Latest news with #Puri
CNN
a day ago
- General
- CNN
Guardians of the Forest Seeds: Restoring Brazil's Atlantic Forest
Iracambi, an environmental organization, is working with the indigenous Puri people to restore biodiversity in the Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil, an area experiencing higher rates of deforestation than the Amazon.
CNN
a day ago
- General
- CNN
Guardians of the Forest Seeds: Restoring Brazil's Atlantic Forest
Iracambi, an environmental organization, is working with the indigenous Puri people to restore biodiversity in the Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil, an area experiencing higher rates of deforestation than the Amazon.
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First Post
3 days ago
- Health
- First Post
Doctor explains: How diet, sleep and gut health impact GLP-1 and weight regulation
As GLP-1-based drugs like semaglutide gain popularity, new insights highlight how gut health, diet, protein, and sleep can naturally support GLP-1 hormone function. Firstpost presents expert views on how lifestyle changes can aid metabolic health and weight management. read more In recent years, GLP-1-based medications such as semaglutide and liraglutide have captured global attention for their remarkable effectiveness in treating type 2 diabetes and promoting weight loss. But beyond the pharmaceutical spotlight, growing research is now linking lifestyle factors such as gut health, protein intake and sleep quality to natural regulation of GLP-1 and other hormones that influence appetite and metabolism. To understand the science behind GLP-1, its connection to gut health and how diet and lifestyle can support its function, Firstpost spoke to Dr Pankaj Puri, Director, Gastroenterology, Fortis Escorts, Okhla (New Delhi) to shed light on the broader implications of this hormone and its role in modern metabolic health. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What exactly is GLP-1, and why is it gaining attention in both medical research and mainstream conversations around weight management? Dr Puri: GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) is a naturally occurring hormone secreted by the L-cells in the small intestine in response to food intake. It plays a key role in regulating blood glucose levels by enhancing insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon release, and slowing gastric emptying. Recently, GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide and liraglutide have garnered significant interest due to their effectiveness in promoting weight loss, improving blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes, and even showing promise in treating conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and liver fibrosis. These wide-ranging benefits have brought GLP-1 into the spotlight in both medical and mainstream circles. Beyond medications like semaglutide or liraglutide, how can everyday habits or dietary choices naturally support GLP-1 function in the body? Dr Puri: Several lifestyle choices can naturally boost GLP-1 levels. A balanced diet rich in protein, fibre, and unprocessed foods helps promote GLP-1 secretion. Regular exercise, quality sleep, and a healthy gut microbiome also play a role. On the other hand, ultra-processed foods and high-sugar diets may impair GLP-1 function and overall hormone balance. Nurturing gut health is key to enhancing GLP-1 activity. What is the connection between gut health and appetite regulation? Can fermented foods and prebiotics really influence hormone levels like GLP-1? Dr Puri: Absolutely. The gut-brain axis is central to appetite control, with hormones like GLP-1 playing a significant role in this communication. A healthy gut microbiome, supported by fibre-rich diets, fermented foods, and prebiotics promotes the release of beneficial hormones that regulate hunger and satiety. Fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, and kimchi, along with prebiotics like garlic, onions and bananas help maintain gut diversity which in turn supports GLP-1 function. How important is protein in regulating satiety hormones, and what are the best sources to include in a daily diet? Dr Puri: Protein is one of the most satiating macronutrients. It triggers the release of satiety hormones such as GLP-1 and peptide YY, helping to curb appetite and reduce calorie intake. Consistently incorporating high-quality protein sources like eggs, lean meats (chicken, fish), dairy products (paneer, yogurt), legumes, and pulses into meals can help maintain appetite control and metabolic balance. Can you explain how soluble fibre impacts digestion and appetite hormones? How much fibre should one ideally consume each day? Dr Puri: Soluble fibre slows down gastric emptying and digestion, which prolongs feelings of fullness and stabilises blood sugar levels. It also nourishes the gut microbiome, indirectly enhancing GLP-1 activity. Good sources include oats, psyllium husk, chia