Kim Kardashian blasted for promoting controversial stem cell treatment after admitting injury caused ‘debilitating pain'
Also read: What's next for Kelly Clarkson's talk show following ex-husband Brandon Blackstock's death
'I'm so excited to share my stem cell journey,' the 44-year-old wrote on Instagram on Friday. Kim explained how Eterna Health's team treated her shoulder with Dezawa Muse cells™️, and the results were immediate. 'I regained full range of motion, and my shoulder has felt completely normal ever since,' she said. Posting a photo with her doctor, she added, 'Encouraged by this success, I recently returned to Dr. Khan to treat chronic back pain I've battled for years. The Muse stem cell treatment was a game-changer once again.' She recalled, 'I felt relief instantly, and the unbearable pain was finally gone. If you're dealing with back pain, I can't recommend this enough, it's transformed my life when I thought my body was breaking down.' Kim also thanked the doctor and his team for giving her hope when she thought she had none left.
A post shared by Kim Kardashian (@kimkardashian)
But here's the problem, this treatment isn't available in the U.S., so Kim had to fly to Mexico. And the process is not cheap. Global Stem Cell Therapy says the shoulder procedure alone can run between $4,000 and $15,000. On top of that, it's a controversial option in the U.S. due to ethical and political concerns tied to the use of embryonic stem cells. That said, not all stem cell treatments involve embryonic cells. According to DVC Stem, there are less controversial sources, like stem cells from the umbilical cord, breast milk, or bone marrow, though these aren't pluripotent.
Also read: Elon Musk's AI accused of making explicit videos of Taylor Swift, Sydney Sweeney without being prompted after enabling NSFW 'Spicy Mode'
Kim's post didn't sit well with many of her followers, who felt she was promoting something beyond their reach and means. Followers flooded her comments with lines like, 'Hey Kim, we're poor,' and 'We're not all billionaires, unfortunately.' One even joked, 'She tells the story like we all can relate… oh, I'll just fly to Mexico to have some special procedure done by some special doctor.'
Kim did note in her post that stem cell therapy isn't right or accessible for everyone, and asked people to 'do your homework' and talk to medical pros. She ended by saying she hopes science keeps advancing so more people can benefit. Meanwhile, Kim returned to the gym just weeks after tearing her shoulder and a tendon in August 2023 and training alongside her trainer Melissa Alcantara. Her intense workout habits have been called out before, like in 2022 when she dropped 16 pounds in three weeks to squeeze into Marilyn Monroe's dress for the Met Gala.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
8 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Are you a frequent matcha drinker? Know how it affects gut, heart and fertility
Matcha has become a darling in wellness circles, seamlessly going hand in hand with the clean girl aesthetic, Pilates, and mindful morning routines. The influence of aesthetic Instagram grids and feeds is subconsciously making people gravitate toward swapping their regular tea and coffee for matcha. But before you jump on the trend train, let's take a closer look at the health benefits across major functions, from gut and heart to fertility. HT Lifestyle reached out to experts to decode whether it's really worth the hype or offers real-world benefits. Drink matcha in moderation.(Shutterstock) 1. Is matcha good for your gut? Matcha is prepared by whisking powdered matcha with hot water.(Shutterstock) Dr Purushottam Vashistha, Sr Consultant of Gastroenterology at Apollo, explained that matcha, being a concentrated form of green tea, can influence gut health in multiple ways. It helps improve the gut barrier, bacteria and lower inflammation. 'Matcha tea, a concentrated form of green tea, contains high levels of catechins—particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)—which have been shown to exert anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidative effects within the gastrointestinal tract. These bioactive compounds may contribute to improved gut barrier integrity, modulation of gut-associated immune responses, and favourable shifts in the composition of the gut microbiota, promoting the growth of commensal species such as Bifidobacteria and Akkermansia muciniphila,' Dr Vashistha explained, highlighting the value of matcha in lowering risks of gut inflammation. Further, matcha is also rich in polyphenols, which, Dr Vashistha noted, 'may aid in mitigating dysbiosis and systemic endotoxemia, both of which are linked to inflammatory gut disorders'. These are the two key factors connected to inflammatory gut disorders. But these benefits don't grant an