Easiest way to increase immunity

Protect your body from catching a virus like a coronavirus or the flu by loading up with the following immune-boosting foods.

Turmeric:
The curcumin contained in turmeric is well known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant effects. Turmeric also helps in the natural cleansing of the respiratory tract.

Citrus Fruits:
Citrus fruits, a source of vitamin C have a bunch of health benefits, from boosting immunity to fighting cancer. It is recommended to eat citrus fruits during the cold and flu season to strengthen your immune system that includes oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and tangelos.

Ginger:
Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, ginger may also boost your immune system. So, increase your intake of antioxidant-rich foods and beverages such as ginger tea to combat inflammation and keep your immunity strong and healthy.

Garlic:
Garlic contains a compound called allicin that helps immune cells fight germs and reduce the risk of getting colds and flu. However, allicin is unstable and so it converts to other sulfur-containing compounds thought to give garlic its medicinal properties.

Green tea:
It is a rich source of amino acid L-theanine that enhances the immune system by regulating the secretion of immune cytokines. Chamomile green tea is well known to boost the immune system of the body by de-stressing the body and mind.

If you are still, concerned about your immune system, and consult health experts at SMILES

Ways to Heal Stomach Ulcers without Drugs

Stomach ulcers or Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the inside lining of your stomach and the upper portion of your small intestine. The most common symptom of a peptic ulcer is a stomach pain.

If left untreated, peptic or stomach ulcers can be very dangerous which leads to serious conditions that include Perforation that occurs when a hole develops inside the inner lining of the stomach or small intestine.

You may find relief from the pain of a stomach ulcer if you:

1. Choose a healthy diet.
2. Consider foods containing probiotics.
3. Consider eliminating milk.
4. Consider switching pain relievers.
5. Control stress.
6. Don't smoke.
7. Limit or avoid alcohol.
8. Try to get enough sleep.

In rare cases, surgery may be needed to treat a perforated or bleeding peptic ulcer that involves closing a bleeding artery.

However, it is always important that ulcers should be monitored by the best gastroenterologists for appropriate treatment.

How can rectal prolapse be cured naturally?

Prolapse tends to resolve by itself without the need for surgery in many cases.

Rectal prolapse is graded according to its severity, and are categorized as:

Internal prolapse – the rectum has prolapsed, but not so far as to slip through the anus. This is also known as incomplete prolapse.

Mucosal prolapse – the interior lining of the rectum protrudes through the anus.

External prolapse – the entire thickness of the rectum protrudes through the anus. This is also known as complete or full-thickness prolapse.

Treatment depends on many individual factors, such as the age of the person, the severity of the prolapse, and whether or not other pelvic abnormalities are present.

Diet and lifestyle changes – for example, more fruit, vegetables, and wholegrain foods increased fluid intake and regular exercise. This option is often all that’s needed to successfully treat rectal prolapse in young children.

Securing the structures in place with surgical rubber bands – in cases of mucosal prolapse. Not every prolapse patient requires surgery.

Our experienced colon and rectal surgeons in Bangalore offer the most advanced and effective approaches for patients with rectal prolapse. You can also opt for Ayurvedic treatment of prolapsed rectum at SMILES to avoid complications.

How to prevent Coronavirus Symptoms

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS - CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS - CoV).

A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.


World Health Organisation raises global coronavirus virus risk to the maximum level.!!

WHO chief Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the risk was being raised to "very high" because of the continued increase in cases and the number of new countries affected in recent days.

Covid-19 has infected every continent except Antarctica.!!
According to the WHO, more new cases were reported outside China than inside.


Early recognition and immediate isolation can help us to combat Coronavirus.

Those who are poorly immuno compromised like, cancer patients, diabetics, elderly and sick persons are most vulnerable.

Coronavirus Precautions Tips:

1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, & mouth.
3. Stay at home when you are sick.
4. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
5. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Call us for more health tips and information: 8099008800

What are the Types & Complications of Crohn's Disease

Crohn's disease

Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation to the lining of the digestive tract. It can lead to abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, nausea, weight loss, and malnutrition. Inflammation caused by Crohn's disease can affect different areas of the digestive tract in different people.

Anyone can develop Crohn's disease. IBDs, however, is usually diagnosed in young adults between the ages of 15 and 35. Children are twice as likely to be diagnosed with Crohn's as ulcerative colitis.

Most people who develop Crohn's disease are diagnosed before they're around 30 years old. Taking proper care of inflammation can minimize the progressive damage.

The experts of gastroenterology at SMILES outlines five main types of Crohn's disease and their accompanying symptoms.

5 Different Types of Crohn's Disease

1. Ileocolitis

Ileocolitis is one of the most common forms of this disease. This causes inflammation and irritation at the end of the small intestine (ileum) and the large intestine (colon).

2. Ileitis

Ileitis is a type of Crohn's disease that causes inflammation only to the ileum, a portion of the small intestine.