seeds, and legumes. Ideally, adults should aim for at least 10–15 grams of soluble fibre daily as part of their overall dietary fibre intake (25–30 grams per day). What role do omega-3 fatty acids and healthy fats like olive oil or avocado play in insulin sensitivity and appetite control? Dr Puri: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish (like salmon), walnuts, and flaxseeds, possess strong anti-inflammatory properties. By reducing systemic inflammation, they improve insulin sensitivity and metabolic function. Similarly, healthy fats such as those from olive oil and avocado help regulate satiety hormones and promote cardiovascular health, making them valuable components of a balanced diet. How does poor sleep affect appetite hormones and glucose metabolism, and what lifestyle practices can help restore hormonal balance? Dr Puri: Sleep deprivation disrupts key appetite-regulating hormones—namely increasing ghrelin (hunger hormone) and decreasing leptin (satiety hormone)—leading to increased cravings and risk of weight gain. Poor sleep also impairs glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Restoring sleep hygiene, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and reducing screen time before bed can significantly help rebalance these hormones and support metabolic health. Some studies suggest that walking after meals can aid glucose regulation. Can you elaborate on how this simple habit affects metabolic and hormonal health? Dr Puri: Yes, walking after meals especially for 10–15 minutes can help reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes by promoting glucose uptake in muscles. It also improves insulin sensitivity and stimulates digestive processes. Incorporating this habit consistently can have a long-term positive impact on glucose control and weight management. How do irregular meal timings or skipping breakfast impact appetite-regulating hormones like GLP-1 and ghrelin? Dr Puri: Irregular meal patterns, including skipping breakfast, can disrupt the normal rhythm of hunger and satiety hormones. This often leads to increased ghrelin levels and reduced GLP-1 activity, triggering overeating later in the day. Adopting regular meal times and consuming a protein- and fibre-rich breakfast can help maintain hormonal balance and prevent excessive hunger throughout the day.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
From ouch to opportunity: India chases instant relief as pain market swells to Rs 16,000 crore; 5 brands pop up every week
India's pain relieving market is soaring, as more and more people are rushing to use over-the-counter (OTC) pills, sprays and creams to soothe everyday aches and pains. According to Nielsen data cited by industry executives, in the past five years, the segment has grown by more than a billion dollars, becoming the largest category within the non-prescription space. Since the onset of the pandemic, around five new pain relief brands have been launched each week on average, as per an ET report. In 2020, there were 1,552 brands catering to pain relief, including household names such as Volini, Omnigel, Dolo and Saridon. That figure has now soared to 2,771. Consumers are prioritising quick relief, said Shivam Puri, managing director at Cipla Health, 'Rise of urbanisation and increase in chronic illnesses have led to the need for faster, more convenient formats that are accessible across platforms,' Puri told ET. This rising demand comes despite continued warnings from healthcare professionals about the risks of indiscriminate painkiller use. Explosive growth The pain relief segment, particularly in urban markets, is largely driven by lifestyle factors such as gym injuries and sports-related strains. As a result, the combined market for analgesics and rubefacients has more than doubled, from Rs 6,820 crore in May 2020 to Rs 15,905 crore in May 2025, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18%. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Many Are Watching Tariffs - Few Are Watching What Nvidia Just Launched Seeking Alpha Read More Undo This is three times faster than the broader OTC market, which has grown at 6% CAGR to reach Rs 80,000 crore. Analgesics account for 75% of the pain management medication category. Paracetamol remains the dominant contributor, as per data from PharmaTrac, cited by ET. Sandeep Verma, who heads Bayer Pharmaceuticals' consumer health business for South Asia, noted a shift in perception since the Covid-19 outbreak. 'A lot of Indians view taking pain relief medication as a sign of weakness or worry about becoming dependent on it. Covid made many of us more aware of how stress, exhaustion, and even mild but recurring pain can chip away at our wellbeing and productivity,' he was quotde as saying. From chronic pain to lifestyle ailments Experts say that pain medications are being increasingly used to treat a wider range of issues, including inflammation and adjacent issues, leading to growing demand for pills. 