all-access ticket to unlimited matcha consumption as Dr Vashistha cautioned, 'Due to its caffeine and tannin content, excessive or improperly timed consumption, such as on an empty stomach — can lead to increased gastric acid secretion, mucosal irritation, or exacerbation of symptoms in patients with underlying acid-peptic conditions.' Drinking matcha on an empty stomach is not advisable. He recommended consuming it in moderation. ALSO READ: Gastroenterologist shares which foods to eat and avoid for good liver health: 'Coffee but limited dose' 2. Is matcha good for your heart? Matcha has anti-inflammatory proprties which reduce the risks of cardiovascular diseases. (Shutterstock) Now, let's turn to one of the body's most vital organs, the heart, and how matcha can impact it. Dr Purvez Grant, chief cardiologist,chairman and managing trustee at Ruby Hall Clinic, revealed matcha's potential benefits, including its ability to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol. He confirmed with a caveat, 'Yes, matcha can support heart health, particularly due to its high antioxidant content. However, moderation is key, and those with underlying conditions should consult a healthcare provider before making it a daily habit.' He further highlighted that matcha is loaded with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a potent antioxidant which is behind many of the benefits. Dr Purvez Grant shared the many benefits of matcha: Helps reduce LDL cholesterol (the 'bad' cholesterol). May prevent oxidative damage to blood vessels. Has anti-inflammatory effects that support vascular health. Improve endothelial function (which affects how well your blood vessels dilate.) Matcha has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are risk factors for heart disease, matcha's antioxidants combat both. Potential blood sugar regulation. Stable blood sugar helps reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome, a key contributor to cardiovascular disease. Dr Purvez also urged to exercise caution if: You have sensitivity to caffeine (matcha has more caffeine than regular green tea.) If you're on blood pressure or blood thinner medications, consult your doctor before increasing matcha intake. You drink excessive amounts, which can lead to caffeine-related side effects like palpitations or anxiety. So, what is the safe limit of matcha? He recommended, '1–2 servings (1/2 to 1 tsp per serving) per day is generally considered safe and beneficial for most healthy adults.' 3. Is matcha good for fertility? Many pregnant women choose to drink matcha. (Shutterstock) With so many benefits, it's no surprise that many lean towards matcha. But before going all in, vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women or those trying to conceive, need to be more mindful because matcha is not entirely caffeine-free. Dr Firuza Parikh, Director of Well Women Center at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, emphasised, 'I want to clarify the growing curiosity surrounding the effect of matcha on fertility in today's society. Green tea matcha has some health benefits because of its rich antioxidant and caffeine content.' Dr Parikh detailed the essentials of matcha intake for pregnant women, from the daily limit to the impact on fertility: Safety during conception: While attempting to conceive, consuming matcha within limits of 200-400mg (1-2 cups of green tea) is relatively safe. However, consuming matcha in this high amount has its downsides too because of the high caffeine. While attempting to conceive, consuming matcha within limits of 200-400mg (1-2 cups of green tea) is relatively safe. However, consuming matcha in this high amount has its downsides too because of the high caffeine. Safe daily limit: Expecting women should note not to exceed 200-400mg of matcha a day in turn helps avoid caffeine's side effects Expecting women should note not to exceed 200-400mg of matcha a day in turn helps avoid caffeine's side effects Impact on fertility: The health benefits of matcha's antioxidants, while sipping the matcha, do not achieve much. This is because its excess caffeine harms hormonal balance and disrupts ovulation for women. Moreover, in men, higher caffeine intake is likely to disrupt sperm quality. Matcha is not just a wellness fad; based on experts' insights, it aims to offer holistic benefits, going beyond just a trendy drink. But just like everything needs to be consumed in moderation, this drink too follows the same rule. Overconsumption, particularly for vulnerable groups like pregnant women or those trying to conceive, may lead to unwanted side effects. All in all, while it has some good benefits, moderation and awareness are key priorities for a reality check to keep it from being the 'magic drink' it may seem to be on social media. 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.
