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Time of India
an hour ago
- Health
- Time of India
What does high cortisol feels like and how does it impact the brain and body?
Ever felt like your mind is racing, and your heart won't slow down? No matter how much sleep you get, you still wake up feeling exhausted and fatigued from last night. Well, that nagging sense of being 'on edge' all the time might not just be your stress or hormones - it could be high cortisol. Often dubbed as 'stress hormone,' cortisol is your body's natural alarm system, often kicked in when you are struggling to meet a deadline or when you are stuck in bad traffic. Cortisol helps us survive but when stress overpowers us, cortisol can go from helpful to harmful really quickly, wreaking havoc on your body, brain and mind. Let's break down what high cortisol actually feels like and how it could silently damage our mood and gut health, likewise. What does cortisol do to your body and brain? It usually starts with a racing heart, shaky hands, and uneasy feeling in your chest, during any stressful work. Maybe to some, they are just 'nerves' speaking but science suggests that this is something deep—your cortisol level are likely spiking up and your body is feeling the impact. Back in 2019, a study was published in the National Library of Medicine offers fresh insight into this hormonal rollercoaster. The research further observed a group of young adults during a period of intense academic session, the results were shocking! Salivary cortisol levels rose tenfold on the day of the exam compared to a normal day. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo But what made this study truly stand out was not just the biochemical data, it was how the hormonal spike translated into real, physical efforts. 5 Simple ways to bring down high BP Cortisol and balance ? The study revealed that elevated cortisol wasn't just making participants feel anxious — it was literally throwing them off balance. Both dynamic balance (our ability to move and stay stable) and static balance (our ability to stay still without falling) were significantly impaired during high-stress periods. In some cases, performance on balance tests dropped by nearly 50%. It actively interferes with how our brain and body coordinate movement, maintain posture, and react to physical stimuli. That means the next time you feel clumsy or off-center during a stressful moment, it's not all in your head — your hormones may actually be to blame. What are the symptoms of high cortisol? High cortisol can start with a range of symptoms. Some of them include: Acne Weight gain Easy bruising Flushed face Severe fatigue High blood pressure Headache What causes high cortisol levels in the body? Chronic stress The most common cause of high cortisol in the body. It can be triggered by work pressure, relationship issues, academic stress or unresolved grief. Sleep deprivation Lack of quality sleep confuses the body's natural cortisol rhythm, leading to sustained high levels. Poor diet High amounts of sugar, processed foods and excessive caffeine can spike cortisol. Alcohol and substance use Regular intake of alcohol and some substances interferes with adrenal function and disrupts cortisol balance. High cortisol is a silent sleep disruptor, often caused by stress, poor sleep and lifestyle choices. It impacts our mood, memory, and physical health. Recognizing the signs early and making mindful changes in your lifestyle can restore balance and protect long-term well-being.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
The past year was painful, but I'm now ready for a fresh start, says Chandan Shetty
Following his separation from Nivedita Gowda last year, Chandan Shetty is embracing a new phase of profound learning and personal growth. 'My journey so far has had its share of highs and lows, but right now, I see it as a phase of deep learning. To kickstart this new phase, I've moved to Mysuru — this is home now,' shares the rapper and actor. In an exclusive chat with Bangalore Times, he opens up about discovering peace after the storm and his newfound openness to love and a meaningful relationship. 'AFTER THE SEPARATION, I BEGAN TO FEEL ANXIOUS AND CLAUSTROPHOBIC IN BENGALURU' 'I moved to Bengaluru in 2010 from my hometown, Sakleshpur, with big dreams – and the city truly delivered,' Chandan shares. His career soared, particularly after his stint on Bigg Boss , which brought him immense visibility, a significant career high, and even led to love and marriage. However, the recent period following his separation brought a shift in perspective. 'It made me realise I no longer needed to be in the city to stay relevant – people know me, and I can work from wherever I am. It helped me acknowledge who I am deep down – someone who craves a simple life,' he says. 'LIFE CANNOT BE ABOUT PUBS, PARTYING AND FASHION' Despite being in the film industry, I'm someone who loves the simple things in life,' he says, before clarifying, 'That doesn't mean I'm a monk living in a cave and not partying. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo But partying should be part of your lifestyle; it can't become your life. As we say, Ootakke uppinkayi irbeku; uppinkayi oota aagbardu (pickle must be an accompaniment; it can't be your whole meal).' 'I WANT A PARTNER WHO IS SIMPLE AT HEART LIKE ME' 'Yes, the past year was painful. But I'm now ready for a fresh start.,' shares Chandan. 'Until now, my mind was closed to the idea of a partner; I didn't even want to get married ever again. But of late, I've been talking to single men in their late 40s and 50s, and they all tell me that they regret not having a companion. That opened my mind and I am now open to the possibility of love. And I want someone who has her own mind and is ambitious. I like girls who are independent and will wholeheartedly support her professional dreams. But she must be someone who's simple at heart like me.'
