Sometimes the food you eat or the behavior you exhibit can be a sign of a deficiency and condition you may have. It is similar to when your stomach growls, which signifies that you are hungry. Other signs you may not know about are feeling fatigued when you do not drink enough water, and if you are experiencing a headache then you may need to eat etc. These things happen because they are connected in one way or the other, when you body lacks a specific nutrient you need throughout your day, it can manifest in different ways, let’s take iron for example.

Iron is like the delivery truck for oxygen in your body. It helps your red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to all your tissues. The Red Cross Blood Donation explains that when you don't have enough iron, your body can't make enough of these oxygen-carrying cells. This is called iron deficiency, and it can lead to anemia. You might feel very tired, look pale, or get dizzy easily. Headaches, cold hands and feet, and weak hair and nails are also common signs. Because iron is so vital for many of your body's functions, a lack of it can really affect your overall health and energy levels. It's important to recognize these signs and get checked by a doctor if you suspect you might have an iron deficiency.

What is Pagophagia and Pica?

Sometimes, your body sends strange signals when it's missing something important. One unusual signal for iron deficiency is wanting to eat ice, which doctors call pagophagia. This is part of a bigger problem called pica, where people crave things that aren't food. Other examples of pica are wanting to eat dirt, clay, or even starch. It's not just these things; some people crave things like coal, chalk, paper, or hair. While kids get pica more often, adults with low iron can have it too, even if they don't have anaemia. This weird craving is your body's way of trying to tell you something's wrong, even if it seems odd.

Eating things that aren't food can be risky. For example, eating dirt could expose you to harmful germs or heavy metals. Eating large amounts of ice might not seem dangerous, but it can sometimes hurt your teeth or gums. Ingesting non-food items can lead to serious problems like poisoning, where harmful substances build up in your body. It can also cause blockages in your intestines, which can be very painful and dangerous. Symptoms like stomach pain, bloating, feeling very tired, nausea, and diarrhea can signal that something is wrong. If you find yourself constantly wanting to eat ice or other non-food items, it's really important to talk to a doctor. They can help figure out why you're having these cravings and make sure you stay safe.

How Can You Make This Better?

If you're craving ice or other non-food items, it's important to see a doctor. They'll ask about your symptoms and might do some blood tests to check your iron levels. It's possible that your cravings are caused by iron deficiency, but they could also be related to other nutritional deficiencies or even emotional problems. Things like stress, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or developmental issues can sometimes cause pica. The doctor will try to figure out the root cause of your cravings. If it's an iron deficiency, they might suggest taking iron supplements or changing your diet. If it's an emotional issue, they might recommend talking to a therapist. Getting the right diagnosis and treatment is important for your health and well-being.

Many people may dismiss swelling in an arm or leg, particularly if it's not painful. But if the swelling continues or keeps coming back, it could be a sign of lymphedema, a condition that affects the body's lymphatic system.

The lymphatic system is responsible for draining excess fluid from body tissues. If this system is damaged or is not functioning correctly, fluid will accumulate, and lead to swelling. There are different causes of lymphedema such as some infections, injuries, congenital disorders and cancer therapies. Women who have had breast or gynaecological cancers may be at special risk if they had their lymph nodes removed or if radiation had been used.

What are the WARNING SIGNS?

Sometimes, lymphedema develops gradually. Signs and symptoms include swelling of one arm or leg, heaviness or tightness in the arm or leg, trouble putting on rings or a watch, and decreased movement in the arm or leg.

At times, the skin can also be tight and turn into a hard consistency over time. In certain patients, a second infection of the skin may occur.

These symptoms should not just be attributed to "normal swelling. An early evaluation may help determine the root cause and make the condition less complicated to deal with.

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What Is The Treatment For Lymphedema?

Treatment will depend on the severity of the disease and its etiology. Treatment usually involves compression garments, special physiotherapy, gentle lymphatic massage, exercises and skin care. The techniques may be used to help decrease swelling and movement.

Surgery may be necessary in some cases of more severe or chronic lymphedema. New pathways can be created to allow the excess fluid to pass, such as in a lymphovenous bypass. For some patients, a transfer of lymph nodes or liposuction may be an option.

Additionally, for patients who have an increased risk of developing lymphedema, doctors may also recommend preventive measures for individuals who must have some type of cancer surgery. This implies that measures should be taken to ensure protection of the lymphatic drainage before any appreciable swelling occurs.

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When To Go To The Doctor?

If swelling isn't severe, don't wait to get help. If there is any continued or unexplained swelling, there will be a specialist available to give information about the cause of the swelling and what treatment is appropriate.

Patients are provided with a holistic treatment pathway for lymphedema with multiple specialists treating their patients who came together for the diagnosis, rehabilitation and surgical treatment of lymphedema.

Treatment of lymphedema is not all about reducing swelling. The overall aim is to maintain a person's function, ease and independence in their daily activities.

If diagnosed early, and appropriately treated and followed-up, lymphedema can be managed successfully and patients can lead their life with a growing sense of confidence and comfort.

