Feeling bloated after overindulging in junk food or a heavy supper is something that most people can relate to. Your stomach feels stretched, your clothes are tighter, and you may burp or gas more often. Bloating on occasion is normal, but excessive or ongoing bloating might indicate a more serious problem.

For what reasons do gas and bloating occur?

Eating Habits and Food Preferences

The way we eat and drink might cause excess air to enter our digestive tracts. Chewing gum, drinking fizzy beverages, and conversing while eating are typical causes. Lentils, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, sprouts, onions and beans are some of the foods that release the most gas.

Additionally, bloating and gas may worsen if you have a lactose, gluten, or artificial sweetener sensitivity.

Keeping a meal journal might help spot triggers if symptoms are erratic. If the issue persists, you should see your physician.

Constipation

Constipation if not managed can cause pain and discomfort. This occurs when waste accumulates and produces gas in the intestines. For occasional constipation, dietary fibre, water, and over-the-counter medicines can be beneficial. On the other hand, chronic disorders may necessitate medical treatment.

Digestive Diseases

Insufficient pancreatic enzyme synthesis causes exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), which limits the body's capacity to absorb nutrients. Symptoms include weight loss, oily stools, and flatulence. The treatment includes enzyme replacement therapy as well as lifestyle adjustments.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) affects the large intestine and causes increased sensitivity to gas. Symptoms include cramping, bloating, and alternating constipation and diarrhoea. Probiotics, dietary adjustments, and medication can all help with this chronic illness.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Aside from bloating and gas, these problems might result in bloody stools, tiredness, and considerable weight loss. Anti-inflammatory drugs and dietary changes are commonly used to treat this condition.

Diverticulitis is characterised by inflammation of tiny pouches in the colon, leading to symptoms such as abdominal discomfort and fever. Severe cases can necessitate surgery.

Gastroparesis causes delayed stomach emptying, resulting in bloating, nausea, and probable bowel obstructions. Medication, dietary changes, and, on rare occasions, surgery are all viable treatment options.

When to Seek Medical Help?

While some bloating is normal, repeated symptoms may signal a more serious problem.

See a physician if:

• Dietary changes and over-the-counter medications don't work.
• Unexpected changes in appetite or weight loss occur.
• Vomiting, diarrhoea, or constipation increase in frequency.
• You have mucus or blood in your faeces.
• There is a severe chest or abdominal ache.

What can you do to improve your gut health?

An easy home-cooked method would be to eat soaked fermented rice. You can also add a little tamper to enhance its taste. But, what does it do?

When cooked rice is left to ferment overnight, it releases nutrient. The carbohydrates and protein in the rice remain intact, other nutrients including good bacteria, vitamin B, iron and magnesium are released. Soaking in water also leads to a high retention of water in the dish, which can result positively, if consumed during hot and humid seasons. This light dish contains good bacteria and probiotics which helps in digestion, and also cools your body down.

A study by a Bhubaneswar-based professor Balamurugan Ramdas also revealed that this dish contains short-chain fatty acids, which are responsible for improving gut health and boosting immunity. The study also notes that the fermented rice water also provides high energy.

A nutrient-rich diet is essential not just for heart and vascular health, but also for keeping the brain in peak condition. After all, about 25% of our blood supply is directed to the brain. That means what we eat directly influences how our brain functions over time.

Eating foods high in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates — especially ultra-processed items — can damage blood vessels in the brain, increasing the risk of impaired brain function, stroke, and dementia. Avoiding excess sugar is equally important. Too much sugar can interfere with the brain’s ability to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the vital compound that fuels key cellular processes. It may also trigger insulin spikes and disrupt brain metabolism, potentially impairing cognitive function.

While cognitive decline is not always reversible, following a brain-healthy diet may help slow down neurodegeneration and reduce the risk of developing conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

Here are eight foods commonly included in a brain-supportive diet — eaten daily or at least weekly — that nourish both mind and body.

Nuts, Especially Walnuts

Nuts are widely regarded as great for brain health, but not all nuts offer the same benefits. Walnuts stand out for having the highest ratio of omega-3 “good fats” to omega-6 “bad fats.”

Wild Fish

Fresh, fatty fish are a powerful source of omega-3 fatty acids, known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Brain-healthy choices include salmon, grouper, and halibut. It's best to opt for fresh and wild-caught fish, as farm-raised varieties are often fed with unnatural additives.

Leafy Greens and Asparagus

Leafy greens are rich in fiber, folate, lutein, and beta-carotene. Options like bok choy, asparagus, or broccolini, when steamed or sautéed with olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt at the end, make easy, healthy dinners. Though not leafy, asparagus is a favorite due to its fiber content and quick cooking time. A healthy gut, supported by fiber, also benefits brain health.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, an antioxidant related to beta-carotene. Antioxidants combat inflammation and oxidative stress, helping prevent neurodegeneration. Grape tomatoes or tomato medleys are versatile — great for salads, sauces, or appetizers with mozzarella, basil, and olive oil.

Berries and Walnuts

Blueberries, eaten almost daily, are rich in flavonoids — potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that may reduce stress effects on the brain. Pairing them with walnuts and steel-cut oats makes a perfect breakfast. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup and a pinch of salt elevate the flavor.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is full of monounsaturated fats that help lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol. It’s ideal for cooking, dressings, and dips. Just avoid deep-frying with it.

