Try these psychobiotic foods instead of ice cream to reduce your stress levels!

Try these psychobiotic foods instead of ice cream to reduce your stress levels!

Do you ever find yourself feeling calm and relaxed after consuming an ice cream or a bag of chips when you’re feeling tense? It happens because some foods have the potential to elevate your mood and manage stress levels. After all, some healthy foods are packed with essential nutrients that improve mental health. While there are several foods to reduce stress, but have you heard about psychobiotic foods? A recent study noes that psychobiotic foods are also good for mental wellness.

HealthShots reached out to Deepti Lokeshappa, Senior Consultant, Nutritionist, and Dietician, Motherhood Hospitals, Indiranagar, Bengaluru to understand how psychobiotic foods can help lower stress.

What are psychobiotic foods?

Psychobiotics is the term for the use of probiotics, prebiotics and fermented foods for mental wellness. “Psychobiotics are described as live bacteria and yeasts that, when consumed in adequate amounts, give a benefit to mental health,” explains Lokeshappa. They aim to assist in the treatment of various mental health conditions like stress, anxiety, and depression.

Here are some products that you can try:

Psychobiotic foods are good for reducing stress! Here’s why

A recent study published in the journal Nutrients suggests that consuming certain psychobiotic foods can reduce stress and improve sleep quality. The study involved 40 healthy adults who were randomly assigned to either a psychobiotic-rich or a placebo group. The psychobiotic group consumed a daily supplement containing Lactobacillus helveticus and Bifidobacterium longum, while the placebo group received a non-probiotic supplement.

The results showed that participants who consumed the psychobiotic supplement experienced a significant decrease in perceived stress levels compared to the placebo group. They also reported better sleep quality and cognitive function. In contrast, the placebo group did not show any significant changes in these parameters.

Hence, psychobiotic play a specific role in lowering abnormal behaviours, reducing negative emotions, and enhancing cognitive function. They also have a significant potential to reduce psychological stress.

A few psychobiotic foods for better mental health

There are a number of health benefits of consuming probiotics and prebiotics that go beyond maintaining physical health. The results of the research so far are promising, and it is expected that psychobiotics will become more important for your overall health, including mental wellness.

Probiotics and fermented foods are quite similar. Probiotics aren’t present in all fermented meals, though. Yet, the majority of fermented foods are also probiotic foods.

Fermented foods such as yoghurt, kefir, kimchi, cottage cheese, buttermilk, and sauerkraut, which are also high in probiotics, are some examples of foods high in psychobiotics. These foods contain live cultures of beneficial bacteria that can colonize the gut and improve its function. Garlic, onions, and asparagus are examples of prebiotic foods that can aid in the development of good gut bacteria.

Takeaway

Including foods high in psychobiotics in your diet may provide a healthy and effective way to reduce stress and enhance the quality of your sleep. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and identify the optimal strains and dosages of psychobiotics for mental health benefits.

 

Hypothyroidism In Kids: Symptoms Of Thyroid Disorders Parents Should Look Out For In Kids

Hypothyroidism In Kids: Symptoms Of Thyroid Disorders Parents Should Look Out For In Kids

Thyroid problems are often associated with adults. But you would be surprised to know that thyroid disorders are the most prevalent endocrine illness among school-age children. That’s right! Nearly 37 children per 1,000 are believed to have thyroid illness.

Diagnostics for women’s health: Coming of age?

Revolutionary women's health diagnostics at Motherhood Hospital India.

Diagnostics for women’s health: Coming of age?

Revolutionary women's health diagnostics at Motherhood Hospital India.

Women’s health is an ever-evolving field, with new developments in diagnostic testing happening every day. Despite this, women in India often find themselves underdiagnosed and under-treated in comparison to their male counterparts. This is largely due to a lack of awareness and access to quality healthcare services in the country.

 

Endometriosis Can Cause Anxiety: How To Support Your Partner Who Is Diagnosed With Endometriosis

Endometriosis Can Cause Anxiety: How To Support Your Partner Who Is Diagnosed With Endometriosis

If your partner is diagnosed with endometriosis, then you will have to offer her support without getting frustrated. The diagnosis of endometriosis will be difficult for any woman to accept. It is the need of the hour to cooperate with your partner who is living with endometriosis instead of getting angry or sad about it.

 

Tips for parents to ensure your kids have a fun and safe Holi

Expert tips for a safe Holi celebration for kids - Motherhood Hospital India

Tips for parents to ensure your kids have a fun and safe Holi

Expert tips for a safe Holi celebration for kids - Motherhood Hospital India

Just like adults, even kids eagerly wait to celebrate Holi, the festival of colours however, eye and skin allergies, injuries and dehydration are commonly seen in children during Holi. If you are looking for some foolproof tips to ensure that the kids safely enjoy Holi, we got you parents sorted

Holi is here and children are excited to celebrate it innovatively. Though Holi brings happiness and enthusiasm, it can also cause unpleasant incidences that can steal one’s peace of mind and being parents, you will be anxious about your child playing Holi however, you have to set all your worries free as we have essential tricks for you to keep your children safe during Holi.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Prashant Moralwar, Consultant Pediatrician at Motherhood Hospital in Kharghar, recommended that parents should follow these vital measures and help your child enjoy Holi –

1. Do not use synthetic colours: Synthetic colours are cheaper and easily available. It is a known fact that they contain harmful chemicals like mercury, lead, and aluminum bromide that can invite skin and eye allergies and infections. Parents should ensure that they buy organic or herbal colours for their children like sandalwood, henna and turmeric. Remember that synthetic colours are harmful and cannot be ingested as they can lead to serious diseases.