Time of India
an hour ago
- Health
- Time of India
Homeopath sued for 98L in consumer court after patient's death
Rajkot: A man has filed a petition in consumer court here against a homeopathy practitioner, demanding Rs 98 lakh as compensation for the death of his 25-year-old son, alleging medical malpractice. The petition filed by Praful Khakhar, states that his son Yash, used to work for a private company in Ahmedabad. He fell ill during a visit home for the Janmashtami festival on Aug 28. Experiencing weakness and uneasiness, Yash was taken to Shriji Clinic, run by Dr S J Panelia, who has a homeopathy degree. The petition alleges that Panelia, despite not having the proper qualifications, conducted pathological tests and administered modern medicines, including intravenous medication. As Yash began shivering and lost consciousness, Dr Panelia shifted him to Pulse Multispecialty Hospital, which advised a brain MRI. He was later referred to the Civil Hospital and then another private hospital, where he died. The family says that despite a postmortem examination, they were not told what the cause of death was. Gajendra Jani, who is representing Khakhar, said, "We've also filed an application with police. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The doctor treated the patient without having the appropriate qualifications. This is a clear case of medical malpractice. The court admitted our petition and issued notice to the respondents." The petition accuses Dr Panelia of medical negligence, professional misconduct, deficiency in service and unfair trade practices. The Rs 98 lakh claim includes compensation for lost future income, mental trauma and litigation costs.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Health
- Time of India
Nurses strike enters day 5, patient care takes a big hit
Nagpur: The indefinite strike by the Maharashtra State Nurses Union entered its fifth day on Tuesday, continuing to severely impact patient care services in major govt hospitals across the state, especially in districts like Nagpur, Yavatmal, Chandrapur, and Amravati. Although a meeting was held with medical education minister Hasan Mushrif in Mumbai, the union has declared that the strike will not be withdrawn unless firm written govt orders are issued addressing their long-standing demands. On Tuesday evening, Mushrif chaired a meeting with representatives of the Maharashtra State Nurses Union at Mantralaya, where three key demands saw positive verbal assurances, said Union representative Suresh Madankar. The minister agreed that orders to change designations will be issued soon. Also, there will be no contract-based recruitment for nursing posts in the future. Most importantly, no disciplinary action will be taken against probationary nurses currently participating in the strike. However, despite these assurances, union leaders have categorically stated that "no strike withdrawal will happen based on verbal commitments alone". by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The protest will continue until official govt orders are issued. "Only written orders will be trusted, verbal promises are not enough," said Madankar, adding, "This time, we will not return to work unless our rights are guaranteed in writing." Meanwhile, letters issued by the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) and individual hospital deans created a sense of fear among some probationary staff, especially in Nagpur and Yavatmal. A section of these nurses returned to duty, concerned about possible future consequences. However, the union has assured all its members that complete legal and organisational protection will be provided, especially to those on probation.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Couple caught with 25kg of gold hidden on them
Surat: The Air Intelligence Unit of the customs department have recovered 24.827kg of gold from a couple that arrived at Surat International Airport from Dubai on Sunday. The gold was extracted from about 28kg of gold paste and is worth Rs 25 crore. This is one of the biggest seizures of gold in Gujarat made by the Ahmedabad customs commissionerate. The couple, Viral and Dolly Dholakia, both residents of the Kosad area of the city, were arrested and produced in court on Tuesday. The court sent them to judicial custody. They arrived at the city airport on Air India Express Flight IX-174 from Dubai. Officials of the AIU and CISF noticed suspicious activity after which they were checked thoroughly. "Acting on passenger profiling and surveillance conducted by customs officers of the AIU, Surat unit, two passengers arriving from Dubai were intercepted by the AIU team at the arrivals hall. The passengers were under watch based on suspicious movement patterns and technical profiling inputs gathered by Surat customs. During this monitoring, corroborative inputs from CISF personnel about one of the passengers reinforced the suspicion. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Accordingly, both passengers were subjected to a personal search," a statement from the customs department said. On searching both passengers, 28.1kg of gold in paste form was recovered, which was ingeniously concealed within modified jeans, trousers, inner garments, handbags and footwear. The operation led to the recovery of 24.83kg of gold, valued at Rs 25.57 crore in the domestic market. The modus operandi used points to the adoption of advanced body concealment techniques to carry out gold smuggling. During frisking, officials found some material under their clothes in various sizes and shapes. They tried to keep the gold paste in pouches shaped according to body parts, so they were not easily noticed.
