Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in India: Rising Incidence and the Role of Lifestyle
Observed annually on May 19, World IBD Day offers a global platform to raise awareness about inflammatory bowel disease and its growing impact—particularly in countries like India
The prevalence of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) has dramatically increased in India in recent years, especially in metropolitan areas. Once considered a Western disease, IBD is now emerging as a significant health concern in our country, with prevalence rates rising rapidly and projections indicating a continued upward trend.
This surge is closely linked to increasing urbanization and shifting lifestyle patterns within Indian society. Our dietary habits have undergone significant changes—we now consume fewer fresh fruits and vegetables and more processed foods and refined oils. These dietary alterations disrupt the delicate balance of gut flora, increasing the risk of chronic inflammation in the intestines. Additionally, exposure to environmental pollutants and contaminated food further exacerbates the issue.
Dr. Naveen Polavarapu, Consultant in Gastroenterology, Liver Diseases & Transplant Surgery, Yashoda Hospitals, shares critical insights into this growing problem.
Modern urban life contributes further to the burden of IBD. Higher stress levels, sedentary lifestyles, and insufficient sun exposure are all factors that heighten both the risk and severity of the disease. Stress, in particular, not only triggers disease flare-ups but also impacts patients' overall quality of life and treatment outcomes. Since IBD commonly affects individuals between the ages of 20 and 40, the socioeconomic consequences are especially profound, affecting people during their most productive years.
Despite these challenges, awareness about IBD remains limited—especially in rural areas—resulting in delayed diagnosis and inadequate treatment. There is a pressing need to raise public awareness, encourage timely consultations for chronic gastrointestinal symptoms, and promote lifestyle changes such as stress management, regular physical activity, and healthier eating habits.
Addressing the rising prevalence of IBD in India and improving patient outcomes will require a coordinated effort from the public, policymakers, and healthcare professionals alike.
Observed annually on May 19, World IBD Day offers a global platform to raise awareness about inflammatory bowel disease and its growing impact—particularly in countries like India. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for education, early detection, and community support to improve the lives of those affected by IBD.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
26 minutes ago
- Time of India
6 ancient beauty secrets that still work today and why they are not just myths
Modern skincare trends may come and go, but ancient beauty rituals? They've stood the test of time. Long before the rise of sheet masks and retinols, women across civilisations were mixing oils, powders, and plant-based goodies into their self-care routines and glowing effortlessly. From Egyptian queens to Indian maharanis, these beauty secrets weren't just about looking good, they were about connecting with nature, slowing down, and taking care of yourself inside-out. Here are a few ancient beauty traditions that are still total game changers today, no fancy packaging, no filters, just real results. 6 ancient beauty traditions that still work Milk baths Found in: Ancient Egypt Why it works: Cleopatra didn't have serums, but she had milk and it did the trick. It's known to leave the skin feeling soft, smooth, and pampered. A warm milk soak, infused with rose petals and honey, was her signature beauty move. Honestly, queen behaviour. Turmeric masks Found in: Ancient India Why it works: Desi households have been using turmeric for generations, not just in cooking but for glowing skin. Brides still apply haldi before their wedding day to brighten and purify their skin. It calms redness, fades marks, and leaves behind that unmistakable 'healthy glow.' Rose water Found in: Persia, India, and the Middle East Why it works: Rose water was like the ancient version of micellar water, minus the chemicals. It cools, hydrates, and adds a soft freshness to the skin. From Mughal queens to our nanis, everyone had a bottle stashed somewhere. Still does. Multani mitti (Fuller's earth) Found in: Ancient India and the Middle East Why it works: Got oily skin or the occasional breakout? Multani mitti is a go-to. It's like a natural clay mask that soaks up excess oil, clears out pores, and leaves your face feeling super clean, without the tight, dry aftermath. Sesame oil Found in: Ancient Ayurvedic texts Why it works: Used in daily abhyanga (oil massage), sesame oil nourishes the skin, strengthens the body, and promotes a deep sense of calm. Warmed slightly, it melts away stress and dryness. Think of it as your body's love language. Aloe vera Found in: Ancient Egypt, India, and China Why it works: Whether it's a sunburn, a breakout, or a dull-skin day, aloe