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The Celiac Society of India, in collaboration with Illness to Wellness, recently hosted an impactful seminar titled “Gut, Microbiome & Millets: The Inflammation Fix", highlighting the pivotal role of gut health in preventing chronic diseases and the benefits of incorporating millet into daily diets.
The event witnessed the participation of various speakers, including Vinod Paul, Member of NITI AAYOG; Meenakshi Lekhi, Former Union Minister; and Chandrakant S. Pandav, Padma Shri awardee and former head of Community Medicine at AIIMS, who stressed the importance of balanced eating and regular consumption of millets for improved gut health. Anil Rajput, Chairperson of the National CSR Council at ASSOCHAM, lauded the initiative, stating, "Gut health is fundamental to overall well-being, and efforts like these seminars are critical in promoting a balanced diet and healthy living."
The seminar addressed the growing epidemic of nutritional deficiencies and chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Speakers highlighted the gut's role, often referred to as the second brain, in housing two-thirds of the immune system and influencing overall health. Chandrakant Pandav, a renowned community medicine expert, discussed the multifaceted nature of wellness and the urgent need to meet global health objectives.
Vinod Kumar Paul from NITI Aayog emphasised the need for behavioural change in tackling the nutrition crisis. He advocated for the shift to nutritious foods like millet and underscored the importance of regular health checkups and proper nutrition for children.
Former Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi called for a millet revolution akin to the green revolution, citing the historical significance of millets in ancient diets. She emphasised India's leading role in millet production and the need to reclaim this nutritious grain to address health issues and promote gut health.
The seminar featured insights from various experts, including Arjun Dang, CEO of Dr. Dangs Lab, who discussed the triple burden of malnutrition and strategies for enhancing maternal and child nutrition. Kapil Yadav of AIIMS New Delhi highlighted the gut's role in addressing anaemia and the impact of lifestyle changes on dietary quality.
Clinical Nutritionist and Author Ishi Khosla discussed the interconnectedness of gut health, gluten, and glucose, advocating for permanent changes in eating habits to improve overall health. Dermatologist Mankul Goyal from AIIMS Delhi concluded by linking gut health to the treatment of lifestyle diseases and skin conditions.
The seminar concluded with a call to action for adopting millets and prioritising gut health to achieve better health outcomes and prevent chronic diseases.
