Ahmedabad/Vadodara:
Sterling Biotech Limited, a joint venture between Perfect Day and Zydus, has commenced construction of the world’s first precision fermentation-based dairy protein manufacturing facility. The foundation stone for the project was laid in Bharuch, Gujarat.

Spanning 27 acres, this state-of-the-art facility is expected to be operational by the first quarter of 2026. Designed as a large-scale production hub for precision fermentation-based dairy proteins, it aims to meet the growing global demand for sustainable food ingredients. The facility’s capacity is already substantially booked, reflecting strong market interest. Furthermore, provisions have been made for land and infrastructure to support future expansion.

Commenting on the development, TM Narayan, CEO of Perfect Day Inc., stated, “This facility marks a significant milestone in transforming the global food industry. By leveraging precision fermentation technology, we are advancing the creation of high-quality dairy proteins without the environmental footprint of traditional methods. This plant underscores our commitment to a healthier planet and a sustainable future, setting new global benchmarks in sustainable production practices.”

Shayri Roychoudhury, Chief Business Operations Officer at Perfect Day Inc., added, “This facility will produce fermentation-based dairy proteins that are not only better for the planet but also meet the diverse needs of customers worldwide. Its advanced production processes will address critical challenges in the food and beverage industry.”

Perfect Day’s precision-fermented proteins have already gained recognition across applications such as ice creams, sports nutrition, and baked goods, thanks to their exceptional functionality. The new facility in Bharuch will enable the company to scale its offerings further, contributing to a more resilient and sustainable global food ecosystem.

About Perfect Day Inc.

Founded in 2014, Perfect Day is on a mission to create a kinder, greener tomorrow through precision fermentation. Leveraging expertise across biology and food innovation, Perfect Day supports companies in developing, scaling and commercialising next-generation products that satisfy market demands and champion a path toward a sustainable future.

The company’s flagship product, the world’s first precision-fermented protein, debuted in 2020 and today can be found in animal-free ice creams, cream cheese, baked goods, and sports nutrition products across the globe. Instead of relying on cows, Perfect Day utilises microflora to create proprietary animal-free milk protein. Perfect Day’s protein can be used across a range of products to deliver the same taste and texture while supporting the planet. An ISO-compliant, third-party reviewed life cycle assessment found that Perfect Day’s whey protein reduces blue water consumption by up to 99%, greenhouse gas emissions by up to 97% and non-renewable energy use by up to 60%, when compared to conventional production methods.

About Zydus
Zydus Lifesciences Ltd., with an overarching purpose of empowering people with freedom to live healthier and more fulfilled lives, is an innovative, global lifesciences company that discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets a broad range of healthcare therapies. The group employs over 27,000 people worldwide, including 1,400 scientists engaged in R & D, and is driven by its mission to unlock new possibilities in lifesciences through quality healthcare solutions that impact lives. The group aspires to transform lives through path-breaking discoveries. For more details visit www.zyduslife.com

