In the last few years, there have been many conversations around gut health. These conversations in fact have surged. From wellness influencers to healthcare platforms, everyone seems to be talking about it. However, while awareness is growing, so is the number of people reporting gut-related issues. As per a 2023 survey, 7 out of 10 people in urban India are experiencing digestive problems. Many of them are also dealing with symptoms weekly. A significant number, in fact, on a daily basis.

Experts are also warning the poor gut health is not just uncomfortable, but is also linked with long-term health complications.

Why Does It Matter?

The gut, or gastrointestinal tract, is responsible for breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and eliminating waste. But beyond digestion, the gut is home to trillions of microbes—bacteria, viruses, and fungi—that play a vital role in maintaining health. A balanced microbiome supports immune function, regulates hormones, and influences everything from metabolism to mood.

When this balance is disrupted, a condition known as dysbiosis occurs. Dysbiosis has been linked to a wide range of issues, including metabolic disorders like obesity and Type 2 diabetes, autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, skin problems like eczema, and even mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety.

Why are gut issues increasing?

A major reason behind declining gut health is the shift in lifestyle and diet. Highly processed foods, rich in refined sugars and unhealthy fats, and low in fiber, are common in urban diets. This type of food lacks the nutrients needed to feed good gut bacteria, allowing harmful ones to dominate.

Stress, a hallmark of modern life, also takes a toll. Chronic stress affects the gut-brain axis—the communication channel between your digestive system and brain—impacting gut function and triggering inflammation. Add to this the widespread use of antibiotics, both medically and in agriculture, and the result is a gut environment constantly under attack.

Poor sanitation and frequent infections in many parts of the country further aggravate the situation. This is especially concerning in India, where the dual burden of undernutrition and lifestyle diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease is growing rapidly.

How does gut health affect overall health?

The effects of poor gut health are far-reaching. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) like Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis are rising in India, particularly in cities. Beyond digestive symptoms like bloating, constipation, or acid reflux, people may experience fatigue, brain fog, frequent infections, unexplained weight gain or loss, and skin flare-ups.

Imbalances in the gut microbiome can also disrupt hormone levels, affecting appetite control and blood sugar regulation. This increases the risk of conditions like insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

What you can do?

Improving gut health is possible—and often starts with simple changes:

• Eat more fiber: Include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts in your diet. These feed beneficial gut bacteria.
• Add fermented foods: Yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and pickles contain probiotics that replenish your microbiome.
• Limit processed foods: Cut back on sugary snacks, refined carbs, and fried food.
• Stay active: Regular exercise supports digestion and gut function.
• Manage stress: Practices like yoga, meditation, deep breathing, and journaling can reduce stress’s impact on the gut.
• Be cautious with antibiotics: Take them only when prescribed and necessary.

The gut-brain connection

Emerging research highlights how gut health affects the brain. A healthy gut contributes to better emotional regulation and mental clarity. Many neurotransmitters, including serotonin—the “feel-good” chemical—are produced in the gut, making it a crucial player in mental wellness.

In short, gut health isn’t just about digestion—it’s about whole-body health. Whether it’s fighting infections, balancing hormones, or supporting your mood, your gut is working hard behind the scenes. The good news? Supporting it doesn’t require complicated routines—just mindful choices and consistency.

For years, stopping antidepressants was considered a relatively minor medical event—just a temporary adjustment phase. Official guidelines, particularly in the UK and the US, once described withdrawal symptoms as “brief and mild.” But now, emerging research is painting a very different picture—one that could affect millions of long-term users.

Recent findings suggest that withdrawing from antidepressants, especially after prolonged use, can trigger severe and long-lasting symptoms, sometimes lasting months or even years. Despite mounting evidence, some recent reviews—funded in part by pharmaceutical ties—continue to rely on outdated, short-term studies that don’t reflect the real-world experiences of long-term patients.

The modern class of antidepressants—SSRIs and SNRIs—were introduced in the 1980s and ’90s. When regulatory guidelines were first drafted, they leaned heavily on industry-funded clinical trials, where participants had taken the medications for only 8 to 12 weeks.

Because withdrawal symptoms in those short-term trials were limited and often transient, major healthcare bodies like NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in the UK) assumed the same would hold true for all patients.

That assumption, however, ignored the experiences of millions of people who were on antidepressants for much longer periods.

