ARTICLES ON General Health

If you ever feel a racing heartbeat after climbing a flight of stairs accompanied by chest tightness or sudden breathlessness, then these signs should not be ignored. Before concluding, it’s best to consult a doctor to see how the heart is actually working. A two-dimensional echocardiography test, also known as a ‘2-D echo test ’, can help with the answer. As the test uses sound waves to build a live picture of the beating heart, it helps the cardiologist to watch the muscle, the valves, and the blood flow as they happen. In this guide to the 2D echo test, we’ll understand what it actually is, how it is done, what the results mean, what it costs, and when a person may need one. What Is a 2D Echo Test? A 2D echo test works much like a sonography of the heart. Doctors use it often because it is safe, painless, and carries no risk. The test uses high-frequency sound waves that bounce off the parts of the heart and turn into waves that show real-time images of the heart on a screen. A cardiologist can then study the heart muscle, the valves, the four chambers, and see how well the heart is pumping blood. Most of the time, the echo scan happens in a clinic on the same day. A full test can take anywhere between 20 and 30 minutes.  In the test, the patient lies down, a technician glides a small probe over the chest, and the heart appears on a monitor. The doctor receives the printed images and a written report of the heart.  Symptoms that point a doctor toward this test include breathlessness, chest pain, dizziness, or heavy tiredness. A person with a past heart attack or a blockage may also be asked to take this test.  Heart Conditions a 2D Echo Test Can Find Results of a 2D echo test can point to several problems that can be harmful or weakening for the heart: Atherosclerosis, where clogged arteries lead to blood clots and artery damage. Congenital heart disease, a defect in one or more heart structures that is present from birth. Cardiomyopathy, an enlarged heart caused by thick or weak heart muscle. Heart failure, when the muscle grows too weak to pump blood well. Old and ongoing heart attacks, with a rough idea of how much of the heart is affected. Pericarditis, an inflammation or infection of the sac around the heart. Pericardial effusion, when fluid or blood fills that sac and puts pressure on the heart muscle. Holes or defects in the heart walls that divide the chambers. Murmurs from valve problems, along with tumors or valve infections. A well-equipped heart care team can guide a person on how the test is required. A cardiologist reads these signs along with the symptoms a patient describes to find exactly what the patient is suffering from.  The Three Imaging Modes Used in a 2D Echo Test A single echo scan can look at the heart in three ways.  The first is two-dimensional (2D) imaging, which shows the shape and movement of the heart structures.  Then comes M-mode imaging, which records one line of the heart over time, helping the doctor measure the size and motion of the heart.  The third one is Doppler imaging, which tracks the speed and direction of blood flow, so leaks and narrowed valves can be seen clearly. Types of 2D Echo Test Not every heart problem needs the same scan. Doctors can pick from a few forms of the echo test based on what they want to see. Transesophageal Echocardiography A TEE test gives the doctor a closer look at the heart. Doctors may order it to look for blood clots. A small sensor sits on a thin, bendable tube that passes through the mouth and down the food pipe. The sensor stays right behind the heart and sends back a clear picture of it. Stress Echocardiography Test A stress echocardiography test checks the heart when it is beating faster. A patient walks on a treadmill or pedals a cycle, and images are taken before the effort and right after it. Problems like coronary heart disease often show up better when the heart is under load. Fetal Echocardiography Test A fetal echocardiography test looks at the heart of an unborn baby. Doctors do it between the 18th and 22nd week of pregnancy to confirm whether the baby’s heart is forming well or not. 3D Echocardiography Test A 3D echocardiography test builds a three-dimensional picture of the heart. This version helps the surgeon to plan a valve repair better. Doctors also use it to spot heart issues in children. How a 2D Echo Test Works In a 2D echo test, sound waves do most of the work. A probe sends them into the chest, and they bounce back off the heart walls. A computer turns those echoes into a moving picture. Any damage, blocked flow, and the pace of blood moving through each chamber can be seen through this test.  What to Do Before a 2D Echo Test Little preparation that you can do before going for a standard 2D echo test includes: Eating and drinking as you usually would.  Taking regular medicines on schedule.  Wearing some comfortable clothing. For a stress echo test, you can avoid smoking and other nicotine products as they can impact results.  Skipping coffee, tea, and even decaf drinks as they have caffeine.  The 2D Echo Procedure, Step by Step The echo scan follows a simple order: A patient removes clothing from the waist up and lies down on a table. A special gel is applied to the chest so the probe can glide smoothly and lead to an accurate reading. Then electrodes are attached to the body, which connect to an ECG machine, to record your heartbeat. A technician uses the probe and moves it around the chest to see the beating heart on the screen. How to Read a 2D Echo Test Report One