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Ahmedabad: Obesity has reached epidemic proportions and is becoming one of the biggest health crises in India, with prevalence rates rising alarmingly over the past few decades. Studies show that around 5% of the country’s population is affected by morbid obesity. The All India Association for Advancing Research in Obesity (AIAARO) is organising “Obesity India 2024” , its 17th Annual Conference, in Ahmedabad from December 13 to 15. The event, supported by World Obesity Federation , brings together experts, researchers and practitioners to discuss obesity, one of the most pressing health challenges in India and globally.
With more than 500 participants, including healthcare professionals such as obesity surgeons, endocrinologists, diabetologists, physicians, nutritionists and educators, the conference will facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and share advancements in the understanding and management of obesity. It will also provide unmatched networking opportunities with national and international experts and numerous knowledge-sharing sessions.
Dr. Mahendra Narwaria, President of AIAARO and Organising Chairman of the conference, said, “ Through Obesity India 2024, we aim to raise awareness, reduce stigma and promote evidence-based solutions to address this epidemic. We will engage with not just the medical community but also society and policymakers to integrate obesity education into school/medical college curriculums and public health initiatives. The conference will feature renowned speakers, including Gee Hyun Kang, President of the Asia Oceania Association for the Study of Obesity, as the chief guest, and an online keynote address by Philip Scherer, former President of the World Obesity Federation.”
Dr. Banshi Saboo , Past President of AIAARO and Programme Chair, said, “The Obesity India conference is taking place in Ahmedabad for the second time. It will feature cutting-edge research presentations, interactive workshops and expert panel discussions aimed at advancing the understanding of obesity prevention, management and treatment.”
The participants will also explore the science behind obesity, delving into topics such as pathophysiology, the latest treatments and innovations like mounjaro and semaglutide injections. Experts will share insights into lifestyle interventions and preventive strategies and address the stigma associated with obesity.
Dr. Mahendra Narwaria, who previously served as President of the Obesity Surgery Society of INDIA, also emphasised the inclusive and multidisciplinary nature of AIAARO, which brings together diverse healthcare professionals to combat obesity comprehensively. this society has been functioning for last 20 years and organising such annual conferences on different topic related Need of the hour, this year it is in Ahmedabad. The society is associated with the World Obesity Federation and is a partner with the World Health Organisations (WHO) NCD alliance.

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Historically, humans have struggled to improve personality. Self-improvement is an independent pursuit and insight. Improvement is to improve in job, business or relationship. In particular, specific aspects that can be improved are self-acceptance, positive relations, personal growth, conscientiousness, openness to experience etc. There are many dimensions of self-improvement that we can implement to improve. In fact, these are scientifically supported areas: well-being, personality factors, personal relationships and achievement.

Change is significant in the society; it is applicable to each individual. Change is a brilliant chance to grow. Change should be our friend, not enemy. Self-improvement is the pre-evaluation technique to analysis strengths and weakness of the people. Start some good ones, so as to make it easier to improve other aspects of self-improvement later on.

We usually go through our life without backing our personal values. But it is vital to stay in alignment with our personal values like sympathy, inquisitiveness, ingenuity, hard work, or personal relationships. Values are different for everyone. Perhaps, there are loads of values, but defining is the key for achieving those values. Look constantly at the area you can improve and have consciousness about what needs to be done.

Self-confidence is eventually the initial point to reach your dreams. Self-reflection is significant for self-awareness. This may help to understand the areas for improvement. Mindfulness can possibly make us open to familiarities and potentials that can help self-improvement. Our mind set also play a major role. With a growth or positive mindset, put in efforts to learn and grow, this will help to improve abilities. Self-appraisal is a strategy that can help to come out of stressfulness and reduce negativity. Practicing gratitude is a great mode of improvement, as it is related to well-being and good relationships. Self-confidence, improved interpersonal skills, good habits, self-care, positive qualities, kindness, self-determination also can aid self-improvement.

Key tips for self-improvement

• Exercise: Yoga, mild exercise or swimming keeps you fit and healthy. Good physical appearance raises your confidence, simultaneously helps to be calm and have fresh mood. This ultimately leads to self-growth.

• Healthy diet: Include fruits and vegetables in your diet, avoid unwholesome food such as sugar, oily and junk food. This will keep you healthy and you can concentrate on self-development activities.

• Meditation: It improves concentration. Meditate for 15 to 20 minutes regularly to achieve goals of self-improvement. Meditation aids to improve thinking, overcome redundant thought and revives mood and mind.

• Reading: Books are big source of knowledge. Reading good books everyday boosts your thinking and decision making capacity.

Self-improvement is critical to success: Self-improvement is directly associated with success. Because people who are interested in self‐improvement will look at changes as life prospects. They strive to acquire knowledge and skills, which will take them to heights. Development in yourself ultimately leads you to new opportunities.