Hindustan Times
10 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Doctor shares 7 facts about hormonal imbalance: ‘Eating less and moving more won't fix you'
Some of our habits are not intuitive; they are deep-rooted in the instability of our hormones. Be it intuitive eating or being unable to shed the extra kilos even after eating less and exercising a lot, these problems can be addressed by focusing on stabilising our hormonal balance. Dr Naji Abou Ali, known as 'Doctor Naji' on Instagram, is a hormone doctor who keeps sharing important insights about health on his Instagram profile. Often our habits are directed by hormonal instability.(Shutterstock) On August 5, Dr Naji shared an Instagram video explaining our habits that are directed by hormonal instability. 'Best advice I'd give you as a hormone doctor, if I wasn't afraid of hurting your feelings,' he wrote. According to him: 1. Coffee is not enough for breakfast Your hormones don't thrive on coffee and stress. They need protein within 60 minutes of waking up, especially if you struggle with fatigue, anxiety, cravings, or PCOS. 2. Snacking all day isn't intuitive eating Snacking all day is not intuitive eating. It's blood sugar chaos. Your body needs structured meals to regulate insulin and cortisol. 3. You don't have estrogen dominance, you have poor liver detox and high stress Most estrogen symptoms aren't due to too much estrogen production, but poor clearance, cortisol imbalances, gut inflammation, and no ovulation. 4. The pill doesn't regulate your hormones. It shuts them off The pill has its uses, but it certainly doesn't balance your hormones. It just shuts off your own hormone production by giving you a synthetic alternative. 5. You can't out-supplement a dysregulated lifestyle Omega-3, Vitamin D, and magnesium won't save you if you're sleeping 5 hours, doom-scrolling at midnight, and skipping meals. 6. You won't lose weight in chronic survival mode Eating less and moving more won't fix your underlying hormonal imbalances causing weight gain. Focus on the roots first. 7. Excess weight doesn't mean you're well nourished. You're probably undernourished Most people in the modern world are overfed and undernourished. You restrict all week or all day, which leads to binging on unhealthy foods later in the day or the week. More calories, less nutrition. 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.
New Indian Express
11 hours ago
- New Indian Express
Protein is having its moment: Health, hype and hard truths
VANCOUVER: From grocery store shelves to Instagram feeds, high-protein foods are everywhere. Food labels shout their protein content in bold, oversized fonts, while social media overflows with recipes promising to pack more protein into your favourite dishes. And according to the International Food Information Council's Food and Health Survey, high protein topped the list of popular eating patterns in 2024. But does the hype match the science? Yes and no. Protein is essential to good health and boosting protein intake can support healthy aging and fitness goals, but the rush to pile on grams often driven by marketing more than medical need raises questions. How much do you really need? Can you overdo it? What's the best source of protein? This article breaks down the facts, debunks common myths and answers the most pressing questions about protein today. What is dietary protein and why do we need it? Protein is one of the three essential macronutrients your body needs in large amounts, alongside carbohydrates and fats. While carbs and fats are primarily used for energy, protein plays a more structural and functional role. It helps build and repair tissues, supports immune health and produces enzymes, hormones and other vital molecules. Proteins are made of amino acids. Your body can make some amino acids, but nine must come from food. These are called essential amino acids. That's why protein is a daily dietary requirement, not just a delicious post-workout bonus. Unlike fat and carbohydrates, which the body can store for later use, protein doesn't have a dedicated storage system. That means you need to replenish it regularly. In extreme situations -- like prolonged fasting or severe illness -- your body will break down its own muscle to release amino acids for energy and repair. It's a last-resort mechanism that underscores just how essential protein is for survival. How much protein do people need? The amount of protein an individual needs to consume each day may vary based on age, physical activity levels and the presence of health conditions. However, the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for daily protein intake is the same for almost everyone: 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day (g/kg/d). For example, a woman weighing 65 kilograms should aim to consume approximately 52 grams of protein daily. An important caveat is that the RDA is set to prevent protein deficiency, not to promote optimal health. Older adults who have a reduced ability to utilise the nutrients they consume, athletes whose bodies need more substrate for tissue growth and repair, and pregnant or breastfeeding individuals whose protein intake is shared with another being, often need more protein. Sometimes as much as 1.2 to 2 grams per kilogram of body weight. Therefore, an older person of the same body mass (65 kilograms) might need between 78 g and 130 g of protein daily, far exceeding the RDA. Is there such a thing as too much protein? While several expert groups agree that consuming more protein can be beneficial in certain situations , particularly for older adults, there is probably little to no advantage in consuming protein amounts exceeding two grams per kilogram per day. The good news is that if you are generally healthy, increasing your protein intake will not shorten your lifespan, cause your kidneys to fail, give you cancer or lead to bone loss. When should I consume my protein? A prominent social media influencer recently claimed that post-menopausal women must consume protein within a very short window (~45 minutes) after exercise, or any benefits from exercise will quickly dissipate and they will lose all their muscle. This is absolutely not the case. The idea of an -- anabolic window -- a brief period after exercise when recovering muscles make the best use of protein has long been debunked. Perhaps more accurately described as a garage door rather than an anabolic window, there is a generous period of at least 24 hours to consume protein after exercise. This means your muscles remain sensitive to the muscle-building effects of protein for a long time after exercise. So, focusing your efforts on consuming enough protein each day is much more important than stressing about guzzling your protein shake in the changing room immediately following your workout.
