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30Oct, 2024

Why are women at higher risk of strokes than men?

Hormonal changes caused by pregnancy or the use of oral contraceptives, as well as a longer life expectancy, are among the reasons why women have a higher incidence of strokes than males, according to experts on World Stroke Day on Tuesday.

Stroke is a leading cause of disability and mortality among all individuals globally. However, it is the third biggest cause of mortality in women, killing more women than men, according to the American Stroke Association.

Dr. Atul Prasad, Principal Director & Head of Neurology at BLK – MAX Super Speciality Hospital, told IANS that higher life expectancy, hormonal aspects caused by pregnancy and childbirth, oral contraceptives, and menopause.

Other key risk factors include hypertension, cardiac problems such as atrial fibrillation (an abnormal heart rhythm), and pollution.

“Women with a history of migraine with aura are more likely to have a stroke, particularly if they smoke or use oral contraceptives. Another is preeclampsia, a prenatal condition that doubles the risk of stroke afterward but is rarely evaluated.” Dr. Sumit Singh, Chief-Neurology at Artemis Hospitals

According to the experts, women frequently exhibit atypical or lesser-known stroke symptoms such as fatigue, general weakness, confusion or disorientation, nausea, or vomiting, which adds to delayed identification and treatment.

“Slurred speech, abrupt weakness, and facial drooping are common symptoms in both genders; however, women’s symptoms are frequently masked as dizziness, weariness, nausea, and even hiccups. Such unusual symptoms frequently cause a delay or misdiagnosis, and they have a significant role in deteriorating the outcome,” Singh said.

While the treatment and prevention of ischemic stroke are largely comparable in men and women, post-stroke rehabilitation programs for women must be more gender tailored.

“Women have worse outcomes, with depression and cognitive decline occurring more frequently and taking longer to recover than males. As a result, stroke recovery must be treated more holistically, with mental health care, social integration, and tailored physical therapy,” the doctor stated.

The primary strategies for preventing ischemic stroke are the same for men and women: control blood pressure, manage cholesterol, quit smoking, and live a healthy lifestyle.

Prasad did, however, emphasize the importance of women monitoring their stroke risk on a regular basis whether they are on birth control pills or undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Women with a history of preeclampsia require long-term follow-up.

27Oct, 2024

Unhealthy diets and physical inactivity cause abdominal obesity in India

According to former WHO Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan, the primary causes of increased abdominal obesity in India are unhealthy diets and physical inactivity.

Swaminathan, who is currently the Principal Advisor for the Health Ministry’s tuberculosis programme, advocated for increased access to healthy meals and exercise spaces in the country to combat obesity, which is already a global health concern.

Obesity is known to be a risk factor for diabetes, hypertension, and cancer, all of which are on the rise in India and around the world.

“Abdominal obesity – unhealthy diets and physical inactivity are driving this unhealthy trend,” Swaminathan wrote on X.

“More awareness, nutrition literacy, expanded access to healthier diets, and exercise spaces are required,” she said, citing a recent study on abdominal obesity published in the journal The Lancet Regional Health.

The study, headed by researchers from IIHMR University in Jaipur and Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health in the United States, used data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) conducted in 2019-21.

The findings revealed that abdominal obesity is more common among women (40%) than men (12%).

Approximately 5-6 out of every 10 women aged 30 to 49 are abdominally fat.

Women who are elderly or non-vegetarian are more likely to have abdominal fat. While abdominal obesity is more common in cities, the study found that it is also increasing in rural regions and is affecting lower and medium socioeconomic groups.

In India, BMI has traditionally been used to assess obesity. For the first time, the NFHS-5 measured abdominal obesity using the waist circumference of 6,59,156 women and 85,976 men (ages 15 to 49).

The study discovered that some women with a healthy BMI also have abdominal obesity.

Kerala (65.4%), Tamil Nadu (57.9%), Punjab (62.5%), and Delhi (59%) all had a high incidence of abdominal obesity, while Jharkhand (23.9%) and Madhya Pradesh (24.9%) had lower rates.

