Your body hosts trillions of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, collectively known as the microbiome. While some bacteria are linked to disease, many play essential roles in supporting your immune system, heart health, weight management, and overall well-being. This article delves into the significance of the gut microbiome and its impact on health.

What Is Gut Microbiome?

Interestingly, bacterial cells outnumber human cells in the body, with approximately 40 trillion bacterial cells compared to 30 trillion human cells. With up to 1,000 species of bacteria present in the gut, each plays a distinct role. While most bacteria contribute positively to health, some can be harmful. Together, these microbes weigh around 1–2 kilograms, functioning almost like an additional organ essential for overall well-being.

How Does Gut Microbiome Influence Your Health?

The relationship between humans and microbes has evolved over millions of years, with the gut microbiome playing a crucial role from birth. Initial exposure to microbes occurs during birth, and some evidence suggests that exposure begins in the womb. As the microbiome diversifies, it starts influencing key bodily functions:

Digestion of breast milk: Beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacteria help break down essential sugars in breast milk, supporting infant growth.

Fiber digestion: Some bacteria process fiber into short-chain fatty acids, which contribute to gut health and reduce risks of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Immune system regulation: The gut microbiome interacts with immune cells, influencing how the body responds to infections.

Brain health: Emerging research suggests a link between the gut microbiome and brain function, potentially affecting mental health and neurological processes.

Gut Microbiome And Weight Management

An imbalance between beneficial and harmful microbes, known as gut dysbiosis, may contribute to weight gain. Studies on identical twins—one with obesity and the other without—suggest that microbiome composition plays a role in body weight independent of genetics. Additionally, animal studies indicate that gut bacteria can influence weight gain, even when calorie intake remains constant.

Probiotics, beneficial bacteria found in supplements and certain foods, can help restore gut balance and support weight loss, though their effects may be modest.

Gut Health And Disease Prevention

The gut microbiome plays a vital role in preventing and managing conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Imbalances in gut bacteria may lead to bloating, cramps, and digestive issues. On the other hand, beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli help strengthen the intestinal lining, reducing the risk of gut-related disorders.

Impact On Heart Health

Research suggests that the gut microbiome influences heart health by affecting cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Certain harmful bacteria produce trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a compound linked to blocked arteries and heart disease. However, probiotics, particularly those containing Lactobacilli, may help reduce cholesterol levels and promote cardiovascular health.

Blood Sugar Regulation And Diabetes Risk

The gut microbiome also plays a role in regulating blood sugar levels. Research on infants genetically predisposed to type 1 diabetes indicates that gut microbiome diversity declines before disease onset. Furthermore, individual variations in gut bacteria may explain why people experience different blood sugar responses to the same foods.

Connection Between Gut And Brain

The gut is physically connected to the brain through nerves, and certain bacteria help produce neurotransmitters like serotonin, which influence mood and mental health. Studies indicate that people with mental health disorders often have different gut bacteria compared to those without such conditions. Additionally, some probiotics have shown promise in alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Tips For Healthier Gut Microbiome

Maintaining a balanced gut microbiome is crucial for overall health. Here are some strategies to support gut health:

• Eat a diverse range of foods: A varied diet rich in fiber, legumes, and fruits promotes microbial diversity.
• Consume fermented foods: Yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut contain probiotics that enhance gut health.
• Limit artificial sweeteners: Some artificial sweeteners can encourage the growth of harmful bacteria.
• Include prebiotic foods: Bananas, oats, and asparagus contain fibers that nourish beneficial bacteria.
• Breastfeed infants when possible: Breastfeeding promotes a healthier gut microbiome in babies.
• Choose whole grains: Whole grains contain fiber and beneficial compounds that support digestive health.
• Opt for a plant-based diet: Vegetarian diets may reduce inflammation and support a healthier gut microbiome.
• Consume polyphenol-rich foods: Green tea, dark chocolate, and olive oil contain compounds that foster beneficial bacteria.
• Take probiotics if needed: Probiotic supplements can help restore gut balance after disruptions, such as antibiotic use.
• Use antibiotics cautiously: While antibiotics can be life-saving, overuse can harm beneficial gut bacteria.

“All That” star Christy Knowings has died after reportedly suffering an asthma attack that led to cardiac arrest and brain damage.

The 46-year-old actress was hospitalized on August 7 after the attack and placed on life support, TMZ reported.

According to TMZ, citing family sources, Knowings suffered cardiac arrest following the asthma attack. Her family decided to take her off life support on August 11.

Knowings, who was born on February 25, 1980, in the Bronx, is the second former All That cast member to die this year, following the fatal hit-and-run death of Kianna Underwood in January in Brooklyn.

In a Facebook post, Knowings’ aunt wrote that her niece was an “outstanding actress, comedian, twin sister” and an “amazing daughter.”