Turmeric and Ginger

Turmeric’s active compound curcumin may benefit brain health by disrupting amyloid plaques linked to Alzheimer’s. Pair it with black pepper for better absorption. Ginger adds flavor, fiber, and may even help with mental clarity.

Coffee and Tea

Rich in flavonoids and phytonutrients, coffee and tea support brain metabolism. Moderate caffeine intake can enhance concentration and productivity.

Popcorn

For a fun, healthy snack, try homemade popcorn. Air-popped kernels with olive oil, nutritional yeast, and a dash of salt make for a satisfying treat — a smarter option than chips.

The United States is currently experiencing a significant measles outbreak, affecting over 220 people across 12 states as of March 7. One confirmed death and another under investigation have raised concerns, particularly in areas like western Texas and New Mexico, where the rise in cases has been most concentrated. Additional cases have been reported in California, New York, and Maryland. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has urged travelers to be cautious as spring break begins.

Measles is generally considered a well-controlled infectious disease, with only occasional surges. The U.S. has witnessed two major outbreaks in the last few decades: the Minnesota outbreak of 2017 and the Indiana outbreak of 2005, both attributed to under vaccination.

Can Vitamin A Help Prevent or Treat Measles?

Some public figures, including U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have suggested that vitamin A supplements, along with certain medications, may aid in treating measles. However, experts clarify that while vitamin A plays a role in immune function, it does not prevent measles infection.

Dr. Danelle Fisher, a board-certified pediatrician, explains that measles can cause vitamin A deficiency, which may worsen symptoms. Supplementing with vitamin A in such cases can be beneficial but does not offer protection against the virus itself. Dr. Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease specialist, cites a Cochrane review supporting the use of two doses of vitamin A in children under two years old with severe measles. The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends vitamin A supplementation for those infected with measles.

How to Protect Yourself Against Measles

Experts agree that vaccination remains the most effective defense against measles.

“Vitamin A is used when a patient already has measles; it is not a preventive measure,” says Gandhi. “There is no need to take vitamin A supplements in a country like the U.S., where people generally get enough from their diet.”

The best way to protect yourself is to ensure you are vaccinated. This is especially crucial for people in outbreak zones such as western Texas and New Mexico. Parents are advised to get their children vaccinated, as measles can cause severe complications in young children.

Vitamin A and Cod Liver Oil: What You Should Know

Cod liver oil is often mentioned in discussions about vitamin A. While it contains high amounts of vitamin A and vitamin D, excessive intake can lead to toxicity.

“Since vitamin A is fat-soluble, it accumulates in the body if too much is ingested, leading to harmful effects,” explains Fisher.

Most people get enough vitamin A through their diet, but certain groups—such as premature infants or individuals with conditions like celiac or Crohn’s disease—may require supplementation.

How Much Vitamin A Is Too Much?

Consuming excessive vitamin A can be dangerous.

“High doses of vitamin A can cause toxicity, leading to symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, rash, blurred vision, and muscle weakness,” warns Fisher.

For adults, the recommended daily intake is 700 mcg for women and 900 mcg for men. The upper limit is 3,000 mcg for adults, with lower limits for children.

Current Measles Vaccine Recommendations

To curb the outbreak, health authorities recommend the following vaccination schedule:

• Children: First dose of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine at 12-15 months, second dose at 4-6 years.
• Unvaccinated older children, teens, and adults: One to two doses of the MMR vaccine, spaced at least 28 days apart.
• If you are unsure about your vaccination status, consult your doctor to ensure you are protected against measles.

Ghee coffee, also known as bulletproof coffee, has gained popularity as a trendy health drink, particularly for people trying to lose weight. This unique health drink combines coffee with ghee and sometimes coconut oil or MCT oil. The trend caught traction earlier this year, with celebrities like Rakul Preet Singh, Bhumi Pednekar, and Jacqueline Fernandez promoting it on their social media pages.

Does Ghee Coffee Really Work?

Ghee coffee offers numerous benefits, including sustained energy, improved mental focus, and enhanced weight loss. Ghee is rich in healthy fats and when added to coffee, it provides a slow-burning source of energy, helping to maintain stable blood sugar levels and prevent energy crashes.

- Sustained Energy: Ghee coffee provides a slow-burning source of energy, helping to keep you energized throughout the day.

- Improved Mental Focus: The combination of coffee and ghee may enhance mental clarity and focus.

- Enhanced Weight Loss: Ghee is rich in healthy fats that can support weight loss efforts by promoting satiety and fat metabolism.

- Rich in Healthy Fats: Ghee contains butyrate, a fatty acid that supports gut health and reduces inflammation.

- Stable Blood Sugar Levels: The fats in ghee help maintain stable blood sugar levels, preventing energy crashes.

However, experts caution that while ghee coffee can be part of a balanced diet, it may not be suitable for everyone. The high-fat content makes it calorie-dense, which could lead to weight gain if consumed in excess. Additionally, those with dairy sensitivities should avoid ghee. As with any health trend, it's essential to consider individual dietary needs and consult with a healthcare professional before making it a regular part of your routine.

Here’s What Experts Say

In their verdict on this popular health drink, experts have asserted that it should be consumed in moderation. Dr. Thiagarajan Srinivasan, Liver Transplant Specialist at MGM Healthcare, asserted that the consumption of ghee is good for health but only when it is of limited quantity. He advised people not to follow celebrity trends and discredited them as "pseudo-science."