Balance is the key to perfection – be it diet or workout – and now, a person’s ability to balance the body could also be indicative of longevity. At a time when several people are relying on health check-ups to check for disease risk, experts say that a balance test should also be included in the routine to ascertain how healthy or how long one is likely to live. For this, it is advised to remove the shoes and socks and place the front of the free foot on the back of the opposite lower leg while keeping the arms by the sides and gazing ahead. In the study, 1 in 5 people failed; additionally, 54 percent of 71 to 75-year-olds failed to strike a balance as opposed to 5 percent of 51 to 55-year-olds. Published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, experts tracked the participants for years and after a seven-year follow-up, they discovered that 7 percent of the participants had died. 17.5 percent of the people who failed the test were part of the group who had failed the test. With this, experts concluded that the inability to stand on one leg for 10 seconds is associated with an 84 percent rise in early death risk. To know more about this link, Times Now Digital connected with Dr. Mohit Kukreja, Consultant Arthroscopy, and Sports Medicine Specialist at Wockhardt Hospitals. “This seems to be an observational study with a significant amount of arbitrary correlation and confounding factors involved. So we can’t be sure exactly what could be the reason for their inability to stand for less than 10 seconds. It could probably be poor health but could be some musculoskeletal or proprioceptive issues related to various systems of the body. So this statement cannot be accepted as a dictum and larger, prospective, and randomized studies need to prove this fact,” he said. “Of course, we advise single leg balance exercises to improve steadiness in old age and to improve joint proprioception after sports-related ligament surgeries of the knee. This reduces the risk of a fall in the geriatric population and is a very important milestone to progress post-surgery knee patients to more aggressive rehabilitation exercises respectively,” Dr. Kukreja concluded. Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central To book an appointment call: 022-61784400 Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/health/can-you-stand-on-one-leg-for-10-seconds-study-reveals-what-it-could-say-about-your-health-article-92408550

How many times have you found yourself wanting to end an unhealthy relationship, but you didn’t? Here’s why it’s so hard to get out of a relationship. Leaving a relationship is not as easy as it seems. There are a lot of emotions and memories associated with the person, which can cause people to stay in an unhealthy relationship. Furthermore, they are afraid of the change that can occur following the end of a relationship. No matter what the nature of a relationship is, we all want someone to love us. As a result, people expect everything to be fine one day and believe that’s how a relationship should be. That, however, is not the case. You should understand that if something does not make you happy, you should let it go. And it doesn’t take long for an unhealthy relationship to deteriorate into a toxic one. Let’s find the causes behind why people struggle to leave a relationship Researchers from the University of Minho in Braga, Portugal, believe they have discovered why people stay in bad relationships, and it may have something to do with the “sunk cost fallacy.” The “sunk cost fallacy,” according to researchers, is an effect in which people tend to stick with something because they’ve already invested so much time, money, and/or energy in it, making it difficult for them to let go – even if it’s not the best decision. To understand more about this, Health Shots got in touch with Dr. Sonal Anand, Psychiatrist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road, Mumbai. Here 7 major reasons why leaving an unhealthy relationship can be so difficult: 1. They have been in an enmeshed family “Sometimes families that don’t function well can have a lasting psychological impact. People who have been in such family environments are so used to it that they get used to unhealthy relationships as well and feel that this situation seems more familiar and so find it difficult to move away,” says Dr. Anand. 2. Learned helplessness Leaving an unhealthy relationship necessitates confidence and self-esteem. However, some people lack the motivation to leave an unhealthy relationship because they believe there is no way for them to escape their circumstances. They may believe that they will never find a solution or that they are the cause of the unhealthy relationship. And this can make getting out of the situation difficult. 3. Lack of control People who are in an unhealthy relationship frequently attempt to end it. But they don’t in the end. It occurs because some people have low self-esteem and, due to that, they believe they have no control over relationships and situations. As a result, people choose to stay rather than leave. 4. Expecting happier days are around the corner People stay in unhealthy relationships because they believe they have invested significant time and energy in this relationship. As a result, they anticipate that everything will be fine one day. Dr. Anand says, “It’s normal to hope for better days, but sometimes this hope can get too prolonged and lose objective.” 