Knowings’ reported death after complications from an asthma attack is a reminder that while asthma can often be managed, it should not be taken lightly, health experts told HealthandMe.

What Is Asthma? How Severe Can It Turn?

Dr. Abhijit Ahuja, Consultant Pulmonologist, Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, explained that asthma is a condition that makes it difficult to breathe because the airways become inflamed and narrow.

Many people with asthma can control their symptoms with medication. However, an asthma attack can sometimes become severe and life-threatening.

During an asthma attack, symptoms suddenly worsen and usual medication may not provide enough relief. A person may experience difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness, severe coughing or trouble speaking.

“If you use your inhaler but still have trouble breathing, you need to go to the hospital right away,” Dr Ahuja said.

When the airways become so narrowed that the body does not receive enough oxygen, the asthma attack can turn severe. The lungs may also be unable to remove carbon dioxide properly.

“If this keeps happening, it can hurt parts of the body like the brain and the heart,” Dr Ahuja said.

A severe asthma attack can lead to difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, brain injury and cardiac arrest.

When Can an Asthma Attack Be Deadly?

Dr. Taniya Mehta, Consultant Respiratory Medicine, Sterling Hospitals, Gujarat, told HealthandMe that while most asthma attacks can be treated, a very severe attack can become deadly when the airways become so tight that the lungs cannot get enough oxygen.

“If treatment isn't given quickly, low oxygen levels can cause the lungs to stop working, damage the brain, cause the heart to stop and lead to death,” she said.

Signs That an Asthma Attack Is an Emergency

Seek emergency medical help if a person has:

• Breathing difficulty or wheezing that is rapidly getting worse.
• Trouble speaking more than a few words because of breathing difficulty.
• No improvement after using a quick-relief inhaler.
• Blue, grey or very pale lips, fingernails or skin, which may indicate low oxygen.
• Severe confusion or loss of consciousness.

Who Is More Likely to Have a Severe Asthma Attack?

People may be at greater risk if they:

• Have had a severe or life-threatening asthma attack before.
• Need to use their quick-relief inhaler frequently.
• Do not use their asthma medicines as prescribed.
• Do not have their asthma under control.
• Cannot recognise when their symptoms are getting worse.

Do Not Wait Out a Severe Asthma Attack

Deadly asthma attacks are uncommon, but they can happen quickly, the doctors warned.

Taking asthma medication as prescribed, knowing how to use inhalers correctly, attending follow-up appointments and undergoing lung tests when needed can help keep asthma under control.

Walking past a bakery and suddenly craving a pastry, even though you’re not physically hungry.

Seeing an ad for your favorite pizza while watching TV and suddenly thinking about ordering it, even though you’ve just had dinner.

Do you experience this too? This is often referred to as “food noise”—persistent cravings, thoughts or mental chatter about food that can occur even when you’re not physically hungry.

A 2025 study published in Nutrients found that 57% of people with obesity reported experiencing food noise.

Constant exposure to food cues—from social media posts and advertisements to food-delivery apps and supermarket aisles—can further fuel these cravings.

While thinking about food is a natural part of everyday life, for some people living with obesity, these thoughts can become persistent and difficult to escape. This may contribute to overeating and, over time, make weight and metabolic health harder to manage.

HealthandMe spoke to Dr. Jasjeet S Wasir, Bariatric & Metabolic Physician, Director, Medanta – The Medicity, to understand the mechanism behind food noise.

What Is Food Noise?

“Food noise is like having a notification pinging on your phone every few minutes. You can ignore it a few times, but eventually the constant pinging wears down your attention and willpower, and you give in to it and indulge,” Dr. Jasjeet said.

A more formal, non-medical definition of food noise is persistent, intrusive thoughts about food, such as cravings, mental “chatter” about what to eat next, or a preoccupation with eating that some people experience throughout the day, seemingly independent of actual hunger.

Normal Hunger vs Food Noise

Normal hunger, or the “hunger of the body”, occurs when the body needs food and the brain responds to that need. Once adequate nutrition and calories have been consumed, appetite is influenced by satiety signals and hormones such as leptin, GLP-1 and insulin.

With food noise, however, thoughts about eating can persist even when a person is not physically hungry.

The biology behind food noise is not necessarily a primary defect in the physiological hunger system, but may involve overactivation of the reward system. This system influences mood, motivation, pleasure and cravings and can be activated by food-related cues such as sight, smell and memory, Dr. Jasjeet said.

What Can Trigger Food Noise?

Common situations in which people may experience heightened food noise include:

• Chronic calorie restriction or dieting
• Chronic sleep deprivation
• Chronic stress
• Rare genetic disorders of the reward system

Could Food Noise Affect Prediabetes and Weight?

Dr. Jasjeet said that "there is no direct or linear correlation between prediabetes and food noise. The relationship is more complex, and it can be difficult to determine which comes first".

