Health – Elbestor Health

The Rise of Gut Health Awareness

Shrishti Pandey — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 08:51:26 +0000

Introduction: The Growing Focus on Gut Health

A few years ago, if you told someone you were paying attention to your gut health, they might have looked at you in a weird way and thought you were just following some new wellness trend. But today, gut health is not just a small trend – it has become an important issue in the world of health and wellness. For me, it all started when I noticed that simple problems like bloating or indigestion were having a lot of impact on my energy levels and mood, more than I had thought. When I did further research on it, I realized how deeply our gut is related to our overall health. What was once considered a small topic, has become mainstream today, thanks to the increasing awareness and research which tells how much impact gut health has on our digestion, immunity, mental clarity, and skin health. Why is there so much talk about stomach health these days? And why is it considered so important in our daily life? We will understand this in simple language in this article.

What is gut health and why is it important?

When our stomach and digestive system work properly, then only we call it ‘gut health’. It affects not only digestion but also our strength, mind and immunity i.e. body protection. It includes our stomach, intestines and also the small organisms that live inside us. Most people associate gut health only with stomach problems but it affects our entire health. It also controls our immune system, changes our mood and sometimes even affects our skin. Some people even call it the “second brain” because it is directly connected to our brain and our mental health.

If this balance is disturbed, then problems like bloating, feeling tired, or sometimes even panic without any reason start occurring. In some cases, the body starts fighting with its own strength. So now the time has come that we stop taking the health of the stomach lightly and start paying attention to it.

How Gut Health Became a Trend

Previously, gut health was a topic that only interested health specialists and some health enthusiasts. But in the last few years, this has become a big wellness trend, and nowadays people are paying more attention to their digestive health than before. How did this change come about? This is the result of some scientific discoveries, the influence of social media influencers, and the growing public interest in natural health.

There was an important moment when the connection between the gut and the brain was discovered. This caught the attention of both researchers and the media. Now it was not just about bloating or indigestion – gut health started being linked to everything from mental clarity to skin health. Social media, especially Instagram and YouTube, helped spread these things to more people. When wellness influencers shared their gut health stories with people, more people started paying attention to it. Slowly, gut health became an important part of their daily lives.

Key Factors Contributing to Gut Health Awareness

There are many reasons for the increased awareness about gut health that has changed over the past few years.

Dietary Changes

Nowadays the way we eat has changed a bit. Probiotics, fermented foods and plant-based foods have become more popular, which help in improving our gut health. For example, yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut and kefir are now a part of everyone’s kitchen. All these are full of healthy bacteria which keep our gut healthy. People are trying to eat less processed foods, because these can disturb the balance of gut bacteria.

Lifestyle Choices

Gut health depends not only on what we eat but also on the way we live. If you reduce stress, exercise a little, and sleep properly, all these are good for your gut. Stress affects the gut and can also spoil your digestion. Now people are starting to understand that their lifestyle has a direct impact on gut health.

Scientific Research

Scientific research has greatly increased awareness about gut health. As research shows that gut health affects our immune system and mental health, people are beginning to understand how important it is to maintain a balance of the gut microbiome. Now most people read scientific studies when thinking about improving their gut health.

Common Misconceptions and Challenges

People are talking a lot about gut health these days. But sometimes some things are not understood correctly. Like many people think that gut health means only keeping the stomach clean. Whereas the matter is much more than this. If the stomach is not working properly, then the mood also deteriorates, thinking also gets affected and the body’s ability to fight diseases also decreases.

On top of that, so many things are spread on the internet that it has become difficult to understand what is right and what is not. Gut health also affects our mood, thinking power and immune system.

Along with this, a lot of wrong information is also spreading on the internet, which misleads people. Many sell products to you claiming to “improve gut health”, but it can be difficult to understand which one really works. Apart from this, many people find it difficult to access good quality gut-friendly foods, which hinders them in following a healthy lifestyle.

Benefits of Improving Gut Health

If the stomach works properly, the whole body feels good. When our intestines work properly, the food is digested well and its nutrients are supplied to our body. This reduces fatigue and we maintain energy little by little throughout the day.

The stomach contains some good bacteria that help protect us from diseases. In fact, most of the body’s immune system is connected to our stomach. That is why when everything is fine in the stomach, minor diseases do not catch us easily.