'The analgesic segment that is dominated by paracetamols has been growing at a steady rate of 10%. This is because paracetamol medications are taken alongside other conditions that could include arthritis, any other bacterial or viral infection,' Sheetal Sapale, vice president, commercial, at PharmaTrac was quoted as saying. Nitin Kumar Sinha, consultant physician at WeCare Wellness in Mumbai, attributed the trend to rising lifestyle-related ailments. 'Lack of physical exercise, increase in body weight leading to knee and joint pain, anxiety, depression are all causes of increase in body pain, headaches or migraine,' he told ET. He also warned that self-medication is on the rise which can have serious consequences if used over a prolonged period of time, such as damage to the kidneys. IPCA's Zerodol SP, Janssen's Ultracet, GSK's Calpol, Micro Lab's Dolo, Torrent's Chymoral Forte and Cipla's Ibugesic Plus, are one of the top selling drugs. Most of these are prescription medications. Skin creams, allergies also see rise in OTC demand Pain relief isn't the only area where Indians are increasingly self-medicating. The demand for dermatological creams, traditionally prescribed by dermatologists, is also surging, particularly among Gen Z consumers. Bhanu Prakash, partner and healthcare services industry leader at Grant Thornton, said, 'Over-the-counter as a segment has grown post-Covid because of more knowledge and information for categories including anti-allergic medications, skin creams, tear drops among others.' Derma products, which are used to treat issues related to the skin and scalp, are now the second-largest non-prescription category after pain, expanding at a CAGR of 8% over the last five years, to become a Rs 14,854 crore market. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Malaysia Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- Malaysia Sun
"Over 10.33 crore women got LPG connections under PM Ujjwala scheme": Hardeep Singh Puri
Durgapur (West Bengal) [India], July 19 (ANI): Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that over 10.33 crore women have been provided with free connections of Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). He stated that there were 14 crore LPG connections in 2014, and the number of connections has increased to 33 crore as of 2025. 'LPG Connection: Year 2014 - 14 crore and Year 2025 - 33 crore,' Puri said while addressing the gathering here, adding, 'Under the guidance of PM Narendra Modi, the past 11 years have brought an LPG revolution that has ushered in a new wave of change in every sector.' The Union Minister stated that the cost of a cylinder in India was merely Rs 553, which was lower compared to other LPG-producing countries, such as Sri Lanka and Pakistan. 'As part of this, under the PM Ujjwala scheme, more than 10.33 crore women have been provided free connections. Even today, they get a cylinder for just Rs 553, which is lower than in other LPG-producing countries,' Puri said. 'In contrast, the same cylinder costs Rs 1,204 in neighbouring Sri Lanka, Rs 1,201 in Nepal, and Rs 1,000 in Pakistan,' he added. Puri said that the number of beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana exceeds 1.25 crore. 'This revolution has not only improved women's health but has also become a significant means of job creation. Clean fuel is now present in almost every kitchen in every country,' he added. In a veiled attack on the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government, Puri on Friday reiterated that petrol and diesel prices in non-BJP states are ruling above that of BJP-run states. Speaking in Durgapur, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongside on the dais, Minister Puri said petrol and diesel prices are Rs 7-8 per litre lower in BJP-ruled states. 'Our government under PM Modi did not allow fuel prices to rise. In November 2021, May 2022, and March 2024, the central government reduced cess on petrol and diesel, cumulatively by Rs 13 and Rs 16,' the minister said. 'On top of that, our BJP-ruled states also reduced VAT on fuel. In BJP states, petrol and diesel prices are ruling Rs 7-8 per litre lower than non-BJP states,' Minister Puri added. In a major boost to Oil and Gas infrastructure in the region, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd (BPCL) City Gas Distribution (CGD) project in Bankura and Purulia districts of West Bengal, worth around Rs 1,950 crore. It will provide PNG connections to households, commercial establishments and industrial customers, and provide CNG at the retail outlets and also create employment opportunities in the region. The Prime Minister also dedicated to the nation the Durgapur to Kolkata section (132 Km) of the Durgapur-Haldia Natural Gas Pipeline, which has been laid as a part of the ambitious Jagdishpur-Haldia and Bokaro-Dhamra Pipeline, also known as the Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga (PMUG) Project. (ANI)