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According to Indian council of Medical Research, based on energy intake fiber requirement is about 40 grams per 2000 calories daily. In fact, fiber are carbohydrates that humans cannot digest. Hence excess intake around 60 grams over a day, can reduce the absorption of nutrients and may cause diarrhea and irritation in the bowel.

Fiber is crucial for regular bowel movements, controlling cholesterol and blood sugar levels, increasing friendly gut bacteria and preventing chronic disease. There are huge variety of dietary fibers found naturally in plant foods. Based on physical properties dietary fibers are classified as soluble and insoluble, and both are essential for us.

Soluble fibers dissolve in water and forms a gel-like substance. This gel helps in the growth of healthy bacteria and reduce cholesterol absorption. These fibers help to reduce glucose absorption into the bloodstream and control blood sugar levels. Eating more fruit, oats, beans and barley is the best way to add soluble fiber in your diet.

Whereas insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water.  So it is important to increase your fluid intake when you consume more insoluble fiber.  Without fluid, the fiber stays hard and may cause constipation. Eating vegetables, seeds and nuts is the best way to add insoluble fiber in your diet.

Its healthier to get fiber from natural food than from supplements. Because foods high in fiber also have plenty of vitamins and minerals needed for us to stay fit. Here are some top sources of fiber with its fiber content

Why we must add more fiber to our diet?

• Fiber improves and accelerates digestion, thus reduce constipation. But also remember to take more fluids, without which the fiber stays hard and may rather cause constipation.
• High-fiber foods comparatively have low glycemic index than refined carbohydrates. The gel generated from soluble fiber reduces absorption of sugar by the body. It controls blood sugar level and reduce the risk of diabetes.
• Converted gel from soluble fiber removes excess cholesterol from the body. So high fiber food prevents cholesterol absorption from being absorbed into the body and reduces the risk of heart attack.
• It plays a major role in weight control. Converted gel stays in the digestive tract for a long period and decreases hunger. It therefore reduces the excess amount of food intake. Additionally, some research advocates that adding more dietary fiber indeed lowers calorie intake and controls weight gain.
• As per research, every 10 grams of fiber consumed decline 10% of colorectal cancer risk and 5% decline in breast cancer risk. Because fiber has phytochemicals, anti-cancer and antioxidants properties.

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Many of us often wonder why addicts cannot do away with their habit once they get hooked to it. Though, many of us feel that it is basically out of the pleasure that addicts indulge in stimulants and opioids like heroin, cocaine and euphoria inducing ones like nicotine. They are umpteen myths around drug addictions as well doing the rounds for quite some time now. Here is a curtain-raiser for some of them.

The most common explanation around drug addictions are that compulsive drug addictions are a bad habit as it’s just that is done for getting a kick.

Now, here’s something to clear the fog away around this myth. If we dig deeper into the meaning of habit, it indicates the ability to do repetitive tasks and that’s about it. It’s just like routine habits of brushing teeth or combing hair. Though these habits don’t get people hooked on to them and do not become compulsive or like an addiction.

Withdrawal is another important issue that needs to be handled properly because addictions like alcohol withdrawal could lead to death. Withdrawal leads to an unpleasant feeling that includes pain, chills, anxiety, and more if one stops the intake of the drug. This is one of the major reasons responsible for addicts not able to leave their addictions.

This brings us to two types of psychological experiences related to the brain namely liking and wanting. To explain the same with the help of an example like chocolate. Wanting would be the desire to have it once you see it in front of you while liking would be the experience you have once to eat it off. Now Dopamine produced by the brain is responsible for wanting only and not liking something.

We crave more drugs only because drugs trigger the need for dopamine, a feeling of wanting in the brain. With repeated use of drugs, the wanting thus grows but somewhere the liking goes stagnates, or decreases.