5. Common friends and family relationships Social norms may require perfectionism in relationships, putting pressure on both partners. The individual may believe that he or she will not be socially accepted without a partner among close common friends or even family members. That makes it hard to break up. “Even the obligation of children can be a factor here. Some people endure just for the sake of their children,” says Dr. Anand. 6. Being clueless Some people are unaware that they are being manipulated and believe their unacceptable behavior patterns are simply errors. As a result, they make do with what they have. It could also be a first-time relationship, making quitting difficult. 7. Previous heartbreaks Some people go through difficult breakups and don’t want to go through heartbreak again. They could also become dependent and believe that they can’t live without that person. So they refuse to leave. Dr. Sonal AnandConsultant – PsychiatristWockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road To book an appointment call: +918108101104 Source: https://www.healthshots.com/mind/emotional-health/why-is-it-so-difficult-to-leave-an-unhealthy-relationship/

It’s not easy to wake up fresh every morning. However, with these 9 tips, it’s possible to kick-off morning fatigue and grogginess. Do you constantly press the snooze button in the morning? Sleeping for an extra five to ten minutes may seem divine. However, they can often cause morning fatigue and grogginess! Certain morning habits can help you re-energize, eliminate stress, and build focus commonly caused by the chaotic morning rush. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, morning habits help create a happier life, complete with fulfillment and maximum productivity. consultant internal medicine, Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road, Mumbai, to find some great tips that can help make the morning energetic and refreshed. 9 tips to avoid morning fatigue and stop feeling groggy: 1. Do not hit the snooze button Say no to snoozing, ladies! You must avoid falling asleep again. If you do so, you will end up feeling fatigued and inactive. Try to get up and start the day immediately after the alarm rings. Also, keep your alarm away from your bed instead of keeping it next to you so that you’ll be forced to get up and move your body to turn it off. 2. Start the day with a glass of water In any case, it is a good idea to be well-hydrated. Starting your day by drinking a glass of water can help to keep your morning laziness at bay. Water will flush out the toxins from the body, which means a healthy gut and a glowing you. Dr. Mule says, “If you feel fatigued in the morning, it is probably due to dehydration. Having a glass of water will freshen you up before starting the day.” 3. Get sunlight exposure Sunlight, especially the one soaked in the morning, helps boost serotonin in your brain, which can give you more energy and keep you calm, positive, and focused. Avoid being in the sun at noon, when it is at its highest point and emits the most UVB rays. It’s a tried-and-true method for getting your lazy ass out of bed. 4. Indulge in yoga Getting some physical activity in the morning is the best thing you can do for your health. Exercising or practicing yoga can be the body’s natural way of waking itself up after being immobile for long hours during the night. Dr. Mule says, “Stretch, do yoga, or even other exercises like walking after waking up to avoid being groggy. Doing so can help you stay energized.” Try to do some form of exercise in the morning without fail. 5. Listen to soothing music A study published in the journal BJPsych International states that music stimulates our brain circuits and boosts both creativity and productivity. So if you really want to say bye-bye to morning tiredness and laziness, listen to music, and lift your mood. 6. Eat a healthy breakfast Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and you cannot afford to skip it. According to Dr. Mule, “Skipping breakfast will leave you more tired. So, eat oats, fruits, or eggs. But, avoid high carbohydrate intake and fatigue. A low-carb breakfast would improve cognition and mood.” 7. Consume energy foods Along with your healthy breakfast, make sure you add some energy-boosting foods to your morning meal. Foods such as pumpkin seeds, walnuts, dates, and almonds are the best sources to get an instant energy boost. They can be your pre-workout or evening snack as well. 8. Make a bedtime routine The only thing that never worries you about waking up refreshed is your bedtime routine. A bedtime routine, on the other hand, is essential. So, sleep on time, turn off your phone an hour before bedtime, and avoid drinking coffee at night. 9. No smoking “Some people have a habit of smoking after waking up. Well, this can land you in trouble. It is a well-known fact that smoking is injurious to health. It is best to avoid it and start your day with meditation instead,” says Dr. Mule. To book an appointment call: +918108101104 Source: https://www.healthshots.com/preventive-care/self-care/how-to-wake-up-fresh-9-tips-to-avoid-morning-fatigue/