has your back. Ancient cultures called it the 'plant of immortality,' and let's be honest, it does feel magical when you apply that cool gel on your skin. Still a bathroom-shelf favourite. The world may have moved on to 17-step routines and high-tech serums, but there's something beautifully grounding about going back to the basics. Amidst all the noise of modern skincare, ancient beauty secrets remind us of a simpler truth: effective skincare doesn't need to be complicated. It just needs to be consistent, natural, and rooted in genuine care. From Ayurvedic rituals to timeless oils and herbs passed down through generations, these traditional remedies have stood the test of time for a reason. They weren't just about looking good, they were about balance, nourishment, and respecting your body. So the next time your skin acts up or your shelf feels overwhelming? Trust your ancestors. They knew what they were doing and they probably looked incredible doing it. Also read| 5 Best homemade body scrubs for glowing skin you can make today
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
How Ayurveda has added 'prana' to beauty industry in India
India is experiencing a resurgence of natural beauty practices, driven by a growing awareness of health and sustainability. Consumers are increasingly turning to Ayurvedic principles and plant-based products, rediscovering the wisdom of traditional ingredients like turmeric and neem. This shift, fueled by influential figures and a desire for holistic well-being, represents a cultural movement towards simplicity and environmental consciousness. In recent years, India has witnessed a significant shift in its beauty and wellness preferences, from chemical-laden products to natural, Ayurvedic alternatives. This change is more than a trend; it is a return to roots, inspired by age-old traditions and guided by modern awareness of health and sustainability. As consumers grow more conscious about what they apply on their skin and hair, natural beauty has taken centre stage, and products that align with simplicity and purity, like those based on Patanjali's daily-use principles, have become household staples. Rediscovering Ayurveda in daily life Image: Canva The ancient Indian system of medicine, Ayurveda values balance, nature and inner health to a very great degree. Scores of Indian households are coming back to these values, consciously or subconsciously, and replacing chemical shampoos with plant-based ones, face wash choosing plant-based, and adopting toothpastes that do not have artificial frills. Not only about the beauty, but about the lifestyle that establishes the foundation of well-being on all levels. This heightened affinity to holistic living is evidenced by the increasing popularity of herbal soaps, multani mitti face packs, neem based constituents of skincare and aloe vera gels. They are not fancy extras, they are everyday ones, made by people every day in their millions, available, affordable, and trusted. The Influence of thought leaders Wellness campaigners and spiritual gurus such as Baba Ramdev have been doing their bit to bring about this natural awakening. The sound of his ideas ring out in the work of the people who now get closer to nature and decide to use 100 percent natural beauty products or to maintain a green lifestyle: After all, nature is here to speak with, not against. His school of thought encourages people to seek peace in day-to-day life by making informed decisions and it is especially compelling in the contemporary over-stimulated and over-productive culture. A movement, not a market Image: Canva Although natural products became accessible through such brands as Patanjali, the revolution does not only take place in the market. It is in essence a cultural movement. Both the urban and the rural consumers are taking on the shift to sustainability, zero-waste packaging and ingredient transparency. The kitchen and garden in Indian homes are transformed into beauty labs once more as we use haldi (turmeric), tulsi, amla, besan (gram flour) and coconut oil, which have once again become part of our self-care products. Testimony: A voice from the new generation Ankita Kumari, 22, Jharkhand, shares: "I used to struggle with hair fall and oily skin, and nothing really worked, until I switched to a simpler routine with herbal products. Now I use an aloe vera gel and a basic neem face wash, and my skin feels so much better. My nani always told me to trust nature. I didn't listen then, but now I understand why she was right.' Darshana Maurya, 21, Indore, adds: "I was overwhelmed with the choices in the skincare aisle until I decided to go back to basics. Multani mitti, rose water, and a little coconut oil, that's all I use now. My skin has cleared up, and I feel more connected to my roots than ever before. It's not just about beauty anymore, it's about being in harmony with nature.' In embracing natural beauty, India is not adopting a new path, it's returning to one that was always there, patiently waiting beneath layers of modernity. And in that return lies not only beauty, but also wisdom.
