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Eat These Seeds To Make Your Gut Healthy!

Your gut health depends on the balance of the microorganisms living inside the digestive tract. Maintaining the right balance of these microorganisms to keep your gut healthy and is essential for good immunity, mental and physical health and more. 

Your diet plays a vital role in enhancing your digestive health. Fibres are foods that promote a healthy gut. And when it comes to fibres, a handful of seeds can work wonders. These tiny superfoods are packed with antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and healthy fats that are all important to keep your immune system at its peak. 

Also Read: What Is Leaky Gut: Exploring the Facts and Debunking the Myths

Here is a look at the most healthful seeds that your gut will thank you for:

1. Chia Seeds 

You will be surprised to know that one ounce of Chia seeds contains 10 gms of fibre! These seeds help to bring down cholesterol levels. Not just that, you can also beat constipation with them. They are also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which helps combat cardiovascular diseases and even cancer!

Also read: 8 Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

Tips to Add Them to Your Diet – 

Sprinkle some dry Chia seeds on top of your smoothie or into a glass of juice. You can also mix them into oatmeal or yoghurt.

2. Pumpkin Seeds 

Pumpkin seeds or Pepitas can be a wonderful addition to your bland meal or snack. Containing more than 8 gms of protein per ounce, they are also a good source of magnesium, phosphorous and heart-healthy fats. 

Read More: 14 health benefits of Pumpkin Seeds

Tips to Add Them to Your Diet –

Add them raw or roasted on top of a bowl of soup or a bowlful of salad.

Seeds have mostly healthy fats, some fiber, and about 150 calories per ounce. And they do have protein, about 5 to 9 grams per ounce. The fibre and fats in these nuts are important in proper bowel movements and lubrication for bowels.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

3. Flax Seeds 

An excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, fibre and a whole lot of other nutrients, flaxseeds can lower blood pressure and cholesterol – two factors that increase your risk of heart diseases.

Read More: 8 health benefits of Flax Seeds

Tips to Add Them to Your Diet –

Add a handful of flaxseeds to your meal or soak them in the water the night before you consume them.

Also Read: Apple Diet: Unpacking the Potential Health Benefits and Risks Based on Studies

4. Sunflower Seeds 

Sunflower seeds are packed with a good amount of monosaturated fats, vitamin E and proteins. Consuming sunflower seeds more than five times a week can reduce C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. CRP is an acute-phase reactant – its levels go up if inflammation is rampant in your body. Moreover, one ounce of the seeds contains as low as 164 calories, meaning your calorie count won’t go up by much. 

Read More: 11 health benefits of Sunflower Seeds

Tips to Add Them to Your Diet –

Sunflower seeds can be soaked in water overnight before consumption or you can add roasted sunflower seeds to a bowl of yoghurt or salad.

With too much fibre packed inside them Flaxseed is commonly used to improve digestive health or relieve constipation, excessive consumption may cause gas and bloating.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.

 5. Sesame Seeds

Three tablespoons of sesame seeds contain 3.5 gms of fibre. As we know, fibre is known to boost digestion, you can consume them in a moderate amount to keep your gut healthy. In addition, these seeds also reduce the risk of a host of other ailments, such as obesity, cancer, Type 2 diabetes and heart diseases

Also Read: 12 Benefits of Poppy Seeds

Tips to Add Them to Your Diet –

Sesame seeds can be sprinkled on top of a variety of dishes for seasoning. 

A healthy gut is what keeps you going – they affect everything, from your mood to your metabolism and immunity. Fine-tuning your gut essentially boils down to the simplest nutritional guideline – healthy eating. So, increase your fibre intake, reduce consumption of processed foods and make these seeds a constant part of your daily diet.

Also Read: 9 Health Benefits of Sabja Seeds

Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.

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Helicobacter Pylori- The Silent Epidemic

What is H. Pylori?

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gram-negative bacterium usually found in the stomach, which has infected almost 80% of the Indian population. The vast majority of people infected with H. pylori have no symptoms and will never develop any problem. However, H. pylori are capable of causing several digestive ailments which include ulcers and less commonly, stomach cancer. It is not clear why some people with H. pylori get these ailments and others don’t.

How can you get infected?

  1. pylori infection is mainly acquired in childhood. The mode of transmission of H. pylori remains poorly understood. The bacteria are most commonly spread by consuming food or water contaminated with faecal matter. H. pylori can cause changes to the stomach and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). In developing countries, a combination of untreated water, crowded conditions and poor hygiene contribute to a higher H. pylori infection rate.