Aside from showing a “emerging health risk for Indian women,” the study revealed “a double burden of malnutrition” in the country.

The researchers advised the government to take proactive steps “to design targeted interventions for the groups who have high abdominal obesity, particularly for women in their thirties and forties”.

21Oct, 2024

How Menopause Can Impact Bone & Heart Health: Here’s What You Need to Know?

How Menopause Can Impact Bone & Heart Health: Here's What You Need to Know?

Even though all women go through menopause at some stage in their lives, not many of them truly understand its impact on their health and well-being. It is a condition that isn’t spoken much about which makes it difficult for women to be prepared for this next chapter in their lives. Menopause can stir up various feelings.

For some, it’s the feeling of relief over no longer experiencing period cramps, and a sense of self-discovery and curiosity for what’s next. But what’s important to understand is that this phase also brings with it changes to a woman’s body and a drop in estrogen levels.

Due to these changes, women need to be aware of the common health conditions that can happen post menopause. Dr. Sheela Mane, Senior Consultant, Anugraha Nursing Home, Bangalore, said, “Studies based on women undergoing menopause in India found that the most commonly reported symptoms include hot flashes & night sweats along with other symptoms like sleep disturbances, anxiety, irritability, joint pain, and vaginal dryness. In a study conducted by the Indian Menopause Society, the incidence of these symptoms was found to be 75%.

While awareness around these symptoms is growing slowly, and we can assume that far fewer understand its impact on overall health, but there is still a growing need for more people to know the common conditions post menopause. Women may be at a greater risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, and muscle mass loss, largely due to reduced estrogen. Understanding the impact of menopause on bone and heart health can help them to prevent, recognize, or address them early on.”

Dr Rohita Shetty, Medical Affairs Head, Abbott India commented, “It’s important to help women understand the impact of menopause on bone and heart health. As per a survey by Abbott & Ipsos, 82% people believe that menopause affects a woman’s personal well-being. This makes it increasingly important to help women prioritize their health, during menopause and beyond.”

The most common condition post menopause is osteoporosis, which affects one in three women over the age of 50 years. This is due to reduced levels of estrogen, resulting in bone loss and lowered mass, which makes them fragile and at a greater risk of breaking. Today, roughly 61 million people in India live with osteoporosis, and 80% of them are women. Osteoporosis is often a ‘silent condition’ with no visible symptoms until there is a fracture.

At times, there may be height loss, which can be accompanied by back pain or a curved back. Injuries relating to osteoporosis may be serious and cause pain and long-term disability.

Checking in with your doctor and understanding your risk factors can be vital. To strengthen your bones, some lifestyle steps you can consider include exercising frequently, having a healthy diet consisting of fruit, vegetables, and rich in calcium and Vitamin D, avoiding smoking, and cutting down on alcohol.

Women post menopause are also at a risk of losing muscle mass, which is vital for mobility, balance, and strength as they age. The loss of muscle mass, or sarcopenia, is accelerated in women, happening nearly a decade earlier than for men due to menopause. This comes with its own set of complications such as weight gain and makes simple tasks like climbing stairs more challenging.

Watch for fatigue and a drop in energy, as warning signs to consult a doctor. You can also proactively take steps to enhance muscle mass like – lifting weights for strength training, opting for full-body exercises that work several muscles, eating nutritious food, and getting good quality sleep.

With the onset of menopause, the risk of heart disease also increases. This is because estrogen deficiency may lead to changes in lipid levels such as increase in cholesterol. Menopause-related hot flashes and night sweats can result in a greater risk for high blood pressure and other cardiovascular related risk factors.

In addition, women who experience natural menopause at a later age have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Factors that may lead to early start of menopause include worse cardiovascular health during reproductive years, smoking and possibly genetics. Research also shows depression during the menopause transition can lead to higher risk of cardiovascular disease. It’s important to find ways to cope – whether with counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy, or mindfulness methods, all while relying on social support.