2. Ensure the child wears glasses: The colour particles can enter the eye leading to redness, burning sensation, inflammation and watery eyes. There can be eye irritation and vision loss in serious cases. It is the need of the hour to protect the child’s eye with the help of a glasses.

3. The child should dress appropriately: See to it that the child wears full-sleeved clothes as this reduces the chances of skin allergies. It will be imperative for the parents to apply moisturizers or oil on the child’s skin because it forms a protective layer and will not allow the colour to stick to the body. They can also be protected by applying oils. Doing so can lower the chances of skin allergies and rashes.

4. Keep an eye on the child: As parents, you are required to monitor your child’s movements. Try to make sure that the eyes, ears, and nostrils are, especially while splashing or spraying watercolours. Don’t allow the child to splash colours on strangers, the elderly, stray dogs and other domestic animals.

5. Avoid water balloons: As they can lead to serious injuries to eyes, ears and skin.

6. The child should stay hydrated: Children tend to run around and play with their friends which can invite dehydration. Ensure the child drinks enough water, juices and milkshakes. Try to also give them homemade smoothies that are healthy.

 

Sexual health problems that put young women at high risk

Navigate expert insights on sexual health challenges for young women - Motherhood Hospital India

Sexual health problems that put young women at high risk

Navigate expert insights on sexual health challenges for young women - Motherhood Hospital India

Reproductive health is a crucial aspect of overall health and well-being. Due to its complex and delicate nature, it is important for women to maintain their reproductive health to avoid long term fatal complications. Let’s explore five issues that young women face in regard to reproductive health.

​​Cervical cancer: ​

Dr. Teji Dawane, Senior Consultant, Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Whitefield, Bengaluru, says, “This condition involves formation of a malignant tumor in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus connecting to the vagina. A woman is diagnosed with cervical cancer when exposed to the human papillomavirus (HPV) which weakens the body’s immune system. If these cancerous cells are neither destroyed nor removed, it may affect other organs of the body. To counter this condition, it is important for young women to undergo Pap smear tests and vaccinate themselves with the HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer.”

Polycystic ovary syndrome​

It is a condition which occurs due to hormonal imbalance which leads to the development of small sacs in the ovaries forming cysts. These small fluid cysts contain immature eggs called follicles which fail to release eggs regularly. Symptoms may include irregular periods along with excessive hair growth due to high levels of androgen and obesity. This syndrome affects women during their reproductive age and is frequent among young women.

​Lupus: 

Medically termed as Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), lupus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks its own healthy tissues instead of fighting against possible threats such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and toxins which hampers the body. When diagnosed with lupus, the immune system cannot differentiate between unwanted substances, antigens and healthy tissue. Symptoms of Lupus include aches, pain and serious organ damage over time.

Endometriosis:​

A condition where tissues which usually lie inside the uterus, specifically the endometrium, grow outside the uterus. Endometriosis in ovaries may form cysts called endometriomas when the tissues are trapped and are unable to exit from the body. This phenomenon causes dysmenorrhea or intense period cramps along with heavy periods and infertility.

Urinary tract infections: ​

This condition occurs when germs enter the urinary tract and start to multiply leading to complications such as inflammation and pain. Infections in the urinary bladder may spread to the upper part of the urinary tract or the kidneys. Since women have a shorter urethra, urinary tract infection is commonly experienced among women. Symptoms of UTI include frequent urination, blood in the urine along with burning pain while urinating. In conclusion, ​Dr. Dawane says, “ Young women face several issues related to their reproductive health which puts them at a higher risk. It is important to be informed and remain cautious when it comes to your body. Every minor or major symptom should never be left untreated hence women should be encouraged to go for annual checkups and consult a doctor to ensure all round health development. By addressing these issues, we can ensure that young women have the support they need to maintain their reproductive health and well-being.”

 

Debina Bonnerjee shares why you must ‘not ignore vaginal health’

Debina Bonnerjee shares why you must ‘not ignore vaginal health’

While the importance of taking care of your skin, fitness, and overall well-being is regularly talked about, not enough emphasis is given to a woman’s vaginal health. If not taken proper care of, your vagina can become a breeding ground for infections. Highlighting the same, Debina Bonnerjee took to her YouTube channel – Debina Decodes – to share why you must ‘not ignore vaginal health’

 

Parenting: Guide For Parents To Manage Sleep Issues In Children

Parenting: Guide For Parents To Manage Sleep Issues In Children

Any parent will tell you that kids and sleep don’t always go well together, and that getting kids to sleep and ensuring they receive enough sleep can be a daily fight. The value of sleep for children cannot be overstated. Children who get enough sleep have better general mental and physical health, as well as improved performance in learning, attention, memory, and conduct.

How to clean up after Holi: Eco-friendly ways to dispose of colours

How to clean up after Holi: Eco-friendly ways to dispose of colours

Holi is a beautiful festival of colours that brings joy and happiness to people’s lives. It’s a time when people come together to celebrate the arrival of spring by smearing each other with vibrant colours and throwing water balloons. However, the aftermath of the celebration can be a significant concern as the use of artificial colours and chemicals can cause severe harm to the environment.