Avoid These 5 Foods On An Empty Stomach

 

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle involves prioritising proper nutrition. While consuming nourishing foods and beverages can significantly improve overall well-being, it’s crucial to be mindful of our eating habits. Consuming certain foods on an empty stomach can strain the digestive system and lead to complications. Individuals prone to gas and acidity should be particularly cautious about their food choices on an empty stomach to prevent exacerbating these issues.

No Acidic Foods On An Empty Stomach

According to a Times Of India report, it’s advisable to avoid acidic fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, amla or Indian gooseberries, and lemons on an empty stomach, especially in the morning. The high concentration of acidic compounds in these fruits can lead to acidity or a burning sensation in the stomach. Consuming citrus fruits on an empty stomach, when acid levels are already elevated, can further increase acidity, potentially resulting in stomach aches, gas, and indigestion.

Additionally, citrus fruits can irritate the stomach lining, potentially increasing the long-term risk of stomach-related ailments.

Avoid These Beverages

While many people enjoy a cup of coffee first thing in the morning, consuming it on an empty stomach can trigger acidity and potentially harm the stomach lining. Even drinking milk on an empty stomach can be detrimental to some individuals.

It is also essential to avoid starting the day with cold beverages, packaged juices, or alcohol on an empty stomach, as this can have adverse effects on health.

Avoid Fried And Spicy Food

Similarly, it’s best to avoid fried and spicy foods early in the day as they are difficult to digest and can cause feelings of heaviness, leading to gas and acidity. Individuals with pre-existing stomach problems should be particularly cautious about consuming these foods.

No Sugary Or Fatty Foods On Empty Stomach

Health experts recommend avoiding sugary and fatty foods like cakes, pastries, doughnuts, and sweets on an empty stomach. These foods offer minimal nutritional value and can contribute to various health issues.

Say No To Junk Food For Breakfast

Junk food, such as pizza and burgers, should also be avoided as they are high in fat and processed sugars, making them difficult to digest. Additionally, even consuming very cold or raw salads on an empty stomach can cause gas and bloating.

5 Fruits Women Over 25 Should Eat For Better Health

 

Ageing is an inevitable process. As we age, our bodies may become weaker. Women, in particular, may start experiencing a decline in essential nutrients like vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, iron, and calcium after the age of 25. These deficiencies can lead to various health issues.

To mitigate these risks, women should pay special attention to their diet, especially between the ages of 25 and 30. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition recommends that every woman should include these five fruits in their diet:

1.     Cherries: According to the American Journal of Nutrition, cherries can be highly beneficial for women over 25. They can help reduce the risk of age-related problems like bone weakness and arthritis. Consider drinking cherry juice at least four times a week.

2.     Tomatoes: Tomatoes are essential for everyone, especially women. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition highlights the importance of lycopene, a nutrient found abundantly in tomatoes, for maintaining healthy skin. Moreover, tomatoes may lower the risk of lung and stomach cancer. Try to include tomatoes in your daily diet.

3.     Papaya: Papaya is a rich source of essential vitamins and nutrients, including vitamins A and C, folate, and phytochemicals, which are crucial for women over 25. Papaya can contribute to reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and digestive issues.

4.     Guava: With a high vitamin C content (22 milligrams per 100 grams), guava offers numerous health benefits. Studies suggest that guava can help regulate blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol, and provide potassium, which is essential for heart health and blood pressure control.

5.     Apples: Apples are a great source of pectin fibre, which aids digestion, promotes gut health, and keeps you feeling full for longer, thereby assisting in weight management.

By incorporating these five fruits into their diet, women can take proactive steps towards a healthier life after 25.

World Health Organization releases first technical brief on Encephalitis

 

Encephalitis is an increasing global threat: Dr Ava Easton, Chief Executive, Encephalitis International

World Health Organization (WHO) and Encephalitis International have launched a critical Technical Brief on Encephalitis in London, which identified encephalitis (infectious and autoimmune) as an increasing global threat making it an urgent public health priority. The technical brief outlines the worldwide burden of encephalitis, key actions required to improve prevention, data collection and surveillance, diagnostics and treatment, after care and awareness, and research innovation.