To summarize, as women age, it’s important for them to get regular check-ups and screen for health conditions most common post menopause. By knowing what signs to look out for, you and your loved ones can better navigate life beyond menopause and embrace the next chapter of your life with ease.

17Oct, 2024

Seniors who live alone lose important nutrients from their diets: Research

A recent study found that elderly persons who are socially isolated are more likely to be deficient in important micronutrients like vitamin C and vitamin B6, which raises their risk of health issues.

Researchers at University College London (UCL) discovered that those with higher levels of social isolation were also more likely to consume less of the five micronutrients—magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, folate, and vitamin B6—than is advised.

Fish, vegetables, legumes (including peas, beans, and lentils), and fruit all contain trace amounts of these micronutrients, which suggests a diet low in these foods.

“This is important as inadequate intake of these micronutrients puts people at greater risk of health problems as they get older,” said professor Andrew Steptoe from UCL Behavioural Science and Health in the study published in the journal Age and Ageing.

A possible reason for this connection is that individuals who are more isolated may not have as many people in their immediate vicinity to enlighten them about healthful options and motivate a more diverse diet.

According to the scientists, elderly individuals also have a tendency to stick to meals they are familiar with and may not eat as diversely as they formerly did.

The English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), in which a nationally representative population sample in England responds to a series of inquiries every two years, provided the data used by the researchers. Based on whether or not they lived alone, how frequently they encountered friends and family outside of their home, and whether or not they were involved in any groups or organizations, the respondents were rated according to how socially isolated they were.

The researchers discovered that, two years later, a one-point rise in individuals’ social isolation scores was associated with a higher risk of insufficient intake of five of the nine essential micronutrients.

Lack of social interaction did not appear to increase the risk of low levels of calcium, iron, or vitamin B12—micronutrients that are mostly found in meat, eggs, and dairy products. This implied that a more conventional diet with less fruit, nuts, seeds, and legumes, as well as fewer vegetables (such dark leafy greens), may be more common in those who were less socially connected during the study.

5Oct, 2024

Why grilled, baked, and deep-fried foods are the main cause of diabetes in India

Experts on Sunday concluded that the ultra-processed foods that are ubiquitous throughout India and have become a mainstay in most homes in recent years—deep-fried, baked, and grilled—are directly to blame for the nation’s steadily rising diabetes rates.

There are an astounding 101 million diabetics living in India. Over ten percent of children aged 5 to 19 have pre-diabetes, according to the most recent ICMR-NIN Dietary Guidelines for Indians.

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are produced when ultra-processed meals are deep-fried, baked, or grilled. These AGEs cause inflammation and are linked to a number of disorders, including diabetes, according to a recent study published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition.

“When we fry or grill foods it leads to oxidative stress which is a promoter of inflammation. Chronic inflammation in the body is linked to diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and even some forms of cancer. Ultra-processed foods and those foods which are high in trans fats are harmful to health,” said diabetologist Dr. V Mohan from Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF) in Chennai.

Red meat, fried foods, french fries, fried chicken, bacon, biscuits, baked goods, butter, margarine, and sugary foods are all considered to be AGE-rich foods, according to the study. Conversely, low-age foods include fruits and vegetables, broccoli, legumes, oats, dairy, eggs, fish, and tree nuts like cashews, walnuts, and almonds.

Our investigation revealed a connection between type 2 diabetes and inflammation and foods high in dietary ages. Foods low in AGEs were protective against diabetes, according to Mohan.

Glycation is a non-enzymatic process that forms AGEs when sugar molecules attach themselves to lipids or proteins.

Compounds that are damaging to the body, especially inflammation, can be formed as a result of this process.

“Fried food means that we are having excess saturated fat and calories, so it will naturally not be good for us,” Dr. Ambrish Mithal, Chairman & Head – Endocrinology & Diabetes, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, who was not part of the study.

“Much of the food in India that is deep fried, especially street food, is of reheated oil. Reheated oil is very rich in trans fats — a big factor for increasing the risk of heart disease, some types of cancers,” he added.

What about baked or grilled foods, then?