3. Crohn's colitis

Crohn's colitis or granulomatous colitis is a type of Crohn's disease that affects the colon, the main part of the large intestine. People with colitis may experience fistulas, ulcers, and abscess near the anus.

4. Jejunoileitis

Jejunoileitis causes patches of inflammation in the jejunum, the upper part of the small intestine. This form of Crohn's disease is more commonly diagnosed in children than adults.

5. Gastroduodenal Crohn's disease

Gastroduodenal Crohn's disease affects the stomach, esophagus, and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). Around 5% of people with Crohn's disease have Gastroduodenal Crohn's disease.

Crohn's Disease Complications Requiring Surgery

1. Intestinal obstruction or blockage

Chronic inflammation in the intestines can cause the walls of your digestive organs to thicken or form scar tissue. This can narrow a section of intestine, called a stricture, which may lead to an intestinal blockage.

2. Excessive bleeding in the intestine

This is a rare complication of Crohn's disease. Surgery is performed only if the bleeding cannot be controlled with other treatments

3. Perforation of the bowel

Chronic inflammation may weaken the wall of the intestine and cause a hole called a perforation. This can also happen if a portion of the bowel expands and weakens near a stricture.

4. Fistula

Inflammation can cause sores, or ulcers, to form in the inside wall of the intestines or other organs. Sometimes, these ulcers can extend through the entire thickness of the bowel wall and form a connection or tunnel, called a fistula .

5. Abscess

An abscess, or a collection of pus, can develop in the abdomen, pelvis, or around the anal area.

6. Colorectal cancer

Patients with Crohn and ulcerative colitis have a higher risk for colorectal cancer (CRC) than the general population, so elective surgery may be recommended to eliminate that risk.

Noticed the symptoms of Crohn's disease? Consult our best gastroenterologist in Bangalore immediately to get treatment for your Crohn's disease.

Remember, Crohn is not an illness that goes away in a single day or overnight. But, by taking proper care of inflammation you can minimize the progressive damage that can accumulate over a lifetime.

For more information, call us: 8099008800

How to prevent Recurrence of Perianal Abscess

Perianal Abscess

A perianal abscess, a type of anorectal abscess is a collection of pus in the tissue around the anus & rectum. A blocked anal gland, sexually transmitted infections(STI), and infected anal fissures can cause an anal abscess.

Unfortunately, despite proper treatment and complete healing anal abscess can come back. If an abscess comes back it needs immediate medical attention. Moreover, a recurrent perianal abscess can lead to anal fistula, sepsis or septicemia, and fecal incontinence.

Tips to Avoid Recurrence of Perianal Abscess

Avoid Constipation

Constipation and straining during bowel movements can aggravate abscess surrounded the perianal area. So, avoid eating fried foods, processed grains and dairy products that cause indigestion and constipation.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water can help flush out the toxins from the body and also prevent fistula formation. So, aim for eight glasses daily that helps in hydration and softer bowel movements.

Sitz Bath

A sitz bath is soaking the anal area in a tub of warm water for 15-20 minutes several times a day. This helps clean the anal area, improve blood flow, relieve discomfort and promote healing of anorectal abscess and fistula in ano.

Use Stool Softeners or Laxatives

Laxatives are the medications that stimulate your bowel movements or loose up stools. They are used to treat passing hard and dry stools and prevent constipation caused by painful bowel movements.

Sleep well

Digestive health experts explain that sleep quality and digestive disorders such as bloating, constipation, and diarrhea are connected.

Any untreated abscess continues to expand that eventually becomes a chronic systemic infection. Consult SMILES and prevent an abscess from getting worse.

Book an appointment today: 8099008800

Natural Ways to treat Hemorrhoids

In many cases, piles or hemorrhoids can be treated easily and naturally at home.

Following are some home remedies for piles that will help you ease out your symptoms:

Coconut Oil: Apply coconut oil to the piles (hemorrhoids). It can relieve pain and help piles to heal in a few days. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help with the itching.

Aloe vera: Apply fresh aloe vera to the inflamed area for the relief. Be sure to use a pure aloe vera, without fragrances and chemicals added.

Wet Wipe: Use natural baby wipes instead of using dry toilet paper to avoid irritation.

Sleeping position: Sleep on your left side. Sleeping on the left sides eases the pressure on the abdomen and get relief from the pain of piles.

Use loose-fitting cotton clothes: Use cotton clothes for easy breathing of the area and pain relief from piles.

Avoid sitting for a longer time: Sitting puts pressure on the veins in the rectum and anus. Take frequent breaks or sit on a ring cushion which is also called a hemorrhoid pillow.

Warm water bath: Bath with warm water for 10 minutes or soak the affected area in a tub with warm water.

It is always recommended to visit a qualified colo-proctologist to assess your condition and recommend the necessary treatment.