A comprehensive new study of NHS patients in the UK has shed light on the scale and severity of antidepressant withdrawal. The findings reveal that patients who had been on antidepressants for more than two years were ten times more likely to experience withdrawal symptoms compared to those who had taken the medication for less than six months. Moreover, the likelihood of experiencing severe symptoms increased fivefold in long-term users. Perhaps most strikingly, symptoms that lasted for three months or more were found to be 18 times more common among those who had used antidepressants for extended periods.

In contrast, those who took antidepressants for six months or less mostly experienced mild and short-lived symptoms. Around 75% reported mild or no withdrawal, and only one in four had difficulty stopping but for long-term users, it’s a different story altogether. Two-thirds reported moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms, and nearly a third had symptoms that persisted for over three months.

In some cases, withdrawal effects were so debilitating that patients sought emergency care.

Against this backdrop, a newly published review in JAMA Psychiatry is drawing criticism. The review—which includes authors with known financial ties to pharmaceutical companies—relied on 11 short-term studies, most involving people who took antidepressants for 8 to 12 weeks. Only one study included participants on the medication for more than six months.

Not surprisingly, the review concluded that withdrawal symptoms from antidepressants are not clinically significant. It even went so far as to suggest the symptoms might be caused by the “nocebo effect”—the idea that negative expectations can create physical symptoms.

But experts argue that this reasoning is flawed and potentially harmful. The review failed to account for long-term users, excluded several studies with high withdrawal rates, and assumed that common symptoms like dizziness or fatigue are indistinguishable from genuine withdrawal effects.

Another glaring issue? The authors treated withdrawal symptoms reported by people stopping a placebo as equivalent to those reported by people stopping real antidepressants—despite clear evidence that the intensity, duration, and impact of symptoms differ significantly between the two. According to recent investigations:

• In England, 2 million people have been taking antidepressants for over five years.
• In the United States, that number is at least 25 million.

That’s tens of millions of people whose withdrawal experiences are underrepresented in medical literature and underserved by health systems.

To use an analogy, relying on eight-week antidepressant studies to predict withdrawal is like testing car safety at 5 km/h, when most people drive at 60 km/h. It simply doesn’t capture the full risk.

Is Antidepressant Withdrawal A Real Thing?

Yes, antidepressant withdrawal is real—especially if you stop the medication abruptly after taking it for more than four to six weeks. These symptoms, also known as antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, can last for several weeks and vary depending on the type of antidepressant.

Importantly, experiencing withdrawal doesn’t mean you’re addicted. Addiction involves compulsive use, cravings, and harmful consequences—none of which apply to antidepressants.

To avoid uncomfortable withdrawal effects, always consult your doctor before stopping. Most healthcare providers recommend gradually tapering the dose over weeks or months to help your body adjust. In some cases, a temporary switch to another medication might be advised to ease the transition.

If you're switching to a new antidepressant, your doctor may overlap medications to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

Since withdrawal can mimic a relapse of depression, it's essential to stay in close contact with your healthcare provider. If symptoms of depression return, your doctor may suggest restarting treatment or exploring alternative therapies.

Always follow a medical plan when discontinuing antidepressants—never stop them on your own.

What Withdrawal Feels Like?

Withdrawal symptoms can vary, but often include:

• Dizziness or “brain zaps”
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Anxiety and panic
• Mood swings
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Sensory disturbances (like sensitivity to light or sound)

For some, these symptoms are manageable. But for others—especially those stopping medication after years of use—they can be overwhelming and life-altering.

Withdrawal from antidepressants is real, and it’s often far more difficult than current medical literature suggests—especially for long-term users. Reviews that lean on short-term, pharmaceutical-funded data do little to help the millions of people struggling silently.

Mental health treatment should never be a one-way street. People deserve a clear roadmap for both starting and stopping antidepressants safely, compassionately, and with evidence-based support.

After several years, multiple diagnosis and cancer treatments, Steve Drayton continues to give back to his community and those who stood by him even during tough times. Not only was he diagnosed with HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus which attacks the body's immune system, but he also survived cancer three times. Going through all of these harrowing processes did not make him disheartened, instead this only fueled his drive to support and advocate for the well-being and health gap experienced by LGBTQIA+ community through education and advocacy.

