logo
Ambika Singh

Ambika Singh

Scroll.in01-07-2025
Stories written by
This book by a university clinic therapist explores causes of 'suicidality' among young Indians
An excerpt from 'Interruptions in Identity: Engaging with Suicidality among the Indian Youth', by Ambika Singh.
Ambika Singh
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Are your kidneys stressed? Nephrologist shares 7 red flags to never overlook
Are your kidneys stressed? Nephrologist shares 7 red flags to never overlook

Hindustan Times

time4 hours ago

  • Hindustan Times

Are your kidneys stressed? Nephrologist shares 7 red flags to never overlook

Kidneys are life-sustaining organs of the body, primarily responsible for cleaning waste, regulating fluids, and controlling essential minerals in your body. However, when the kidneys are stressed, early warning signs are often overlooked. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Mohit Khirbat, consultant, nephrology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram said, 'Early detection of these signs can prevent long-term damage and keep your kidneys in overall good condition.' Also read | Think you are safe from kidney stones? Doctor says these foods could be your enemy Know the early symptoms of kidneys being stressed.(Shutterstock) Dr Mohit Khirbat further shared 7 early symptoms of kidneys being stressed. 1. Changes in urination habits If you find that you urinate more or less than normal, have foamy urine, or have trouble urinating, it may indicate kidney problems. You should have persistent changes checked by a physician to eliminate underlying issues. 2. Ongoing fatigue and weakness Kidneys contribute to the production of a hormone that aids in red blood cell production. When there is kidney dysfunction, low levels of red blood cells can result in anemia, resulting in ongoing fatigue and lack of energy. 3. Ankles, feet, or hands swelling Kidney stress may cause fluid buildup, which tends to result in swelling of the extremities. This is a consequence of the kidneys' diminished capacity to equalize fluid and salt in the body. Also read | Doctor says these 8 symptoms could mean your kidneys are failing: Are you at risk of kidney disease? Kidney stress can lead to puffiness around the eyes.(Freepik) 4. Puffiness around the eyes Protein loss in urine is an indication of damage to the kidneys. If you experience recurring puffiness around your eyes, it is a sign of protein loss, which needs to be tested by a doctor. 5. Shortness of breath If fluid accumulates in the lungs or anemia is caused by the stress on the kidneys, you may find it hard to breathe even at rest. 6. Itching or dry skin that does not go away Healthy kidneys filter waste out of the blood and regulate mineral levels. When they are not functioning well, waste products can lead to dryness, itching, and irritation of the skin. 7. Unusual back pain Back or side pain, particularly if it's recurring, may be associated with kidney infection, stones, or other conditions that put additional strain on the kidneys. Also read | Urologist shares why young Indians are getting kidney diseases without realising it 'Your kidneys quietly but incessantly function to keep you in good health. If you experience any of these, it is critical that you get a nephrologist as soon as possible. Intervention can prevent complications and protect kidney function,' the nephrologist added. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

Are weightloss drugs for me? 5 things to consider
Are weightloss drugs for me? 5 things to consider

