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Typhoid is one of the most common intestinal (enteric) infections known to mankind. An estimated 11–21 million cases of typhoid fever and 200,000 deaths occur worldwide annually. An estimated 5 million cases of paratyphoid fever occur worldwide each year, with the highest number of cases in Southeast Asia. Typhoid fever is a disease that spreads through contact with affected persons or by ingesting or drinking contaminated substances. It is caused by Salmonella typhi. Common symptoms of typhoid fever include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and high body temperature. If typhoid fever is caught early, medications can be highly effective. Typhoid has a high mortality rate in cases of delayed treatment. Beware.. the monsoon season may exacerbate typhoid. Experiencing symptoms suggestive of typhoid? Book your Typhoid Serum Test. Typhoid Fever Causes Typhoid fever is a serious and sometimes life-threatening infection that mostly affects people in developing countries, where sanitation is poor and getting clean water is a problem. Typhoid is caused by a bacterium called Salmonella typhi which is also related to the Salmonella bacteria that results in food poisoning. It is transmitted when a person eats or drinks something contaminated with the bacteria. When the bacteria get into the body, it quickly multiplies and spreads into the bloodstream. There are certain factors which can elevate the risk of typhoid fever. These include: Traveling to areas where typhoid fever is common (endemic areas). Being in a profession where exposure to the bacteria is likely, for example, those working in hospitals and laboratories. Coming in close contact with a person suffering from typhoid. Typhoid Fever Symptoms As typhoid is an enteric infection, it affects the intestine and hence, the typhoid symptoms one experiences are related to digestion. Generally, the signs and symptoms of typhoid fever start showing up gradually over a period of 10-14 days after exposure to the bacteria. The duration of the typhoid illness is about 3-4 weeks. Some signs and symptoms of typhoid fever which indicate you might be infected with the condition include: Irregular fever that can go as high as 104.9 ˚F (40.5 ˚C) Headache Pain in the abdomen Feeling of tiredness and weakness Muscle pain Loss of appetite/anorexia Nausea and vomiting Constipation or diarrhea Without treatment, typhoid fever may last a month or more and become very serious, even life-threatening.Fever can occur due to various other infections as well. Do not rely on guesswork and get yourself tested. Book a fever panel package and check for 5 diseases at one go. How Do People Get Typhoid Fever? Typhoid fever is spread by the consumption of unhygienic food or water. Acutely unwell patients pose a threat to the water supply because their faeces contain a high quantity of germs. Because water is used to grow, process and transport food, any contamination of that water might poison the food itself.  After recovering from a severe infection, between 3 and 5% of people continue to have the bacterium.  Some people have undetected, minor illnesses. These people are at risk of becoming chronic carriers of the disease. Bacteria populate the intestine after multiplying in the liver, bile ducts, or gallbladder. This bacteria may live in water or dry sewage for weeks. These asymptomatic chronic carriers may be the cause of future typhoid epidemics. What are The Stages of Typhoid Fever? If you have typhoid, you might be wondering when you’re going to feel better. But there’s not just one answer because there are different stages of typhoid fever. There are 4 Stages of Typhoid Fever or enteric fever and each lasts up to a week. The First Stage In this typhoid stage, the patient experiences some of the preliminary typhoid symptoms such as dry cough, indolence or headache. This may or may not be accompanied with fever. Even if fever occurs, your body temperature will not be much higher than normal. The Second Stage During this typhoid stage, fever runs high and the stomach becomes bloated. Weight loss is another significant sign of this stage. Hallucinations or fever dreams are common. The person might feel lethargic and agitated in alternation. The Third Stage This