Razvin Namdarian

Over the years, Parsi Times has received innumerable mails from readers commending as well as expressing gratitude for our enriching content, in terms of both – news and informative articles on religion, health, culture, history, et al, by our panel of expert writers, which has furthered our readers’ knowledge and wellbeing. We are delighted to share an inspiring account of our reader, Kainaz Ukaji’s successful weight-loss and ‘gut-reset’ journey, as mentored professionally by our columnist – Dr. Trishala Chopra, who was approached by Kainaz after reading her Wellness columns in Parsi Times.

Kainaz Viraf Ukaji had struggled with excess weight since childhood. Hereditary traits and low metabolism meant that by her 20^th birthday she tipped the scales at 121 kgs. She’d constantly strive to lose weight. In 2009, after garnering information from various sources about diet plans and joining a gym, she was able to lose some weight but ended up regaining it all within a year. In 2022, at age 35, her weight hit 120 kgs again. Surely, a lot of readers who struggle with obesity, can resonate with Kainaz’s trysts with weight loss.

But today, Kainaz is proud to have not just lost an amazing 40 kgs, but has also been able to keep it off, thanks to Health Coach and Parsi Times columnist – the dynamic Dr. Trishala Chopra, who commands over a decade of success in the effective management of Diabetes, Obesity, PCOD/PCOS, Metabolic Disorders, Gut-health and Sleep-disorders. Shares Kainaz, “I’ve been dealing with weight issues all my life and this led to the development of gut-related ailments. I’d often read Dr. Trishala’s columns in Parsi Times and I decided to turn to her for help. Right from the very first consultation call, I’ve felt very comfortable with her. She provided excellent scientific advice, medical guidance and also was a constant source of motivation.”

Specializing in hormone therapy, diabetes reversal, gut health management and sports nutrition, Dr. Trishala’s holistic healing approach has resulted in remedying issues like insulin resistance, thyroid, PCOS, etc. for numerous patients. Her aim is to empower the body’s potential to heal itself through a balanced ‘Gut-Mind-Body’ approach to achieve one’s wellness goals. “Every aspect of your lifestyle affects your health, and nutrition is a major part of it. Each patient’s ailment needs to be customized across multiple fronts – nutrition, physical condition, science, psychology, physiology, and so on. Only then can we attain long-term success.”

For Kainaz, Dr. Trishala felt that what needed to be done as a first step was ‘gut reset’, which entailed being on an ‘Elimination Diet’ for 16 days, with select but ample foods and ingredients allowed. This was supplemented with prebiotics and probiotics. Gradually, other foods were reintroduced within a month. Intermittent Fasting was then introduced, giving Kainaz enough time to adjust and feel comfortable with the schedule.

Kainaz says, “It really wasn’t that difficult to follow the elimination diet. Dr Trishala also recommended recipes and I had the full support of my family, with my husband also tasting my special food items.” Today, Kainaz is able to enjoy all her favourite meals, and thanks to the habit set with the schedule, she also practices restraint to avoid bingeing on the ‘lagan-nu-patru’ during our wedding season.” The best being, in her words, “even though I’m not regular with exercise etc., I’ve been able to keep my weight constant and am not putting on weight.”

Dr. Trishala ensures that the suggested treatment is easy to incorporate in one’s everyday life and the goal for every patient is their own independence. “I have a craving for very spicy food, and sometimes when I overdo the spice, my gut acts up. But thanks to Dr Trishala, I’m able to do a ‘gut reset’ independently now. I rarely need to reach out for treatments now!”

Of course, all of this takes time and commitment. Dr. Trishala says, “Most patients looking for long-term remedies for chronic ailments need 3 – 6 months of hand-holding. Even with Kainaz, a thorough study was done in terms of her medical reports as well as psychological/emotional practices. Kainaz had much anxiety and deep-rooted fears, which took a toll on her gut, and as a holistic healer, I was able to help her work through that as well.”

Dr. Trishala does not believe in or cater to those seeking ‘quick-fixes’. Fad diets are unsustainable and a strict no-no! She invests time and energy to develop a connect with patients and stands steadfast through their journey, constantly guiding and motivating them. “The process may not be as fast as you would like, but remember that the weight was put on over months and years, so expecting to lose it all within weeks is neither healthy nor sustainable,” she adds. Dr. Trishala’s holistic methods involve a thorough medical check-up and working within the framework of the patient’s lifestyle and habits, so as to avoid any stress and help them incorporate the treatment in a sustainable manner.

Parsi Times congratulates Kainaz Ukaji on her inspiring, successful health journey and many thanks to Dr. Trishala Chopra for making a difference in the lives of readers with her wellness insights and guidance.