What are the diseases caused by H. Pylori infection?

Not all H. pylori infections lead to the development of ulcers and stomach cancer.However, most people infected do develop gastritis. Unless eradicated, H. pylori will remain in the stomach and will continue to cause chronic inflammation and weakening the protective force of the mucous membrane of the stomach. This will result in creating a condition whereby it is vulnerable to attack by stress, salty meals and carcinogenic substances.

1. Indigestion (Dyspepsia) –

Most people with indigestion or dyspepsia feel pain and discomfort in the stomach or chest. The sensation generally occurs soon after consuming some food or a drink. It may make a person feel full or uncomfortable during a meal, even if they have not eaten a large amount of food.

2. Gastritis –

Gastritis is an inflammation and irritation of the lining of the stomach. It can occur suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic).

3. Ulceration –

Stomach ulcers, which are also known as gastric ulcers, are painful sores in the stomach lining. Stomach ulcers occur when the thick layer of mucus that protects your stomach from digestive juices, is reduced. This allows the digestive acids to eat away at the tissues that line the stomach, causing an ulcer.Stomach cancer –The causes of stomach cancer are thought to be smoking, poor eating habits and genetics. However, the latest research indicates that H. pylori eradication therapy decreases the risk of developing stomach cancer.

What are the symptoms of H. Pylori infection?

Most individuals with chronic gastritis have no symptoms. However, some people develop more serious problems, including stomach or duodenal ulcers. Ulcers can cause a variety of symptoms or no symptoms at all, with the most common symptoms including: Certain medications can also cause peptic ulcers.  

Who should be tested for H. Pylori infection?

If you have symptoms – Diagnostic testing for H. pylori infection is recommended if you have active gastric or duodenal ulcers or if you have a history of ulcers.There are several ways to diagnose H. pylori. The most commonly used tests include the following:
  1. Breath tests – Breath tests (known as urea breath tests) require that you drink a specialized solution containing a substance that is broken down by the H. pylori bacterium. The broken-down products can be detected in your breath.
  2. Stool tests – Tests are available that detect H. pylori proteins in the stool.
  3. Blood tests – Blood tests can detect specific antibodies (proteins) that the body’s immune system develops, in response to the H. pylori bacterium.

How is H. Pylori infection treated?

The treatment of H. pylori includes several steps. A two-week therapy of multiple antibiotics along with an antacid (mostly the proton pump inhibitors class of drug) is generally prescribed. After completing the H. pylori treatment, repeat testing is usually performed to ensure that the infection has been treated properly. However, there are increasing numbers of patients with H. pylori infection, who are showing resistance to the antibiotics. Hence, it is important to take the entire course of all medications as prescribed by your health care professional. The drawback though is that up to 50 percent of patients report side effects while taking this H. pylori treatment. These side effects include metallic taste, headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps etc. Furthermore, patients don’t comply with the treatment as multiple dosing of several tablets per day is required, for at least two weeks.Also Read: Why Is My Upper Stomach Bigger Than My Lower? Understanding Body Composition

Newer therapies for H. Pylori eradication –

There are numerous types of probiotics such as Lactobacillus species which are used for the eradication of H pylori and to prevent gastrointestinal infections. Research has shown that a unique strain of Lactobacillus reuteri (DSM17648) exerts its action by attaching to/co-aggregating with the H. pylori bacteria and flushing them out of the body. This strain of L reuteri i.e. DSM17648 is also capable of reducing the H. pylori bacterial load and side effects associated with antibiotic therapy.Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
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How To Maintain A Healthy Gut During Monsoon?

We as humans always are living in a dynamic atmosphere. Our diet, weather, routines, and a multitude of other factors change on a regular basis. Likewise, the microbial content of even an otherwise healthy person’s gut can be affected by changes in the environment or season. This is more so in monsoon when the dampness in the weather hugely increases the disease-causing microbes.

Paradoxically, the gut enzymes activity is lesser in the wet season than in summers, thus affecting the process of digestion. This may lead to indigestion and cause sluggishness.

Also Read: Benefits of Colostrum: A Deep-Dive Into its Health-Boosting Properties

It is therefore essential to pay heed to what we eat.

Children are vulnerable in the monsoons and often fall prey to infections and viruses. Here are simple tips to keep your children healthy this season! Monsoons also wreak havoc on one’s skin, but you can avoid them. Learn how here. If you have waded through floodwater, learn how to prevent leptospirosis.

Happy and healthy monsoon!

Also Read: What Is Leaky Gut: Exploring the Facts and Debunking the Myths

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.