India Today

time5 hours ago

  • India Today

Are weightloss drugs for me? 5 things to consider

By now we all know how revolutionary GLP-1 drugs are, what they do and how they help is now not an unknown secret. BUT what's perhaps most important and where all the debate is on WHO it is for?Can it work for you? How will it impact your body cells? And critically. Are you really that fat, that you need weight-loss drugs?advertisementI have often asked myself these questions, so after speaking with some of India's finest doctors this is what I found you are welcome:ARE YOU CLINICALLY OBESE? AND HOW TO CALCULATE THAT?BMI cannot define if you are fat Do not jump in to calculate Body Mass Index, its definition is being challenged and questioned as the sole parameter of obesity. Someone (especially Indians) with high BMI may have a lot of bone and muscle mass. Someone with moderately high or even normal-range BMI may have body fat percentage. Meaning BMI does not conclusively define fatty body. So what does?Waisttohip ratio: A better measure for indiansOne good way to determine fatness, especially in the Indian context is: To calculate the waist-to-hip ratio, first measure the waist circumference, the position is right above the belly button, then measure hip circumference, done at the widest part around the hip. Now divide the waist with hip to get your waist-to-hip Asian Men >0.9South Asian Women >0.8Body fat percentage: The clinical standardThis is the most clinical way to determine fatness. The Endocrine Society Of India has suggested 25% for men and 30% for women, catch is it's difficult to ascertain without professional are several methods to calculate body fat percentage:DEXA Scan: Most accurate clinical low-level X-rays to differentiate bone, muscle, and done in medical or research Test: This involves pinching skin at various locations to measure fat thickness using requires Skinfold calipers and experience for consistency and 'skinny fat' phenomenonA person with a BMI of 26 may not appear overweight but could have body fat at high as 38%, concentrated around the belly. BMI works on the assumption that all fat is the same. Yet the fat around the arms and thighs is not as harmful. Many Indian tend to be 'skinny fat' having thin arms and legs but a big fat: The hidden riskRoughly speaking, 90% of the fat in a person is what can be seen outwardly. This fat is subcutaneous under the skin. The remaining 10% is inside the abdomen, called visceral fat, as it surrounds the internal(visceral) organs such as the liver and kidney. It's the fat you cannot pinch. It is the visceral fat that doctors need to target in the clinic. Visceral(central) fat produces toxins, the bad hormones that increase insulin resistance and suppress insulin You may not have a high BMI and not look overweight, but have high levels of fat around organs are extremely unfit and if such a person gets diabetes, could benefit greatly from GLP-1 if I can afford it, should I?RememberIndia just entered the big-league weight-loss drug market:Mounjaro launched in March (Rs 3,500–Rs 4,375 per vial)Wegovy followed in June as pre-filled pens, monthly Rs 17,345–Rs 26,015The demand is real—drug sales have surged, and generics are already on the horizonBUT GLP1 drugs are not cosmetic solutions; they are evidence-based medical tools designed to tackle chronic metabolic conditions such as obesity and diabetes, particularly when diet and exercise by themselves fall are general guidelines, but before starting any GLP1 medication:Consult an endocrinologist or obesity specialistDetermine your type and amount of body fat, not just weight or BMIDiscuss your lifestyle, dietary habits, and metabolic history- EndsMust Watch

Worst breakfast foods for hormonal health: Health coach shares foods you should skip
Worst breakfast foods for hormonal health: Health coach shares foods you should skip

Time of India

time5 hours ago

  • Time of India

Worst breakfast foods for hormonal health: Health coach shares foods you should skip

That morning cup of chai paired with poha or buttered toast may feel comforting, but have you ever stopped to think about what it's really doing to your body? According to health coach Mankirat Kaur, most Indians don't pay enough attention to starting their day with the right kind of breakfast. Instead of giving your body a balanced mix of protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats, we often reach for the quick, familiar choices, white bread, packaged juices, or deep-fried snacks. They might fill you up for the moment, but in the long run, these options can wreak havoc on your hormonal health, leading to energy crashes, poor metabolism, and unnecessary weight gain. In a recent Instagram post, Mankirat Kaur broke down some of the worst breakfast foods that may be doing more harm than good. More importantly, she suggested simple, nutrient-rich swaps that can stabilise blood sugar and keep hormones in balance without giving up on taste. Breakfast foods to avoid for hormonal health White bread A classic in many Indian households, white bread is made from refined flour that lacks fibre and essential nutrients. It spikes blood sugar quickly, giving a burst of energy that crashes soon after. Instead, Mankirat suggests opting for whole-grain or multigrain bread to keep your energy steady. Sugary cereals Though they look colourful and convenient, most boxed cereals are loaded with refined sugar and artificial flavours. These not only disrupt hormones like insulin but also leave you craving more sugar throughout the day. A healthier swap is oats or homemade granola with nuts and seeds. Packaged fruit juices Marketed as healthy, these juices often contain hidden sugars and very little actual fruit fibre. They cause rapid spikes in blood sugar and can increase the risk of insulin resistance. Fresh fruits or smoothies with yoghurt are far better choices. Deep-fried breakfast items Parathas dripping in oil, puris, and pakoras might taste heavenly, but they overload the body with unhealthy fats and calories. Regular consumption can affect hormonal balance, digestion, and metabolism. The coach advises lighter options like upma, idli, or dosa made with minimal oil. Poha and butter toast Yes, even the humble poha and plain butter toast made it to the list. While they're popular, they lack sufficient protein and good fats, making them nutritionally poor choices. Pairing poha with sprouts, or replacing butter toast with avocado or nut butter toast, can turn them into healthier alternatives. Breakfast isn't just the first meal of the day, it's the meal that sets the rhythm for your hormonal health, energy, and mood. As the health coach highlighted in her Instagram post, sugary cereals, white bread, packaged juices, and deep-fried options can throw your hormones off balance right from the start. On the other hand, choosing nutrient-dense swaps like oats, whole grains, proteins, nuts, and fresh fruits can help stabilise blood sugar and support long-term hormonal balance. The key is simple: a mindful breakfast can be the most powerful step you take for better health every single day. Also read| 8 reasons seasonal foods are the healthiest choice for your body

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store