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Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Smoking cigarettes with tea? Stop now, it could cause these 8 deadly diseases
Image: StockSnap Combining tea with cigarette smoking may seem like a harmless daily ritual, especially for those seeking a moment of calm. But health experts warn that this pairing could silently wreak havoc on your body. A 2023 report in the Annals of Internal Medicine revealed that drinking hot tea while smoking significantly increases the risk of developing serious health conditions, including several forms of cancer. This is because hot beverages can damage sensitive internal tissues, and when paired with the carcinogens in cigarettes, the danger intensifies. Here are eight potentially deadly diseases linked to this risky combination: 8 diseases caused by the deadly combination of tea and cigarettes 1. Oesophageal Cancer: A dangerous duo for your food pipe Hot tea on its own can cause minor injuries to the inner lining of the oesophagus. Add cigarette smoke, which contains toxic chemicals and carcinogens, and the risk of oesophageal cancer nearly doubles. Over time, repeated thermal and chemical exposure causes chronic inflammation and increases the likelihood of cell mutations that can lead to cancer in the food pipe. 2. Lung Cancer: Smoking's most lethal consequence, made worse Lung cancer remains one of the deadliest diseases linked to cigarette smoking. When hot tea is consumed regularly alongside cigarettes, it may further irritate and inflame lung tissues. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like See Why Seniors Are Calling This $97 Hearing Aid a Life-changer ClarityPro MicroCIC Rechargable Learn More Undo This combination enhances oxidative stress and cellular damage, especially in chronic smokers, potentially accelerating the development of cancerous growths in the lungs. 3. Throat Cancer: Heat and smoke damage your voice box The throat is highly sensitive to both extreme temperatures and chemical irritants. Smoking introduces harmful substances like formaldehyde and benzene into the throat, while hot tea can exacerbate tissue damage. This duo contributes to chronic inflammation, voice changes, and ultimately raises the risk of throat cancer due to constant exposure to heat and toxins. 4. Heart Disease: Double trouble for your cardiovascular system Nicotine increases heart rate and blood pressure, while the caffeine in tea can also overstimulate the heart when consumed in excess. This combination places extra stress on the cardiovascular system, leading to arterial damage, increased cholesterol buildup, and a heightened risk of heart attacks or other cardiac conditions. 5. Infertility and Impotence: Harmful to reproductive health Smoking affects hormone levels, sperm count, and blood flow, all of which can contribute to infertility and sexual dysfunction in both men and women. When combined with the caffeine in tea, which can also disrupt hormonal balance and cause dehydration, the risk to reproductive health becomes more pronounced over time. 6. Stomach Ulcers: A painful price for your digestion Tea stimulates acid production in the stomach, and nicotine weakens the stomach lining's protective barrier. This dangerous mix makes your digestive tract more vulnerable to erosion and infection, often resulting in painful ulcers. Symptoms may include burning pain, indigestion, nausea, and, in severe cases, bleeding ulcers that require medical treatment. 7. Memory Loss: Cognitive decline starts earlier than you think Studies show that smoking reduces blood flow to the brain, affecting memory and cognitive performance. When tea is consumed excessively, especially on an empty stomach alongside cigarettes, it may lead to headaches, dizziness, and long-term cognitive decline. Over the years, this habit may contribute to early-onset memory problems and reduced mental clarity. 8. Stroke Risk: Elevated chances of a brain emergency Nicotine and caffeine both constrict blood vessels and can raise blood pressure. Together, they increase the likelihood of blood clot formation, which can block vital arteries and trigger a stroke. The combined effect is particularly dangerous for people with underlying health conditions such as hypertension or diabetes, making strokes more likely and more severe.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
This ‘weekend warrior' workout can lower early death risk by 21% in people with diabetes, says Harvard-led study
Staying physically active is crucial for people with diabetes to manage their condition and boost overall health. While daily workouts are often seen as the gold standard, a new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reveals that even a "weekend warrior" routine, where all weekly exercise is done in just one or two sessions, can significantly lower the risk of early death in individuals with diabetes. (Also read: AIIMS gastroenterologist shares what to eat for high BP, diabetes, back pain, anxiety and other common health issues ) One or two weekly workouts linked to lower death risk for diabetics.(Unsplash) Can weekend workouts really lower the risk of early death According to researchers, diabetics who complete their weekly recommended physical activity in just one or two sessions were 21 percent less likely to die prematurely from any cause compared to those who don't exercise at all. The findings also reveal a 33 percent lower risk of death from heart disease among those who followed this exercise pattern. Study suggests that diabetics can benefit from 'weekend warrior' workouts.