Promise Made Amidst the HIV Epidemic

In the 1990s, when the HIV epidemic was devastating the gay community, Steve personally experienced its harsh reality. In 1994, he was diagnosed with Kaposi sarcoma. KS is a type of cancer that is often seen in people with weakened immune systems. Being diagnosed with HIV, his immune system was already compromised and this diagnosis confirmed that his HIV had progressed to AIDS.

What is Kaposi Sarcoma (KS)?

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a type of cancer that usually shows up as purple spots or bumps on your skin, in your mouth, or in your digestive system. These growths can also spread to other parts inside your body. It's caused by a specific virus called human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). However, most people who have this virus do not get KS. This cancer usually develops in people whose immune system is weak, like those with HIV, individuals who have received an organ transplant, or older adults.

Steve and his best friend both received HIV and AIDS diagnoses. Sadly, his friend did not survive. Before his friend passed away, Steve made a heartfelt promise: he would do everything he could to prevent others from enduring the same suffering.

Honoring this promise, Steve immediately took action. He began raising money for HIV resources, joined support groups, and taught safe sex classes in prisons to educate people on how to reduce their risk of HIV. He credits his best friend as the inspiration for his lifelong journey of advocacy.

Bike Ride Leads to a Life-Saving Discovery

Years later, in 1999, Steve met his husband, Stephen. Together, "the Steves" expanded their advocacy efforts. Witnessing many friends and family affected by cancer, they found a shared passion for cycling and began participating in bike rides to raise money for cancer research.

In 2016, one particular bike ride dramatically changed Steve's life. While participating in the American Cancer Society Bike-A-Thon, riding from Philadelphia to Ocean City, New Jersey, Steve felt an unusual discomfort. It was the morning after the tragic Pulse nightclub shooting, and despite the emotional weight and physical exertion of the ride, he knew something was wrong with his body.

Steve reported his symptoms to his doctor, leading to a quick colonoscopy. In September 2016, at age 56, he was diagnosed with Stage III rectal cancer. The National Institute of Cancer explains that this kind of cancer forms in the rectal tissue of the rectum. He believes the discomfort he felt while cycling, which prompted him to see a doctor, was crucial in catching the cancer early.

He underwent two months of chemotherapy and radiation. While his doctors warned of side effects, Steve was unprepared for the intense and persistent rectal pain. To find relief, he opted for an ostomy procedure, which created a new way for waste to leave his body. The pain subsided, but Steve had to adjust to permanently wearing an ostomy pouch. In July 2018, Steve received his third cancer diagnosis: squamous cell skin cancer. He was treated with surgery and has had no recurrence, continuing annual skin checks.

Understanding Squamous Cell Skin Cancer

Skin cancers typically begin in the epidermis, the outermost layer of your skin. This layer has two main types of cells where cancer can start. Squamous cells are the flat cells on the surface that are always shedding. When these grow abnormally, they can become squamous cell skin cancer. Below them are basal cells, which constantly divide to create new skin cells. As these new cells move upward, they flatten out and become squamous cells. When cancer begins in these basal cells, it's called basal cell skin cancer.

Treatment And Advocacy For Multiple Cancer

Nearly seven years after his skin cancer diagnosis and ten years after his rectal cancer diagnosis, Steve is living cancer-free. He and Phen are approaching their 26th anniversary and still enjoy their Saturday date nights. Although treatment effects prevent Steve from cycling now, he and Phen continue to be active advocates in their community. They share their powerful story, encouraging everyone to be aware of their cancer risks and to get recommended screenings. Steve believes it's his duty to share his journey and raise awareness about organizations like the American Cancer Society.

Actress Olivia Munn, who has spoken candidly about her 2023 breast cancer diagnosis, shared a powerful new development: her mother, Kim, was also diagnosed with breast cancer after taking the same risk assessment test that led to Munn’s own diagnosis.

In an Instagram post, Munn said her mother was diagnosed with Stage 1 HER2-positive breast cancer, a fast-growing but often treatable type of the disease. Her diagnosis came after Munn encouraged her mom and sister to take a free online breast cancer risk assessment, known as the Tyrer-Cuzick Risk Model.

The tool, which is publicly accessible and widely recommended by experts, calculates a woman’s five-year and lifetime risk of developing breast cancer using a combination of factors like age, family history, genetics, reproductive history, and more.