Talking about involuntary addicts who take opioids prescribed by doctors for pain apparently do it to relieve themselves from pain and that is how they perceive their idea of pleasure. Though over time the doses have to be increased as they develop intolerance about it. As a result, the wanting also grows leading to an addiction of sorts. Hyperactive wanting leads to intense craving on seeing the drug or drug cue exposure. The effects are surely long-lasting and genetic factors do lead to increased risk.

As responsible citizens and family members, we also need to change our view of looking at addicts and that anyone of us can get affected by the same. Also, many times addicts are aware of the pain and suffering they are causing themselves and others but the craving is much stronger than their willpower to overcome it.

Well, we need to be compassionate and support people rather than distrust them or consider them as a disgrace.

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Digestive system plays an important role in collecting nutrients, vitamins, and minerals from the food. Hence digestion problems take a toll on our health leading to many disorders like nutritional deficiency, iron deficiency etc. In this fast-paced lifestyle digestion problems are becoming predominant in the younger generation and irregular eating habits being the prime cause.

The sharp rise in digestive problems in the younger generation is annoying. Of course it leads to numerous symptoms and problems that affect daily activities. Common digestive problems include constipation, irregular bowel movement, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, bloating, acidity, gastric and vomiting. Gone are the days when only the aged people used to nit-pick about indigestion and unhealthy gut. But now, regardless of age, digestion problems are becoming increasingly common.

What is causing digestive problems?

The steep increase is caused due to many reasons mainly being irregular eating habits, unhealthy junk foods, anxiety, stress, lack of physical activity, lifestyle, medications, autoimmune diseases, mental health issues, genetics and family history. Digestive problems sometimes also reflect symptoms of different digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Food intolerances, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), ulcerative colitis (UC), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Crohn’s disease. A person may also face digestive problems due to viral infections, cancers, food poisoning, bacterial infections and hormonal diseases.

 How to manage digestive problems?

There are quite a few home remedies to manage digestion problems. Consuming ginger may help to reduce nausea and vomiting; peppermint helps to overcome bloating, gastric, abdominal pain and diarrhoea; fennel seeds for gas and bloating.

Apart from this, some of the precautions to consider are – keep up a healthy lifestyle, control stress, eat well-balanced diet with more dietary fibre, avoid alcohol, exercise regularly, quit smoking, manage weight and avoid fatty or processed foods. Nevertheless, this needs to be incorporated in the long run for gut health. Moreover, there are many medications available, so consult healthcare professional especially to treat severe symptoms of digestive problems.

Conclusion

Digestive problems reflect how this fast-paced lifestyle is taking toll on health. Even though these apprehensions are becoming increasingly common, study statistics shows that majority of the people do not consult doctor nor take medications. If lifestyle changes do not ease symptoms and also experience other problems like rectal bleeding, black stools and fever, immediately seek medical help.

Digestive disorders progresses with aging, so proactive measures at young age may help to minimize risk in future. It is advisable to get the solution at the earliest possible. Late treatment can make the problem shoddier or persistent.

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The statistics in India about menstrual hygiene are alarming. Only 18% of the population has access to sanitary hygiene. Additionally, menstruation has been a taboo in India since the beginning of time. Many homes in India still follow the beliefs of the past that include not going to the temple or touching the pickle and some even don’t allow ladies to enter the kitchen when they are having their cycles. These beliefs are rampant in the urban areas as well and not just limited to villages.

Looking at the present state of sanitary hygiene amongst women in India and saddening stories about the removal of the uterus due to the menstrual tract infection of a 12-year-old does make the picture of this state clear. Today, there are millions of women in India who have no access to sanitary napkins because they are expensive thus choosing low standards of hygiene. Over 88 percent of women go for using cloth, ashes, or even husk during menstrual periods.

Adverse effects of poor sanitary hygiene:

1. Using unclean pads or cheap alternatives can lead to urinary infections, urinary tract infections, or fungal infections.