is the stage when things get really serious. Severe intestinal perforation may cause abdominal haemorrhage. Encephalitis or inflammation of the brain may set in. The person may become dehydrated which increases the intensity of the delirium. The person faces difficulty in sitting up, let alone standing or walking. The Fourth Stage This typhoid stage is characterized by extremely high fever. It brings along several other health complications including severe infections, kidney failure, pneumonia, inflammation of the pancreas or Meningitis. In some people, the bacteria that causes typhoid can remain in the body for a prolonged period of time. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is estimated that between 1% and 4% of treated patients still excrete Salmonella typhi bacteria in their feces 12 months or more after they are ill with typhoid. A long course of antibiotics is necessary to get rid of the typhoid bacteria in these people. Some people who are treated for typhoid fever also experience a relapse, which is when symptoms return. In these cases, the symptoms usually return around a week after antibiotic treatment has ended. The second time around, symptoms of typhoid are usually milder and last for a shorter time than the original illness, but further treatment with antibiotics is usually recommended. It is best to consult your doctor as soon as possible if your symptoms return post the treatment. How is Typhoid Fever Diagnosed If you experience any signs and symptoms of typhoid fever, it is wise to consult a doctor, who will do a physical examination and order a few tests to diagnose the condition. Physical findings in early stages point to abdominal tenderness, enlarged spleen and liver, enlarged lymph nodes, and development of a rash (also known as rose spots because of their appearance). Your medical provider may ask for a few laboratory investigations as follows: Blood tests to detect IgM and IgG antibodies and blood culture test to detect the bacteria Salmonella typhi. Stool and urine analysis to check for the presence of the bacteria. Widal antigen test is a simple, inexpensive test and takes only a few minutes, but there is a longer waiting phase of about 10 days till results can be seen. The conventional Widal test detects antibodies to the bacteria from week-2 of onset of symptoms. Typhi dot tests can serve as a marker for recent infections and can detect early rising antibodies that are predominantly IgM. Bone marrow culture is also recommended but it is rarely required except in patients who have already received antibiotics and whose condition doesn’t seem to improve. It is one of the most sensitive tests for typhoid fever. Monsoon may increase chances of gut infections As typhoid is quite common during monsoon due to high chance of water and food contamination, is it advised to keep note of any symptoms and get tested early on time. Also, if anyone in your family suffers from the condition, it is important to follow all the necessary hygiene and sanitation protocols. How is Typhoid Fever Treated? For the signs of recovery from typhoid fever to show, antibiotics are recommended by doctors. If caught early, the infection is typically relatively manageable, and a 7- to 14-day course of antibiotic pills will do the trick. To administer antibiotic injections for more severe instances of typhoid fever, hospitalisation is typically required. Most patients will feel better after taking antibiotics for only a few days, and severe problems almost seldom occur. Nowadays, typhoid-related deaths in India are extremely rare. Despite this, it is believed that up to one out of five persons infected with typhoid fever may perish if they do not receive treatment, and some of those who do survive may be left with severe physical or mental problems. What are The Signs of Recovery? Signs of recovery from typhoid fever are here:  Restored appetite Nobody pains, including headaches and stomach aches  Normal body temperature (i.e., no fever) Diminished fatigue  Reduced diarrhoea No chest congestion Takeaway Early diagnosis is key to effective treatment for typhoid fever. Antibiotics are the only way to cure typhoid. It can be deadly if caught too late. Get yourself tested for typhoid fever if you notice its symptoms growing in your body.

