Life & Style

The morning meal sets the tone for the rest of the day. Yet, many common breakfast favourites are loaded with butter, sugar, or oil and may silently upset the gut and increase the risk of diseases like diabetes, fatty liver, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Dr Pal Manickam, a US-based gastroenterologist, has been urging people…

For many people, feeding pigeons is seen as an innocent act of kindness or even a peaceful pastime. However, what appears to be harmless may actually hide serious health risks. Recently, cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle raised concerns on X (formerly Twitter). “Doctors have been shouting from the rooftops about the dangers of inhaling pigeon droppings…

The key difference between the effectiveness of both these practices lies mainly in the timescale over which the benefits appear. Cyclic breathing provides rapid and short-term calming effects as it primarily targets the body’s autonomic nervous system, helping to lower heart rate, reduce respiratory rate, and trigger the parasympathetic response. This makes cyclic breathing particularly…

Gut inflammation is a condition where the lining of the gastrointestinal tract becomes irritated or swollen. When the gut becomes inflamed, some essential functions like immune regulation, nutrient absorption and even mental health can be affected through the gut-brain axis. It can be caused due to dietary, lifestyle, microbial and medical factors. The body, however,…

For the first time, scientists have ranked antidepressants by their physical side effects, revealing significant differences in how these drugs affect weight, blood pressure, and heart rate. The large-scale study, led by researchers at King’s College London’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) and the University of Oxford, compared 30 commonly prescribed antidepressants across…

As the festive season approaches, everyone wants to look their best while maintaining healthy, radiant skin. But good skin does not come overnight—it requires consistent care backed by science. According to the International Journal of Research in Dermatology, adding clinically proven ingredients to your skincare routine can make a significant difference in texture, tone, and…

Bubble tea, also known as boba tea, has surged in popularity worldwide due to its unique combination of tea, milk, and chewy tapioca pearls. While it is a tasty treat, there are growing concerns about its potential impact on kidney health. Regularly drinking bubble tea, especially in place of water, can contribute to kidney stone…

Heart attacks and strokes continue to be among the leading causes of death globally, but a simple exercise like push-ups may offer important clues about your heart health. More than just a measure of strength, push-ups serve as an accessible indicator of overall cardiovascular fitness. Dr Sudhir Kumar, a neurologist trained at Christian Medical College…

Persistent changes in your legs may signal more than muscle strain or ageing joints. Research shows that certain leg symptoms can indicate underlying arterial disease, which is strongly linked to heart attack risk. A peer-reviewed study published in Circulation followed over 14,000 patients with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) and found that individuals with leg artery…

Bottle gourd, also known as lauki or calabash, is a nutrient-rich, low-calorie vegetable widely recognised for its benefits in weight management and overall wellness. With over 90% water content, it helps keep the body hydrated while promoting a feeling of fullness, making it an ideal choice for weight loss diets. Rich in dietary fibre, vitamins,…