Latest news with #BhaveshPatel
Hindustan Times
18 hours ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Gastroenterologist explains disorder of gut-brain interaction; shares 5 ways stress impacts gut health
Before an exam, job interview, major client presentation, or any big day, it feels like there's a full-blown mental storm brewing, with racing thoughts making you spiral. Amid all this, the stomach feels to be at the frontline, bracing for the day and even before the mind catches up entirely. It's not just nerves causing the frequent washroom trips or the tightening knot in the gut. There is a very real, biological and direct effect the brain has on the gut. This connection is called the gut-brain axis. Stress silently shapes your gut health.(Shutterstock) Dr Bhavesh Patel, consultant gastroenterologist at Bhailal Amin General, Vadodara, Gujarat, shared with HT Lifestyle how closely the gut and brain are connected. Emotional states aren't completely 'mental' as they frequently manifest physically, especially through digestive symptoms. There's a special name for gut issues which are triggered by stress. Dr Bhavesh shared its disorder of gut-brain interaction (DGBI). Explaining more about the biological mechanisms of how stress affects the gut, he said, 'Emotional stress and anxiety lead to the release of different hormones and neurotransmitters such as histamine, serotonin, and cortisol that influence gut motility, gut permeability, visceral hypersensitivity, and balance of gut microbiota. Indeed, excess stress and anxiety can produce a range of gastrointestinal symptoms. Such a constellation of disorders was once known as functional gastrointestinal disorder and is now rightly termed disorder of gut-brain interaction (DGBI). There is a strong relationship between the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system of the gut.' Moreover, stress doesn't influence the gut in just one way, following a particular framework. Dr Bhavesh reminded that there are more ways than one it shows up. He said, 'DGBI encompasses several disorders such as functional dyspepsia (FD), functional diarrhoea, functional constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Other than these conditions, gastro-oesophagal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease (PUD), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are also conditions that experience variability in symptoms due to stress.' Dr Bhavesh shared a brief guide with us, outlining the various disorders, DGBI symptoms and when to visit a doctor: Digestive disorders triggered by stress 1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhoea. 2. Functional Dyspepsia (FD): Includes upper abdominal pain, bloating, and early satiety. 3. Functional Constipation: Ongoing issue of bowel movement without a structural cause. 4. Functional Diarrhoea: Chronic loose stools in the absence of a recognisable infection or pathology. 5. GERD (Gastro-Oesophagal Reflux Disease): Acid reflux, heartburn, and chest pain. Symptoms of Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI) DGBI symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, acid reflux.(Shutterstock) Abdominal pain and bloating Bloating and burping Reflux acid Constipation and diarrhoea Risk factors other than stress: Disturbed sleep Poor food habits Smoking Tobacco Alcohol How to manage stress-induced digestive problems? Calming the mind to de-stress helps keep DGBI at bay.(Shutterstock) 1. Stress management strategies: Mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises regulate the gut-brain axis. 2. Dietary management: Management of trigger foods, use of a low FODMAP diet, and hydration. 3. Medication: Anti-diarrheal medication or laxatives as advised for symptomatic relief. 4. Changes in lifestyle: Adequate sleep, avoidance of alcohol and tobacco, and inclusion of regular exercise. When to see a doctor? Recurrent vomiting Weight loss Loss of appetite Anemia Jaundice ALSO READ: Gastroenterologist shares 3 risks of eating too much fibre, recommends 5 tips for safe consumption 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.
