Dr Anjali Hooda On The Gut Health Mistakes We’re Unknowingly Making In 2024

Medical science has, over these last few years, discovered that gut health is the secret to unlocking vitality. And not just that, but taking care of one’s gut bacteria can prevent chronic diseases around immune function, cardiovascular health, hormone levels, and weight.

Perhaps this new revelation in the medical world is the reason we’ve been seeing such an immense rise in Kombucha drinks and conversations about what probiotic and prebiotic food items to add to our diet in recent years.

Internal Medicine expert Dr Anjali Hooda, who is gearing up for a special masterclass at the upcoming FDCI Manifest Wedding Weekend, gave us some insight into what we can do to maintain gut health and more. Take a look...

Manifest:How important of a role do you think gut health plays in maintaining a healthy physique?Anjali Hooda:Gut health is crucial for maintaining a healthy physique. A well-balanced gut microbiome aids in efficient digestion, nutrient absorption, balancing of micros and macros and metabolic processes, all of which are essential for the overall physical well-being of an individual.

M: Studies have proven how important gut health is for one’s mental health as well, what are your thoughts on this?

AH:Gut health significantly impacts mental health through the gut-brain axis. A healthy gut can produce neurotransmitters like serotonin which is a happy hormone and reduce inflammation, contributing to improved mood and cognitive function.

M: What is an underrated lifestyle change that all your years of experience as a functional medicine practitioner have taught you?

AH:An underrated lifestyle change one can make is prioritizing sleep and balancing micronutrient intake. Quality sleep is vital for overall health, as it allows the body to repair, regulate hormones, and maintain a healthy immune system. Balancing micronutrients is also very important as it maintains the overall well-being of an individual.

M: What are some small but impactful lifestyle changes one can make to elevate their gut health?

AH:To elevate your gut health, incorporate more fibre-rich foods, stay hydrated, manage stress, and avoid excessive use of antibiotics which can adversely affect your gut immunity. A good sound sleep and being consistent in physical activities are also crucial.

M:What are some super easy and accessible food items we can all add to our diet to improve our gut health?

AH:Incorporate gut-friendly therapeutic food items like yoghurt, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, and other fermented products, as well as high-fibre foods like low glycemic fruits, vegetables, whole grains, probiotics and legumes to improve gut health.

M: Can you please expand a little on the main points your masterclass at the FDCI Manifest Wedding Weekend will cover?

AH:The masterclass will cover topics such as the science behind sustainable and effective weight loss and minor lifestyle changes that can make big differences in the effectiveness of one’s weight loss journey. It will also include practical tips for maintaining a healthy weight before the wedding.

M:  What do you think will be the greatest takeaway for people attending the masterclass?

AH:The greatest takeaway will be understanding the importance of a functional, integrated and mindful approach to weight loss and useful nutritional balancing tips.

Dive into a masterclass with Dr Anjali Hooda at the FDCI Manifest Wedding Weekend and learn more about how to approach your gut health to feel your best before your wedding and more at 5 pm on August 3, 2024, at the Taj Palace, New Delhi. Write to us at fmww@rpsg.in to register for the masterclass now.