According to Mithal, although it makes sense intuitively, grilled food is not inherently healthful. While acknowledging that baked food is typically heavy in carbohydrates, the doctor added, “Even though it isn’t fried, it exposes food to high temperatures which gives rise to the production of certain toxic aromatic carbons in the food, which can be carcinogenic.”

According to Mohan, who is calling on the government to support healthy eating practices, these foods are one of the main contributors to the nation’s high rate of obesity and diabetes.

According to Mohan, “excess carbohydrate intake in the form of white rice or refined wheat is a direct driver of the diabetes epidemic,” as demonstrated by the MDRF study.

In addition, air pollution, stress, and sleep deprivation are major causes.

The doctor stated, “Government policy should therefore be directed towards encouraging the cultivation and promotion of foods which are low with dietary AGEs, especially green leafy vegetables and low-glycemic index fruits.”

23Aug, 2024

Maintaining Good Health this Monsoon: Look out for these 5 Common Conditions

Monsoons offer the much-needed respite and relief from the scorching summer heat. It is a time for piping hot chai, pakodas, and long drives. But while this season brings joy, it also has several challenges like traffic delays, waterlogged streets, and seasonal health conditions. Cold and flu linked to gastrointestinal and vector-borne diseases typically rise during the rainy season. Keeping an eye on your health during this time is important.

Dr. Vivekanand Kustagi, Senior Consultant Pediatrician, Sanjivini Children’s Clinic, Bangalore said, “During the monsoon season, we typically see a 100-150% rise in people with various symptoms or health concerns like fever, a sore throat, abdominal cramps, or other complaints. Understanding these conditions that are common during this time, taking preventive measures, and diagnosing diseases early on are important steps to proactively safeguard your well-being.”

Dr Jejoe Karankumar, Medical Affairs Director, Abbott India added, “Rainy season is a time for rise in certain health conditions, which makes it necessary to help people stay informed about the risks, precautions, and how to manage health better. Timely diagnosis and following the treatment plan advised by the doctor will help in building immunity and staying healthy while enjoying the monsoon.”

Here are 5 common health concerns to look out for this season:

Cold and the flu: Sudden temperature changes and increased humidity can weaken the immune system, making it easier for viral infections to spread. Tropical countries like India experience a high frequency of flu (or influenza) cases during this time. Common symptoms include cough or sore throat, fever, joint or muscle pain, headache, nausea, and diarrhoea. While symptoms may overlap, the flu has more serious effects than a common cold, which is why people should recognize them early on.
Fungal infections: Fungal infections are more likely to grow in humid, damp conditions. This can lead to infections like athlete’s foot, ringworm, and yeast infections. Common symptoms include itching, redness, and swelling.
Gut issues: Contaminated water and outside food may lead to gastrointestinal issues like diarrhoea, gastroenteritis, and food poisoning resulting in symptoms like abdominal pain, cramping, nausea, and more.
Malaria and dengue: Stagnant water during the monsoon creates a breeding ground for vector-borne diseases. In fact, India alone accounts for 11% of global malaria and 34% of global dengue cases. Key symptoms to look out for include fever, chills and sweating for malaria. You may experience high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint pain, and rashes in dengue.

To weather-proof your health and enjoy the monsoon, here are 4 tips to keep seasonal conditions at bay:

Maintain proper hygiene: Keep your surroundings clean – disinfect your home, eliminate stagnant water, ensure proper drainage, and use mosquito repellents. Regularly wash your hands with soap, particularly before meals, keep your skin dry, wear breathable clothes, and make sure your nails are short and clean.
Seek a balanced diet: Adequate nutrition is important for good health and immunity. While it may be tempting, avoid street food to lower your risk of infections, and opt for freshly cooked meals instead. Staying hydrated – preferably with boiled or filtered water is also important. Consuming the right types of nutrients, like vitamin C, which is essential to boost immunity and offer protection against infections is key. Rich sources of vitamin C include oranges, lemons, cauliflower, peppers, broccoli, and more. Sometimes your doctor may also prescribe an add-on Vitamin C supplement for faster recovery from infections.
Stay active: While the rain may affect your routine, stay consistent and try yoga or working out indoors instead. This way, you can keep your body fit, strengthen your muscles and bones, and get a better quality of sleep, which is vital for your immune system.
Take preventive health steps: For conditions like influenza, immunization is an effective way to protect yourself and the community from infection. Taking a flu shot before the season can help protect against such illnesses and related complications. You can consult a doctor to understand more about immunization and how it can help manage flu better.