News18
3 hours ago
- News18
Stop Putting It Off: What's Really Making Indian Women Delay Cervical Screenings
Last Updated: If you are a woman over 30 years or if you care for someone who is, consider discussing cervical cancer screening with a healthcare provider Cervical cancer may be the second most common cancer among women in India, but it's also one of the most preventable and treatable especially when detected early. In fact, up to 95% of cases can be successfully managed with timely screening. Yet, thousands of women delay or avoid it altogether. The reasons are not always medical. In many cases, they are emotional, social, and deeply cultural. From stigma around reproductive health to a lack of awareness about symptoms like irregular bleeding or unusual discharge, these silent barriers are especially pronounced in semi-urban and rural areas, where the disease burden is higher. Despite government guidelines recommending screening every five years for women aged 30 onwards, participation remains worryingly low. 'Cervical cancer's burden in India is compounded by low awareness, stigma, and emotional inhibition—women often dismiss early symptoms or delay screening out of fear or shame, not realizing risk exists even without symptoms. Changing this conversation and normalizing regular, symptom-free screening from age 30 is vital to empower women to prioritize their health and improve survival outcomes," says Dr Sonia Mathai, Gynaecological Oncologist, Preventive Oncology, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata. Dr Mathai shares five of the most significant reasons Indian women delay or avoid cervical cancer screening, along with practical strategies for overcoming these challenges: Strategic educational programs implemented through schools, social media outreach, and trained community health workers play a crucial role in bridging these knowledge gaps. Consistent, clear information and first-hand survivor accounts can empower women to recognize the importance of screening and prioritize their health, especially in the absence of symptoms. Regular reinforcement and targeted health education have been shown to significantly increase awareness and improve attitudes toward cervical cancer prevention and screening among Indian women. 2. Social Stigma and Embarrassment For many, gynecological health remains a taboo subject. Conversations about reproductive organs or undergoing a pelvic exam often brings discomfort, amplified by fears of social judgment especially when healthcare providers are male. Many women opt to skip or delay screening rather than risk embarrassment. Building trust is key: clinics should offer privacy, women-only sessions where required, and train staff in empathy and discretion. When media and local leaders openly discuss cervical health, it helps dismantle negative perceptions and makes regular screening more acceptable. 3. Fear of Procedure or Diagnosis Anxiety about pain, unfamiliar medical procedures, or the result of screening keeps many women away. Some worry that the tests will be painful or complicated, while others fear the implications of a potential diagnosis, both for themselves and their families. Demystifying the procedures is essential. Explaining that VIA, Pap, and HPV test as screening tests are quick; low-risk procedures can help to reduce anxiety. Providing counseling before and after screening supports women emotionally and encourages participation. Sharing positive stories about early detection can inspire confidence and hope. 4. Inconvenient or Limited Access Many women face tangible challenges: distance to clinics, lack of safe transportation, limited opening hours, long wait times, or scarcity of female healthcare providers. These logistical barriers are particularly pronounced in rural and low-income urban areas. Innovative solutions such as mobile clinics, point-of-care rapid tests, and integration of screening with other health services are gradually making a difference. Flexible scheduling and expanding clinic hours can further reduce hurdles, helping lifesaving screening reach more women. While many women visit healthcare facilities for other concerns, the topic of cervical screening is rarely raised especially if the woman has no symptoms. Missed opportunities for recommendation by healthcare professionals perpetuate low uptake. Training all health workers to proactively discuss screening and integrating reminders into routine checkups for women aged 30–65 can bridge this gap. Making cervical screening a standard part of women's healthcare will help normalize preventive care. The Path Forward top videos View all The good news is that India is making strides in awareness and access. The government recommends regular screening, and new indigenous test kits are set to reduce costs and broaden availability—even for women in remote settings. Acceptability of self-sampling is increasing, making it easier for women in rural or lower-income areas to participate without embarrassment or logistical hassle. To truly move the needle, however, targeted education, improved infrastructure, supportive policies, and community-level outreach remain essential. If you are a woman over 30 years or if you care for someone who is, consider discussing cervical cancer screening with a healthcare provider. Early detection remains the most effective tool in the fight against this disease. tags : beat cancer cervical cancer cervical cancer in India cervical cancer treatment cervical cancer vaccine view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 29, 2025, 09:58 IST News lifestyle » health-and-fitness Stop Putting It Off: What's Really Making Indian Women Delay Cervical Screenings Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