Our stomach is not just for digesting food, it also takes care of our mind to a great extent. When our intestines work properly, such chemicals are produced that make us feel good. That is why it is said – if the stomach is happy, the mind is also happy. The power of thinking and understanding also increases.

Now if we start taking care of a little bit every day – like do not eat too much fried food, walk slowly and do not take unnecessary tension – then gradually the good effect will be seen in both body and mind.

How to Improve Your Gut Health

Do you want to take care of your stomach? Then follow these small tips:

1. Eat food that suits your stomach:

Make sure to include fruits, vegetables and fiber-rich food like dal-roti every day. This cleans the stomach well.

2. Do not forget to eat curd:

Curd, buttermilk, pickles or homemade pickles, these things increase beneficial bacteria for our stomach.

3. Drink lots of water:

If you keep drinking water sip by sip throughout the day, not only will your food be digested properly, but you will also not suffer from constipation.

4. A little walking is also important:

Take a 15-30 minute walk every day or do light exercise. This keeps the stomach happy as well as the mind.

5. Do not take tension:

Do not worry about things that are not in your control. Take deep breaths, meditate a little or do something that makes the mind feel light.

6. Get enough sleep:

You should have a fixed sleep schedule of at least 7-8 hours every day. This also keeps the stomach system balanced.

If you adopt all this gradually, you will see… your stomach will be happy and your whole body will also feel light.

Conclusion: Embracing Gut Health for a Better Future

People are becoming aware of their gut health these days, and rightly so, because if the gut is fine, the rest of the body will also be fine.

Small changes like eating healthy food, sleeping on time, walking a little, all these have a direct impact on the gut. And when the gut is happy, a person feels light, energetic and happy.

Gut health does not just mean getting rid of constipation or gas, but it is the first step towards a long, healthy life.

So what are you waiting for? Start small, maybe from today itself increase the amount of green vegetables in your diet or start exercising a little. Slowly it will become a habit… and then see, the stomach will also say “Thank you”.

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Why Osteoporosis is More Common in Women

Prity Kumari — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 12:48:00 +0000

Statistical studies speak a lot about osteoporosis in women. It’s a fact that one in every three women and one in every 5 men who have crossed her mid-age are susceptible to fractures because of weaker bones. The severe loss of bone results in osteoporosis. Getting a break in the hipbone is as much likely as having a combined risk of uterine, breast, and ovarian cancer. Furthermore, it has been estimated that around 200 million women have been affected by osteoporosis across the globe. Most of them are Indians as they tend to have less bone mineral density than Africans and Caucasians. It occurs every three seconds.

So, it’s definitely true that women are at higher risk of osteoporosis than men. But why so? Let’s find out! However, before straightway answering the question, first know what is osteoporosis, its causes, and its symptoms, and then also learn about ways to reduce osteoporosis. [2,4]

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis literally means ‘porous bone’. It is a skeletal disorder, also referred to as a silent disease as it progresses in one’s life without causing any pain or symptoms. It is the silent, gradual loss of bone minerals including calcium resulting in more loss of bone mass and strength. The degradation of the bone tissue leads to more fragile bones that can easily break or get fractured. [1, 2, 3]

What Causes Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis can happen due to various reasons including:

Early menopause
Vitamin D deficiency
Advancing age
Family history of osteoporosis
Low bone mineral density
Bad lifestyle habits like excessive alcohol consumption and smoking
Low body mass index
Hypogonadism
Rheumatoid arthritis
Chronic intake of steroids
After effect of Hysterectomy- a uterus removal surgery
Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia. [2]

Symptoms of Osteoporosis:

The common indications of osteoporosis include:

Back pain
Recurrent fractures
Postural body changes. [4]

Why is Osteoporosis a Prevalent Female Health Concern?

The reasons behind women being more prone to suffering from osteoporosis than men are:

Women have Smaller and Thinner or Lighter Bones.
Most adult females have short stature and are smaller than men, they possess lighter bones that are more prone to breakage.
Pregnancy or Breastfeeding in Women Robs Their Bones of Calcium And Vitamin D Minerals.
During pregnancy or nursing of the child, women must take extra care of their bodies. They must supplement their daily diet with bone minerals: Calcium and Vitamin D as these are taken up by the growing baby to form their healthy bones. Otherwise, they would have temporary bone loss and eventually weaker bones. Thus, the lack of calcium and Vitamin D in the diet of such females is the major contributing factor to their osteoporosis.
Women Tend to Live Longer Than Men.
On an average, the lifespan of women is almost five years longer than those of men. Although getting to live longer than men, the bad news is that women will experience a weakening of their bones as they grow older. Each year there is a loss of 2-3% bone mass. So, a longer life puts females at more risk of debilitating bone fractures.
At the Onset of Menopause, The Bone-Protecting Hormone Called Estrogen Rapidly Declines.
When a woman reaches menopause, she experiences a dramatic drop in her estrogen levels. Oestrogen is a female sex hormone that plays an essential role in keeping the bones strong of both men and women. Thus, bone loss gains momentum in postmenopausal women, and if this loss is not compromised the bones become brittle and weak.