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Risky Strait of Hormuz: Marine insurance costs surge
MUMBAI: Iran's parliamentary move to approve the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, an oil shipping chokepoint, has jolted global insurance markets. Already uneasy over the Red Sea disruptions, marine insurers are now bracing for a spike in war risk premiums and the possible withdrawal of war cover across the Persian Gulf. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "The ongoing Iran-Israel-US conflict has heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf, a region already classified as a high-risk area in marine insurance," said Gaurav Agarwal, VP at Prudent Insurance Brokers. "Insurers have been charging additional war premiums for many years. With the recent escalation, including the US involvement and Iran's parliamentary approval to block the Strait of Hormuz, insurers are on high alert. We anticipate potential increase in war premiums for cargo shipments in the region. In extreme cases, insurers might withdraw war cover altogether, similar to the Black Sea area due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The insurers continue monitoring the situation and adjust our strategies accordingly," he said. Marine underwriters are treating the Persian Gulf with renewed caution. According to a senior official at a state-run insurer, war risk premiums for vessels entering the Gulf have surged to 0.2% of a ship's value per transit - up from 0.125% before the latest strikes, marking a 60% jump. Premiums for Israeli port calls have more than tripled to 0.7% from 0.2%, while rates for Red Sea transits have also edged up to 0.25-0.3%. "The conventional war risk cover was already suspended for cargo travelling through the Red Sea," said Bhavesh Patel, executive director at Edme Insurance Brokers. He added, "The conflict could have implications for insurance covers on airlines that may be called for evacuation." Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Markets are also seeing shorter quote validity windows - from 48 to 24 hours - reflecting heightened volatility. Insurance for a typical 'very large crude carrier' carrying oil from Saudi Arabia to China has reportedly risen from $0.25 to $0.7-0.8 per barrel overnight. Some underwriters in the global markets are rolling out "blocking and trapping" cover, aimed at vessels that could be immobilised in the event of a closure. Others are demanding proof of risk mitigation - requiring ships to avoid conflict zones - as a precondition for coverage. War risk premiums in the Gulf are projected to rise to 0.2-0.4% of insured value, with further hikes expected if tensions persist.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
Gold worth Rs 8.68 lakh burgled from Sola bungalow in Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad: A trader's five-day visit to his hometown ended in shock after he returned to find his Sola bungalow burgled, with gold ornaments worth nearly Rs 8.7 lakh missing. Bhavesh Patel told police that he lives with his wife in a rented bungalow behind a temple near Science City, while their two sons are based in Surendranagar. On June 12, the couple travelled to Morbi to visit the wife's parental home, followed by a trip to Surendranagar. On the morning of June 17, a neighbour called to alert them that the rear door of their house was open. A domestic help had first spotted it. Patel and his wife rushed back to Ahmedabad the same day. At home, they discovered that the inner latch of the rear door had been broken. Items on the ground and first floors had been ransacked, and upon checking their home temple's storage space, they realized a black bag containing gold jewellery was missing. The stolen items included several gold chains, necklaces, bangles, rings, pendants, and a 100-gram gold biscuit, collectively valued at Rs 8,68,750. Patel suspects that someone broke into the house between June 12 and June 17 and made off with the valuables. He lodged a complaint with the Sola police. A which has registered a case of burglary and begun investigation.
News18
22-04-2025
- Health
- News18
Caffeine Check: Are Frequent Tea/Coffee Drinkers More Prone To IBS?
Caffeine doesn't cause IBS but can worsen its symptoms, making mindful consumption crucial for those affected. IBS is a prevalent gastrointestinal condition characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and altered bowel habits like constipation or diarrhea. Lifestyle, stress, and diet also contribute to the development and exacerbation of such conditions. Caffeine is thought to affect IBS, particularly when consumed through tea or coffee. Dr. Bhavesh Patel, Consultant Gastroenterologist at Bhailal Amin General Hospital, Vadodara, Gujarat, shares all you need to know: Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant found in tea and coffee, recognized for its action on the nervous system. It enhances alertness and energy levels, making it a common part of daily routines. Caffeine also stimulates the gastrointestinal tract, promoting increased gut motility and resulting in quicker bowel movements. For people suffering from IBS, particularly diarrhea-predominant IBS, this can be problematic. Clinical observations and some studies indicate that excessive caffeine consumption is associated with increased IBS symptoms. Coffee, in particular, is known as a gastrointestinal irritant. It can stimulate gastric acid secretion and act as a bowel stimulant, potentially causing cramps, urgency, and additional restroom visits. Tea tends to be slightly gentler on the stomach because it is less irritating, but it is not completely without concerns. Both black and green teas contain caffeine, though in lower amounts compared to coffee. Herbal teas are often caffeine-free but may still contain compounds that influence digestion. For instance, peppermint tea can relax the gut muscles and help alleviate symptoms, while other herbal teas may reduce inflammation. Caffeine is not a cause of IBS, but it can exacerbate symptoms in those already diagnosed with the condition. Reducing intake, switching to decaffeinated options, or monitoring symptoms after caffeine consumption may offer useful clues for managing the problem. First Published: April 22, 2025, 23:55 IST