Stress is perhaps the most rampant of all the health issues young India is currently struggling with! Be it stress of office work, stress of personal relationships, stress of a sick family member, stress of job security, or stress of an impending assignment- it is omnipresent.Though you might know how being stressed out feels, there can be a different way of looking at bad things closely and know some evidence-based facts around it. Here we are letting you know some less known facts about stress and also apprise on the top 3 stress management techniques that actually work for real people like you and us.   Stressful situations are likely to impact your overall well-being. Stay one step ahead of your health parameters through our especially curated lab test packages. Book TruHealth Package here. Lesser known, interesting facts about stress 1. Stress is a hormonal response from the body Stress causes a part of your brain, called hypothalamus, to send signals throughout your nervous system and to your kidneys. As a result, your kidneys release stress hormones including adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones are responsible for giving you the negative health effects which stress is blamed for. 2. Women appear more prone to stress than men Women have a higher risk of experiencing more physical signs of stress compared to their men. That said, don’t interpret that men are not likely to experience stress. Instead, men are more likely to “man-up”, not vent out, and not exhibit any signs despite the chronic stress eating them away from inside.Gift a comprehensive health package and help “the multitasker” of your home stay fit and strong. Book TruHealth SmartWoman package here.  3. Stress can make you feel hot, jittery, and sweaty Stress results in a rise in blood pressure, which causes you to feel hotter, just like you get hot in situations where you’re nervous before giving an important presentation. Now, to dissipate that excessive body heat, you may experience sweating, usually seen on your forehead, armpits, and groin area. Also, your fingers may shake, and you may feel off-balance. Some people can also feel dizzy. 4. Digestive problems with stress are real Stress can make your digestive system go awry, leading to diarrhea or constipation, stomach pain, and excessive urination. It may cause you to feel nauseated. 5. Stress can cause oversleepiness While stress is a common offender related to sleeplessness (insomnia), it can also cause you to oversleep. This daytime sleepiness may develop from the chronic exhaustion from being stressed. 6. Your skin may suffer due to stress Acne breakouts are quite common with stress. While some people may get pimples, others might have itchy rashes. The skin symptoms result due to the underlying inflammatory response stemming from stress. 7. Stress may adversely affect your libido Numerous reports have found that people reported a lack of desire to get intimate when they were anxious or stressed out. In some, orgasm can also be affected. Both men and women can test their hormone levels to understand how well the feelings are flowing. 8. You may gain weight due to chronic stress Continuously nagged by that neighbor who keeps on asking, “Oh ji, Kamjor ho rahe ho, kya chinta ho gayi hai!”? But actually, stress results in excessive cortisol released from the kidneys that can further lead to fat accumulation. In addition, stress-related emotional eating, such as eating junk food or binge eating, may also cause you to gain those extra kilos. Feeling overwhelmed and stressed out? 3 (Yes, Only 3) Stress management techniques to swear by Tip #1: Practice stress relievers like breathing exercises and meditation Okay, we hear you! They can’t help solve the grim circumstances that have triggered your stress, but they can certainly support you to move into a positive frame of mind where you can think clearly and better handle the situation. Meditation can calm you down quickly, returning your body to normal. Tip #2: Invest in a genuine social circle Not all relationships are built equal. You may have a million and one friends on any social media platform, but still not have that one person whom you can reach out to when feeling stressed. Build real relationships that can help you celebrate during your best times and support you through your worst. Focus on strengthening your relationships even from a safe distance. Get over a call and connect over video conferencing. Also, let go of those relationships that drain you. Separate yourself from the dramatic scenarios and stress of meaningless relationships. Tip #3: Organize, Organize, Organize It is a science-backed fact that decluttering a physical space may help declutter your thoughts. Clear and organize those jam-packed drawers and closet. In fact, staying in a cluttered space may also be causing you more stress than you realize. It decreases productivity and robs you of energy. Make a dedicated effort to get more organized. Whether it's putting things into storage, or donating what you no longer need, plan to cull the clutter. The final word from us to you is not around trying to avoid stress. Instead, learn the coping mechanisms to manage stress in a better way.

