Not having dahi or kimchi? Doctor reveals why you must have natural probiotics; shares 4 facts about gut health
According to him, incorporating fermented foods into your diet – from Kimchi, Korean fermented vegetable dish containing probiotics to curd (dahi) or yoghurt that contains live cultures of beneficial bacteria – can be a delicious way to promote overall well-being.
Dr Sood said, 'Your gut is home to trillions of microbes — and the choices you make every day shape how well they work for you.' He went on to list four things you should know to maintain good gut health:
A post shared by Kunal Sood, MD (@doctorsoood)
Dr Sood said: 'Sweeteners like sucralose and saccharin have been shown to disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, sometimes reducing diversity or promoting glucose intolerance. Not everyone is affected the same way, but it's something to watch if you're using them daily.'
'Yoghurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut deliver live cultures that can support microbial diversity, ease digestion, and even help reduce gut inflammation. They're a powerful complement to a fibre-rich diet,' Dr Sood said.
He added, 'Soluble fibre from foods like avocados and chia seeds fuel beneficial bacteria increases short-chain fatty acids (like butyrate), and supports gut barrier integrity. More fiber = more resilience.'
Dr Sood said, 'Going less than 3 times per week and straining or passing hard, dry stools fits the clinical criteria. If you're always pushing, or things feel incomplete, your gut might be telling you something.'
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
43 minutes ago
- Time of India
Justin Timberlake reveals Lyme disease battle during tour: Symptoms, struggles and what fans need to know
Justin Timberlake shocked fans on 31 July 2025, announcing via Instagram that he's been living with Lyme disease while performing on his Forget Tomorrow World Tour—which wrapped up that same day in Turkey. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He called it 'relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically'. Despite chronic nerve pain, extreme fatigue, and sickness, Timberlake powered through roughly 90 shows over 15 months. He admitted thinking about quitting, but he said, "the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling" and that he doesn't regret continuing. He explained he felt shocked when first diagnosed, but it helped explain why he sometimes skipped singing or leaned on the crowd to fill in lyrics. He said he's sharing this to clear up misunderstandings and connect with others going through similar struggles In a long post on Instagram Timberlake wrote: "Among other things, I've been battling some health issues, and was diagnosed with Lyme disease -— which I don't say so you feel bad for me –– but to shed some light on what I've been up against behind the scenes. If you've experienced this disease or know someone who has — then you're aware: living with this can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically. When I first got the diagnosis I was shocked for sure. But, at least I could understand why I would be onstage and in a massive amount of nerve pain or, just feeling crazy fatigue or sickness. I was faced with a personal decision. Stop touring? Or, keep going and figure it out. I decided the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling. I'm so glad I kept going. " What Is Lyme Disease? Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, spreads via infected tick bites—with deer ticks being the most common carrier in the US Early symptoms can include a bullseye rash (though not everyone gets it), fever, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes With prompt diagnosis, it's typically treatable with 10–14 days of antibiotics. But delays can allow the infection to spread to joints, heart, or the nervous system, and some people face lingering issues known as Post‑Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) Why this matters Lyme disease is the most commonly diagnosed tick-borne illness in the US, especially across the Northeast and Midwest Timberlake's openness joins that of celebs like Justin Bieber, Avril Lavigne, Bella Hadid—people often assume it's rare, but it affects hundreds of thousands in the US annually His tour officials noted multiple show cancellations earlier in the run due to flu, a back injury, respiratory illness, and ankle issues, emphasizing the toll it took How to stay safe from Lyme While Timberlake didn't go into details about his treatment, these are recognized best practices for Lyme prevention and care: Avoid tick-infested areas, especially during warmer months. Use repellents like DEET and treat clothing or gear with permethrin. Check yourself and pets after time outdoors. If a tick is attached, remove it carefully (by the head) as soon as possible. See a doctor if you notice a rash, fever, or flu‑like symptoms after a bite. Early antibiotics are key
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Justin Timberlake joins list of celebs battling Lyme disease, calls it ‘relentlessly debilitating'
