All that gas

I am 42 years old, and have abdominal discomfort and gas every day. Gas comes out noisily, at both ends, and I pass motion at least four times a day. Various tests, including endoscopy, were done but the results were all normal.

One out of three Indians is deficient in a digestive enzyme called lactase. This splits the sugar in milk (lactose) and digests it. If this process is faulty, fermentation, bloating, gas formation, abdominal distention and pain occur.

Try stopping milk and milk products and see if there is any improvement.

Also, avoid fruit juices and cola drinks.

Trigger finger

My fingers get stuck in the bent position. I have to release them forcibly.

This is called “trigger” finger and is commoner in women and diabetics. Sometimes, the finger may “lock” in the bent position. Try dipping both hands into warm salted water and then holding rubber balls in both hands and pressing them. This exercise needs to be done regularly.

Cold feet

My feet feel cold, and the skin is dry. The doctor says it is because blood supply to the legs is poor.

Blood supply to the legs can be compromised if you have high blood pressure, elevated lipids, diabetes or if you smoke. These are all treatable and correctable factors. If you spend long hours at your desk, do some of your work standing up. Also do aerobic exercise such as walking, jogging or cycling to keep the blood vessels pumping.

Memory and stress

I have a lot of stress at work. It makes me feel confused and foggy, and I forget things.

Studies in both animals and humans have shown that long-term stress affects the brain. It interferes with cognition, attention and fact retention. It is common to feel disorganised and forgetful when you’re under a lot of stress. Obsessing over problems seldom provides a solution. Try yoga, deep breathing and regular meditation to reduce your stress levels. If that does not work, you could consult a psychiatrist or counsellor.

Age is a number

I am 77 years old and never miss my daily 40-minute morning walk. Yet, I find that I cannot lift things around the house as I used to. My balance is also not very good.

As age advances, muscles become gradually replaced by fat and fibrous tissue. This starts as early as 40 years. Despite your regular physical activity and housework, unused muscles (responsible for lifting and balance) gradually atrophy.

You need to practise balance exercises with yoga. Arm and leg muscles as well as your core can be strengthened with dumbells and plank exercises.

Fungal infection

I stay in a hostel, and we share bathrooms. I developed a fungal infection on my foot, which took six months to clear up. I am scared that I may have a recurrence.

Fungi thrive in damp, moist areas. Bathroom floors are notorious for harbouring fungus. To prevent recurrences, wear “Hawaii chappals” to the bathroom, dry your feet after taking a bath, use cotton socks (not nylon ones) and don’t repeat your footwear. Give shoes a day to air out before you wear them again.