COVID-19 infection during pregnancy is a cause of great concern for the health of pregnant women and the unborn baby. While pregnancy does not increase the risk of catching COVID-19, studies have found that pregnant women are susceptible to have more severe illness with COVID-19 in contrast to non-pregnant women. These women are more likely to be admitted to the hospital, develop pregnancy complications or deliver prematurely.  Therefore, experts believe that pregnant women should get vaccinated as the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination overshadow its side effects. Being vaccinated and continuing masking remain the only appropriate method to prevent this infection in pregnant women. This need of vaccination has become more urgent with the wake of the Delta variant of coronavirus. Few recent researches have highlighted the worse effects of illness on pregnant women infected with Delta variant of COVID-19. Getting symptoms suggestive of COVID-19? Do not delay testing any further. Book a home sample collection with us.Recently, the Government of India has approved vaccination of pregnant women against COVID-19 based on the recommendations from National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI).  They have issued operational guidelines that ensure education to pregnant women to make an informed decision whether they should get vaccinated or not. This includes awareness about the risks of exposure to COVID-19 infection along with the risks and benefits associated with the COVID-19 vaccines available in the country. The eligible pregnant woman will be able to get any of the three vaccines currently authorised in India; Covishield (the local version of the AstraZeneca vaccine), Sputnik V (imported from Russia), or Covaxin (India’s homegrown vaccine). A pregnant woman, who chooses to take vaccination, could be vaccinated at any time of the pregnancy. Here we are answering some of the important questions around getting COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy Should pregnant women take COVID-19 vaccine? Although pregnancy does not increase the risk to COVID-19 infection, pregnant women are at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Most pregnant women are reported to have asymptomatic or have mild disease, however, their health can deteriorate rapidly which will affect the health of the baby. Additionally, a pregnant woman significantly comes in contact with healthcare services throughout three trimesters and frequently visits high-risk places like laboratories and hospitals. These risk factors necessitate the need of protection against COVID-19 infection.  According to WHO, there is insufficient evidence to believe that there will be specific risks that would outweigh the benefits of vaccination for pregnant women. Pregnant women who are at high risk may be vaccinated in consultation with their health care provider. What group of pregnant women are at increased risk of getting infected with COVID-19? Pregnant women at increased risk of getting infected with COVID-19 can be one who; Is a healthcare worker or a frontline worker. Living in a community with an increased rate of COVID-19 infections. Commonly come in contact with people outside the household. Difficulty in following social distancing protocols, like living in a crowded household. What group of pregnant women are at higher risk of developing complications after COVID 19 infection? Various risk factors responsible for developing complications after COVID 19 infection during pregnancy are: Pre-existing comorbidities such as diabetes, organ transplant recipients, chronic respiratory conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, cystic fibrosis, immunosuppression therapies, dialysis or advanced chronic kidney disease, congenital or acquired heart disease, etc. Advanced maternal age Obesity. When should women be vaccinated during pregnancy? Expectant mothers can be vaccinated at any time during their pregnancy. If a pregnant woman is opting to receive the COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy or after the delivery of the baby, the CDC advises to schedule it at least 14 days before or 14 days after any other vaccination. It will be useful to consult an obstetrician about the best timing for routine vaccines and COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy. When should a pregnant woman be vaccinated, if she was already infected with COVID-19? If a woman got infected with COVID-19 infection during the course of current pregnancy, then she should be vaccinated soon after the delivery. A healthy pregnancy has different needs across different three trimesters, health tests being one of the quintessential requirements. Explore Metropolis and book your pregnancy tests with a trusted partner.Book Pregnancy tests for the first trimester here.Click for Pregnancy tests for the second trimester.Tap to book Pregnancy tests for the third trimester. Is COVID-19 vaccination safe and effective in pregnant women? There is limited data available about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant women. However, initial reports suggest that there are no safety concerns for either the pregnant women or their babies. More studies are needed to assess the risk of clotting in pregnant women, a side effect associated