Nonsurgical treatment for a lumbar hernia

Lumbar Hernia

The abdominal wall protects the abdominal cavity, where the organs such as the stomach, kidneys and small intestine are located. A Flank hernia, also known as a lumbar hernia occurs due to the defects in the postero-lateral abdominal wall that allows the tissues inside the abdomen to protrude.

Initial treatment for the herniated lumbar disk is usually a nonsurgical treatment that focuses on pain relief.

This treatment procedure includes:

Rest: One to 2 days of bed rest will help relieve back pain. Avoid sitting for long periods make all your physical activity slow and controlled, especially lifting and bending forward.

Physical therapy: Specific stretching exercises and massage will help strengthen your lower back and abdominal muscles.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications(NSAIDs): Medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen helps relieve pain caused by herniated lumbar disc.

Epidural steroid injection: An injection of a drug (like cortisone) into the around the nerve provides pain relief by reducing inflammation.

If you notice symptoms getting worse even after the above methods, consult the hernia treatment specialists at SMILES who are capable of treating hernias in a pain-free manner.

Ways to identify the early symptoms of cancer in the rectum

Rectal cancer often does not have symptoms in the early stages. When it does have symptoms, they vary from person to person. Most rectal cancers begin as polyps, small non-cancerous growths on the rectum wall that can grow larger and become cancer.

Rectal cancer symptoms may include:

• Rectal bleeding
• Blood in the stool or toilet after a bowel movement
• Diarrhea or constipation that does not go away
• A change in size or shape of your stool
• Discomfort or urge to have a bowel movement when there is no need
• Abdominal pain or cramping pain in your lower stomach
• Bloating or full feeling
• Change in appetite
• Weight loss without dieting
• Fatigue

If you notice one or more of these signs for more than two weeks, consult the best colon and rectal surgeons and avoid further complications.

P.S: Diet that helps cleanse the colon naturally:

There are lots of foods that help colon cleanse naturally through diet. Some of them include:

• Try eating plenty of foods high in water content (fruits and vegetables like watermelons, tomatoes, lettuce, and celery)
• Broccoli
• Dark, leafy greens
• Milk
• Raspberries
• Oatmeal.

If you are still considering your colon health, consult our qualified colorectal doctors and improve your colon health.

Ways to prevent IBS - Constipation - SMILES Bangalore

IBS Constipation (IBS-C) is a type of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in which abdominal discomfort or bloating happens with constipation. Generally, constipation is when stools don't pass often enough (less than three times per week). Having hard stools that are difficult to pass or the feeling of an incomplete bowel movement are the symptoms of constipation.

Treatment of IBS - C focuses on relieving symptoms, so that you can live as normally as possible.

Mild signs and symptoms can often be controlled by managing stress and by making changes in your diet and lifestyle. Try to:

· Avoid foods that trigger your symptoms

Fiber helps reduce constipation but also can worsen gas and cramping. Try slowly increasing the amount of fiber in your diet over a period of weeks with foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and beans.

· Eat high-fiber foods

Eliminate foods that trigger your symptoms

· Drink plenty of fluids

Don't skip meals, and try to eat at about the same time each day to help regulate bowel function. If you're constipated, eating larger amounts of high-fiber foods may help move food through your intestines.

· Exercise regularly

Exercise helps relieve depression and stress, stimulates normal contractions of your intestines, and can help you feel better about yourself.

· Get enough sleep

Sleep difficulties are common in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as well as other gastrointestinal disorders. Have a period of time of relaxation before going to bed. Keep a specific wake up time even if you did not sleep well during the night

Do not ignore if you are not able to control IBS-C symptoms by the above methods. Consult our experienced Colorectal specialists in Bangalore to take care of IBS of any kind, in a pain-free, patient-friendly and in a controlled manner.

Book an appointment today: 8099008800

How to prevent anal fissures reccurrence after surgery?

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An anal fissure is a tear or small crack in the lining of the anus. Medical conditions such as constipation, diarrhea, the passing of hard stools, and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are some of the causes of anal fissure, which leads to severe pain and bleeding during and after bowel movements.

Here is a list of some foods that you must avoid to prevent recurrent anal fissures

• Avoid red chilies and spicy foods because they aggravate the pain and burning sensation while passing stools and worsens anal fissure symptoms.

• Mixed pulses, which contain grain such as urad dal, rajma dal, and even Sabu dal are bad for fissures because they cause infections and increase the pain.

• Avoid dairy products such as cheese and ice cream as they hard to digest and cause digestive disorders.

• Avoid raw mangoes, garlic, and meat because they can increase body temperature and put you at risk of inflammation.

• Limit caffeine, aerated drinks, and alcohol which can cause constipation.

• Avoid junk foods that contain a large number of calories from sugar or with little fiber, protein, and minerals. Junk foods can break down your digestive system and cause digestive disorders.

If the above methods do not work for you, Consult Dr. Parameshwara C M, who is one of the best coloproctologists in Bangalore and highly experienced in treating recurrent anal fissures with minimal discomfort.