Women are at greater risk of bone loss and osteoporosis caused by a reduced level of estrogen usually if they:

are cancer patients
have undergone oophorectomy- surgical removal of ovaries
are experiencing irregular periods or have started their menses later than normal age
have an early onset of menopause.

The two major factors that affect the likeliness of getting osteoporosis include:

The Bone Density Before Reaching Menopause. If a woman has more bone mass, she has less chance of developing osteoporosis. Young women having low bone density, as a result of low peak bone mass, are at more risk of getting osteoporosis in later life. Premenopausal women can suffer from osteoporosis either due to prolonged intake of a certain medicine or an underlying medical condition.
The Rate at Which Bone Loss Occurs After Reaching Menopause. For some women, bone loss happens more quickly than for others. Such women have more chances of developing osteoporosis.

5. Other causes:

Parathyroid hormone and growth hormone imbalances: An elevated level of parathyroid hormone can result in loss of calcium, thus making the bones weaker.
Smoking: Smokers tend to have low bone densities, which consequently lead to them having fractures.
Sedentary lifestyle: Women who are physically inactive for long term, tend to have weaker bones. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Strategies to Reduce Osteoporosis in Women:

There are various risk factors for osteoporosis to develop mostly in women, some of which can be altered to reduce osteoporosis. If a woman is having osteoporosis due to family history, diseases, or aging and menopause then that can’t be changed. However, osteoporosis can be prevented or reduced in the following ways:

Intake of calcium-rich foods such as cheese, milk, almonds, chia seeds, and green leafy vegetables. One must consume calcium and Vitamin D supplements if prescribed by the healthcare practitioner.
Early morning exposure to the sun for half an hour to stimulate more Vitamin D production.
Regular exercises. Women must carry out some muscle-strengthening and weight-bearing exercises daily so that they remain active and healthy.
No smoking. Women must quit smoking as it can result in less calcium absorption by the body.
Avoid excessive alcohol intake. Long-term alcohol consumption can increase the risk of fracture in both men and women.
Maintain a healthy weight. Women must plan for a diet with the necessary nutrients and calories in check to maintain healthy bones and muscles at their optimal body weight. [1, 2]

References:

https://www.medicahospitals.in/blog/why-osteoporosis-is-more-common-in-women/
https://www.apollo247.com/blog/article/osteoporosis-causes-and-prevention
https://www.rhcnj.com/blog/why-are-women-more-susceptible-to-osteoporosis
https://www.indushealthplus.com/why-osteoporosis-is-more-common-in-women.html
https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/preventing-fractures/general-facts/what-women-need-to-know/

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Health Conditions Specific to Women’s Health

Prity Kumari — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 13:00:00 +0000

Women play a crucial role in maintaining healthy families and utilize the health care system more frequently than men, both for themselves and their children. Many become pregnant and give birth, which is one of the significant health events, and then typically become their child’s primary caregiver. This role has a substantial impact on their overall health and plays a major role in maintaining a healthy household. [1] [4]

Health Conditions Affect Both Men and Women Differently

In addition to the fact that both men and women contract various diseases, it should be noted that some health conditions affect women differently and more frequently. In addition, many women’s health conditions go undiagnosed, and women are rarely used as test subjects in drug trials. Despite this, women face unique health concerns, including breast cancer, cervical cancer, menopause, hormonal issues, and pregnancy. In addition, women have a higher mortality rate from heart attacks than men. As a result, anxiety, and depression are more prevalent in females. Urinary tract disorders are more prevalent in women, and sexually transmitted diseases are more harmful to women. [1]

The following conditions are among the most prevalent among women and pose significant health risks:

Cancer in Females

Breast and cervical cancers are two of the most prevalent types of cancer affecting women. Early detection of both cancers is crucial for keeping women alive and healthy. The most recent global statistics indicate that approximately half a million women die annually from cervical cancer and breast cancer. The vast prevalence of these deaths occurs in low- and middle-income countries where the screening, prevention, and treatment of cancer are almost non-existent, and in such cases, vaccination against human papillomavirus must gain traction. [1]

Anxiety, Stress, and Depression

Many pieces of research suggest that women are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and somatic complaints as compared to males. Depression is the most prevailing mental health issue among women, and suicide is the leading cause of death for women under the age of 60. Educating women about mental health issues is crucial and gives them the confidence to seek help. [2]

Gynecological Well-Being

Normal menstrual cycle symptoms include bleeding and discharge. However, additional symptoms during menstruation may indicate health problems, and atypical symptoms, such as bleeding between periods and frequent urination, may mimic other conditions.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or cancer of the reproductive tract may also manifest as vaginal symptoms. Medical professionals may easily treat mild infections, but if left untreated, they can cause disorders such as infertility or kidney failure. [1]

Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases occur when immune system cells, such as those that eliminate viruses, attack healthy cells. As the prevalence of this condition continues to rise, researchers remain baffled as to why women are disproportionately affected. While there are numerous distinct autoimmune diseases, the majority share symptoms including:

Vertigo
Skin inflammation
Pain in the affected area
Mild fever
Exhaustion.

Consequently, many individuals with this condition have turned to natural healing methods, such as:

Taking in less fat
Reducing toxin consumption.
Reducing stress
Consuming less sugar.

However, early diagnosis of the root cause is the best defence against autoimmune disease. [3]

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis weakens bones, making them susceptible to fracture. The condition primarily affects women and can be caused by a number of factors, including:

Steroid usage
Smoking
Obesity
Malnutrition
Low body mass
Lack of activity
Increasing age
Genetics
Certain prescriptions
Alcoholic beverages.

Healthcare providers measure bone density via X-ray or ultrasound to diagnose the condition. Although there is no cure for osteoporosis, physicians can prescribe treatment to slow down the disease’s progression, such as dietary supplements, healthy lifestyle choices, or prescription medication. [1] [2] [3]

Non-communicable Diseases

According to data from experts in 2012, approximately 4.7 million women died from non-communicable conditions before the age of 70, while major deaths occur in low- and middle-income nations. They died due to road traffic accidents, harmful use of tobacco, abuse of alcohol, drugs, and substances, and obesity – more than half of women in Europe and the Americas are overweight. The main factor in living a long and healthy life is encouraging young girls and women to adopt healthy lifestyles. [2]

Pregnancy Issues

Pre-existing conditions can worsen during pregnancy, endangering both mother and child’s health. Also, untreated asthma, anxiety, stress, diabetes, and depression during pregnancy can be harmful to both mother and child.

Pregnancy can decrease the number of red blood cells in a healthy mother, a condition known as anemia, and cause depression. Further gestation is rendered impossible when a reproductive cell is implanted outside of the uterus. Obstetricians can help to manage and treat common and uncommon medical issues during pregnancy. [1][2]

Being Young

Teenage girls face a variety of sexual and reproductive health issues, including STIs, HIV, and pregnancies. Every year, approximately 13 million adolescent girls (under 20) give birth. Pregnancy and childbirth complications are the leading cause of death for these young mothers. Many are negatively affected by unsafe abortions. [3]

Increasing Age

As women frequently work at home, older women may have fewer pensions and benefits and less access to health care and social services than their male counterparts as they age. Combining the more significant risk of poverty with other ailments of old age, such as dementia, increases the risk of abuse and general poor health among older women.

Technology for Women’s Health

Soon, new technologies will be developed to aid in the treatment of women’s health conditions. Researchers have created innovative medical treatments, including a patient-operated device that prepares women for breast reconstruction using carbon dioxide instead of needles and a blood test that can detect whether pregnancy has begun outside the fallopian tubes. Other developing medical technologies include a self-administered Pap smear and a saliva-based pregnancy test. With healthy behaviors and regular doctor visits, women can reduce their risk for cancer and other common illnesses. [2] [4]

Reference

https://online.regiscollege.edu/online-masters-degrees/online-master-science-nursing/womens-health-nurse-practitioner/resources/health-issues-specific-womens-health/
https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/improving-womens-health-2013.aspx
https://www.who.int/news-room/commentaries/detail/ten-top-issues-for-women’s-health
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/womenshealth/conditioninfo/whatconditions

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