with AstraZeneca’s vaccine. What are the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines for the pregnant woman or her baby? Like any other person, COVID-19 vaccine can cause a pregnant woman to get very mild side effects including mild fever, pain at injection site, or feeling unwell for 1-3 days. Guideline recommends that very rarely (one in 1-5 lakh persons) may experience adverse reactions within 20 days after COVID-19 vaccination. These below mentioned symptoms may need immediate medical attention. Shortness of breath Chest pain Pain in limbs / pain on pressing the limbs or swelling in the limbs Small pinpoint haemorrhages or bruising of the skin beyond the vaccination site Persistent abdominal pain with or without vomiting Seizures in the absence of previous history of seizures with or without vomiting Severe and persistent headaches with or without vomiting Weakness/paralysis of limbs or any particular side of the body Persistent vomiting without any obvious reason Blurred vision/ pain in eyes. What are the contraindications for vaccination in pregnancy? Pregnant women should not take vaccination in the following conditions: Anaphylactic or allergic reaction to the previous dose of COVID-19 vaccine Anaphylaxis or allergic reaction to vaccines or injectable therapies, pharmaceutical products, food-items etc. It is temporarily not advisable in the following conditions: Women should defer COVID-19 vaccination for 12 weeks from infection or 4 to 8 weeks from recovery COVID-19 infection Women who were treated with anti-COVID-19 monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma or have active COVID-19 infection. Can a pregnant woman get COVID-19 infection from the coronavirus vaccine? No, a pregnant woman cannot get COVID-19 infection from the currently available vaccines. She may experience mild, temporary side effects, which is indicative of the immune response to the vaccination, not COVID-19. What are the precautions needed for the pregnant woman after COVID-19 vaccination? Pregnant woman along with her family members should be counselled to follow COVID-19 appropriate behaviour including wearing mask, frequent handwashing, maintaining social distancing and avoiding crowded areas. Bottom line All pregnant women can register themselves on Co-WIN portal or may get themselves registered on-site at the COVID-19 vaccination centre. This process of registration for pregnant women is similar to the general population. Educating and counselling these women regarding the potential benefits of COVID-19 vaccination is highly crucial for them to make an informed decision about themselves and their baby’s health. We wish you a happy and safe motherhood!

Diarrhea is characterized by unusual loose or watery stools. Most cases of diarrhea are caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Disorders of the digestive system can also cause chronic diarrhea. Talking about statistics, every year 2 billion people are affected with diarrhea. Not only this, research has also shown that there are 1.9 million children in developing countries who are below 5 years of age, who lose their lives due to this disease every year. Know about the natural home remedies for diarrhea to prevent or cure it. Repeated loose motions can cause electrolyte imbalance in the body. Make sure to keep an eye on your electrolytes levels. Diarrhea is one of the most common health conditions people face in day-to-day life. And, often, they look for diarrhea home remedies to cure it. But, are you sure you are using the right natural home remedies for diarrhea or just a shot in the dark? It is all the more important to know what works and what not as the severity of diarrhea can range from a simple or temporary condition to a risky one at any time. Here are some simple Home Remedies For Diarrhea: Follow BRAT that helps in recovering from diarrhea: B-Banana R-Rice A-Apple Sauce T-Toast It is important to know that the brat diet does not provide balanced nutrition and should not be consumed for more than 2 days (you’ll feel better in 2-3 days in mild cases).Now how does this help? The purpose is to eat bland, easy-to-digest food to let your gut rest and produce less stool. However, there are some experts who do not approve of this diet for significant benefits. You can speak with your doctor to know if it will work in your case or not. Raw Bananas: This one works wonders for most of the people. Raw bananas are rich in pectin, a fiber that helps absorb water from the intestines and firms up the stool, and oligofructans to nourish your gut. It is also a rich source of potassium. Low potassium is a major effect of chronic diarrhea. Probiotics: At many times,the imbalance of good and bad gut bacteria can cause diarrhea. Probiotics are your best friends in such cases. These are nothing but a way of increasing your good gut bacteria and thus overcoming the negative effects of gut microbiota imbalance. Probiotics include curd, yogurt, and other fermented foods.In 2010, researchers conducted a large appropriate review of 63 studies on probiotics with more than 8,000 participants. From this research, they found that probiotics are capable of stopping any type of diarrhea in a very short time. Along with this, they also found that there would have been no ill-effects of this. Home-made