2. If you don’t change your pad for a long time it can cause vaginal yeast infections and rashes.

3. Using cloth and bigger size shapes can lead to rashes due to friction between the thighs.

4. Using the same pad for long can also lead to a bad odour.

5. Many of us don’t know that in an effort to keep the vaginal area clean, you tend to wipe and rinse frequently. This can lead to the bacteria from the pot reaching your body and causing infections of the urinary tract.

6. Many women think that having intercourse during a period is a good idea because there is no risk of getting pregnant. But, the fact is, it is risky because you are highly likely to contract sexually transmitted diseases like Herpes, Hepatitis B, or STD.

7. Not washing hands properly after touching sanitary napkins also leads to infections like Hepatitis B and that of yeast as well.

Poor Menstrual hygiene can also cause cervical cancer. India produces over 70,000 victims every year and is one of the top-ranking cancers in women in India.

Well, this is a problem that has a solution and as per the gynecologists in India awareness around menstruation through education is the key. There is a dire need to educate women on how using sanitary napkins can help prevent many infections and side effects besides maintaining body hygiene and shunning away from the blind beliefs and taboos around it.

Also Read: Educate girls and women on menstrual hygienic practices

Mrs. D.A. Kalpaja
Chairperson
Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre

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Omicron Variant is of concern today for everyone in view of the interconnected world that we live in. This emphasizes on the need to step up surveillance, to be on alert and rapidly detect any importation and take measures to curtail further spread of the virus. The response measures for all variants, including Omicron, is the same as that for SARs CoV2. Comprehensive and tailored public health and social measures by governments, and strict adherence to preventive and precautionary measures by individuals, is a must.

People must follow preventive measures

People must wear well-fitting mask which covers their nose and mouth well, keep distance, avoid poorly ventilated or crowded spaces, keep hands clean, cover cough and sneeze and get vaccinated. And continue to take all precautionary measures even after getting vaccinated. All travellers must adhere to public health and social measures at all times and remain vigilant for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.

The heavy downpour coupled with the drop in temperature that the city had witnessed will have a ripple effect on the health of the people. The cold weather that the city has been seeing is conducive to viral replications and there has been a progressive increase in the number and severity of asthma attacks. Similarly, due to water logging the cases of dengue is also on a rise.

Regular hand wash, social distancing and follow up with the doctor and following their advice can help in bringing down the possibility of an asthma attack. Further, as Influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations given at the beginning of monsoon have shown to significantly reduce asthma exacerbations it would be advisable for people who have a history of asthma to consider immunisation.

Keeping yourself fit and active by practicing exercises and yoga is also a good practice that can help keep infections at bay. Keeping oneself hydrated by drinking plenty of water and fresh fruit juices as well as eating fresh fruits are recommended.

Mrs. D.A. Kalpaja
Chairperson
Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre

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With COVID – 19, spreading its tentacles at an alarming rate and with no antidote till date to combat it, self-isolation and quarantining seems to be the only hope to prevent the virus from spreading further. With the aged and those with pre-existing medical conditions at far greater risk of contracting the virus owing to their lower immunity levels, the time is now, to look inward for foods within the home to help you fight the on-set of the infection.

Use natural herbs and spices :

Use this time to build a great immune system with foods and some easy-to-do home exercises, to help you stay fit. Time and again research has proven that, foods with ingredients like Vitamin C & E and certain types of herbs are great at boosting immunity. Fruits and vegetables which are rich in beta-carotene, Vitamin C, E and even Zinc can surely help build greater immunity. Herbs like turmeric, ginger, garlic, Tulsi and black cumin are proven to have medicinal and curative properties which have now been embraced globally.

Curcumin, for instance, an ingredient found in in the ubiquitous turmeric is a widely recognised ingredient for its anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and immunity boosting properties. Some research also points to having Tulsi with black pepper and honey provides strength to the body to fight diseases and infections. Being rich in Vitamins C, B1 and B6; minerals (phosphorous and iron), Garlic is not only a great flavour-adding agent to the food, but also a rich source of immune booster owing to its nutritive, antifungal and antiseptic properties. Key ingredients present in Garlic – sulfur compound allicin .