In a healthy state, insulin acts on appetite centers in the brain and helps suppress hunger. Prediabetes, in most cases, involves insulin resistance. Insulin resistance in the brain may alter this appetite-suppression effect and potentially contribute to persistent food-related thoughts.

At the same time, prediabetes, excess weight and increased cravings can share common underlying factors, including insulin resistance, inadequate sleep, stress, dietary patterns, genetics and the food environment.

"Food noise becomes important when thoughts about food begin to influence everyday eating behavior—for example, when a person repeatedly eats without physical hunger or finds it difficult to stop thinking about food," the expert said.

If persistent food-related thoughts contribute to excess energy intake and weight gain, they may adversely affect metabolic health and perpetuate insulin resistance. Over time, this can increase the risk of complications such as type 2 diabetes.

However, the doctor said that food noise is not a symptom or diagnostic marker of prediabetes. Prediabetes needs to be identified through appropriate blood glucose tests.

Insulin Resistance Alone Does Not Cause Food Noise

Dr. Manjunath Malige, Director, Endocrinologist, Diabetologist, Obesity & Weight Management Specialist, Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru, told HealthandMe that people with prediabetes usually have some degree of insulin resistance, but insulin resistance alone cannot be said to cause food noise.

Appetite and eating behavior are complex and influenced by biological signals, brain reward pathways, environmental food cues, sleep, stress and learned behaviors.

In India, where diets can sometimes be carbohydrate-heavy and low in protein or fiber, some people may experience greater fluctuations in hunger and cravings. When this constant chatter around food becomes excessive, it can take up significant mental space. If it leads to frequent snacking or overeating, it can make weight and blood glucose management more challenging.

How Can Food Noise Be Managed?

Dr. Jasjeet said the first step is not to fight food or impose extreme restrictions, but to understand what is driving the urge to eat.

The doctor noted that ask yourself: Is it genuine hunger, or are you eating because of stress, boredom, habit or simply because food is available?

Having structured, balanced meals with adequate protein, vegetables, fiber and healthy fats can improve satiety. Excessive restriction or skipping meals can sometimes make cravings worse.

Other important factors include:

• Good-quality sleep
• Regular physical activity
• Stress management

Most importantly, the experts noted that the goal is not to never think about food, as food is an important part of our lives and culture. The concern is when these thoughts become intrusive, distressing or start controlling eating behavior. In such cases, it is important to seek professional guidance.

Liver diseases are becoming increasingly common in India, yet many people are unaware of the difference between fatty liver and hepatitis. While both conditions affect the liver, their causes, treatment, and long-term risks are very different. Understanding these differences is important because untreated hepatitis can, in some cases, lead to liver cancer over time.

Fatty Liver And Hepatitis: What’s The Difference?

Fatty liver disease occurs when excess fat accumulates in the liver. In India, it has emerged as a major health concern due to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, sedentary lifestyles, and unhealthy dietary habits. Studies suggest that nearly one in three Indian adults may have fatty liver disease.

Also read: England Set To Become One Of The First Countries To Eliminate Hepatitis C; Here's How

Why Chronic Hepatitis Can Raise Liver Cancer Risk

One of the biggest concerns with chronic hepatitis, particularly Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, is its association with liver cancer. The infection can silently persist for years without causing noticeable symptoms. During this period, continuous inflammation may lead to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis, and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), chronic hepatitis B significantly increases the risk of liver cancer and remains one of the leading causes of liver cancer-related deaths worldwide.

India’s Silent Hepatitis Burden

India continues to carry a substantial burden of viral hepatitis. WHO estimates indicate that nearly 40 million Indians are living with chronic Hepatitis B infection and between six and twelve million with chronic Hepatitis C infection. Many remain undiagnosed because early disease often causes no symptoms.

Warning signs that should not be ignored include persistent fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, unexplained weight loss, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), dark urine, or swelling in the abdomen. However, many patients with chronic hepatitis may feel completely healthy until significant liver damage has already occurred.

Can Hepatitis-Related Liver Cancer Be Prevented?

Also read: How Chronic Hepatitis Quietly Progresses To Liver Cirrhosis: Why Early Action Can Save Your Liver

"The good news is that liver cancer arising from hepatitis is often preventable. Hepatitis B vaccination is safe and highly effective. Regular screening, timely antiviral treatment, and periodic liver monitoring can significantly reduce the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer"- said Dr Ashwin Rajbhoj from M|O|C Cancer Care Pune. Similarly, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling diabetes, exercising regularly, and limiting alcohol intake can help prevent and reverse fatty liver disease in its early stages, he added.

The key message is simple: fatty liver and hepatitis are not the same disease. While fatty liver is primarily linked to lifestyle and metabolic health, chronic viral hepatitis can silently progress to liver cancer if neglected. Early diagnosis and timely treatment remain the best defence against serious liver complications.

By Dr Ashwin Rajbhoj, M|O|C Cancer Care, Pune