INSUFFIICIENT MICRO-NUTRIENTS CAUSE OF HIDDEN HUNGER.

Micro-nutrient deficiency was found in six percent of the 1,400 children who were studied in multiple cities in the country and it was found insufficient intake of micro-nutrients is leading to hidden hunger in them which is not identified according to a study published in the Journal of Home Science. Micro-nutrients are foods that contain many vitamins and minerals like Zinc, Vitamin A and Folate which help to nourish the body and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. While parents are aware of 'balanced diet' and work on the same in foods are nutrient dense which will give the required Iron, Viatmin A, Vitamin B-12 to deal with problems of weak immune system, impaired cognitive function, anaemia and low energy levels. Dr. V.V. Varadarajan, senior paediatrician explained, "Parents state that they are giving balanced diet like chappati, rice, dal and vegetables. But on closer questioning it is found that the intake of fruits, grounded nuts, seeds, whole grains and a variety of legumes is very minimal. The introduction of whole grains and legumes into the food systems at young age is not done which does not develop taste buds for these foods. Young mothers and fathers even in affluent families come with constant complaints of recurring illnesses like cold, fever and stomach ache. They demand multi-vitamin syrups but that is not the ideal solution".

Dr. S.M. Krishna, another senior paediatrician explained, "Young mothers have to take simple steps and buy those foods which look appealing and will make the child want it. In these they must ensure that there is a proper mix of crucial vitamins and minerals. These steps go a long way in dealing with malnourishment in children. They must also opt for fortified foods and drinks where the micro-nutrients are listed". 

Micro-nutrients found in daily foods: 

1. Dark Green leafy vegetables - Vitamin A, C, K and Folate. Minerals such as Iron and Calcium. Good source of Fibre.
2. Milk and milk products contain calcium, vitamin D and protein, vitamin D and protein.
3. Grain legumes contain 25 percent protein, 45 percent soluble starch, soluble and insoluble fire and are low in fat.
4. Whole grains contain dietary fibre, different types of vitamin B, folate and minerals like iron, magnesium and selenium.
5. Fruits contain vitamins, minerals like magnesium, potassium and selenium and also phytochemicals.
6. Fish contains different types of vitamin B, vitamin D, vitamin K, zinc and phosphorus.
7. Mutton contains vitamin K, vitamin B-12 and zinc and iron. 
8. Nuts contain folate, vitamin E and minerals like magnesium and potassium.

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THE GALL STONES.

Gallstones - stones in the gallbladder - affect about ten to twenty-two percent of the country's population, but only eighty percent of that group develop symptoms that show or affect a person's everyday life. In fact, only two-to-three percent of those who have gallstones ever have serious symptoms that require treatment.

What causes gallstones? The gallbladder itself is a small organ in the abdominal region of a human being's body, where the digestive fluid, bile, is stored. Women are more likely than men to develop gallstones, but in general, those most prone to it are people who have a family history of the condition; people who are obese and/or live a sedentary lifestyle; those with high triglyceride levels in their body; and even those who lose a lot of weight rapidly, either through exercise or with bariatric surgery. This is because of the higher concentration of sludge in the gallbladder, when a person loses weight quickly.

Its implications: The mere presence of gallstones doesn't cause any visible symptoms; nor does it require treatment; rather the symptoms themselves are what need to be treated. The most common symptom is pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. It is episodic and very severe, is often associated with nausea and vomiting, and happens most often at night. Fatty and greasy foods usually precipitate this symptom, and when such a pain occurs, one must visit a doctor and get themselves checked. The pain can usually be relieved with prescribed doses of pain killers. However, if untreated, these symptoms can lead to more serious complications - Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), cholangitis (blocking of the bile duct) and pancreatitis are the three main resulting complications.

Getting treated: The main treatment that most doctors recommend when gallstones occur is to have the gallbladder itself removed. But such a surgery is only advisable when the gallstones reach a size of at least two centimetres in diameter; when the gallbladder is not functional; when there is cirrhosis of the liver; when the patient has suffered a spinal cord injury; and when liver and kidney transplants need to be done. There are also non-invasive procedures that can be adopted to remove the stones by crushing it, or pushing the stones back inside the gallbladder if it's blocking a duct. This can be achieved with an endoscopic procedure as well. While gallstones are mainly unavoidable, since the condition runs in a person's genes, maintaining a balanced lipid profile within a reasonable range can help prevent or delay gallstones from being formed within the body.

The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile, which is a digestive enzyme produced by the liver. When food enters the small intestine, the gallbladder contracts and the bile is released into the small intestine. Bile helps in digestion by breaking down fats.

Two types of gallstones: 

1. Cholesterol stones, which constitute eighty percent of stones in the gallbladder.
2. Pigment stones made up of bilirubin.

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RELATIONSHIP WITH FOOD.

The Independence Day as we ponder over freedom, lets contemplate our relationship with food. When it comes to nutrition, are we truly free? Or do we feel bound by a plethora of conflicting information? Can we ever be free to eat whatever we want? If weight loss and maintenance are our goals, then some foods are born more equals than others. But if It is the numerous and contradictory instructions that are bogging you down, you can, to some extent, be free of rigid diet rules if you follow this simple colour-coded food philosophy.

