Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal (GI) disorder that can cause a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, bloating, gas, flatulence, mucus in stool, and other symptoms such as nausea, heartburn, lethargy, and an urgency to move the bowels.

The current dietary recommendation for IBS is the low-FODMAP diet. However, a recent study conducted by Bodil Ohlsson, a professor at Lund University, indicated that a starch and sucrose-reduced (SSRD) diet greatly reduced IBS symptoms such as recurring pain, tightness in the stomach, diarrhoea, and constipation. Sweet treats, highly processed foods, and ready-to-eat meals were to be avoided. The study is published in the scientific journal Nutrients.

The study aimed to compare the SSRD and low-FODMAP diets in patients with IBS. The research involved 155 participants diagnosed with IBS, who were randomly assigned to follow either the SSRD or the low-FODMAP diet for four weeks. "At the start of the trial, participants were required to have been on a standard diet, allowing them to eat a wide variety of foods," explains Bodil Ohlsson. While each group adhered to the fundamental guidelines of their assigned diet, they had the flexibility to decide how often and when they ate.

Does Reducing Startch & Sugar Cut Down Risk Of IBS?

Reducing starch and sugar has shown significant benefits for patients with IBS. In the study, both diet groups experienced an improvement in symptoms, with 75-80% of patients reporting relief, which Bodil Ohlsson noted was "even better than we anticipated." Additionally, participants following the SSRD diet achieved greater weight loss after four weeks compared to those on the low-FODMAP diet. The SSRD group also reported a notable decrease in sugar cravings, which is particularly encouraging given that IBS patients typically have higher average weights than their healthy counterparts, according to Ohlsson.

What Causes IBS?

The exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome is still unknown, but health experts classify IBS as a neurogastrointestinal disorder (NGI). These conditions have to do with problems with how your gut and brain work together to help your digestive system work without any problems. Communication differences between your gut and brain can lead to the following:

Dysmotility: The way in which your GI muscles contract and the movement of food through your GI tract can cause some problems. Large intestine (colon) muscle tends to contract more in people suffering from IBS, leading to pain and cramps.

Visceral hypersensitivity: Some people may have extra-sensitive nerves in the GI tract. People suffering from IBS tend to have lower pain tolerance than people without the nerves.

Gut bacteria: According to research, people with IBS have different bacteria in their GI tract, resulting in the symptoms of IBS. The amount as well as types of gut bacteria differs in people suffering from the disorder than people without it.

Infections: If you have suffered from an infection that affected your GI tract, there is a possibility that you might get diagnosed with IBS. This suggests that germs may have a potential role to play.

Intolerance to food: If you are allergic to certain food items, then it might contribute to IBS.

There could be some triggers as well which can worsen the symptoms of IBS. Some of these are:

Menstruation: Periods or menstruation cycle may affect IBS and can worsen the symptoms.

Food: Dairy food items or food that contains gluten (wheat) can make you feel gassy.

Stress: Stress is neither good for your mental health nor physical health. According to some of the researchers, IBS is your gut’s response to stress. Therefore, IBS is sometimes also known as nervous stomach or anxious stomach.

Dr Punam Krishan has issued a caution to anyone taking certain medications for heart problems or circulation issues. Speaking on today’s (November 4) episode of the BBC talk show Morning Live, the NHS GP urged viewers to consult a doctor if they notice symptoms while on medication that could easily be mistaken for something minor.

As colder weather sets in, people are being advised to watch for warning signs that can be overlooked simply because of the low temperatures. Feeling cold is normal in winter, but consistently feeling chilly, especially in your hands and feet, while indoors or layered up should not be ignored, as certain medications can make you more vulnerable to these “hidden” problems.

Why Feeling Cold Could Signal Something Serious

Talking to hosts Gethin Jones and Helen Skelton, Dr Punam explained: “In winter, we all feel colder, but some more than others. We all have different cold thresholds. If you feel unusually cold indoors, when you’re wearing layers, or when the heating’s on, and it’s a new change, it’s worth checking out.”

She added, “This kind of cold could point to an underlying health issue. It’s not just feeling a bit chilly, it’s something that shouldn’t be ignored.”

Dr Punam also noted that as we age, our bodies naturally lose muscle mass and fat insulation, which keep us warm. Slower metabolism can also make it harder to maintain body temperature.

