Latest news with #KarimaArroud
Emirates Woman
02-05-2025
- Health
- Emirates Woman
Gut Feel: How to heal your gut from the inside out
Dr. Karima Arroud, Functional Medicine Doctor at Wellth, on how to heal your gut from the inside out. The gut is the second brain. How does it work? Your gut contains over 100 million neurons and produces around 90 per cent of your serotonin. It communicates with your brain via the vagus nerve, sending constant updates about your physical and emotional state. This gut-brain axis explains why gut health influences mood, memory, and even anxiety. What does good gut health look like? Good gut health means optimal digestion, regular and pain-free bowel movements (typically one to three times per day), absence of bloating, minimal gas, stable energy levels, clear skin, balanced mood, strong immunity, and a sense of lightness after meals. It's not just about digestion – your gut impacts your entire system, including hormones and brain function. Alternatively, what are the symptoms of a bad gut? Common signs include bloating, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, excessive gas, fatigue, brain fog, skin issues (like acne or eczema), food sensitivities, and mood disturbances such as anxiety or irritability. Recurrent infections or poor immunity can also be linked to gut dysfunction. With a heightened social awareness of gut health, is there such a thing as overdoing it with probiotics? Yes, more is not always better. Overuse of probiotics – especially without guidance – can lead to symptoms like bloating or imbalance, particularly if the strains are not tailored to the individual. The microbiome is like a garden: balance and diversity matter more than sheer quantity. Dr. Karima Arroud, Functional Medicine Doctor at Wellth What are the common issues women in the Middle East suffer from when it comes to gut health? Many women face bloating, sluggish digestion, and IBS-like symptoms due to high stress levels, sedentary lifestyle, poor sleep, frequent use of antibiotics, and a diet high in refined carbs and low in fiber. Vitamin D deficiency, common in the region, can also negatively impact gut function. What tests can one take to get a baseline gut health assessment? A comprehensive stool test such as the GI-MAP is a powerful tool – it identifies bacterial imbalances, parasites, inflammation, and markers of digestion and immune function. Other useful tests include food sensitivity panels, zonulin (for gut permeability), and organic acids to assess dysbiosis and yeast overgrowth. What are the nutritional dietary sources for rebalancing the gut? And what food should one avoid that disrupt the gut health foundation? Focus on a variety of fiber-rich vegetables, fermented foods (like sauerkraut or kefir), polyphenol-rich fruits (like berries), and omega-3s. Avoid ultra-processed foods, artificial sweeteners, excessive alcohol, and refined sugars – all of which damage the gut lining and feed harmful bacteria. Food diversity is key for microbial diversity. In terms of lifestyle, what habits can one do long-term to support a healthier gut? Daily habits include: managing stress (chronic stress alters gut function), prioritising quality sleep, moving your body regularly, eating slowly and chewing properly, limiting unnecessary antibiotics or acid-suppressing medications and fasting overnight for at least 12 hours to give the gut time to rest. For those looking to add live culture into your system, what is the difference between probiotics and prebiotics? Probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that you can ingest through supplements or fermented foods. Prebiotics are the fibers that feed these bacteria – found in foods like onions, garlic, leeks, and bananas. Both are essential for a thriving gut ecosystem. There is a thin crossover between strains. For the consumer, what should we be looking out for on gut-supporting supplements? Look for clinically studied strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (immune and gut barrier support), Bifidobacterium lactis (constipation and inflammation) and Saccharomyces boulardii (helpful post-antibiotic or for travel). Choose supplements that list the strain (not just the species), contain at least 10–30 billion CFUs, and have been tested for shelf stability. Do you suggest different dosages for those dealing with a gut-related issue – is there such a thing as overdoing it with probiotics? Yes. Therapeutic doses may be higher short-term, but they should always be customised. For example, post-antibiotic or during travel, you may need specific strains at higher doses. However, too many probiotics without addressing diet and lifestyle won't solve the root issue – and can sometimes aggravate symptoms. This is The Discovery Issue – what is your recent wellness discovery? A recent game-changer is the discovery of how gut microbiome diversity can influence estrogen metabolism – especially in women. The 'estrobolome,' a subset of gut bacteria, helps regulate estrogen levels. When this is out of balance, it may contribute to PMS, PCOS, or endometriosis. This has opened new doors in personalised female healthcare. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied, Getty Images, and Pexels
Khaleej Times
10-03-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
Ramadan in UAE: Some fasting residents use cold plunges, red light therapy to boost energy
Newer recovery practices like cold plunge and red light therapy (RLT) have become increasingly popular during Ramadan, with many UAE residents opting to use them to increase their wellness while fasting. 'There is a noticeable increase in individuals seeking recovery treatments during Ramadan,' said Dr. Karima Arroud, MD of Functional Medicine, Wellth. 'Fasting can impact energy levels and hydration, prompting many to prioritise wellness solutions that support their physical well-being throughout the month.' Wellness expert and entrepreneur Linda Chambers Cochrane is one such resident who has chosen to do a recovery practice while fasting. Usually choosing to exercise around 4:30pm — just a few hours before iftar — Linda swapped her workout for a contrast therapy. The practice exposes the human body alternately to hot and cold temperatures for brief periods. 'I did two rounds of 15-minute sauna and 3 minutes of cold plunge,' she said. 'It felt incredible. The sauna — where I'm normally counting down the minutes — felt like a giant hug and I felt very relaxed. I felt a lot more energised and focused. Surprisingly, I was not very thirsty either. I would absolutely recommend doing this while fasting — it is like a bolt of energy and can help with brain fog.' Specialised supplements According to Dr. Karima, there are some wellness activities more popular than others. 'Hydration therapies, IV drips with essential vitamins, and relaxation treatments like lymphatic drainage and cryotherapy are particularly popular,' she said. 'These treatments help combat fatigue, maintain hydration, and support overall recovery after long fasting hours.' Other experts added that taking specialised supplements during Ramadan is extremely vital. 'Fasting places additional strain on the body, making it crucial to replenish and hydrate properly,' said Dr. Cherine Bazzane, Head of Cosmesurge Integrative Wellness Clinic. 'Key supplements include electrolyte drinks post-workout, which is ideally done 1.5 hours after iftar, to restore hydration and prevent fatigue. Since Ramadan is a powerful detoxification period, supporting liver function with glutathione can enhance this process. It is best taken before bedtime, at least 1.5 hours after the last meal. Lastly, magnesium is vital for muscle recovery, relaxation, and sleep and choosing the right form—magnesium glycinate for relaxation or magnesium citrate for gut health—can make a significant difference.' Red light therapy Many of those observing fasting during Ramadan are also turning to RLT to aid recovery. One expert said there are many ways to maximise the benefits of this therapy. 'Fasting UAE residents may experience fatigue, muscle soreness, slower metabolism, and skin dryness due to long fasting hours and changes in sleep patterns,' said Katie Mant, Cofounder of Bon Charge. 'RLT helps stimulate energy production in cells, which can improve alertness and overall energy levels during the fasting hours. Changes in sleep patterns due to Taraweeh prayers and waking up for suhoor can disrupt circadian rhythms. RLT can help regulate melatonin production and promoting deeper sleep and better recovery. It is best used 30-60 minutes before bedtime.' She added that the company has noticed a 'significant rise' in the adoption of red light therapy in the UAE, as wellness and biohacking trends are becoming extremely popular in the country.