Stay informed and prepared so you can stay healthy while making the most of the monsoon season.

23Aug, 2024

India’s Future International Champions: 5 Emerging Women Athletes of India

As India advances on the global sports stage, a new generation of female athletes is emerging, poised to become the nation’s next sports icons. This exciting transformation is supported by the Anju Bobby Sports Foundation and Anandana- The Coca-Cola India Foundation which are dedicated to nurturing and empowering young talent. Through substantial funding and support, including state-of-the-art facilities for professional training, these athletes are breaking records and inspiring future generations. 

Here’s a closer look at five women athletes to watch:  

1. Shaili Singh  

Shaili Singh has been making waves in Indian athletics. In 2018, at just 14 years old, she joined the Junior India Camp in the long jump and began training under Dronacharya Robert Bobby George, supported by the Sports Authority of India and the Anju Bobby Sports Foundation. Shaili holds national records in the U-16 (6.15 m), U-18 (6.48 m), and U-20 (6.76 m) categories. She earned a silver medal at the Junior World Athletics Championships in 2021 and another silver at the Asian Championships in 2023, marking her as a formidable competitor on the international stage.

In October 2023, she achieved a world ranking of 22 but narrowly missed the entry for the Paris Olympics 2024 in the World Ranking quota by just 11 points. Shaili won gold at the Indian Grand Prix in April 2023 with a personal best jump of 6.76 meters—the second-best by an Indian woman. In the same year, she secured a bronze in the World Athletics Seiko Grand Prix held in Yokohama, Japan, and also participated in the Asian Indoor Championships, the Budapest World Athletics Championships, and the Hangzhou Asian Games. In 2024, participated in six World Athletics Continental Tour bronze/international meets, where she secured two silvers and one bronze.

Shaili is poised to carry forward India’s long jump legacy and is expected to break the national record of 6.83 meters set by Anju Bobby George at the Athens Olympics in 2004.

Insta handle: Shaili Singh   

2. Poorva Hitesh Sawant  

Poorva Hitesh Sawant is known for her explosive speed and strength. Her journey began at the age of seven, and since then, she has explored various events, including the long jump and heptathlon, before discovering her passion for the triple jump in 2021. After moving to Bangalore in 2022 to train under the guidance of Robert Bobby George, Poorva’s dedication has led to remarkable achievements. She finished 4th at the Asian Indoor Championship in 2023 with a jump of 13.06 meters, won gold in the National Federation Cup in 2023, and clinched gold at the 3rd Indian Open Jumps Competition and Indian Grand Prix in 2024. With a personal best of 13.31 meters, she is expected to become a strong competitor at the international level.

Insta handle: Poorva Hitesh Swant Anuja   

3. Ravada Kusuma

Ravada Kusuma, a talented long jumper from Andhra Pradesh, has faced her fair share of ups and downs throughout her athletic career, including injuries and fluctuations in performance at national competitions. In 2023, her hard work finally paid off as she won gold in the U-23 National Championship and silver in the All India Inter University Championship. In 2024, she secured gold in the Khelo India University Games, marking a significant turning point in her athletic career. After joining the National Junior Camp in 2017, the support from the Anju Bobby Sports Foundation provided her access to quality coaching, training facilities, and nutrition. With a personal best of 6.14 meters, Kusuma’s immense potential suggests she has yet to achieve her best.

