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Scroll.in
3 hours ago
- Scroll.in
Hot drinks can be too hot and are even linked to cancer
When you order a coffee, do you ask for it to be 'extra hot'? Whether you enjoy tea, coffee or something else, hot drinks are a comforting and often highly personal ritual. The exact temperature to brew tea or serve coffee for the best flavour is hotly debated. But there may be something else you're not considering: your health. Yes, hot drinks can be too hot – and are even linked to cancer. So, let's take a look at the evidence. What's the link? There is no evidence for a link between hot drinks and throat cancer and the evidence for a link between hot drinks and stomach cancer is unclear. But there is a link between hot drinks and cancers of the 'food pipe' or oesophagus. In 2016, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified drinking very hot beverages, meaning above 65 degrees celsius, as 'probably carcinogenic to humans' – this is the same risk category as emissions from indoor wood smoke or eating a lot of red meat. The agency's report found it was the temperature, not the drinks, that were responsible. This is based mainly on evidence from South America, where studies found a link between drinking a lot of maté – a traditional herbal drink usually drunk at around 70 degrees celsius – and a higher risk of oesophageal cancer. Similar studies in the Middle East, Africa and Asia have also supported the link between drinking very hot beverages and developing oesophageal cancer. However, until recently we didn't have substantial research exploring this link in Europe and other Western populations. This year, a large study of almost half a million adults in the United Kingdom confirmed drinking higher amounts of very hot drinks (tea and coffee) was associated with oesophageal cancer. The study found that someone who drank eight or more cups a day of very hot tea or coffee was almost six times more likely to develop oesophageal cancer, compared to someone who didn't drink hot drinks. How do hot drinks cause cancer Drinking a lot of very hot drinks can damage cells in the oesophagus lining, and it's believed over time this can lead to cancer developing. Researchers first proposed this link almost 90 years ago. What we know about how hot drinks can damage the oesophagus mainly comes from animal studies. Very hot water may accelerate cancer growth. One animal study from 2016 studied mice that were prone to developing cancer. Mice given very hot water (70°C) were more likely to develop precancerous growths in the oesophagus, and sooner, compared to mice given water at lower temperatures. Another theory is that heat damage to the oesophagus lining weakens its normal barrier, increasing the risk of further damage from gastric acid reflux (from the stomach). Over time, this chronic damage can increase the chance of oesophageal cancer developing. Does how much you drink matter? The risk of cancer may depend on how much hot liquid you drink in one sitting and how quickly. It seems drinking a lot in one go is more likely to damage the oesophagus by causing a heat injury. In one study, researchers measured the temperature inside the oesophagus of people drinking hot coffee at different temperatures. They found the size of the sip the person took had more impact than how hot the drink was. A very big sip (20 millilitres) of 65°C coffee increased the temperature inside the oesophagus by up to 12°C. Over time, large sips can lead to sustained heat injury that can damage cells. The occasional small sip of coffee at 65 degrees celsius isn't likely to result in any long-term problems. But over years, drinking large amounts of very hot drinks could very well increase the risk of oesophageal cancer. What's safe temperature? The brewing temperatures for drinks such as coffee are very high – often close to the boiling point of water. For example, takeaway hot drinks may be sometimes be served at very high temperatures (around 90 degrees celsius) to allow for cooling when people drink them later at the office or home. One study from the United States calculated the ideal temperature for coffee, factoring in the risk of heat injury to the oesophagus while preserving flavour and taste. The researchers came up with an optimum temperature of 57.8 degrees celsius. How to have hot beverages safely Slow down, take your time and enjoy. Allowing time for a very hot drink to cool is important and research has shown a hot drink's temperature can drop by 10-15 degrees celsius in five minutes. Other things that may help cool a hot drink: Finally, small sips are a good idea to test the temperature, given we know having a large amount has a significant impact on the temperature inside the oesophagus and potential damage to its lining.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Centre for Sight and Milind Soman Urge India to Prioritize Eye Health on World Senior Citizen's Day
On World Senior Citizen's Day, Centre for Sight , India's leading network of super-specialty eye hospitals, is calling attention to the urgent need for timely intervention in age-related eye diseases . With over 140 million Indians above the age of 60, nearly one in three faces visual impairment, a challenge that threatens both independence and quality of life. Globally, 80 percent of blindness is considered avoidable. Yet myths and delayed care continue to cost seniors their sight. Cataract, the leading cause of blindness in India, can now be corrected through advanced bladeless, robotic laser surgery performed as a same-day procedure. Glaucoma, often known as the 'silent thief of sight,' advances without early symptoms, while diabetic retinopathy and retinal diseases are also on the rise. To raise awareness, Centre for Sight has partnered with fitness icon Milind Soman, who embodies active ageing and holistic wellness. The campaign reminds families that overall health is incomplete without regular eye check-ups. 'Eye health defines dignity, confidence, and independence in old age,' said Dr. Mahipal S. Sachdev, Chairman & Medical Director, Centre for Sight Group of Eye Hospitals. 'No one should accept poor vision as an inevitable part of ageing, because with today's technology and expertise, they don't have to.' Femto-second robotic laser cataract surgery now offers patients greater safety, speed, and precision. Combined with advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs), many seniors are able to regain clear vision and reduce dependence on glasses, enhancing their ability to lead active lives. Centre for Sight emphasizes that responsibility for elder care extends beyond medicines and nutrition. Regular eye check-ups can prevent blindness and preserve independence. Early signs such as blurred vision, dull colors, halos at night, or difficulty reading should never be ignored. Watch the campaign film here: Disclaimer - The above content is non-editorial, and ET Healthworld hereby disclaims any and all warranties, expressed or implied, relating to it, and does not guarantee, vouch for or necessarily endorse any of the content.