Symptoms to Watch For

Dr Punam advised that cold sensations accompanied by other signs, such as pain, tingling, numbness, weakness, stiffness, or changes in skin colour, should prompt a visit to the doctor.

Among common causes she encounters in her practice are iron deficiency and anaemia. “Low iron means the body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to deliver oxygen throughout the body. Blood flow is prioritized to vital organs, so extremities like hands and feet feel the cold the most. It’s a simple blood test, easy to diagnose, and straightforward to treat, but should not be ignored,” she said.

Another condition to be mindful of is an underactive thyroid, which can slow metabolism and make someone feel excessively cold. Raynaud’s disease was also highlighted as a condition that can affect temperature regulation.

Dr Punam further cautioned people with heart disease, peripheral artery disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, particularly advanced diabetes, because these conditions can impact blood flow and nerve function, leaving hands and feet unusually cold. “If any of this sounds familiar, speak to your doctor,” she emphasized.

Medications That Can Affect Body Temperature

Dr Punam listed several medications that can interfere with how the body regulates heat, making it especially important to consult a doctor if you notice unusual coldness. These include:

• Diuretics
• Antidepressants
• Vasodilators
• Beta blockers

Diuretics, also called water tablets, help the body remove excess salt and water by increasing urine production. They are commonly prescribed for high blood pressure, heart failure, or fluid retention (oedema).

Diuretics work by influencing kidney function, causing the body to filter more salt and water into the urine. While feeling cold, particularly in hands and feet is a possible side effect, it is less common than others such as frequent urination or dizziness.

What Are Vasodilators and Beta Blockers?

According to the National Institutes of Health, vasodilators are medications that relax and widen blood vessels to help lower blood pressure. Beta blockers are drugs that reduce the effects of hormones such as adrenaline, slowing the heart rate and lowering blood pressure.

Some beta blockers, called vasodilating beta blockers, combine both actions. They not only slow the heart but also help relax blood vessels, either through mechanisms like alpha-1 blockade or by boosting nitric oxide production.

How Vasodilators and Beta Blockers Can Make You Feel Cold

Vasodilators may leave you feeling chilly because they direct more blood toward the skin. This increased blood flow helps the body release heat and lower core temperature. As more heat escapes through the skin, it can make your hands and feet feel unusually cold.

Beta blockers, often prescribed for conditions like anxiety, high blood pressure, or palpitations, can also cause cold extremities. This happens because the medication affects how blood circulates to your hands and feet.

Dr Punam cautioned: “Medications can play a big role. If you’ve recently started one and notice that you’re constantly feeling cold, it could be a side effect. In many cases, we can adjust your treatment to help.”

For millions living with Type 2 diabetes, every doctor’s appointment comes with a familiar worry: How can I prevent another heart attack or stroke? A new study shared at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2025 suggests that one simple, everyday pill might offer extra protection.

Researchers tracked people with Type 2 diabetes who faced moderate to high cardiovascular risk and discovered that those who regularly took low-dose aspirin had lower chances of heart attack, stroke, and death compared to those who didn’t take it.

Also Read: Air Quality Numbers Explained: What Each AQI Level Really Means And When It’s Safe To Step Outside

Low-Dose Aspirin May Lower Heart Risk in People With Diabetes

Adults with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) who took low-dose aspirin were less likely to experience a major heart event, including heart attack, stroke, or death, than others with similar risk levels who did not use aspirin, according to findings presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2025.

For the study, researchers reviewed the health records of nearly 11,700 adults with type 2 diabetes and a high risk of heart disease who were part of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center network, which spans over 35 hospitals and 400 outpatient clinics across Pennsylvania, Maryland, and West Virginia.

Also Read: Taking Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro? Experts Warn Of Rare But Severe Reaction

The key findings were:

• According to the study, adults with Type 2 diabetes who took low-dose aspirin had a lower rate of heart attack (42.4%) than those who didn’t (61.2%).
• The stroke risk was also reduced for those on a low-dose aspirin routine (14.5% vs. 24.8%), as was the risk of death from any cause within a decade (33% vs. 50.7%).
• Any level of aspirin use appeared linked to fewer heart attacks and strokes, with the strongest protection seen among those who took it most consistently.
• In subgroup analyses, low-dose aspirin use lowered cardiovascular risk regardless of participants’ HbA1c levels (a measure of blood sugar control). However, the benefit was more pronounced among those with lower HbA1c levels, suggesting better-managed diabetes led to stronger protection.