Insta handle: Ravada Kusuma   

4. Namayi Ruchitha  

Namayi Ruchitha is a rising star in athletics, showcasing her talent on the track. In 2022, she won gold at the U-20 National Athletics Championship in the 100-meter hurdles and silver at the Khelo India University Games. In 2023, she secured silver in the Junior National Athletic Championship, and in 2024, she clinched gold again at the Khelo India University Games. With a personal best time of 14.28 seconds in the 100-meter hurdles, Namayi is a versatile and promising athlete to watch in future championships. The support from the foundation has allowed her to concentrate on her training and set ambitious goals, such as breaking the 14-second barrier in her events.

Insta handle: Namayi Ruchitha  

5. Susmita  

Susmita’s journey hasn’t been easy; she has faced numerous challenges but her resolve to overcome these obstacles has been inspiring. Susmita draws strength from her family and her coach, Robert Bobby George, who motivates her to keep pushing forward. Her impressive achievements include earning silver at the Asian U20 Athletics Championships in 2023, gold at the Khelo India Youth Games in 2022, gold in the U20 National Athletic Championship in 2023, and a bronze at both the Indian Grand Prix and the Indian Open Jumps Meet in 2024, with a personal best of 6.28 meters. As she continues to rise, Susmita is emerging as a strong contender for future sports glory in the long jump.

Insta handle: Susmita  

Conclusion  

These five young athletes, supported by Anju Bobby Sports Foundation and Anandana- The Coca-Cola India Foundation, are setting the stage for India’s future sports success. As they train, compete, and break barriers, the nation watches in anticipation, ready to cheer them on as they reach the pinnacle of sporting excellence and represent India with pride and passion.

25Jul, 2024

Your favourite pani puri may increase the risk of cancer or Asthma

Do you enjoy indulging in pani puri? An expert warned on Tuesday that eating pani puri with artificial colours may increase your risk of several malignancies and asthma, among other health difficulties.

Following many complaints, Food Safety inspectors in Karnataka collected over 260 samples from roadside shops. Of these, 22% of pani puris performed poorly in quality tests. Around 41 samples included artificial colors and cancer-causing chemicals, while 18 were deemed stale and unsafe for human consumption.

This comes after Karnataka’s Food Safety and Standards Department issued an order in late June imposing a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh and a sentence ranging from seven years to life imprisonment for using artificial colours in chicken kebabs, fish, and vegetable meals throughout the state.

In March, Karnataka also prohibited the use of Rhodamine-B, an artificial coloring agent found in gobi manchurian and cotton candy.

“Use of an excess amount of artificial food colours and flavouring agents to make the dish look more appealing and increase palatability carries various health risks, especially in those who frequently indulge in outside food,” Edwina Raj, Head of Services – Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, told IANS.

“Excessive exposure to such synthetic elements in food increases the risk of cancer, and disturbs gut health by increasing inflammation, Instead of artificial agents one can consume foods that are made with “natural colour and flavour using beetroot, turmeric, saffron strands, etc”., she added.

The specialist added that it can also cause hyperactivity in children, allergy symptoms, and asthmatic attacks. Furthermore, tainted water used in pani puri might cause foodborne infections such as typhoid.

Artificial food colorings are added to food products to improve its visual appeal and stability, which increases taste and ensures consumer pleasure. However, the use of dyes such as Sunset Yellow, Carmoisine, and Rhodamine-B in food products poses a number of health hazards.

24Jul, 2024

Doctors caution that brain-related issues could result from little sleep

Healthcare professionals warn people on World Brain Day that they should never sacrifice their sleep for deadlines and that it is never suitable to spend time on the Internet instead of getting a decent night’s sleep. They advised getting seven hours of sleep per night to improve brain function and cautioned against sleep deprivation as a cause of brain-related issues.

Dr S Ramesh, Consulting Neurosurgery, Kamineni Hospitals, told regarding the significance of sleep and the damaging effects that sleep deprivation can have on the brain, “Sleep is one of the most important components in the daily routine of an individual. Sleep is important for a number of brain-related functions, like the communication between neurons/nerve cells.