Preventive health check-ups.

It goes without saying, that preventive healthcare should the core for the government’s efforts in achieving health for all. Thanks to the mushrooming of chain labs and media awareness, Indians today are opening up to the concept of preventive health check-ups.  Lifestyle disorders such as diabetes, stroke, cancers and cardiovascular diseases have been long hitting us.

Detailed studies indicate that the prevalence of these diseases have resulted in an increase in the mortality figures by at least 50% in every Indian state between 1990 and 2016. Infact, every year, roughly 5.8 mn Indians succumb to heart and lung diseases, stroke, cancer and diabetes. Not far behind, non-communicable diseases are expected to comprise more than 75% of India’s disease burden by 2025.

The Government has made a good move by implementing the National Health Protection Scheme under Ayushman Bharat, to provide universal health coverage to over poor and vulnerable families. However, as a country, we are still far away from developing a robust health coverage system for our entire population. According to the WHO (2005), the estimated loss in India’s national income due to heart diseases, stroke and diabetes in 2005 was US $9 billion as compared to US $3 billion. These losses are projected to exceed US $200 billion in the next decade.

An increased tax exemption would encourage people to opt for regular health check-ups, thereby aiding in early diagnosis and in turn reducing the burden on secondary and tertiary care facilities.  Nevertheless, it is encouraging how corporates are making pre-employment health check-ups a mandatory part of the recruitment process. Not just pre-employment, they are offering yearly check-ups to all employees which will help to make a healthy society.

Mrs. D.A. Kalpaja
Chairperson
Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre

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The  prevailing  global pandemic has brought  everything to a standstill.  Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic has begun, there has been an increased need to maintain hygiene. With everything coming back on track with the graded unlocking  phases,  mask  has  become  a pivotal  part of our lives. Face Masks are extremely essential to prevent the spread of Covid-19.  Mask wearing reduces 60% risk of COVID-19 infection.

Wearing mask scores over other preventive public health measures from COVID-19 infection as nose and mouth are the main gateways for the entry of the virus.  Everyone stresses upon the importance of wearing the mask correctly to prevent the infection and there has been a surge in the demand of the facemask. Frontline COVID Warriors and people employed in the essential services have relied on plastic-based, single-use personal protective  equipment (PPE) like  masks and gowns to shield themselves from the coronavirus.

Dispose the used masks, gloves properly

The  result  has  been a quickly  growing mountain of  plastic waste. Gloves & used masks are being disposed off wherever possible as people are not aware of the risks it can carry. It is important that we dispose the used masks, gloves properly and help avoid the spread of infections. Some people are picking up the used masks and reusing them which is putting their life in danger.

According to a study 75% of the estimated mask could end up in landfill or the sea. Discarded  single-use  face  masks  used  to  stop the spread of coronavirus could be  causing significant  harm to the  environment.  Most  of  these  masks contain or  are  made  of polypropylene, which does not break down quickly. Marine plastic pollution is a serious problem.

It is estimated that every year, over eight million tons of plastic enter our oceans.  This plastic does not disappear but rather slowly breaks down into micro-plastic, which enters food chains, with devastating effect. As the pandemic is likely to drag on, we should address these plastic pollution issues immediately.

1. It is better to use reusable cloth masks that can be washed, dried and reused.
2. Each person should have their own masks and not share among family members.
3. Decontaminate the used masks, gloves etc, with sanitizer, cut them and dispose them in separate bags and not mix them with household stuff.
4. The disposed masks, gloves could be a potential source for the spread of the deadly contagious virus and should be treated as medical waste. But there is no mechanism for collecting and disposing of these currently.

Mrs. D.A. Kalpaja
Chairperson
Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre

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