Born with a rare congenital disorder called Otofocial syndrome Chicago resident Joseph Williams does not have a jaw. Despite undergoing numerous surgeries, experts have not been able to construct a jaw as his “body rejected it”, according to various reports. Due to the condition, he is unable to speak or eat using his mouth. He uses sign language to communicate and eats through a tube. Sharing his life experiences with Caters News Agency, William revealed how people treat him differently due to his medical condition, reported New York Post. But he always kept his spirits high by telling himself that “there is a reason that God made me like this”. The 41-year-old also opened up about finding love in his wife Vania who he met in 2019, as he said: “We were friends at first, but we eventually started dating and fell in love. We got married in 2020. I’m sure people would never have expected me to get married. To be honest, I didn’t think I would either.” Here’s all you Need to Know About the Medical Condition. According to rarediseases.org, it is a condition in which a child is without a mandible, and, consequently, without a chin. “This disorder affects the development of one’s mouth and is present at birth itself. The symptoms can persist and worsen as one ages,” said Dr. ChandraVeer Singh, consultant otorhinolaryngologist, Head and Neck Onco Surgeon, Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road. Causes This condition happens due to a mutated gene, said Dr. Singh. “In a person with this condition, the tongue will be underdeveloped, making swallowing impossible. Survival becomes challenging, too. It can take a toll on one’s physical and mental well-being. One will have to use sign language or write notes to communicate. Those with this condition require life-long tubal feeding,” said Dr. Singh. Treatment Treatment can include reconstructive surgery for facial clefts, removal of extra teeth, and surgery to repair fused fingers or digit anomalies. It can also include treatment of renal disease including hemodialysis/peritoneal dialysis or a kidney transplant, explained Dr. Shishir Aggarwal. “Management of seizures, if present, and evaluations for learning disabilities may be required based on the type of the syndrome. Speech therapy and special education are also recommended. Other treatment is supportive and based on symptoms,” said Dr. Aggarwal. Agreed Dr. Singh and added that people with this syndrome need to be monitored closely. “The treatment for this syndrome will be surgery. So, one will have to follow the guidelines given by the doctor.” Dr. ChandraVeer SinghConsultant Otorhinolaryngologist, Head and Neck Onco SurgeonWockhardt Hospitals Mira Road To book an appointment call: +918108101104 Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/chicago-man-without-jaw-otoficial-syndrome-rare-genetic-symptoms-treatment-causes-7933146/

While hot temperature and lack of ventilation may cause night sweating at times, if you experience it frequently, there may be some underlying causes behind it. Do you often wake up all sweaty at night despite your air conditioning working fine and don’t really understand the reason behind it? While hot temperature and lack of ventilation may cause night sweating at times, if you experience it frequently, there may be some underlying causes behind it. Experts say being too stressed, drinking alcohol before bedtime, certain medications, diabetes, anxiety disorders, thyroid problems, or perimenopause could be some of the reasons why you are breaking out in a sweat at night. Dr. Krishan Raj, says there could be many factors behind sweating during sleep and in most cases, it could be an indicator of an underlying medical condition. “Though the most common factor associated is with diabetics (Diabetic neuropathy), those who take medications for hypoglycemia (low sugar) usually sweat due to the fact that the blood vessels expand to increase the blood flow and then contract,” says Dr. Krishan Raj. Consultant Internal Medicine, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road that could lead to sweating during sleep. • Drinking alcohol before hitting the sack: You may end up sweating at night if you happen to drink alcohol in the evening. “This is so because alcohol increases the temperature of the body which can lead to sweating. Alcohol will relax the airways, which can make breathing harder. Moreover, it also acts as a stimulant by increasing the heart rate. Both of these can increase your body temperature and induce sweating. So, avoid alcohol consumption before sleeping,” says Dr. Mule. • Thyroid disorders: The thyroid gland assists in regulating several bodily functions including metabolism, thus a highly active thyroid gland, can make the body sensitive to heat causing night sweats, according to Dr. Krishan Raj. • Being stressed: Are you stressed or anxious? Then, you need to know that an overactive mind revs up your brain and body which can make you sweat at night. Try to de-stress by reading a book, taking a warm shower, or listening to music, says Dr. Mule. • Anxiety disorders: Anxiety and stress are the most common conditions that create a variety of physiological responses, majorly contributing to nighttime perspiration. Those with disorders like OCD, SAD, or PTSD are highly vulnerable to night sweats due to anxiety and vice versa, says Dr. Krishan Raj. • Going through menopause: Perimenopausal women report having night sweats which are extremely common. Alcohol, spicy foods, caffeine, and smoking can trigger night-time sweating. So, avoid them at night, says Dr. Mule. • Certain medications: Taking antidepressants, antiretrovirals, or hypertension drugs impacts the parts of one’s brain that tend to control the body temperature or sweat glands. These medications can be responsible for inducing sweat during nighttime. You can speak to the doctor and check for other options for these medications. • Certain infections like TB or HIV: Night sweats have a strong linkage to a variety of infections including TB, HIV, or even blood disorders like leukemia. This is due to the fact that infections can create fever and overheating of the body, leading to night sweats, says Dr. Krishan Raj. Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road To book an appointment call: +918108101104 Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/do-you-sweat-in-your-sleep-experts-on-7-reasons-why-it-may-happen-101652877498641.html

