I suffer from anxiety and depression and have observed that when I consume certain foods, such as pulses, lentils, and fermented beverages such as kefir, I feel significantly calmer. What’s going on, and what else will improve my disposition?
Through the nervous system and the release of hormones and neurotransmitters, the gastrointestinal tract is in constant communication with the brain. An example would be feeling anxious before an exam or job interview. In addition to anxious thoughts, people frequently experience loss of appetite, nausea, and even diarrhea.
The microbiome – the billions of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms that live in our digestive tract – is an integral part of this gut-brain axis. The microbiome also helps regulate the immune system, and there is preliminary evidence that the health of our gut influences a variety of neurological and psychological disorders and vice versa.
We know that stress is associated with changes in the diversity of microbes in the gut, but it is unclear why.
Noting that no food or diet alone can treat depression or anxiety is important. Small-scale studies, however, suggest that eating a healthy, well-balanced diet and limiting refined and processed foods, such as sweets, is associated with an improvement in the mood of depressed patients. In addition, there is some evidence that caffeine consumption may exacerbate anxious thoughts.
Of course, this may not be due to the food itself; simply taking better care of yourself and sleeping more can be an important step in addressing mental health issues.
Kefir, a fermented yogurt, pulses, and lentils are known to aid in maintaining a healthy and diverse microbiome. If a patient tells me that eating these foods also improves their mood, I would recommend it.
A word of caution: fermented and high-fiber foods, such as lentils, can be difficult to digest and cause bloating and other digestive symptoms, so it’s important not to consume too much food too quickly. Start gradually. It is crucial for anyone battling mental health to consult a physician, as we can provide a great deal of assistance.
The notion of getting a knee replacement terrifies me. Several years ago, I had a blood clot in my lung, and I am on blood thinners for life. Would a procedure be extremely hazardous?
Almost all medical interventions involve some degree of danger. This must be weighed against the benefits of the treatment to determine the most prudent and effective course of action.
In the case of knee replacement, the operation can have a profound impact on the patient’s life by eliminating knee pain and restoring mobility.
Surgical risks include bleeding, infection, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition in which a blood clot forms in a deep vein, most commonly in the leg, and can travel to the lungs.
Patients can develop clots if they remain immobile or in bed for extended periods during recovery. The lack of movement slows blood flow in the veins, which increases the risk of developing a clot. Before surgery, anyone with a history of blood clots must inform their medical team so they can better manage the risk.
Patients can also reduce their risk of developing a DVT by quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy weight.
After surgery, compression stockings are given to patients to reduce the risk of DVT. Additionally, becoming mobile as soon as possible and moving the feet and ankles while lying in bed is beneficial.
I must urinate five times per night, which disrupts my sleep. I’ve attempted to avoid caffeine by not eating or drinking after 6 p.m. I had a hysterectomy almost thirty years ago.
Nocturia is the medical term for waking up multiple times during the night to urinate; it can be a symptom of a variety of conditions. It may be associated with an enlarged prostate in men. After menopause, it is typical for women to experience urinary urgency and recurring urinary tract infections, which can be treated with vaginal topical estrogen. In truth, this therapy is available over the counter and is safe and risk-free for the majority of users.
Oxybutynin is used for hyperactive bladders, but it might induce adverse effects like dry mouth. Caffeine, which is a diuretic, should be avoided, and alcohol should also be avoided. However, it may not be a good idea to drink less. With an overactive bladder, the bladder contracts even when it is not full. The less you drink, the more concentrated your urine will become; therefore, even a small amount will irritate the bladder and aggravate the contractions.
If your physician determines that you have an overactive bladder, he or she may recommend bladder training, which aims to stretch the bladder so that it can hold more urine. This entails holding on for a few minutes when you need to leave, with the amount of time gradually increasing over time.
End sexism in medical practice
Due to sexism in medicine,’ thousands of women have been denied treatment for heart attacks, research has determined.
In addition to chest discomfort, women frequently experience vertigo, fatigue, nausea, indigestion, and shortness of breath after a heart attack.
Researchers at Imperial College London analyzed data from 420,000 cases between 2005 and 2017 and discovered that one in twenty women with heart attacks were incorrectly classified as not having a high risk of death. The researchers discovered that some are simply told they’ve had “a funny turn,” with tragic consequences.
Historically, women have been excluded from medical research; scientists were hesitant to test drugs on women due to their monthly hormone fluctuations and the possibility that they could become pregnant.
Extrapolating data from trials involving only men is insufficient. It is unacceptable to disregard our health merely because we differ from men.
Are you still struggling to get your HRT drugs?
The HRT tsar of the government is resigning after only four months in the position. Madelaine McTernan was tasked with addressing widespread shortages of certain hormone replacement therapy drugs, but from my vantage point as a general practitioner, I cannot observe any improvement.
Women continue to struggle to obtain the hormone medications they require, and if anything, the shortages now affect a much broader range of products than in the past.
Patients are given prescriptions for HRT only to discover that pharmacies are out of stock, necessitating a new GP appointment to receive an alternative prescription, which can take weeks. During McTernan’s tenure, new regulations were implemented that allow pharmacists to prescribe an equivalent product if the one on the prescription is unavailable; however, many do not appear to be aware of this. There is unquestionably much more work to be done. Have you been struggling to get HRT? Tell us more.
