Sachidanand Mishra

Multivitamins come in various forms, from traditional tablets and capsules to gummies and powders, catering to different preferences and dietary restrictions. Their portability makes them an ideal travel companion.
Why are Multivitamins Essential for Travellers?
The stress of travelling can cause discomfort like a stiff neck, sore muscles, back pain, and joint aches, which can be quite tiring. Multivitamins can soothe these symptoms besides providing the essential vitamins and minerals that could be deficient in your diet throughout your journey. Besides this, multivitamins can prove beneficial in several other ways:
•Supporting Natural Wellness: Multivitamins are a blend of vitamins and minerals usually found in our food. They are beneficial for bridging nutritional gaps and naturally improving health. One daily multivitamin during travel can serve as a reliable support system, countering the deficiency of essential nutrients induced by changing diets.
•Alleviating Stress: Changing time zones and long flights can disrupt our sleep patterns and leave us fatigued and stressed. B vitamins, particularly B6, B12, and folic acid, play a substantial role in stimulating the nervous system for combatting stress. Including these nutrients in a multivitamin can help travellers manage fatigue and adjust to new time zones more effectively.
•Supporting Healthy Eating on the Go: Irrespective of whether your travel is business-related or for leisure, the challenge of maintaining a healthy diet on the move is undeniable. Sustaining healthy eating habits is typically easier within familiar routines but not while exploring new environments. Thus, consuming health supplements or multivitamins during travel can play a crucial role in balancing irregular meal patterns. Things to Keep in Mind
Different types of travel may require specific nutritional support. For example, an adventure-packed outdoor expedition might demand higher nutrients to support physical endurance, while a business trip could necessitate optimal cognitive function and stress management. Multivitamins to cater to these varying needs, ensuring travellers get the right nutrients for their journeys. However, travellers must consult a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian before choosing a multivitamin. Healthcare practitioners can help identify specific nutrient deficiencies or health concerns and guide travellers in selecting the appropriate multivitamin.
The author is the CEO, Co-Founder, PositiveGems.

One of India’s favorite celebrations, Ganesh Chaturthi, gathers people to celebrate and show their devotion to Lord Ganesha. While the event is known for its delicious sweet and Savory foods, it also presents an opportunity to choose food with awareness. Ganesha has an endless list of his favorite foods. Every year around Ganesh Chaturthi, Hindu households create an incredible spread of dishes for their beloved Lord Vinayak.

•Murmura Jaggery Laddoo is a favorite food of lord Ganesha. This food was so uncontrollable when Kubera invited him for a meal. The lavish meal didn’t satisfy Lord Ganesha, who wanted more to eat. It was said that Lord Shiva proposed offering some puffed rice to him. It was assumed that his appetite was satisfied immediately after that. For this reason, Murmura jaggery laddoo is made and served to Lord Ganesha.

•Ukadichemodak is the healthier form of modak is the ukadichemodak. Rice flour that has been cooked retains more nutrients and has fewer calories. The filling made of coconut and jaggery is an excellent source of fiber and vital mineralsand helps maintain the haemoglobin level.

•Puran Poli made with chana dal, jaggery, and cardamom.Chana dal offers fiber, is a significant source of protein, may lower cholesterol, and includes calcium, zinc, and folate. Sugar, jaggery, and plain flour are sources of carbohydrates.

•Coconut rice has various health advantages and a great flavour. It contains a lot of good fats, especially medium-chain fatty acids, which the body can easily absorb and utilize as fuel.

•Besan Laddoo are made from besan(Chickpea), Sugar , ghee and dryfruits. Besan is rich in complex carbohydrates and has a low glycemic index. Dry fruits are rich in potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, phosphorus, and vitamins like vitamins A, D, B6, K1, and E.

•Dry Fruit Ladoo is the either combine crushed or finely chopped nuts with dried fruits and a binder like dates or figs. They give us both vital nutrients and energy.
People with diabetes should be mindful before consuming high-caloric food. Jaggery is healthier than sugar, contains essential minerals like potassium and iron, and has slower digestion, which aids in keeping blood sugar levels checked.
Celebrating tradition and spirituality during Ganesh Chaturthi while eating foods that are good for your health is possible. When prepared carefully, these classic recipes have nutritional benefits and are delicious. We may enjoy the festival delights while feeding our bodies by adopting these time-tested recipes with a contemporary touch.

Dr Anish Desai is MD, Clinical Pharmacologist and Nutraceutical Physician, Founder and CEO, IntelliMed Healthcare
Solutions.

Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, causing progressive cognitive decline, memory loss, and changes in behaviour and personality. Alzheimer’s disease is a brain ailment that gradually impairs thinking and memory abilities as well as the capacity to do even the most basic tasks. Symptoms of the late-onset variety typically begins to show in the majority of patients in their mid-60s. Rarely, early-onset Alzheimer’s strikes between the ages of 30 and 60.

Symptoms:
Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease characterized by memory loss, difficulty in planning, decision-making, and problem-solving, as well as mood swings, depression, anxiety, and increased irritability. It can lead to difficulty in locating objects, misplaced items, and disorientation. Personality changes may include withdrawal from social activities and apathy, affecting hobbies and interests.