Justin Timberlake astonished his fans by revealing that he has been suffering from Lyme disease. In an open Instagram post, he called the illness "relentlessly debilitating." The announcement follows harsh criticism directed at the singer for his recent world tour performances, with some fans calling him out for being "tired" and "lazy" on stage. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now What is Lyme disease? The EDS Clinic states that Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread by an infected tick's bite. It frequently starts with flu-like symptoms, which can include joint pain, exhaustion, and a characteristic "bullseye" rash near the bite site. Antibiotics can help cure it if caught early. Debilitating symptoms, such as nerve damage and irregular heartbeats, can result from postponing Lyme disease treatment. After receiving a Lyme disease diagnosis, some people continue to experience symptoms for months. Long Lyme Chronic Lyme disease is the name given to this illness. This manifests as extreme exhaustion, pain in the muscles and joints, and cognitive problems. Other famous people with Lyme disease diagnoses In an effort to increase public awareness of the frequently misdiagnosed illness, numerous celebrities who have received the diagnosis have openly discussed their experiences. Avril Lavigne, Justin Bieber, Yolanda Hadid, Bella Hadid, Ben Stiller, Shania Twain, Alec Baldwin, Amy Schumer, Kelly Osbourne, Ramona Singer, Fletcher, Debbie Gibson, Ryan Sutter, Kelley Flanagan, Riley Keough, Ally Hilfiger, and Kris Kristofferson are amongst the famous people who have spoken out about having Lyme disease. The transparency of public personalities like Avril Lavigne, Justin Timberlake, and others is essential in clearing up the stigma associated with Lyme disease, a complicated and frequently misunderstood illness. Their experiences serve as a reminder that chronic illness can strike anyone, regardless of success or notoriety, and they also emphasize the significance of early detection and treatment. As more people speak up, awareness increases, which promotes empathy and, ideally, results in improved diagnosis, treatment alternatives, and assistance for those who suffer in silence.
News18
5 hours ago
- News18
Justin Timberlake Reveals Lyme Disease Diagnosis: 'I Was Shocked When I First Learned'
Last Updated: Justin Timberlake reveals he's battling Lyme disease, calls it mentally and physically 'debilitating' and says he's learning to open up about his struggles. Justin Timberlake has revealed he's been privately battling Lyme disease. The singer shared the diagnosis on Instagram as he wrapped up his two-year Forget Tomorrow tour, offering fans an unfiltered look into the health challenges he faced behind the scenes. In a lengthy and emotional message, Timberlake admitted that although he's typically a private person, he felt it was time to be more transparent. 'Among other things, I've been battling some health issues, and was diagnosed with Lyme disease which I don't say so you feel bad for me but to shed some light on what I've been up against behind the scenes," he wrote. Describing the illness as 'relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically," Timberlake recalled the moment he first received the diagnosis. 'I was shocked for sure," he admitted. 'But at least I could understand why I would be onstage and in a massive amount of nerve pain or, just feeling crazy fatigue or sickness." Despite his condition, Timberlake pushed through the tour. 'I was faced with a personal decision. Stop touring? Or, keep going and figure it out. I decided the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling. I'm so glad I kept going," he said, noting how the experience tested and proved his mental tenacity. Timberlake shared that he had long been taught to keep his struggles private but was now choosing vulnerability over silence. 'I am trying to be more transparent about my struggles so that they aren't misinterpreted… I'd like to do my part to help others experiencing this disease too." He also thanked his team, band, and fans who supported him throughout the tour. 'You have made my dreams come true," he said, before addressing the magic of performing live: 'There really is no way to put into words the feeling of being on a stage… It's a vibration of frequency that is unmatched. Sacred to me." He closed with a heartfelt message to wife Jessica Biel and their sons Silas and Phin: 'To Jess, Silas, and Phin… nothing is more powerful than your unconditional love. You are my heart and my home. I'm on my way." Timberlake's Forget Tomorrow tour launched in April 2024, shortly after the release of his album Everything I Thought It Was. According to Billboard, the tour has grossed over $73.2 million from 41 shows. He now joins celebrities like Shania Twain, Avril Lavigne and Justin Bieber in publicly acknowledging their Lyme disease diagnoses. What is Lyme disease? Lyme disease is caused by a bacterial infection that is usually the result of of a tick bite. The illness progresses in stages. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, early signs of the illness can include fever, fatigue and muscle and joint aches, while later-stage symptoms can include pain in bones and nerves, weakness, tingling or loss of sensation in limbs, swelling of the brain and spinal cord, memory loss and the inability to think clearly. First Published: August 01, 2025, 01:51 IST 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.
