Samantha Prabhu shows why it is necessary to take a toxin test: ‘The results…Honestly shocking'
Samantha Ruth Prabhu recently took to social media to share her experience of getting a toxin test done. 'You all know I live and breathe health…. I've been eating clean, working out, and being mindful of what goes on my skin. But recently, after my Take 20 episode on toxins, I decided to get a toxin test done myself,' she mentioned in the caption of her Instagram post, adding:
'The results? Honestly shocking.
* My toxin levels were way higher than I expected
* Especially mold toxins (like aflatoxins)
* Plus some heavy metals'
For someone who takes wellness seriously, Prabhu admitted that it was humbling to see that no one is immune. 'This isn't to scare you. It's a reminder that sometimes, even when we try our best, hidden exposures can creep in,' she said.
The Family Man actor detailed that her next steps include working with her doctor on a safe and structured detox, tracking her progress, and retesting to check the effectiveness of the protocols.
Indianexpress.com turned to Dr BA Chaurasia, Consultant, Internal Medicine, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, to learn more about a toxin test and when you should get it done.
'A toxin test is a medical assessment that measures the levels of harmful substances in your body. These may include heavy metals (like lead, mercury, and arsenic), pesticides, chemicals from plastics, and even byproducts of poor digestion or metabolism,' said Dr Chaurasia, adding that it usually involves a blood, urine, or hair sample to identify toxin build-up and evaluate the efficiency of your body's detoxification process.
While routine health check-ups are essential, Dr Chaurasia said that a toxin test becomes particularly important if you:
Doctors may also recommend toxin testing if you are planning a pregnancy, as toxins can affect fertility and healthy development in babies.
Toxins affect everyone, regardless of gender, but the impact may differ.
For Women: Toxins can disrupt hormonal balance, leading to menstrual irregularities, fertility issues, or complications during pregnancy. They may also contribute to conditions like PCOS and thyroid dysfunction.
For Men: Toxin exposure can reduce testosterone levels, affect sperm quality, and contribute to reduced stamina, muscle strength, and metabolic health.
Since both men and women are equally vulnerable to environmental and lifestyle toxins, testing ensures early detection and personalised detox strategies to prevent long-term health complications.
A toxin test isn't just for those already unwell, it's a proactive step in preventive healthcare. By identifying hidden toxin overload, it empowers individuals to make dietary, lifestyle, and medical changes that improve energy, fertility, immunity, and overall well-being. With increasing exposure to pollutants in daily life, toxin testing is becoming a vital health check for men and women alike.
Learn more about these regular, everyday toxins that are putting your life at risk.
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Daily subject-wise quiz : Science and Technology MCQs on primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, Microalgae and more (Week 124)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on Science and Technology to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for July 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at With reference to the primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), consider the following statements: 1. It is caused by a different category of amoeba, which is found in dust and soil. 2. There are no effective treatments for the disease yet. 3. It is a liver infection. 4. It is a communicable disease. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Explanation — Three cases of the rare primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) have been reported in Kerala in recent days, leading to the death of a nine-year-old and infecting a three-month-old baby. PAM is a rare brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, also called 'brain-eating amoeba'. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. — The first case of PAM in India was reported in 1971, and the first case in Kerala was reported in 2016. From 2016 to 2023, the state had only eight cases. Last year, Kerala had 36 cases and nine deaths. PAM is caused by a different category of amoeba, which is found in dust and soil. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — Naegleria fowleri, a free-living amoeba or single-celled living organism, is the cause of PAM. It is found worldwide in warm, fresh soil and water, and it infects humans when it enters the body through the nose. It grows well at temperatures as high as 115°F (46°C), and it can endure brief exposure to warm temperatures. — Warm freshwater environments including lakes and rivers, swimming pools, splash pads, surf parks, and other recreational areas with little or no chlorination are home to amoeba. — As previously said, experts are still unable to find any viable remedies for the illness. Doctors currently treat it using a mix of medications, such as dexamethasone, amphotericin B, azithromycin, fluconazole, rifampin, and miltefosine. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — People cannot get infected with Naegleria fowleri from drinking water contaminated with the amoeba. PAM is also non-communicable. Hence, statement 4 is not correct. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. Consider the following statements: Statement 1: Microalgae can be successfully used to treat industrial wastewater. Statement 2: As the microorganisms feed, they expand and reproduce, offering a wealth of algae-based biomass for the production of bioenergy, high-value bio-based chemicals, and speciality items. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is the correct explanation for Statement 1. (b) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is not the correct explanation for Statement 1. (c) Statement 1 is correct but Statement 2 is incorrect. (d) Statement 1 is incorrect but Statement 2 is correct. Explanation — Microalgae are primarily found in freshwater and marine ecosystems. — Microalgae can be successfully used to treat industrial wastewater. According to the researchers, as the microorganisms feed, they expand and reproduce, offering a wealth of algae-based biomass for the production of bioenergy, high-value bio-based chemicals, and speciality items. They can remove a variety of pollutants, including nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), heavy metals, and other toxins, all while producing important biomass. This methodology provides a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional wastewater treatment technologies. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct. Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are correct and Statement 2 is the correct explanation for Statement 1. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. With reference to the Orbiting Carbon Observatories (OCOs), consider the following statements: 1. OCOs are a series of dedicated Earth remote sensing satellites that were designed specifically to observe atmospheric CO2 from space to understand the characteristics of climate change. 2. The satellite not only measures atmospheric CO2, it can also locate its sources and sinks. 3. 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The extra weight of the fairing prevented the satellite from reaching its orbit. — In July 2014, OCO-2, a replacement satellite, was launched. It was constructed with the original OCO goal of minimising the effects on time, cost, and performance in mind. — The satellite can identify the sources and sinks of atmospheric CO2 in addition to measuring it. The mission also measures the 'glow' that plants produce during photosynthesis to follow crops and crop-growing seasons. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — To further improve the measurement of atmospheric CO2, a third mission, OCO-3, was sent to the ISS in 2019. After OCO-2 was assembled, the surplus parts were used to build OCO-3. — However, data from OCO-2 revealed the significant role that boreal forests – also known as taiga, the coniferous forests in the higher latitudes of the northern hemisphere – play in the absorption of CO2. Hence, statement 3 is correct. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. The 'vitrification process' is related to: (a) Management of radioactive wastes (b) Conversion of biomass into biofuel (c) Preservation of biological tissues at low temperature (d) Extraction of metals from ores Explanation — Radioactive waste is produced at many stages of the nuclear fuel cycle, as well as the manufacture and use of radionuclides for a variety of societal uses. The various types of radioactive waste are generated by activities such as mining and processing uranium ore, manufacturing nuclear fuel, generating power in nuclear reactors, processing spent nuclear fuel, managing radioactive waste, producing and using radionuclides for various industrial and medical applications, conducting research with radioactive materials, and so on. — India is one of the few countries to have mastered the technology of vitrification. BARC has developed the technology for vitrifying HLW over the years. 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(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Explanation — A standard electric train braking system employs dynamic braking, in which the train's kinetic energy is released as waste, primarily in the form of heat. When regenerative braking is used, the current in the electric motors is reversed, which slows the train. At the same time, the electro motors generate electricity, which is then returned to the power distribution system. Hence, statement 1 is correct. — The Regenerative Braking System is more efficient than a loco haul train. Regenerative braking systems reuse kinetic energy. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — This generated electricity can be utilised to power additional trains in the network or to offset power demands from other loads, such as station lighting. — The Vande Bharat Express provides several superior amenities that will provide passengers an aircraft-like travel experience. 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