“People with Type 2 diabetes and higher cardiovascular risk who reported using low-dose aspirin were significantly less likely to experience heart attack, stroke, or death over ten years than those who didn’t,” explained Dr. Aleesha Kainat, clinical assistant professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. “That benefit was greatest for people who took aspirin regularly throughout the follow-up period,” she added.

What Are the Risks of Low-Dose Aspirin?

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force advises adults over 60 not to take daily low-dose aspirin as a preventive measure for heart disease. The reason is that, while the medication can help reduce clot-related events, it also increases the risk of bleeding, especially in older adults.

“Although aspirin is often seen as harmless for most adults, it carries real risks, including potentially serious bleeding complications, particularly in older individuals,” noted a report from Healthline.

Recent evidence also suggests that daily aspirin may not benefit older adults unless they have already experienced a major cardiac event such as a heart attack.

In a recent post, a neurologist reveals that losing sleep doesn’t just make you feel ‘sleepier’ but can have severe effects on your health as well.

Sleep deprivation is not uncommon. About one in five people in the UK are not getting enough sleep, according to Mental Health UK. They state that 66% of adolescents explain how poor sleep negatively impacts their mental health, and 37% of adults explain that their work is causing them to lose control over how much sleep they are having. Most people know how lack of sleep can affect their health; however, many times pre-existing health conditions can also be the cause of their sleep deprivation.

Whether you are sleeping less due to work or stress, it is very important to get help with it as soon as possible. Posting on social media X, Dr Sudhir Kumar, a Hyderabad-based neurologist, explained how sleep deprivation puts your body at risk, not just by harming your mental/psychological well-being but also puts you in life-threatening danger.

What Happens To Your Body When You Sleep Less?

Dr Sudhir Kumar explains that getting less than 4 hours of sleep for even just one night is a big deal. It has major, noticeable effects on your memory, how well you pay attention, and your ability to drive safely. In fact, being sleep-deprived is similar to being slightly drunk. This isn't just a feeling; it's proven by science.

3 Ways Less Sleep Is Hurting Your Health

In the post, Dr Sudhir listed 3 key ways your health is affected when you sleep less than 4 hours at night.

Memory Becomes Muddled

When you don't sleep enough, your memory takes a huge hit. Working Memory is a part of your memory you use for quick thinking, like solving a problem, making a decision, or remembering a phone number just long enough to dial it etc., is called working memory. When you're severely tired, this working memory drops dramatically, making simple tasks feel hard.

The key areas in your brain that build and pull up memories like the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus actually show less activity when doctors look at them with brain scans. They aren't working as hard as they should be.

Because of these changes, you will likely find it difficult to learn new things, keep up with a fast conversation, or remember details you were taught earlier that day.

Focus and Alertness Fades

Your ability to concentrate and stay alert is unreliable when sleep deprived. You will start experiencing microsleeps, which is when you can experience tiny, involuntary lapses at attention. You might literally doze off for a few seconds without even knowing it, especially when doing something boring or repetitive.

When your brain gets tired, leading to slower reaction times and a general feeling of mental fatigue. This makes it much harder to focus for long periods or try to do two things at once.

You tend to make more impulsive, which is quick, not well-thought-out decisions. As a result, the number of mistakes you make shoots up sharply.

Driving Becomes Risky

Driving when severely tired is dangerously similar to driving drunk. If you drive after sleeping less than 4 hours, your performance behind the wheel is like that of someone with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08%. This is the legal limit for drunk driving in most places!

You have a much higher chance of drifting out of your lane, taking too long to hit the brakes, or missing traffic signs or lights entirely.

Research proves that drowsy driving causes thousands of car accidents every year. Sometimes, the driver doesn't even remember the crash because they were experiencing one of those dangerous microsleeps.

Not getting enough sleep is like putting your brain under the influence of alcohol. It messes up your attention, memory, and physical coordination.

The important rule is this: Do not drive or use heavy machinery if you have slept for less than 4 hours. Your ability to react quickly and make smart, safe decisions cannot be trusted.