and watermelon should be taken as a routine to maintain proper hydration,' says Dr Bhutani. 'Carbonated, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks cause a lot of water loss through urination. And since you have them chilled, the extreme cold tightens and constricts your blood vessels, reducing loss of body heat,' says Dr Sonia Gandhi, HOD, Nutrition and Dietetics, Fortis Hospital, Mohali. In fact, this dehydration is the reason that stomach-related ailments increase during the summer months, she adds. 'Avoid soft drinks that are rich in sugar, preservatives and artificial colours. Diluted phosphoric acid is seen in several aerated drinks or carbonated beverages. These can damage the gastrointestinal lining and cause calcium to leach from the bones. These acids can also trigger stone formation,' says Dr Gandhi. Added sugars can lead to insulin resistance, weight gain and obesity. Regular consumption of sugary carbonated drinks is linked to an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Carbonation can cause bloating and gas, with carbon dioxide leading to belching and potentially worsening acid reflux. Some carbonated drinks are loaded with caffeine, which interferes with sleep. Opt for spiced lemonade, coconut water, fruit cocktails, jaljeera and lassi, advises Dr Gandhi. But the body must be kept well-hydrated to naturally regulate your body temperature and prevent heat stroke. 'Hydration is essential in maintaining adequate blood volume, energy levels and body functions. Consume water as per your activity level, outdoor temperature and body composition. One quick estimation of dehydration is to check the colour of urine. You want it to be pale and straw-coloured,' says Dr Gandhi. Dr Ranjana Bhatt, internal medicine consultant at Max Hospital, Chandigarh, cautions against drinking pulped juices because they often lack fibre and other essential nutrients present in whole fruits and vegetables, while also being high in sugar and calories. 'Watermelon, cucumbers and oranges are extremely nutrient-rich and can help you stay hydrated. Melon, squash and pumpkins are not only easy to digest but also help in reducing the body temperature,' she adds.
Indian Express
12-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Just a cookie daily with otherwise healthy meals can damage your gut, make you obese, says study
Next time you pick up a small pouch of French fries, a cheese burger, cookie or a muffin, thinking that tiny snack indulgence may be inconsequential in your overall healthy diet plan, think again. All of them contain saturated fats (bad fats that remain solid at room temperature) that may trigger inflammation throughout the body even in small doses. An Australian study suggests that a high-fat diet has a corrosive effect on gut lining and defences, allowing toxins and bacteria to leak into the bloodstream. It reveals that just two days of consuming foods high in saturated fats significantly reduced levels of a key protein that helps protect the gut and control inflammation. According to study author Dr Cyril Seillet, the higher the consumption of saturated fats, the higher the inflammation. Over time, this weakens our gut defences, increasing our susceptibility to chronic inflammation. Dr Rakesh Kochhar, former HOD, gastroenterology, PGI, Chandigarh, says the study from Australia, though in mice, has implications for humans because it shows how even a few fatty meals, say an occasional fried food, can trigger inflammation. 'The other implication is that by using healthier, unsaturated fats (healthier and liquid at room temperature), we can improve gut health, which prevents many of our chronic illnesses. The rising incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and autoimmunity is linked to the altered microbiome of the gut, resulting from higher intake of fats and ultra-processed food. These two are also responsible for the obesity epidemic and the spurt in diabetes and fatty liver,' he adds. Inflammation, says Dr Nancy Sahni, chief dietician, Department of Dietetics, PGI, Chandigarh, is the body's natural response to any external or internal injury resulting in swelling, pain and other discomfort to the affected part. 'Since fatty foods are mostly processed, with unknown artificial ingredients in the form of additives, preservatives, and trans fats, these trigger a response comparable to an injury resulting in inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This has a cascading effect on all peripheral organs and tissues,' she says. Dr Kochhar sounds the alarm on fast food, which contains both saturated fats and ultra-processed foods. 'The latter have emulsifiers, additives, food colours and microplastics, all of which disrupt the gut barrier, causing inflammation. Indian street food uses hydrogenated oils and palm oil, both of which are unhealthy. Moreover, reusing these oils for repeated frying generates carcinogens,' he warns. Obesity, says Dr Amit Garg, Associate Director, Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery, Park Hospital, Mohali, itself is a state of chronic inflammation. 'It is one of the main reasons for arthritis or joint pains, backache, spondylitis etc. As you eat a high-fat diet and develop obesity, this inflammation is silent for years, and later it presents with chronic inflammation and weakens our gut defence mechanisms,' he says.
Indian Express
27-04-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
With 53%, Chandigarh has highest prevalence of fatty liver disease'
Chandigarh has recorded the highest prevalence of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) in the country, with 53.5 per cent of adults affected, significantly above the national average of 38 per cent, revealed a meta-analysis published in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hepatology. Marking World Liver Day 2025, senior doctors at Paras Health Panchkula expressed concern over the rising incidence of fatty liver disease, particularly among children and young adults. The trend is being driven by increasingly unhealthy eating habits, sedentary lifestyles, and a lack of awareness about liver health. In response, the hospital has introduced a dedicated liver OPD to provide focused care for patients suffering from conditions such as hepatitis, fatty liver, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. 'We are seeing serious liver issues even in non-drinkers, primarily due to the rising consumption of junk food high in fat and sugar,' said Dr Rakesh Kochhar, director, Gastroenterology, Paras Health Panchkula, and former professor at PGIMER. 'MAFLD has emerged as a silent epidemic. Most patients remain asymptomatic until significant liver damage occurs.' MAFLD, earlier known as NAFLD, is characterised by fat accumulation of over 5 per cent in the liver in the absence of alcohol consumption. Experts warned that it often goes undetected without routine screening. 'People who are obese, diabetic or follow unhealthy diets should undergo regular liver check-ups. If left untreated, MAFLD can progress to cirrhosis or liver cancer,' said Dr Mohnish Kataria, senior consultant, Gastroenterology. The doctors also cautioned against self-medication and unregulated herbal remedies, advocating lifestyle modifications and timely diagnosis as the most effective tools for liver disease prevention. 'Keeping the liver healthy is essential for a better quality of life,' added Kochhar. Ajay Duseja, head, Hepatology Department, PGIMER, said that research suggests that the MAFLD diagnosis should not be based solely on body mass index (BMI), as it is not a reliable indicator of disease risk. 'This condition can be just as severe in lean individuals as in overweight patients, and should be taken seriously and regular checkups are essential.' Fatty liver has become a lifestyle disorder, making it crucial to follow a healthy routine. Cases of fatty liver are also increasing in children due to decreased physical activity, and experts suggest maintaining a healthy diet, doing exercise; avoiding junk food and alcohol consumption. They also recommend not ignoring symptoms like lethargy, abdominal pain, fatigue, and scheduling liver checkups, with an ultrasound. 'The liver plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and supporting immunity, digestion, and metabolism. Any compromise in liver function can severely impact not just the digestive system, but also the kidneys, lungs, heart, and brain. One of the growing concerns affecting liver health today is excessive fat accumulation, which can silently progress to serious complications if left unnoticed,' said Dr Gurbakshish Singh Sidhu, principal consultant gastroenterology at Max Hospital Mohali. Some of the most common symptoms of liver disease include loss of appetite, abdominal pain, jaundice, and unexplained weight loss. Sidhu suggested that regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, following a balanced diet, which is low in fat and sugar, and high in fibre, can significantly reduce the risk of liver damage.