“My mom scored 26.2%. Her yearly mammogram had just come out clear, but because of that high score I insisted she get an MRI,” Munn wrote. That MRI led to her mother’s diagnosis—despite no red flags on her recent mammogram.

Since then, Kim has completed 12 rounds of chemotherapy, and Munn says she will continue monthly Herceptin infusions until the fall. Kim also underwent a double mastectomy, just like her daughter did.

Munn’s social media post included photos and videos of her mother receiving treatment, preparing meals after surgery, and eventually ringing the bell after her last chemo session, surrounded by hospital staff holding signs.

“She’s handled all of this with bravery and humor,” Munn wrote, adding that her mom insisted on cooking and doing laundry days after surgery. “She’s insane—but I’m so proud of her.”

What Is the Tyrer-Cuzick Breast Cancer Risk Test?

The Tyrer-Cuzick model, also called the IBIS Risk Evaluator, is a mathematical tool used by healthcare professionals to estimate a woman’s likelihood of developing breast cancer. It’s based on clinical and personal information, such as:

• Family history of breast and ovarian cancer
• Age and age of first period
• Menopausal status
• Breast density
• Genetic markers (like BRCA mutations, if tested)

This model is often used alongside other screening tools to determine whether a woman might benefit from additional imaging like MRI scans or preventive treatments.

According to the National Cancer Institute, a lifetime risk over 20% is considered high, and patients in this category may need more aggressive or frequent screening than standard mammograms alone.

Why Mammograms Aren’t Always Enough For Breast Cancer Detection?

One of the most startling takeaways from Munn’s story is this: Kim’s mammogram had come back clean. It was only after reviewing her Tyrer-Cuzick score and following up with a breast MRI that the cancer was detected.

This is not uncommon. Mammograms are essential but not foolproof. They can miss up to 20% of breast cancers, particularly in women with dense breast tissue.

For women at higher risk, breast MRIs offer greater sensitivity and can detect tumors that mammograms might miss.

When Cancer Runs in the Family, What How Genetics Increase Risk?

Munn’s story highlights a critical issue—hereditary risk, and how understanding it can help catch cancer early or even prevent it. Her case, and her mother’s, raise an important question:

Can Breast Cancer Be Inherited from a Parent—and What Should You Do If It Runs in Your Family?

Yes, breast cancer can absolutely run in families. According to the American Cancer Society, about 5% to 10% of breast cancers are hereditary, meaning they're caused by gene mutations passed down from a parent.

The most well-known mutations are in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which significantly increase the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer. But other genes—such as PALB2, CHEK2, and ATM—have also been linked to elevated breast cancer risk. Here’s what to keep in mind if you have a family history:

1. Know Your History

If your mother, sister, grandmother, or even male relatives had breast or ovarian cancer—especially before age 50—your risk may be elevated. Multiple family members with cancer, or cases of both breast and ovarian cancer in one family, are red flags.

2. Get a Risk Assessment

Tools like the Tyrer-Cuzick model help calculate your personal risk level using both genetic and lifestyle factors. Many healthcare providers use it to guide recommendations for further testing or screening.

3. Consider Genetic Counseling

If your risk appears high, a genetic counselor can help you decide whether to undergo genetic testing. This is especially useful if you’re unsure of your family’s medical history or come from an ethnic background with higher BRCA mutation prevalence (e.g., Ashkenazi Jewish).

4. Screening and Prevention

If you’re identified as high-risk, you may be advised to begin annual MRIs and mammograms starting earlier than age 40. Some women also explore preventive surgeries or chemoprevention medications.

5. Talk to Your Family

Open conversations can save lives. Munn’s insistence that her mother and sister take the risk assessment directly led to her mom’s early diagnosis. Knowledge really is power when it comes to hereditary cancer risk.

Olivia Munn’s openness about her breast cancer journey and now her mother’s—shines a light on the power of preventive care and family advocacy. Her message is clear: Don’t wait for symptoms. Know your risk. Act early.

“Anything above 20% is considered high risk, and you should insist your doctor order a breast MRI,” she urged in her Instagram post.

And while genetics may predispose us to certain conditions, timely testing, awareness, and action can change the outcome. In this case, one family’s proactive approach saved two lives. It could do the same for yours.