Orange: Orange foods include papaya, carrot, apricots and more. Carrot prevents cancer, helps us see better and slows down aging. Papaya boosts the immune system and safeguards us against disease. Apricots are bursting with iron, potassium and fibre. And let's not forget pumpkin. Every part of this delicious vegetable is brimming with goodness, right down to the seeds. 

Brown: Brown can turn your frown upside down. Revel in the benefits of brown foods which include nuts, potatoes, ginger and quinoa. Potatoes are loaded with Vitamin B6 - vitalto the building of new cells. Ginger's medicinal role has been well documented. Walnuts and almonds help with the prevention and management of diabetes. And Quinoa like the humble egg white is one of the purest sources of protein - a 100 percent reference protein which means it has all the nine essential amino acids needed by our body.

White: Lean white meats, egg whites, onion and garlic represent the white corner. Chicken and turkey are fantastic sources of lean protein, but egg white is one of the BEST sources of protein there is. Onions are potent anti-inflammatories and garlic is a brilliant antioxidant, both of which form the base for many cuisines.

Green: Kale, asparagus, green beans, spinach, broccoli, edamame, basil, capsicum, green tea - go green to get lean. The leafy greens are wonderful sources of nutrients, anti-oxidants and boost your health quite like nothing else. 

Of course, this is not to say that other foods not mentioned here - like dals, and other sabzis - are not healthy or that you should not eat them, neither should we eat the above without moderation. Oil, fat, quantity and sugar intake must be monitored while preparing these foods so that you can get the best of them. And add some colour to your life.

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IRON ABSORPTION HIT IN VEGETARIANS.

Iron absorption in vegetarians is very often not complete as the green elements in leafy vegetables and others act as anti-nutrients and do not allow its complete absorption. The phytates present in the greens are a part of the food, and they interfere with the absorption of iron in the body. 

Due to this nutritionists say that vegetables must be consumed with Vitamin C for better absorption of iron in the body. The various food patterns studied have made nutritionists look closely at phytates as it works as an anti-nutrient and destroys the content of iron present in vegetables. Foods high in phytate content are wheat bran, almonds, walnuts, cashew-nuts, oats, barley, rye, yeast, beans and navy beans.

Nutritionist Fathma Taher Ali said, "We have been recommending smaller portions of foods so that absorption in the body is better. The iron in beans, grains and seeds is better absorbed when the food is combined with Vitamin C in fruits and vegetables. Some iron sources like leafy greens, broccoli and tomato sauce contain Vitamin C".

The tendency to have coffee and tea after food is considered anti-nutritional as it affects the absorption of iron present in the food. With the incidence of anaemia in women as high as fifty-nine percent, 41.8 percent in pregnant women and 25.4 percent in children there is a strong need to have iron-rich foods on the table.

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'VINCENT CURSTY' TRIGGERS RISE IN URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN KIDS.

Children taking to Vincent's Cursty (sitting with crossed legs) while watching TV or playing video games, run a higher risk of contracting urinary infections, warn city doctors. Pointing out how this problem peaks during the summers, they say that this modern day lifestyle issue is on a consistent rise - roughly ten percent every year - and in a few cases can even result in kidney failure.Vincent's Cursty, colloquially known as 'pee dance', is a squatting posture that children in particular use to hold back their urine. "This trend is fast increasing over the last five years as children (in age group between 5 and 10) avoid reliving themselves while watching TV or playing video games. It causes pressure on the bladder and intestine, ultimately leading to urinary infections", said Dr. N. Mallikarjuna Reddy, Urologist with Global Hospital. The problem initially manifests as constipation, but the underlining problem is not clearing the bladder, he added. 

Doctors say that number of kids being taken to hospitals with this problem has increased ten times  in the last five years. Among them seventy percent develop urinary infections while the rest test positive for kidney infections. 

"Children who use this technique are usually active and are called 'dysfunctional avoiders'. Parents should identify it in the initial days as in a rare two percent case it can eventually lead to kidney failure", Dr. A V Ravi Kumar, Urologist with MaxCure Hospital said. Elaborating on the behaviour of children he said, "They generally hold till the last minute to urinate and even when they do go they don't clean the bladder completely", adding, "It is important for parents to differentiate between wetting and this". Urinary Tract Infections, doctors say, are mostly reported among young girls due to their anatomy, though children of both gender resort to Vincent Cursty.

"However, infections caused due to this can be treated if identified early", Dr G Jyothsna, a nephrologist said.
Kids Beware:

1. Alarm bell for parents if children are found holding back urine.
2. Parents need to check if kids have urinary passage problems.
3. If children are found to be lazy to pee, their postures must be checked.
4. If they cross their legs and stay for a long time, it can lead to infections.
5. Such children need to be disciplined in the long run.
6. Doctors say these kids must be encouraged to urinate even if they say wash room is unclean.
7. Infections caused by bathrooms is a myth, doctors say.
8. School teachers must check kids' behaviour during classes.

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