TryGOLD- Free

The Gut Alarm
India Today|December 16,2024
New research shows how unhealthy food and lifestyle habits have damaged Indian guts, causing a raft of serious physical and mental ailments
- SONALI ACHARJEE
The Gut Alarm

Thirty-year-old Delhi resident Sangeeta Karmakar had IBS or irritable bowel syndrome for 10 years. From constipation to bloating to extreme flatulence, and sometimes indigestion, she had to live with it all. She had constant pain in the abdomen; sometimes the pain would spread to her legs, head and back and get so bad that she would not be able to sleep on her side.

There is a strong relationship between gut health and sleep, she says. Those with poor gut health cannot sleep, and I had to be put on sleeping pills. Recent research corroborates Karmakar's lived experience. In our naïve, rough and ready understanding of human biology, we believe our memory comes from our brains, our hunger from our stomachs and our sleep and mood are governed by the external environment. But what if you were told that each one of these responses originates in the human gut, where a thriving colony of bacteria, archaea (a class of micro-organisms) and eukarya (organisms whose cells have a nucleus) is doing more than just help you digest food, absorb nutrients and excrete faecal waste? Numbering in their trillions and estimated to be more numerous than human cells, these residents of the gastrointestinal tract are collectively known as the 'human microbiota', and their well-being is crucial to the overall health of the human body.

This story is from the December 16,2024 edition of India Today.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 16,2024 edition of India Today.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM INDIA TODAYView All
WEAVE A STORY
India Today

WEAVE A STORY

Saree plays muse and material in this modern iteration

time-read
1 min  |
December 23, 2024
SIMPLE LIVING
India Today

SIMPLE LIVING

Spatial planning meets spirituality, and up-cyling meets unconventional design practices, in this Gurgaon home

time-read
1 min  |
December 23, 2024
HARMONY IN DESIGN
India Today

HARMONY IN DESIGN

Using principles of vaastu coupled with a creative interplay of open and closed spaces, this home in Vadodara is a welcome sight

time-read
2 mins  |
December 23, 2024
THE NEW ECO CHIC
India Today

THE NEW ECO CHIC

This home in Kerala is designed on the principles of climate responsive architecture

time-read
2 mins  |
December 23, 2024
Crafting a New Look
India Today

Crafting a New Look

A look at five festive artistic finds from Jaipur to brighten your celebrations

time-read
2 mins  |
December 23, 2024
NAMES TO KNOW
India Today

NAMES TO KNOW

From homes and offices to banquets and hotels, these architects and designers' approach to design is paving the way for some exciting spaces

time-read
3 mins  |
December 23, 2024
CHIC AND COSY
India Today

CHIC AND COSY

Let your indoor winter wonderland revel in bold bedding, quilted beauties and charming cushions

time-read
1 min  |
December 23, 2024
STEP INTO STYLE
India Today

STEP INTO STYLE

This winter, international collaborations are lending the Indian carpet industry a unique look underfoot

time-read
1 min  |
December 23, 2024
DECK THE HALLS
India Today

DECK THE HALLS

With this festive array of accessories, cushions and X'mas-themed decoratives

time-read
1 min  |
December 23, 2024
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
India Today

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Looking for Christmas inspiration? Here are plenty of ideas to steal and products to make it come to life.

time-read
1 min  |
December 23, 2024

We use cookies to provide and improve our services. By using our site, you consent to cookies. Learn more