“People must be made aware that without proper sleep, the required pathways in the brain to create new memories and new response systems, will get adversely affected”. It is a known fact that the brain controls the human body and functions and emotions. It is important to know that sleep affects every aspect and every organ in the human body, especially the brain.

“While a good sleep will have a positive impact, irregular sleeping habits could affect almost every type of tissue and system like the brain, the heart, and even the lungs. Many people complain about mood swings, and this has a direct connection with the quality of sleep and its impact on the brain,” observed Dr. Ch Vijay, Consultant Neurologist, KIMS ICON Hospital, Vizag.

Dr. A Rampapa Rao, Chairman, Ucchvas Transitional Care, stated “I understand the biggest risk for a healthy brain is ‘Hypertension’ apart from other etiological factors and in itself is a manifestation of altered lifestyle mainly being deprivation of optimum number of daily sleep hours in young and middle years of life.

“I appeal to everyone to take measures and focus on getting at least seven hours of qualitative sleep on a daily basis irrespective of the occupation they are engaged in.

“We strongly believe that a healthy sleeping habit is the single most significant factor in maintaining healthy brain and its optimum functioning.”

The day also emphasises the importance of early detection and effective management of brain related ailments.

22Jul, 2024

For Women, low Vitamin D levels are still a major concern

As women are more likely to develop osteoporosis, arthritis, or other bone-related conditions, low vitamin D levels—also referred to as the “sunshine vitamin” – remain a serious worry for bone health, scientists stated. To aid in preventing bone weakening, vitamin D is crucial. It can help shield women from arthritis and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Osteoporosis, characterised by weakened and brittle bones, often finds its roots in insufficient levels of Vitamin D. It is not uncommon for individuals to solely rely on calcium supplements to support bone health, overlooking the crucial role of vitamin D in calcium absorption.

“We are frequently seeing women who have problems with their bones that are related to low vitamin D levels. This essential nutrient is necessary for the absorption of calcium, which keeps bones strong. Sadly, a lot of women do not get enough vitamin D, which increases the risk of osteoporosis and fractures,” Akhilesh Yadav, Associate Director – Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement, Max Hospital, Vaishali.

“Consider vitamin D supplements if you have limited sun exposure or dietary intake, and consult your doctor for the appropriate dosage. Regularly test your vitamin D levels, especially if you’re at risk for deficiency,” Yadav said.

Vitamin D is essential for bone growth, bone healing, and muscle function. A number of factors contribute to women’s vitamin D insufficiency, including age, which reduces the skin’s ability to synthesise vitamin D, and insufficient sun exposure.

“Maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D is paramount for optimal bone health, yet it remains a pressing concern, particularly among women. This deficiency can lead to serious health implications, with osteoporosis emerging as a significant concern, especially among women post-menopause due to hormonal changes,” Sagar Hingrajiya, Consultant Orthopaedic, Bhailal Amin General Hospital, Vadodara, told IANS.

By acting as a carrier, vitamin D helps get calcium from the stomach to the bones. Insufficient levels of vitamin D impede the absorption of calcium, making calcium supplements useless in preventing osteoporosis.

“Regular monitoring of vitamin D levels is crucial, particularly for women over 40 who are at higher risk of developing osteoporosis. Persistent low levels of vitamin D necessitate intervention, often in the form of prescribed supplements tailored to individual needs. However, indiscriminate supplementation without medical guidance can lead to adverse effects, underscoring the importance of seeking professional advice,” Hingrajiya said.

The experts recommended balancing sun exposure with skin protection by engaging in activities like brisk walking or gardening several times a week to guarantee enough vitamin D intake, such as 10 to 30 minutes in noon sunlight.

Hingrajiya said contrary to common belief, the best source of vitamin D is not the gentle morning or evening sunlight but “rather the midday sun between 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m”. “However, due to lifestyle factors and misconceptions, many people fail to capitalise on this prime time for vitamin D synthesis,” he noted.

Consuming vitamin D-rich foods including eggs, mushrooms, fortified dairy products, and fatty fish may also be beneficial.

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