AIIMS New Delhi has successfully performed its second dual kidney transplant using organs from a marginal donor. The procedure highlighted a strategy that could help make greater use of kidneys that may otherwise be rejected for transplantation.

The procedure was carried out on July 28 by a multidisciplinary team from the Departments of Surgical Disciplines, Nephrology, Anaesthesia, Transplant Immunology and the Organ Retrieval Banking Organisation (ORBO).

The donor was a 70-year-old woman from Command Hospital, Chandimandir, Chandigarh. Because of her advanced age and the marginal characteristics of the donated kidneys, doctors transplanted both kidneys into a single 56-year-old woman.

The organs were transported from Chandigarh to New Delhi by an Army helicopter. According to AIIMS, despite a cold ischaemia time of 12 hours, both kidneys were functioning immediately after transplantation.

The recipient showed no complications after the transplantation and was discharged after 10 days with normal kidney function.

What Is A Dual Kidney Transplant?

In a conventional kidney transplant, one donated kidney is transplanted into a recipient. Meanwhile, in a dual kidney transplant both kidneys are placed into one patient from the same deceased donor.

The approach is considered when the donor is older or the kidneys have characteristics that suggest that a single kidney may not provide sufficient function.

In simple terms, two kidneys that have lower individual functional capacity may be able to provide adequate overall kidney function when transplanted together.

Research has previously found that dual kidney transplantation can be a viable option for kidneys from older or marginal donors. Transplant teams carefully assess the donor organs and recipient before deciding whether using both kidneys together could provide adequate renal function.

A 2025 analysis comparing single and dual transplantation from marginal donors also highlighted the potential of using kidneys from a deceased donor.

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Need Of The Hour

The milestone comes as India faces shortage of transplantable organs. India recorded 20,138 organ transplants in 2025, crossing the 20,000 mark for the first time, but the number of patients needing transplants remains far higher than the available organs.

Recent reports has also highlight the country's mounting transplant needs that still remain unmet despite its position as one of the world's largest transplant centres by volume.

This makes the ability to safely use organs from older or marginal donors particularly important.

“Dual kidney transplantation from carefully selected marginal donors represents an important strategy for increasing the utilization of deceased-donor organs,” AIIMS said in the press release.

AIIMS said the successful transplant demonstrates its efforts to “maximize the utilization of marginal donor organs” and help patients with end-stage kidney disease receive organs at the earliest.

Also read: US HHS Action Against Kentucky Organ Donation Group Raises Questions About Transplant Safety

Encouraging Development

The immediate functioning of both kidneys despite around 12 hours of cold storage is certainly encouraging. However, the patient’s discharge with normal kidney function represents an early outcome.

Longer follow-up will be needed to determine how well the transplanted kidneys perform over the months and years ahead.

The AIIMS team was led by Prof. Asuri Krishna, with support from the nephrology, anaesthesia, transplant immunology, ORBO and organ retrieval teams.

It is a common belief that metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)—formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)—is primarily associated with diet, sedentary lifestyles, and obesity. However, there are other factors as well affecting this aspect. Post-menopausal women experience a significantly higher incidence and faster progression of fatty liver disease, even when maintaining a stable body weight.

Why Menopause Increases Fatty Liver Risk

In pre-menopausal women, oestrogen plays a central role in metabolism, by promoting healthy fat accumulation in subcutaneous tissue (below the skin) rather than around internal organs, it also increases insulin sensitivity and suppresses liver inflammation.

After menopause when oestrogen levels drop, this protective function is lost, there is redistribution of fat leading to more fat accumulation around internal organs including liver thus leading to increase chances of NAFLD and also increasing insulin resistance, needless to say that with age our metabolic rate also goes down which also plays a role in this.

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Early Detection Is Key

The important part lies not only in understanding above but to go further in early detection and prevention of menopause associated NAFLD. As we know that fatty liver is a silent disease and often does not causes any signs and symptoms till very advanced stage.

First and foremost is to change lifestyle with advancing age, changing both the dietary habits and physical activity. Regular screening and monitoring is warranted with blood tests, routine metabolic panels, keeping a tab on weight, sugar and cholesterol levels and a basic ultrasound of abdomen.

For someone already diagnosed with 2nd or 3rd stage fatty liver, a simple non-invasive. Fibroscan can help monitor and assess the response to treatment.

Also read: How Menopause Changes Heart Health Risks?

Understanding The Impact Of Menopause On Liver Health

Coming to treatment part of NAFLD in post-menopausal women, it being primary a lifestyle disease so the core of management also lies around managing lifestyle. Medicines are available for treating and controlling NAFLD in conjunction with lifestyle management.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), when initiated early in post-menopausal women for symptomatic relief may offer secondary benefits by maintaining metabolic health. However HRT should always be initiated after proper evaluation and expert guidance.

NAFLD is a silent epidemic and primarily a life style disease, knowing about it and knowing triggering and precipitating factors helps understanding and prevention better.

Menopause being a natural biological phenomenon in every female’s life, it becomes essential for us to know how it affects our liver health and overall health as well.

By Mr. Ankur Garg, Group Director Liver Transplant & GI Surgery, Paras Health, Gurgaon