Causes and Risk Factors:
While the exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not fully understood, several factors have been identified as potential contributors:
Age: Advancing age is the greatest known risk factor. The majority of Alzheimer’s cases occur in individuals aged 65 years and older.
Genetics: Family history can play a role. Certain genes, such as APOE ε4, are associated with a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
Brain Changes: Alzheimer’s is characterized by the accumulation of abnormal protein aggregates in the brain, including beta-amyloid plaques and tau tangles.
Cardiovascular Health: Conditions that affect heart health, like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s.
Lifestyle Factors: Lack of physical activity, poor diet, smoking, and limited cognitive stimulation are also considered potential risk factors.

Treatment:
While there is currently no known cure for Alzheimer’s, research suggests that there arecertain steps individuals can take to delay its early onset and promote brain health. By adopting a healthy lifestyle and making certain choices, you can potentially reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
Stay Mentally Active: Engaging in mentally stimulating activities can help keep your brain active and sharp. Activities like reading, puzzles, crossword puzzles, chess, and learning new skills or languages can challenge your cognitive abilities and promote brain health. Staying mentally active throughout your life may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s.
Stay Physically Active: Regular physical activity has numerous benefits for brain health. Exercise improves blood flow to the brain, reduces inflammation, and supports the growth of new brain cells. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week. Activities like walking, swimming, and dancing can be enjoyable ways to stay physically active.
Eat a Brain-Healthy Diet: A well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can support brain health. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, such as salmon and walnuts, have been associated with lower Alzheimer’s risk. Antioxidant-rich foods like berries, leafy greens, and nuts can also protect brain cells from damage.
Manage Stress: Chronic stress can contribute to cognitive decline and increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Practicing stress-reduction techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or mindfulness can help lower stress levels and support overall brain health.
Get Quality Sleep: A good night’s sleep is essential for cognitive function and memory consolidation. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Establish a regular sleep schedule, create a relaxing bedtime routine, and make your sleeping environment comfortable and conducive to rest.
Stay Socially Engaged: Maintaining social connections and engaging in meaningful relationships can help keep your brain active. Social interactions stimulate cognitive function and may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. Join clubs, volunteer, or spend time with friends and family to stay socially engaged.
Manage Chronic Conditions: Certain chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity, have been linked to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Managing these conditions through a healthy lifestyle, medication, and regular check-ups can help reduce your risk.
Stay Mentally Emotionally: Mental and emotional well-being play a crucial role in brain health. Practices like mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation techniques can help reduce anxiety and depression, which can contribute to cognitive decline.
Challenge Your Brain: Engage in activities that challenge your brain regularly. Try new hobbies, take up a musical instrument, or learn a new language. The more you challenge your mind, the more you can potentially delay cognitive decline.
Seek Professional Advice: If you have concerns about your cognitive health or a family history of Alzheimer’s disease, consider seeking guidance from a healthcare professional. Early detection and intervention can make a significant difference in managing the disease’s progression.
In conclusion, delaying the early onset of Alzheimer’s disease involves adopting a brain-healthy lifestyle. By staying mentally and physically active, eating a nutritious diet, managing stress, and maintaining social connections, you can potentially reduce your risk and promote long-term brain health. Remember that these steps can be beneficial not only for your brain but for your overall well-being as well.

The author is the Director & Head of Department-Neurology Sanar International Hospitals.

Meniere’s Disease was first described by Prosper Meniere in 1800s. It is characterized by episodes of giddiness, tinnitus and hearing loss or fullness in the ears. It may be preceded by an aura of twinkling in front of eyes, heaviness in head etc. Each episode typically lasts for few minutes to hours. The symptoms are likely to be worse as the episode progress. The hearing loss slowly becomes permanent. There is never a loss of consciousness. Rarely the giddiness is so sudden that patient may fall down.
Causes
The exact cause of Meniere’s Disease is not known. It is hypothesized that there is an increased fluid collection in the inner ear called Endolymphatic Hydrops. Till the pressure in inner ear is high, patient is symptomatic. Once the pressure reduces, patient improves. All efforts at treatment are made to prevent and treat the increase in inner ear pressure.

Evaluation
During the episodes of giddiness, tinnitus and hearing loss or fullness in the ears, Audiometry shows a low frequency sensorineural hearing loss, VNG and ECoG will be positive for vertigo due to Meniere’s Disease. Between the episodes the results may be normal. MRI Brain and ECG may be advised to rule out brain stroke and heart attack respectively.

Treatments
Commonly prescribed drugs include Betahistidine (VertinTM) and Prochlorperazine (StemtilTM) to control the giddiness. Diamox TM may be prescribed to reduce the collection of fluid in the body. A salt restricted diet is advised. If any other specific trigger is identified, the same is avoided. Low doses of medicines are continued to prevent further episodes. Regular walks and exercise are recommended. Normal day to day activity need not be restricted. Driving, climbing heights or carrying firearms are to be avoided.
Surgery is recommended to people who receive little or no benefit from medicines. Injection of steroid into the middle ear space allows it to slowly seep into inner ear and has shown beneficial effect in many patients. Other surgeries aim to control the production and outflow of inner ear fluid. Patients with severe hearing loss may be advised more radical surgeries.
While Meniere’s Disease is a common cause of giddiness. Every vertigo is not due to Meniere’s Disease. A combination of clinical examination and testing helps in accurate diagnosis. Most episodes can be easily controlled and prevented. Surgery is the last resort in resistant cases.