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India Today
01-07-2025
- Health
- India Today
One body, many risks: How doctors are fighting silent diseases
While India celebrates National Doctor's Day on July 1, healthcare professionals are raising red flags over a quieter health emergency—lifestyle diseases that damage multiple organs silently and often without warning. From heart attacks in young adults to early cognitive decline and undiagnosed cancers, doctors across specialities are now urging Indians to shift from reactive treatments to proactive prevention. Here's what experts from cardiology, gastroenterology, neurology, orthopaedics, and oncology have to AGE 30, YOU SHOULD START CHECKING YOUR HEALTH"Dr Vikram B Kolhari, Senior Consultant – Cardiology at Apollo Hospitals, Bengaluru, notes that heart attacks are increasingly being reported in patients in their 30s. 'Early detection through cholesterol and blood pressure checks, followed by lifestyle changes, can prevent long-term damage,' he recommends a cardiac rehabilitation program not just post-heart attack but as a preventive measure. 'A sodium-restricted, nutrient-rich diet combined with regular physical activity can boost heart performance. Even if you're symptom-free, get screened,' he advises."YOUR GUT IS THE FIRST ORGAN TO REFLECT STRESS," According to Dr Vijay Kumar HJ, Consultant – Gastroenterology, today's fast-paced lifestyles make our digestive system highly vulnerable. 'Persistent bloating, constipation, or acidity are early signs your gut is under stress,' he advocates for daily gut care: high-fiber meals, hydration, and movement. 'Your gut has its own language—learn to hear it before it screams for help,' he adds, stressing that gut disorders left unchecked can lead to serious illnesses like fatty liver or even gut cancers."BRAIN FOG AND MOOD SWINGS MAY SIGNAL EARLY COGNITIVE DECLINE,"advertisement'Brain fog is real,' says Dr Jayanth SS, Consultant Neurologist. 'If you're forgetting recent events, struggling to focus, or constantly fatigued, don't brush it off.'He explains that unmanaged stress, lack of sleep, and hormonal imbalances can trigger mood swings and memory issues, which may escalate into cognitive conditions like early dementia. He also warns that seizures, if ignored, may cause neuronal loss and emotional dysregulation. 'Prevention begins with attention to the mind's subtle red flags,' he says."MUSCLE LOSS STARTS QUIETLY—AND EARLY," ADVISESMusculoskeletal issues aren't just for the elderly, says Dr Rahul Puri, Consultant Joint Replacement and Robotic Surgeon. 'Most people today sit for hours in poor postures and skip strength training. By 40, many start losing muscle mass,' he lack of conditioning, combined with poor ergonomics and nutrition, can lead to serious injuries later. 'Falls in your 50s or 60s are not just accidents—they're often results of decades of neglect. Regular strength exercises can improve balance, posture, and bone density,' he adds."CANCER GIVES CLUES—IF YOU LISTEN TO YOUR BODYDr Vishwanath Sathyanarayanan, Senior Consultant – Medical Oncology, highlights the importance of recognizing cancer's early warning signs. He recommends remembering the 'CAUTION' acronym for symptoms like unexplained bleeding, lumps, or digestive lifestyle—junk food, stress, alcohol, smoking, and poor sleep—is directly increasing cancer risk,' he says. Routine screenings for breast, cervical, colon, lung, and prostate cancers are crucial. Post-treatment, he advocates for nutrition, psychosocial care, and ongoing medical follow-ups for healthy IS THE NEW PRESCRIPTIONDoctors agree: preventive care is no longer optional. Screenings, mindful habits, exercise, and regular check-ups can collectively help Indians live longer, healthier lives. National Doctor's Day isn't just a tribute—it's a reminder to take charge of your health before silent symptoms become serious diseases.- EndsTrending Reel
India Today
16-06-2025
- Health
- India Today
India is facing an epidemic of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
India is facing an epidemic of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease Credit: Getty Images India is facing a silent epidemic of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, especially affecting young people. According to government data, around 1 to 3 individuals out of 10 are suffering from it and affecting 25 to 30% of the world's population. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), medically called Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), happens when there's fat builds up around the liver with the use of alcohol. What is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease? After some time, it causes inflammation, known as hepatitis. It is one of the most common liver diseases in the world. It may not show clear symptoms at first but diabetes and obesity increase the risk of it. Physical activity helps slowly reverse the damage caused by the disease. No visible symptoms Dr Vijay Kumar HJ, Gastroenterologist, Apollo Clinic, Bengaluru, told that the primary causes of NAFLD are obesity, type II diabetes, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance. But while fatty liver rate are increasing, the disease is reversable with lifestyle modifications by changing one's diet and including exercise. Dietary measures include avoiding sugars or refined carbs. "When the liver functions are deranged, patients are managed with drugs like vitamin E, saroglitazar, semaglutide, obeticolic acid etc. Fibroscan is a non-invasive method to estimate liver damage," said Dr. Kumar. A diet rich in processed foods, and high in sugars, and saturated fats should be restricted. These foods lead to the accumulation of fat in the liver. What foods to avoid? Prioritise a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to reduce the risk of NAFLD. Incorporate at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise most days to stay physically active and support liver function. Exercise Schedule regular medical check-ups for early detection and management of any underlying health issues associated with NAFLD.