ORS: It is essential to hydrate the body to recover from diarrhea. Loss of fluids can cause a deficiency of sodium and chloride i.e., electrolytes in the body. It is therefore important to restore fluids for recovery. You can also make an oral rehydration solution (ORS) at home by mixing 5 tsp salt and 5-6 tsp sugar in 1 litre of water. Consuming sugar and salt along with water allows the intestine to absorb fluids better. This solution rehydrates the body more properly after diarrhea than water alone. Mint, salt and sugar in lukewarm water: Mint is a traditional remedy for indigestion, bloating, and diarrhea. Sugar and salt help maintain electrolyte balance and water levels in your body. Foods to Avoid in Diarrhea: Stop yourself from consuming certain types of food. For example; Greasy and oily food Spicy food Foods which contain artificial sweeteners Foods that contain high fat Very few people can have diarrhea when consuming milk and milk products, a condition called lactose intolerance. Your doctor can even forbid taking milk. Have a healthy gut A diet of small, frequent meals may be better than eating three large meals a day when recovering from diarrhea. The following items should be included in the diet- Foods rich in potassium Foods rich in pectin Foods rich in electrolytes Enough fluids Diarrhea can be a life-threatening disease if not treated properly and at the right time. If you feel that your diarrhea has not been cured even after diarrhea home remedies, do not waste time and get yourself treated by an expert.

Do you often find yourself uncontrolled during eating, and end up consuming more food than you need? If you feel sad or had a dismal day, does food become your resort to feel better? And, later you regret eating what you ate? This could be pointing to binge eating disorder! Binge eating is when you eat too much food too quickly and find yourself uncontrollable about what or how much you are eating. Occasional binge does not count as binge eating disorder. However, if you binge eat regularly at least once a week for 3 months, you could have binge eating disorder. Binge eating disorder is quite commonly seen in teens and young adults. This can not only lead to weight gain but also invite a plethora of health troubles. Keep checking your health parameters on a timely basis. Book a comprehensive health package here and get a home sample collection.   Here we answer some of the most commonly asked questions that people ask about binge eating: Is binge eating disorder any different than overeating? Yes, it is.It is okay to overeat on occasions, such as festivals, holidays, etc., but frequent and compulsive overeating may be a sign of binge eating disorder. Binge eating has an emotional component to it as well, which overeating does not have. If you constantly find yourself consuming huge amounts of food, and these overeating episodes make you ashamed, regret, experience guilt or sadness, this is more likely to be a binge eating disorder. What could be causing me to binge eat? Though there can be a range of reasons for binge eating, one of the most common causes for binge eating is an effort to feed your feelings (and not your hunger). You see “food” as a way to manage unpleasant emotions such as anxiety, stress, loneliness, depression, and insecurity. You feel food is your only friend on a bad day. While binging on food can temporarily make negative feelings such as stress and boredom evaporate, most people don’t realize that the relief is quite fleeting. You end up doing more harm to your body and mind! How do I know if I binge eat? Paying attention to the behavioral and emotional signals is more important than the habit of overeating to identify if you could have a binge eating disorder. Look for answers to the following questions. Do you eat unusually large amounts of food over a certain period of time like over a two-hour period? Do you eat even when you are not actually hungry? Do you feel out of control when you are eating? Do you eat in secret? And hide it from family and friends? Does that overeating episode usually follow worries, stress, or to comfort yourself? Do you feel guilty or ashamed after eating? If your answers have more “yes”, speak to an expert and find if that frequent overeating is more than just overeating. Who is most likely to binge eat? Though it can happen to anyone at any age group, binge eating disorder is more common in younger and middle-aged people. People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes are also at a higher risk of binging on food. Other risk factors for binge eating disorder include: Family history: The inherited genes can cause you to develop an eating disorder. If your parents or siblings have (or had) an eating disorder, you are also likely to develop one. Restrictive dieting: Many people with binge-eating disorder are found with a history of dieting. Dieting needs to be done with the right mindset and a controlled approach. If someone with a low willingness or high stress levels is attempting too restrictive a diet, it is likely to trigger an urge to binge eat later. This is very common during depression. Psychological concerns: Stress, poor body self-image and the easy availability of preferred binge foods are some of the common triggers of binge eating. People who feel negatively