(Pexels) "These results highlight the value of adaptable exercise routines for individuals with diabetes, as they can help enhance insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control," said lead author Zhiyuan Wu, a postdoctoral research fellow at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston. He added that this is especially beneficial for those who find it challenging to stick to a consistent workout schedule. According to the researchers, current exercise recommendations suggest that adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week to support overall health. Examples of such activities include brisk walking, leisurely cycling, gentle yoga, ballroom dancing, and basic yard work. How much exercise is enough Researchers noted that finding time to exercise regularly can be tough. "Many people face time constraints, so they often squeeze all their weekly physical activity into one or two sessions, a pattern known as the 'weekend warrior' approach," they explained. To explore this, the team analysed data from nearly 52,000 people with diabetes collected between 1997 and 2018 through the CDC's National Health Interview Survey. They compared participants' exercise habits with death records from 2019. Researchers emphasise the importance of adaptable exercise routines for better health management.(Shutterstock) The study found that "weekend warrior" workouts not only lowered the risk of early death but were slightly more effective than spreading workouts across the week. Those who exercised one or two times a week had a 21 percent lower risk of death from any cause and 33 percent lower risk from heart disease. In comparison, people who exercised more frequently had a 17 percent and 19 percent reduced risk, respectively. However, since this was an observational study, it couldn't prove a direct cause-and-effect link. The researchers recommend that future studies track daily physical activity more closely, including movement during work or commuting. 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.
UPI
23-07-2025
- Health
- UPI
'Weekend warrior' workouts may reduce risk of death in diabetics
A "weekend warrior" exercise schedule can lower diabetics' risk of early death, a new study says. Photo by Adobe Stock/HealthDay News A "weekend warrior" exercise schedule can lower diabetics' risk of early death, a new study says. People with diabetes who get all their recommended weekly exercise in one or two sessions -- the "weekend warrior" approach -- were 21% less likely to die early from any cause than their counterparts who don't work out, researchers reported Monday in the Annals of Internal Medicine. They also were 33% less likely to die from heart disease, results show. "These findings reinforce the importance of flexible physical activity patterns for people with diabetes as they can improve insulin sensitivity and glycemic control -- especially for those who face barriers to maintaining regularly routine exercise," concluded the research team led by Zhiyuan Wu, a postdoctoral research fellow at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston. Exercise guidelines recommend that people get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity every week to maintain their health, researchers said in background notes. Moderate activity can include brisk walking, slow bicycling, active yoga, ballroom dancing and general yard work. However, it's not always easy to find time to work out, researchers said. "Many people struggle to engage in regular physical activity throughout the week due to time constraints," researchers said. "To overcome this, some condense their recommended (physical activity) into one or two weekly sessions -- a pattern known as the 'weekend warrior' approach." For this study, researchers analyzed data gathered from nearly 52,000 people with diabetes between 1997 and 2018 as part of the National Health Interview Survey conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The survey included questions on people's exercise patterns. Researchers compared that to 2019 death certificate data, to see whether physical activity made a difference. Not only did "weekend warrior" workouts reduce risk of premature death, they actually appeared to be more effective than regular exercise spaced out three or more times across a week, the team found. Folks with diabetes who met exercise guidelines with three or more shorter workouts weekly had a 17% lower risk of death from any cause and 19% lower risk of heart-related death, compared with those who don't work out, results show. However, researchers noted that the observational study couldn't draw a direct cause-and-effect link between exercise and lower risk of death. Future studies should more comprehensively track people's daily physical activity, including the exercise they might get as a part of their work or commute, researchers said. More information Harvard Medical School has more on the importance of exercise for diabetics. Copyright © 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Daily Mail
17-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Childhood jabs and autism: Landmark study of 1.2 million children reveals the truth
A major study exploring the link between childhood vaccinations and autism has confirmed jabs do not cause the developmental condition—and may actually protect against it. Researchers examined the health records of more than 1.2 million children born in Denmark between 1997 and 2018, all of whom had received routine jabs. Using data from Denmark's nationwide Medical Birth Registry, they looked at whether being vaccinated increased the risk of developing any of 50 chronic conditions. These included autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, allergies, asthma and neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). As nearly all Danish children are vaccinated, researchers instead focused on how much aluminium each child received through their early jabs. Aluminium is added to some childhood vaccines to help boost the immune response, and anti-vaccine campaigners have long claimed it may be harmful—particularly to the developing brain. However, there has been little large-scale human data to test this. Varying aluminium levels in vaccines offered to children allowed scientists to test if more exposure meant greater risk. They found no significant increase in risk for any of the conditions examined—and for some, including autism, the risk was slightly lower in children who had received more aluminium. The findings, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, are the latest to debunk claims that vaccines—or the aluminium they contain—cause lasting harm. Professor Anders Hviid, senior study author an expert in epidemiology at Statens Serum Institut—a sector of the Danish Ministry of Health—said that, as a parent, he understood the concerns about vaccine safety. 