“Encephalitis is an increasing global threat. Without urgent attention and investment we will see more needless death and disability from the condition”, said Dr Ava Easton, Chief Executive, Encephalitis International.

Encephalitis, a condition caused by infectious and autoimmune causes in individuals, is an often-deadly brain inflammation that can affect anyone regardless of age, sex or ethnicity. It can lead to severe neurological consequences, including permanent brain injury. It arises either from an
infection invading the brain, such as Japanese Encephalitis, Scrub Typhus that are more prevalent in India or from the immune system mistakenly attacking the brain (autoimmune encephalitis).

WHO and Encephalitis International urge policymakers, public health professionals, healthcare providers, and researchers to engage with this brief and implement its recommendations to save lives and reduce disability associated with encephalitis. According to a recent survey in 2024,
1,548 Japanese Encephalitis cases were reported from 24 states and Union Territories.

Dr Ava Easton, added, "The WHO's recognition of encephalitis as a growing global threat marks a pivotal moment. We must act decisively to improve prevention, diagnosis, and care for those affected. Encephalitis disproportionately affects individuals in low-to-middle-income countries (LMIC), where healthcare resources are often limited. To support the implementation of the technical brief's recommendations, Encephalitis International has launched the "Countdown to Change" pilot appeal, aiming to raise £50,000 by 22 February 2025. Donations will fund initiatives to improve diagnostics, treatment, and aftercare for those affected globally.”

“The WHO Encephalitis technical brief aims to focus attention on the increasing global threat of encephalitis, prevention strategies and existing gaps in the diagnosis, treatment and care which will help enable more people affected to receive the treatment and care they need to live fulfilling and healthy lives.” said Dr Tarun Dua, Brain Health Unit, Department of Mental Health, Brain Health and Substance Use.

 

WHO Technical Brief Conclusion:

• Encephalitis is an increasing global threat with an urgent public health imperative, and represents a significant yet under-recognized global health challenge, marked by substantial mortality, disability burden, and economic impacts.

• Compounded by large population densities in resource-limited settings, proximity to animals through human encroachment, intensive farming practices, vaccine hesitancy, climate change, urbanization, and global trade, encephalitis is primed to further expand its reach.

• Trends of emerging and re-emerging viral outbreaks of encephalitis are increasing and identification and recognition of autoantibodies are contributing to the expanding number of autoimmune encephalitis cases.

• The true global burden of encephalitis is currently unknown – particularly in LMIC, however, the heavy costs associated with neurological sequelae and the impact on families are
  undisputed and increasingly being recognized.

• Central to reducing the burden of encephalitis are vaccination strategies, the establishment of robust surveillance systems, the strengthening of health systems.

• Progress in these areas should be underpinned by quality medical and public health research and the generation of new advances.

• Public awareness and education also play a pivotal role in reducing encephalitis deaths and disability along with increasing understanding and empathy for the condition and those affected, along with preventative measures.

• Prioritising encephalitis within global and national health agendas, mobilising resources for targeted interventions, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders can significantly reduce the potential global threat and disease burden. Together, these efforts promise to improve health outcomes, enhance the quality of life for those affected, and build resilient health systems capable of responding to this growing public health challenge.

 

Symptoms of encephalitis vary but can include:

• Infectious encephalitis (decreased or altered level of consciousness, personality/ behavioural change, fever and a headache);
• Autoimmune encephalitis (memory problems, psychiatric symptoms, decreased or altered level of consciousness and personality change).

 

Death rates following encephalitis can be high.  Survivors may experience long-term challenges such as cognitive impairments, personality changes, epilepsy, and fatigue, making reintegration into daily life difficult. Treatment and cure depend on the underlying cause and may include antiviral medications for autoimmune causes and supportive care to manage long-term symptoms.

Encephalitis affects three people every minute globally, yet almost 77% of the population do not know what it is. The lack of awareness leads to delay in diagnosis and treatment, and poorer patient outcomes. By implementing the WHO's recommendations, we can work towards reducing the global impact of this debilitating condition.