about themselves and their skills and accomplishments are more likely to fall prey to binge eating disorder. Is it possible to have binge eating disorder and be healthy? Can it cause any health problems? Consider binge eating disorder as a “disorder”. It is something that warrants a corrective action. More than half of people with binge eating disorder report it causes them problems in social functioning and interferes with their routine activities. Binge eating disorder may lead to problems related to the digestive system, weight gain, and obesity. Obesity can increase your risk of various health problems, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, deranged cholesterol levels, and certain types of cancer. People with binge eating disorder can also have sleep disorders, and mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts. Bottom line It is almost similar to an addiction, more so a food addiction. But what is important to understand is that you cannot abstain from food. Unlike other substances, it is important to live and sustain! But, you are stronger than any negative feeling. It can be challenging, but not impossible. Seek your trigger, develop a healthier relationship with food where you eat to meet your nutritional needs, and not to feed your emotional ones. Visit Metropolis for your lab test related requirements.

Your liver is one of the vital organs that help perform several life-sustaining processes. From breaking down food to detoxifying the body, your liver goes a long way in keeping your body function at its best. But, not many people are aware of the importance of liver health. In fact, health experts say liver symptoms are often unnoticed and very few people seek help on time.Thinking that you might also have ignored your liver until now? Well, there is some relieving news! Your liver allows you to arrest, and even reverse the damage in most conditions. The first step towards keeping your liver health intact is to get a liver function test and see how well your liver works. Book a test here. Let us get you aware of some of the signs that can tell if your liver is in trouble:       1. Pale-colored or clay-colored stool: The normal color ofstools range from brownish to yellowish brown in most people. It is given the dark colour by the bile salts that the liver normally releases. If your stool color has changed to pale or clay color, the liver might be facing some troubles. Clay-colored stools can indicate that you could have a liver infection that has decreased bile production, or flow of bile out of the liver is obstructed. 2. Fluid retention: This is the most common sign of liver disease. About 50 percent of people who have liver cirrhosis, a condition in which scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue, experience fluid retention. This fluid can cause distension in your abdomen or even swelling in the legs. 3. Jaundice Bilirubin is a pigment that forms when red blood cells break down, passes through the liver, gets converted into bile, and is excreted through the body via stool. However, when bilirubin builds up in your bloodstream, it can cause yellowing of skin, eyes, and urine, called jaundice. One of the main causes of jaundice is a damaged liver due to viral hepatitis or excessive alcohol consumption. 4. Confusion: Your liver helps remove toxins from the body. If the liver is under trouble and not functioning well, it may be unable to filter the toxins, which can travel to your brain. This results in a condition called hepatic encephalopathy and leads to memory problems and confusion. Apart from these, nausea, vomiting, pain in the abdomen, chronic fatigue are some of the other common symptoms that can give hints about an unhealthy liver. Simple things you can do to avoid liver disease: Eat a healthy diet that is low in sugar and processed foods. Choose fruits, vegetables and high-fiber foods instead. Avoid junk food that is overly oily and spicy. Drink alcohol in moderation. Each time your liver filters alcohol, some of your liver cells die. Drinking too much alcohol over many years can reduce your liver’s ability to regenerate. This can lead to permanent liver damage.In fact, if you can quit altogether- even better! The best part about quitting alcohol is that alcohol-caused fatty liver is a reversible health condition. Maintain a healthy weight. Studies show that losing 10 percent of your weight causes liver enzymes to improve. This correlates with a decrease in the liver inflammation caused by the extra fat. Opt for a low-sodium diet. It may help alleviate mild fluid retention. Keep yourself physically active. Exercise at least five times a week for at least 30 minutes each time. It helps decrease adverse cellular processes and keeps your liver going. Do not ignore health symptoms. If you feel any discomfort, reach out to your doctor proactively. Keep taking liver function tests regularly, at least once in a year even if you are absolutely healthy. This helps identify any liver related condition early on and start the treatment. Always opt for protected sexual activity. Unprotected sex can increase chances of getting hepatitis B, a sexually transmitted infection. One can also get it from contaminated needles and syringes. It can also be commonly passed on from a mother to her baby during birth.