Hindustan Times
4 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
GI cancer surgeon reveals 4 habits to avoid and suggests 3 dietary choices to balance your gut microbiome
Gut health is one of the most talked-about topics in wellness discourse because of its close connection with other aspects of health, like mental well-being and immunity, through the gut-brain and gut-immunity axes. But you cannot talk about gut health without spotlighting the microbiome. At the very root of gut health is the gut microbiome. All the major functions of the gut, from digestion to nutrient absorption, are supported by the complex community of bacteria and other microbes in the gut. But this efficiency depends on maintaining a balance, and what you eat plays a vital role in keeping your gut microbiome healthy. Add probiotics like raita to your diet.(Shutterstock) ALSO READ: Hepatologist explains how gut influences memory, mood and mental wellbeing; unpacks why gut may be the 'second brain' Dr Hemant Jain, Consultant Laparoscopic and GI Cancer Surgeon, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, shared with HT Lifestyle that traditional Indian foods help to support gut microbiome. He explained, 'The gut microbiome, or group of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes that reside in our gut and help our digestive tract as a whole, from immunity to metabolism. Indian traditional food is largely respected due to its nature to heal and diversity, yet recent interpretations and lifestyle have induced imbalance in our gut.' The attraction to processed fast foods is alarming in today's time, as Dr Jain warned that they disrupt the gut microbiome's balance and increase the risk of many gastrointestinal disorders. Dr Jain added, 'Today's food culture, urban living, and food processing have caused a significant imbalance of gut microbiota in most Indians, which may produce a variety of disease conditions such as gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, diabetes and even mental illnesses.' 4 things to avoid Processed foods like burgers and French fries are increasingly common among youth, but they pose serious health hazards to gut health.(Shutterstock) The first step to maintaining a healthy gut is eliminating some common yet harmful habits. Dr Jain shared which habits you should change: 1. Eating a lot of processed foods: Indian urban and semi-urban households experienced a dramatic increase in packet foods of snacks, soft beverages, and ready-to-eat foods. These highly processed foods have low dietary fibre and high added sugars and unhealthy fat content, which negatively impact the richness and functionality of gut microbiota. 2. Lack of dietary diversity: Traditional Indian diets were once regional and vegetarian, involving frequent use of lentils, whole grains, vegetables, seasonal fruits, seeds, and naturally fermented foods (such as curd, pickles, and idli/dosa batter). The trend of ease and the globalised food culture trend have limited dietary variety, thus denying healthy gut flora the diversity of fibres and polyphenols that they live on. 3. Increased use of antibiotics and pesticide exposure: Inappropriate use of antibiotics and consumption of chemical pesticides through non-organic foods have the potential to disturb the balance in the gut microbiome. It also sometimes represses beneficial species. 4. Sedentary lifestyle: Sedentary life, stress, lack of sleep, and irregular eating patterns are now prevalent in urban India., This also disrupts gut balance, suggesting the necessity of an integrated gut care regimen. Better dietary choices for a healthy gut Choose healthy desi options like ragi roti and lentils.(Shutterstock) Now that you know the triggers of gut imbalance and are aware of precautionary measures, let's take a look at some dietary choices that can support and improve your gut microbiome. Dr Hemant Jain highlighted these 4 dietary options: 1. Include a blend of vegetables like spinach, methi, carrots, beetroots, broccoli, and fruits, and nuts, providing a range of fibres and phytonutrients to feed an array of microbes. 2. Ancient Indian fermented foods such as dahi, buttermilk, idli, dosa, pickles, and kanji are natural probiotics and centuries old in creating gut harmony. These can increase counts of beneficial bacteria if consumed every day. 3. Prioritising top whole grains, including millets (ragi, jowar, bajra) and brown rice, lentil and legume types like masoor dal, moong dal, toor dal, chana, rajma, kala chana, chickpeas. 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.