Nagpur: Total knee replacement (TKR) surgeries have become very common these days, and doctors are following the ‘Enhanced Recovery Protocol’ to enable patients to start walking within 3-4 hours of the surgery. Research data published in the Lancet journal in 2019 shows that TKR is a very long-lasting solution, with benefits lasting over 25 years in at least 8 out of 10 patients. Like any other surgery, there have been continuous improvements in surgical techniques, implant designs, surgical materials, longevity, and surgical outcomes of TKR. Nowadays, doctors in Nagpur have started adopting the Enhanced Recovery protocol (ERP) which has very effectively reduced the length of hospital stay after TKR, said leading knee replacement specialists in the city. As per the documentation by doctors in the city, ERP has improved long-term outcomes and satisfaction after TKR. Patients can start eating and drinking soon after surgery and don’t feel weak. Some 90% of patients were walking on the day of surgery, within 3-4 hours of surgery. All patients can independently use toilets and climb stairs within 2-3 days and can safely go home faster. Patients regain range of motion faster, and many patients are even able to sit cross-legged a few weeks after surgery. “Our average length of hospital stay after TKR in Nagpur is 2.4 days for unilateral TKR and 2.5 days for bilateral TKR, which is better than reported TKR length of stay data from our country,” said Dr. Alankar Ramteke from Wockhardt Hospitals. “Due to ERP, patients experience less pain as there is less tissue damage due to minimally invasive surgical techniques. There are no tubes, drains, or pipes after surgery, and patients can resume normal life activities much sooner after surgery,” he added. According to doctors, ERP is important for all ages, especially in younger, active, and working patients, who want to get back to their jobs early to reduce time off from work and avoid financial losses. According to scientific evidence, Enhanced Recovery in TKR is also associated with minimum bleeding, faster recovery, a higher range of motion, and reduced risk of complications. Even government hospitals are also following the protocol. “ERP is a standard protocol these days and we are also following it in GMCH,” said Dr. Mohd Faizal from GMCH orthopedic department. “Hip joint replacement is more common in GMCs. Patients from poor financial backgrounds can get it done through schemes like Ayushman Bharat and Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojna. They recover early and get back to work with ERP, which is the biggest benefit for patients who chose government hospitals,” he added.

‘Me time’ is precious for many people and the need for solitude is intrinsic to them. Be it slowly sipping that daily cup of coffee along with a favorite book or taking a solo walk in the park, spending some alone time in the company of nature or simply contemplating comes naturally to some. In fact, some amount of alone time is important for everyone. However, in relationships, many a time, especially new ones, the need for ‘me-time’ is often seen as a sign of declining interest. According to experts, spending time away from the partner can take the stress away, reduce friction and bring excitement to relationships. “For a healthy relationship, it’s imperative that couples have as much of ‘me-time’ as ‘we-time’. It acts as a safety valve for the pressure cooker of relationships,” says Amrita Sharma, author of the book What Did I Ever See in Him. Spending time away from the partner, however, doesn’t mean neglecting your beloved. It means taking out time to reflect, recharge and contemplate. “Alone time does not mean absolute alienation from each other, rather it is a time for self-reflection and self-development,” says Dr. Sonal Anand, Psychiatrist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai. Dr. Anand says, finding that ‘me time’ is especially important in longer relationships where space is needed to repair and create. “Issues like taking each other for granted and giving less importance to couple priorities may crop up easily after a point and can become a cause of unconscious stress. Spending some quality time with self can help reassess one’s situation,” says Dr. Sonal Anand. Giving a little breather to each other can also give couples to resolve issues and think of novel ways to reignite their passion. “It helps improve self-dependency and there’s always something new to look forward to which can help reduce friction and bring out excitement which is required in relationships,” concludes Dr. Anand. Dr. Sonal AnandPsychiatristWockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/relationships/why-spending-time-away-from-your-partner-can-improve-your-relationship-101651072232858.html

