Regular physical activity, balanced diet, avoidance of starch and carbs, relaxation therapies and the use of immune boosters only in moderation may not only help improve your immune system but also keep your digestive system healthy

The year 2020 has brought in its wake a new and widespread problem of infection with deadly Coronavirus. Even though the disease is continuing to take millions of lives worldwide, unfortunately, there is no cure on the horizon and vaccines are still in pipeline. As is said, every problem teaches us something new. This global pandemic has taught us to take greater care of our health. Thanks to the technology and a widespread media coverage, every person was aware of the important role of strong immunity in mitigating the effects of the virus.

There are many myths regarding ways to boost up our immune response, particularly in our country. Medically, on the contrary, this has been still a matter of curiosity among scientists all over the world. People not only took vitamins and probiotics, but also started using supplements, herbs and many indigenous nuskhas in the hope to improve their immunity. The rationale for the rampant use of these products is based on the common belief that these products are natural and hence safe. Even many members of the medical community are advocating regular use of vitamins and supplements as preventive tool.

There is an increase in Gastrointestinal (GI) complaints seen in recent times. Though, there is now data showing COVID-19 presenting with GI symptoms like diarrhoea, loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting and abdominal pain as the major complaints. But, many of these symptoms were seen even in those not infected with the virus. Restricted movement, lack of exercise and increased stress because of lockdown arefew of the most important factors seen in these patients. Many patients shared a renewed interest in cooking during the lockdown period which led to not only increase intake of starchy foods, but also binge eating at times. These alterations in lifestyle led to increase in dyspeptic symptoms and poor digestion in many patients. It also led to increase in fatty liver in many patients.

There are still a large chunk of patients, who were very particular of their eating habits and were regular in home exercise/yoga sessions, but still faced similar complaints. Few weeks back, a young male of around 32 years age, came to my OPD with complaints of bloating, non-specific pain abdomen, nausea and belching. There was also history of disturbed bowel symptoms. He was physically fit and was doing regular yoga throughout this lockdown period. His investigations were also grossly normal. Subsequently, we came across many similar patients. Few of these patients even had mild liver injury. On retrospective analysis, we found one similar history in all these patients. There was increase intake of so called immune boosters, including kadas, green tea, turmeric and other indigenous products. Though, there is dearth of data regarding the true prevalence of drug injury in India; but there are reports of liver injury from the use of Ayurvedic herbal medicines procured from local stores or on the internet that have been published or presented. Thus, a strong suspicion came to mind, that the use of these seemingly harmless products, in excess, may cause damage. There was similar experience among many other medical providers, who attested to its occurrence. The exact pathophysiological mechanism behind these symptoms in COVID times is however uncertain.

There is a real need to educate the Indian population that these indigenous products are not without side effects, and thus should be taken (if needed) in a controlled manner. A regular physical activity, balanced diet, avoidance of starch and carbs, relaxation therapies and the use of immune boosters only in moderation may not help improve your immune system but also keeps your digestive system healthy.

The writer is Dr Lovkesh Anand, Consultant, Gastroenterology at Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, new delhi