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Junk Food Fuels Piles, Fistula, Fissures in Young Indian Adults

A fistula is an unusual opening near the anus that connects to the inside of the anal canal in the colon…reports Asian Lite News

Regular junk food consumption and inactive lifestyles are fuelling cases of painful piles, fistula and fissures in young adults aged between 18 and 25 years, said doctors on Monday.

People with piles and fissures — common disorders concerning the anal region — suffer from symptoms like passing bloody stools or having trouble passing stools, itchy and irritable anal cavity, inflammation, rectal bleeding, and discomfort when sitting for a long time, among others.

A fistula is an unusual opening near the anus that connects to the inside of the anal canal in the colon. It typically arises due to factors like injury, surgery, infection, or inflammation of anal glands. Pain, swelling in the anal area, boils, skin irritation around the anus, bleeding, and discomfort during bowel movements are the major symptoms.

“‘Haemorrhoids or piles happen when veins inside and outside the anus become swollen and enlarged. This condition is now seen in adults between 25-55 due to obesity, pregnancy, a diet low in fibre, constipation, diarrhoea, lifting heavy objects, and straining during bowel movements,” Lakin Vira, General Surgeon, Apollo Spectra Mumbai, told.

“An anal fissure is a result of a tear in the lining of the anus or anal canal. This problem occurs because of constipation, straining during bowel movements, and ulcerative colitis,” he added.

Lakin said that in the past 2-3 months, approximately 50 patients have visited with complaints of piles and fistula, and for fissures, the number is higher than 80. About 60 per cent of males while 40 per cent of females suffer from fistula and piles. Whereas, 70 per cent of females and 30 per cent of males tend to have fissures.

“There is overall over 10 per cent in these conditions when compared to previous years. The incidence of these conditions is recently seen in age groups of 18-25 due to junk food consumption,” the doctor noted.

Hemant Patel, Laparoscopic and General Surgeon, Zynova Shalby Hospital told that “cases of piles, fistula and fissures are increasing in younger age groups mostly in males. There has been a significant rise in these patients in the past few years”.

He noted seeing 5-6 patients with such conditions daily.

According to health experts, eating a balanced diet, exercising daily, preventing constipation by incorporating fibre-rich foods into meals, maintaining proper hydration by drinking sufficient water, quitting smoking and alcohol consumption, and avoiding straining during bowel movements can help ease the condition.

Other ways to manage the condition include “medications, creams, and a sitz bath. If the conditions get severe then one will have to undergo a minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery,” Lakin said.

ALSO READ-Junk Food Linked to Child Depression

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Junk Food Linked to Child Depression

A recent study, published in The BMJ, linked consuming higher amounts of ready-meals, sugary cereals, and fizzy drinks with a higher risk of anxiety and depression…reports Asian Lite News

While the association between junk food — rich in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats — doctors on Tuesday warned how these may also contribute to poor mental health in young children. Junk food or fast food has become a common part of children’s eating habits nowadays and lacks important nutrients for better growth. It is also known to cause weight gain and obesity — a major risk factor for diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and cancer.

In addition, junk food can also affect children’s behaviour and mood.  Studies have provided evidence that a diet high in fast food and sugary drinks can lead to behavioural problems, including hyperactivity, attention deficit disorder (ADD), and even depression.

Why do our bodies craves junk food?.(photo:IANSLIFE)

“Junk food can significantly impact a child’s mental health. Excessive consumption of junk food, which is often high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and additives, can lead to nutritional deficiencies and imbalances,” Dr. Amitabh Saha – Associate Director, Mental Health & Behavioural Sciences, Max Hospital, Vaishali, told. “This can affect concentration, cognitive function, and mood regulation, ultimately influencing a child’s overall mental well-being,” he added.

A recent study, published in The BMJ, linked consuming higher amounts of ready-meals, sugary cereals, and fizzy drinks with a higher risk of anxiety and depression.   “Fast food and carbonated soft drinks containing caffeine have a high content of sugars. This increases the surge of sugar in the body momentarily and then rapidly crushes the sugar levels, leading to irritability and mood swings in children,” Dr. Rishikesh Dessai, Consultant Internal Medicine, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. The expert called for minimising the exposure of children to these fast food options and providing a completely balanced meal for the children, which should include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. He also advised children to do physical activity, like playing games outside, by engaging in outdoor activities.

ALSO READ- Nurturing healthy eaters in a junk food-filled world

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Guilt-free yet tasty snacks to avoid junk

To make them more appealing, they now come in a vast variety of exciting flavours like Hawaiian BBQ, Sriracha Lime Cheese, and Spicy Chicken Cheese, which make consuming them more fun…reports Asian Lite News

It’s that time of the year when T20 format cricket frenzies bring out their favourite player’s jersey and a favourite team flag. Get ready to watch IPL matches by placing a comfortable couch in front of the TV that is attached to surround sound speakers, which will make you feel like you are sitting in a stadium.

The stage is set and your favourite team’s match is about to start, the only thing missing are the snacks to binge on.

Keeping guilt-free yet tasty snacks to binge on while watching IPL is a must. Hence, it is recommended to stock up on a few healthy and guilt-free snacks beforehand to avoid eating junk. Chirag Gupta, Founder 4700BC shares list of some fun snacks to keep handy for when you can’t take your gaze away from the screen.

. Popcorn:
Popcorn has been the screen buff’s favourite. Popcorns have been everyone’s favourite snacks. Surprisingly enough, they are high in fibre content and low in calories. To make them more appealing, they now come in a vast variety of exciting flavours like Hawaiian BBQ, Sriracha Lime Cheese, and Spicy Chicken Cheese, which make consuming them more fun.

. Protein Pops (Foxnuts): Looking to binge on some healthy options? Foxnuts or makhanas are your saviours as you can now find them in unique and mouthwatering flavours. These delicious yet high in protein snack contains long-term health benefits, such as aiding in anti-ageing and curbing inflammation. Foxnuts are also a great snacking option for people avoiding gluten. A stomach-filling, easy store and nutritious item for people looking for healthy eating options while watching IPL.

. Corn Nuts: The perfect combination of corn nuts and beverages can never go wrong. When your favourite cricketer hits a sixer, you definitely don’t want to be busy contemplating what you should eat. It is quick, easy to gnaw on and keeps you sharp but doesn’t tip the scales towards unnecessary calories.

. Chocolate-coated Almonds: Almonds are known to be high in Vitamin E, and useful for preventing heart diseases, maintaining blood pressure and increasing focus and productivity. Now imagine, roasted almonds coated with the perfect amalgamation of dark, milk and white chocolate. all these benefits combined with dark chocolate not only make them scrumptious but also come with a host of benefits.

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