Why do they make that noise? Is it worth noticing or it’s just a “hoax” alarm? One of the most common questions we get in clinics is ‘why does my knee click? So, if you have ‘clicky’ knees you are certainly not alone! Often the questions are- Why do my knees click when I walk?Why do my knees click when I squat/ kneel down?Why do my knees click when I go upstairs or downstairs? Joints make a variety of noises which patients describe as “popping, snapping, cracking, catching, grinding and clunking!” Believe it or not, this was first described in 1947. The noise occurs because tiny air bubbles (nitrogen) accumulate within the fluid inside your joints and when you move, they collapse (or burst) due to the changes in pressure inside the joint. The noise occurs when the gas bubbles collapse. It is the same process as when you ‘click your knuckles’ Here are the other reasons for the clicking the knees that we see in the clinic: This can cause ‘clicking’ or a flicking or catching sensation clicking when you bend the knee or squat. Most of the time this is pain-free, but if it is painful it is called Plica syndrome. Why not worry about the ‘painless clicking’ of knees? It is normal for knees to click since they are moving parts with structures that move and glide next to each other when you bend and straighten the knee, for example when going up or down the stairs. Interestingly, most knee issues I see in my clinic that are painful, have no clicking or clunking! Here are some noteworthy facts to debunk myths related to the clicking of knees and other joints- Dr. Mohit M KukrejaConsultant – Orthopedic SurgeonWockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of digestive system that causes disturbance in the bowel habits of affected people. Here’s how you can manage it. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of digestive system that causes disturbance in the bowel habits of affected people and may also cause issues like pain, cramping, heaviness or bloating in the stomach. Disturbance in bowel habits can mean any of these – change of frequency of stools, change in its form or need for excessive straining. It can range from diarrhea to difficult constipation. More common in women than men, IBS may be managed effectively by making certain lifestyle modifications and controlling triggers like stress. What causes IBS “Our digestive system similar to our brain, has its own nerves and signal transmitters across the nerves to send messages within its component, which is why it is also called the second brain. IBS is a disorder which arises when there is discordance between the axis of brain- the gut nerves and the gut proper. Exact cause for this disturbance is not known but triggers like stress, infections, medications, hormonal changes and type of food have been well documented,” says Dr Shankar Zanwar, Consultant Gastroenterologist, Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central. Symptoms of IBS Diarrhea, constipation, sense of incomplete stool evacuation which is a feeling like you still need to poop after you just did, gas, pain in abdomen, feeling of bloating in abdomen, cramping in abdomen are some of the symptoms of the disoder. How to cope with IBS Dr Shankar Zanwar suggests lifestyle modifications that can help cope with IBS. 1. Stress busting: Stress if one the biggest cause for triggering IBS. Engaging yourself in activities which you relish meaning pursuing your hobbies is one of the easiest stress busters. It can take your disturbed mind away from the gut. As mentioned above IBS is the disease of disturbed gut-brain axis. 2. IBS diary: It is always a good idea to maintain diary which records what you eat, how you feel after any unusual or specific food items and the trend of your bowel symptoms which can include stool frequency and stool form. This will give both the patient and caregiver a clearer idea regarding the planning for better treatment and diet. 3. Food intolerance: There is quite a hype surrounding ‘food intolerance tests’ these days. A simpler way to cope with IBS is to maintain the food diary identify your self if any unusual food has triggered your symptoms and eliminate it from the diet. The common culprits are dairy products, wheat, some fruits (apples, mangoes, cherries, watermelon), onions, cabbage, beans and nuts. 4. Diet: Specific diet varies from person to person and depends also on the predominant type of IBS. If you have constipation-type IBS, a high fibre diet of whole fruits (with skin when edible), legumes, prunes and cereals is helpful. Patients with diarrheal-type IBS should avoid the items mentioned to manage constipation-type IBS along with dairy products. They can switch to non-wheat cereals, non-dairy milk like soy milk or almond milk etc. Changing your breakfast timing to before passing stools can also improve constipation-type IBS as it gives a kick to your gut to expel the contents. You should drink ample amount of water that will keep your stool coming out easily when you are constipated and avoid dehydration if you have diarrhea. 5. Exercise: Abundant researches are now available to show that exercise decreases symptoms of anxiety and depression and along with it also improves symptoms of IBS. You should target 15-30 minutes of simple exercise at least 5 days per week. 6. Unhealthy habits: Stopping alcohol and smoking will definitely improve your gut symptoms. Excessive coffee and tea can worsen diarrheal type constipation and add on to heartburn symptoms. Dr Shankar ZanwarConsultant GastroenterologistWockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/irritable-bowel-syndrome-6-lifestyle-changes-to-manage-the-intestinal-disorder-101648792969795.html