Want hassle-free periods? Check out these tips to take care of menstrual hygiene this summer

Want hassle-free periods? Check out these tips to take care of menstrual hygiene this summer

Menstrual hygiene is vital for a woman’s body and even more important for her health where it will be imperative for you to avoid allergies and infections. It is essential that everyone knows the best practices for menstrual hygiene as there are many myths surrounding it and knowing menstrual hygiene basics will help you not only feel fresh and confident during your period but healthy too!

Looking for some tips that you need to follow for hassle-free periods? In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Pratima Thamke, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Motherhood Hospital in Kharghar, suggested:

· One can choose cotton sanitary napkins or tampons during the menstrual cycle as they are soft on your skin and don’t lead to itchiness and rashes. Using a menstrual cup is also a good option as it is environment-friendly and is made of silicone, they do not harm the skin but many women tend to experience heavy flow during the first 2-3 days of the menses and use two sanitary pads at one time to prevent staining of clothes but you will be shocked to know that it can induce infection in vaginal infection. Hence, use a single pad.

· Use lukewarm water to wash the area. Remember to change the sanitary pad or tampons after every 4 hours without fail. Carry the pad or tampon while traveling to avoid any inconvenience.

· Wearing comfortable cotton underwear that allows your skin to breathe and prevents infection down there. Avoid ignoring rash or infection in or near your genital area. Opt for loose-fitted cotton clothes.

· Stay hydrated by drinking enough water. If you have a bloated stomach then water will help you to de-bloat and feel better.

· It is essential to be physically active during menses. Do light exercises such as walking or yoga. Avoid heavy weight-lifting exercises that can cause overexertion.

· Take a shower at least twice a day and keep the genital area clean. Wash your hands after using the washroom or after changing the pad. Dry yourself properly. Do not use any chemical-laden products down there.

· Wash from front to back without fail. When one wipes from back to front, she exposes the vagina to harmful anal bacteria that can cause urinary tract infections and yeast infections.

 

Experts discuss innovative advances driving healthcare transformation at ‘Future of Medicine 2023’

Experts discuss innovative advances driving healthcare transformation at ‘Future of Medicine 2023’

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], March 10 (ANI/NewsVoir): Health and wellness knowledge platform, Happiest Health, hosted the ‘Future of Medicine 2023’, the first annual summit that shared insights from leading minds in medicine, research, and technology, to foster innovation in the healthcare industry.

 

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.

 

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.