'Our study addresses many of these concerns and provides clear and robust evidence for the safety of childhood vaccines,' he said. 'This is evidence that parents need to make the best choices for the health of their children. Researchers found that even when children reached the age of eight and had been exposed to more vaccinations—and therefore more aluminium—there was no increased risk of the disorder. In 2025, Danish children are vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), hepatitis B, meningitis B, pneumococcal disease, measles, mumps, and rubella. For decades parents have feared a potential link between autism and the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Doubts about the safety of the jab—offered to children aged one—were fuelled by disgraced ex-doctor Andrew Wakefield in 1998 after he claimed, in a since thoroughly discredited study, it was linked to an increase in cases of autism in children. Mr Wakefield claimed that the first signs of the neurodevelopmental condition—characterised by challenges with social communication and repetitive behaviours—begin to manifest around 15-months-old, when the jab is offered. He lost his license to practice as a doctor in 2010 when he was struck off by the UK's medical regulator for 'dishonest and irresponsible' conduct. The theory has been disproven by numerous studies since, but the legacy of these claims continue to cause issues. It was revealed in recent weeks that there has been a slump in MMR vaccination rates, prompting health chiefs to urge parents to check their child's immunisation status against the 'forgotten' but deadly illness measles, amid a rise in cases. In the UK, the MMR vaccination figure stands at 85.2 per cent—a slight uptick on late 2024 but still one of the lowest in a decade. The figure is also below the 95 per cent jab uptake experts say is key to preventing major outbreaks of incredibly contagious condition. MMR vaccination uptake is a particular problem in certain parts of the country—with only around half of children living in some parts of London having had both jabs. Similarly low levels are also seen in major cities in Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham. Tragically, this week a child died of measles in Liverpool. Experts now say without concerted action to improve vaccination rates it is a 'tragic inevitability' that recurrent outbreaks will occur resulting in further loss of 'precious young lives'. While the latest study helps further discredit claims that vaccines are linked to autism there has been undeniable increase in diagnoses in recent years. Experts have previously noted a eight-fold increase in cases in recent decades. British researchers have said worrying rise is likely due to increased awareness of the condition but have added an increase in prevalence could also be contributing. An additional factor experts say could be influencing the rise is the retirement of Asperger's syndrome. This was once considered a separate condition but is now considered another form of autism. However, others have pointed to the 'wild-west' of autism screening in England that could mean over-diagnosis could also be playing a part. Last year a study revealed adults referred to some autism assessment facilities have an 85 per cent chance of being told they are on the spectrum. Yet the figure can be as low as 35 per cent in other places, researchers at University College London found. The latest figures suggest autism diagnoses have skyrocketed over the last three years with more than 200,000 people now waiting for an assessment in England. Children now often have to wait over a year for an assessment said a spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care, who claimed autistic children are being 'let down by a broken NHS'. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said vaccine hesitancy remains to be one of the 10 biggest global threats to health.
The Hill
16-07-2025
- Health
- The Hill
No link found between aluminum in vaccines and autism: Study
(NewsNation) — A new study out of Denmark challenges claims that aluminum in childhood vaccines poses health risks. Researchers analyzed the health records of more than 1.2 million children over a 24-year period. The study, published Monday in the Annals of Internal Medicine, found no evidence linking aluminum exposure from vaccines to any increase in chronic conditions such as asthma, autism, or autoimmune diseases. Aluminum salts are commonly used in vaccines as adjuvants to enhance immune response, according to the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. COVID-19 cases surge in half of US, particularly South and West While critics have long raised concerns about the potential health hazards of aluminum, the study found no association between vaccine-related aluminum and any of the 50 chronic conditions examined, including 36 autoimmune disorders, nine conditions related to allergies or asthma and five neurodevelopmental disorders. Researchers used Denmark's nationwide registry to track vaccine history and medical outcomes for children born between 1997 and 2018, following them through the end of 2020. Researchers assessed aluminum exposure by age 2 and compared outcomes across varying exposure levels. The study didn't include unvaccinated children. Only 1.2 percent of children received no 'aluminum-adsorbed vaccines' before age 2. The rest received varying doses, with total aluminum exposure ranging from 0.125 mg to 1.00 mg per dose. The median exposure across the cohort was approximately 3 mg.