Tip tip barsa pani!! And this “pani” gives us a break from the scorching heat.Rain in India brings us life and energy. The monsoon season brings that much-needed relief to the scorched land. However, besides being very refreshing, the heavy rains also provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes and a humid environment, which in turn can lead to rapid spread of microbe-borne diseases. Malaria, dengue, flu, chikungunya, leptospirosis, etc. are some of the common health conditions that pose a threat to your health during the rainy season.No need to book separate tests for diagnosis now. Book a fever profile test and find what is causing that high temperature or other health symptoms. You can only enjoy any season if you and your loved ones are healthy and fit. Here are 7 basic (and no hi fi) health tips to keep you healthy during monsoon: 1. Make sure you drink clean water Getting stomach woes during rain due to high chances of water resources being contaminated can be quite common. The best option to get safe drinking water is to have an apt water filter at your home, depending on the water filtration needs in your locality. Another safe option is to boil drinking water before using. If you are traveling, take your water bottle with you or just rely on sealed, packaged water. 2. Loading up on probiotics and fresh vegetables It is advisable to ensure you keep your gut flora happy at all times. Take sufficient probiotics like curd, yogurt, etc. This ensures healthy levels of good gut bacteria. Avoid stale food at all times as they may attract infection-causing germs early on. Include fresh vegetables in your diet to get a lot of proteins, fibre and other nutrients. Wash the vegetables well and avoid eating raw foods as much as possible. 3. Avoid street food: Street food is usually spicy, junk food and can lead to bloating, acidity and indigestion. Also, you can never be sureof what goes inside the street food.The vegetables and water used to make the food might get exposed to constant humidity and can even be contaminated. These unhygienic conditions can cause one to get various infections ranging from typhoid to cholera. Do not overeat and stick to eating small meals once every few hours. 4. No rain dance please: It is very normal to feel tempted to get that rain shower. However, the pollutants and dirt can get trapped on skin and hair and harm you. While you can spend some time in the rain, avoid a long shower. Just after you get drenched, take a warm bath. 5. Binge on immunity-boosting fruits Anapple a day can really help you clean up the toxins present in the liver and boost your immunity. Including vitamin C rich fruits like oranges, mosambi is considered one of the healthiest ways to boost immunity and fight infection. Fruits are rich, natural sources of vitamins and minerals that are essential for an individual to maintain health and strength. 6. Use insect repellents and prevent mosquitoes Do not walk on pavements and roads filled with excess rain water intentionally. These are breeding grounds for mosquitoes that are carriers for several life-threatening diseases such as malaria and dengue. Use insect repellents, mosquito nets, and wear full sleeve clothes while going out, especially in the evening. 7. Prioritize your health and do not delay diagnostic tests: Many diseases present with fever, cold-like symptoms, joint and muscle pain. Your doctor can advise you to get certain lab tests done in order to confirm the diagnosis. Do not doubt your doctor. He cannot get to know what’s causing your symptoms without a diagnostic examination. Hence, it is extremely important to take care of your health and get tests suggested by your doctor.If you have comorbidities and need to get tests done from time to time, do not delay them. A wise way to identify any symptoms and nip them in the bud before they get too serious is to get your annual preventive health checkups regularly. It is an important measure to prevent you from falling sick. Welcome rains with happy mind and healthy body: Follow these health tips for rainy season! Visit Metropolis for any lab test related needs.