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Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Gastroenterologist shares 5 probiotic foods to add to your monsoon diet: Idli, dosa to kanji and buttermilk
What are probiotics, and why do they matter in monsoon? If you've heard the term probiotics before, know that they are more than a passing trend — thanks to their excellent digestive properties. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Saswata Chatterjee, gastroenterologist at CMRI Kolkata, said fermented and probiotic-rich foods not only help in digestion, but also boost immunity. Also read | Not having dahi or kimchi? Doctor reveals why you must have natural probiotics; shares 4 facts about gut health Dr Chatterjee said, 'The rainy days are notorious for wreaking havoc on digestion, but nature has ever so cleverly endowed us with a solution for this dilemma: fermented and probiotic-rich foods.' According to the Cleveland Clinic, in addition to keeping microbiome balanced, probiotics help fight off germs, prevent and treat dysbiosis (which is an imbalance of the gut microbes), and help prevent infections. 'Such foods are capable of erecting an environment for the sustenance of good gut bacteria and help in digestion, while also boosting immunity. These are vital as weather turns humid and our bodies are then more prone to infections. Some of the fermented foods rich in probiotics that can be included in one's monsoon diet,' Dr Chatterjee added. According to him, consuming the following natural probiotics will help keep your digestive system healthy and seasonal infections at bay – just remember freshness and hygiene when it comes to fermented foods. He said, 'It is a lighter, more hydrating version of curd and is soothing to the stomach in the humid monsoon.' Dr Chatterjee added, 'Curd being a time-tested favorite contains live cultures that help in recolonising the gut flora while also aiding digestion and preventing bloating.' 'These south Indian classics are made from fermented rice and lentils, which encourage good gut health when freshly steamed,' Dr Chatterjee said. He added, 'Naturally fermented pickles prepared at home can give your probiotics a good push; salt levels, however, should be monitored.' Dr Chatterjee concluded, 'A fermented north Indian carrot or beetroot drink, the kanji is full of healthy bacteria and is easy to prepare.' 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.
Indian Express
02-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
‘I'm down nearly 10 kilos': Hansal Mehta opens up about using Mounjaro for weight loss and prediabetes, says ‘there's no shame in taking charge of your health'
More people are beginning to open up about using new-generation weight-loss and diabetes medications like Mounjaro (tirzepatide). Recently, filmmaker Hansal Mehta shared a post on X about his experience with the drug, pairing it with major lifestyle changes to address prediabetes and weight gain. 'Under medical guidance, I began Mounjaro to address rising blood sugar levels in the pre-diabetic range and to manage my steadily increasing weight. Paired with a committed lifestyle shift — high-protein meals, minimal sugar and alcohol, regular strength training, proper hydration, 14-18 hour intermittent fasting, NMN + Resveratrol supplements, and better sleep — I've seen tangible results,' Mehta wrote. 'In just a few months, I'm down nearly 10 kilos. My muscle mass has significantly improved, my energy levels are higher, and my blood sugar readings are now well within the normal range. Insulin resistance has dropped, and yes, the old clothes are falling off!' He added that he is sharing his story 'because there's unnecessary stigma around these new medications and people who do use them falsely connect their newfound health to ambiguous and often frustrating fitness regimens.' 'There's no shame in taking charge of your health with the tools available to you—especially when done responsibly and under supervision. If you're struggling with similar issues, speak to your healthcare provider. It might just be the beginning of a journey you'll be grateful for,' he continued. How does Mounjaro work to improve both blood sugar control and weight loss, and why might it be especially effective when combined with diet and exercise? Dr Kalyan Kumar Gangopadhyay, endocrinologist, CMRI Kolkata, tells 'When we eat, our body releases many hormones—two of the important ones are GLP-1 and GIP. These hormones help increase insulin levels, which in turn bring down blood sugar after a meal. Mounjaro combines both these actions. So when someone takes it, it mimics these natural hormones, helping the body release more insulin and lowering blood sugar levels — but only when needed. It doesn't cause sugar levels to drop if they're already normal, so the chances of hypoglycemia are low.' Another important thing is that these same hormones act on the part of the brain that controls hunger and satiety, Dr Gangopadhyay notes. He adds, 'So people feel full with smaller portions and tend to eat less overall, which supports weight loss.' Under medical guidance, I began Mounjaro to address rising blood sugar levels in the pre-diabetic range and to manage my steadily increasing weight. Paired with a committed lifestyle shift—high-protein meals, minimal sugar and alcohol, regular strength training, proper hydration,… — Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) May 1, 2025 Dr Namgyal, MBBS, MD, diabetologist AIIMS New Delhi, shares, 'Medication alone is not a complete solution. When combined with a balanced diet and consistent physical activity, the effects of Mounjaro can be amplified. Lifestyle changes help improve metabolic health, preserve muscle mass, and support long-term weight management.' Can Mounjaro contribute to reduced insulin resistance and improved muscle mass? Dr Gangopadhyay mentions, 'Yes, Mounjaro can help reduce insulin resistance, both directly and indirectly. One of the key ways it does this is by helping with weight loss, which itself makes the body more responsive to insulin. When someone is insulin resistant, their body isn't using insulin effectively. Losing weight tends to improve that, and Mounjaro supports this process.' Concurring, Dr Namgyal explains that improvements in muscle mass are typically associated with lifestyle factors, particularly resistance training and adequate protein intake. 'The medication can set the stage by improving metabolic efficiency and supporting weight loss, but preserving or increasing muscle mass requires intentional effort.' Safety, potential side effects, and long-term sustainability of using medications like Mounjaro According to Dr Gangopadhyay, it's important to understand that Mounjaro is a relatively new drug. 'We currently have data for up to about two years of use. That means we're still learning about its long-term effects. What we do know so far is that the weight loss it helps achieve tends to reverse gradually once the medication is stopped.' Dr Namgyal says that Mounjaro is not a one-size-fits-all solution. 'Side effects like nausea, vomiting, constipation, and appetite suppression are relatively common in the initial stages. In rare cases, more serious complications may arise, especially in individuals with certain pre-existing conditions.' That said, Dr Gangopadhyay confirms most people don't need to stop the medication because of these issues, and symptoms often settle with time. 'However, this medication isn't advised for people with a history of pancreatitis, and it hasn't been studied in patients with advanced diabetic eye disease, so caution is necessary in those cases.'
