KARACHI, Dec 1: Research in India has shown that several pulses and herbs commonly consumed in the subcontinent contain high concentrations of certain plant chemicals which are helpful in the treatment of many ailments, particularly in addressing menopause-related health issues. Pakistani and Indian doctors need to collaborate for further research on the subject as well as on other health problems common to both countries.
Dr Behram S. Anklesaria, former president of the Indian Menopause Society (IMS) and Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Societies of India, said this at a seminar organised by the Pakistan Menopause Society at a local hotel here on Saturday.
Stressing the need for medical cooperation, Dr Anklesaria said that western research did not offer solutions to all the health problems specific to any region and there was a dire need for regional collaboration for localised studies, exploring the potential of different resources available in attending to the health issues common here.
“Amongst other things, we share our health problems, too. The people of these countries will greatly benefit if links are developed for sharing medical research and technologies,” he remarked. Giving an example of the importance of indigenous studies, he said that about 20 years ago, Pakistani and Indian doctors used to believe that osteoporosis was a western disease. However, local research proved this notion completely wrong.
About osteoporosis, he said that a large number of women in both countries were suffering from the disease which could easily be prevented and managed by drugs and alternative treatment. One significant progress in recent years was the bone mineral density (BMD) analysis that had made the early identification of susceptible cases possible. Also important was lifestyle modification, which included special exercises, a balanced diet and mind modulation.
“Life expectancy is increasing all over the world. Over a century ago, the average life expectancy in the subcontinent was 27 years. Today it’s 63. It is predicted that by 2025, the number of 65-year-olds in the US will be 70 million. But in Pakistan and India, it will be 210 million,” he said, adding that there was an urgent need to create awareness about the health issues of senior citizens.
Regarding recent research in India, Dr Anklesaria said that commonly consumed pulses and herbs contained high concentrations of certain plant chemicals called isoflavones, which were helpful in the treatment of many diseases. Studies have shown that women with a higher dietary intake of isoflavones had a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease and breast and uterine cancer than women with a lower dietary intake of these substances.The addition to the diet of even a small amount of isoflavone-containing foods may reduce the risk of heart disease through beneficial effects on cholesterol levels and increased arterial compliance.
Studies also showed that Asian women whose diets characteristically contained 40 to 80mg of isoflavones daily had low rates of hot flashes. Isoflavones had also been demonstrated to have lipid-lowering properties. Some sources of isoflavones included chick peas, Bengal gram, black gram, green gram and soya beans, he said.
Herbs for use in menopause were generally dietary herbs including turmeric, ginger, fenugreek, linseed, cumin, fennel, saffron and cinnamon. Soy Isoflavones improve bone health and reduce osteoporosis risk factors.
“International popularity for menopausal therapy regimens containing isoflavones is growing rapidly in view of the numerous health risks involved in hormone therapy, which,” Dr Anklesaria said, “should be used only in acute cases and for a short period.”
Dr Sonia Malik, president of the Indian Menopause Society, Dr Rubina Hussain, president of the Pakistan Menopause Society, Dr Rahat Qureshi, Dr M.A. Qureshi, and Dr Kamran Hameed also spoke.
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