Latest news with #Eating
News18
24-05-2025
- Health
- News18
Can Intermittent Fasting Keep Your Kidneys Healthy? Expert Reveals The Truth
Last Updated: It has been widely believed that intermittent fasting can support kidney wellness. Read on to find out what experts have to say about this diet management plan. Our kidneys, two bean-shaped powerhouses tucked on either side of the spine, do much more than just filter waste. These vital organs regulate blood pressure, maintain fluid and electrolyte balance, and produce key hormones like erythropoietin and vitamin D, which support everything from red blood cell production to bone health. However, conditions like diabetes and hypertension remain leading culprits behind kidney damage, making it essential to manage them through both medical treatment and lifestyle choices. While much emphasis is placed on what we eat, when we eat is proving to be just as crucial. Enter intermittent fasting: a practice rooted in ancient traditions and now increasingly recommended by modern health experts. But how does this eating pattern affect kidney health? Let's take a closer look. What is Intermittent Fasting? Intermittent fasting is a type of diet management plan that cycles between periods of eating and fasting. In this approach, it is measured when you eat rather than what you eat. For instance, many follow the 16/8 method (eating within 8 hours and fasting for the next 16 hours), whereas some may also choose the 5:2 diet method (eating normally for five days and restricting calories for two days) or Time-Restricted Eating (TRE). Intermittent Fasting And Its Impact On Kidneys Intermittent fasting, for normal individuals with healthy kidneys, is good for general overall metabolic health, which has been advocated and practised from time immemorial. Beyond weight loss, this diet management plan comes with a host of other benefits. It protects against chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, age-related degenerative diseases, kidney disease, and cancers. Dr. G.K. Prakash, Consultant – Nephrology, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram and Millers Road says that intermittent fasting improves blood sugar control by increasing insulin sensitivity, reducing weight, and increasing growth factors that boost metabolism in diabetics. It is beneficial for reducing blood pressure, cholesterol, and is good for even brain health, improving memory, gut health, kidney health, and overall longevity of an individual. Dr Prakash says, 'In a person with kidney ailment, it is important to differentiate between temporary dysfunction (acute kidney injury) and irreversible kidney injury (chronic kidney disease). In the former entity, one has to judiciously choose fasting practices, as it can be harmful in some cases." For individuals with chronic kidney diseases, intermittent fasting is generally considered beneficial. However, there are various ways of intermittent fasting that have been advocated and practiced and the most common and easily understood method is Time-Restricted Eating. What Is Time-Restricted Eating? Time-restricted eating is in sync with the circadian rhythm, thus, it is considered more practical than the other ways. Dr Prakash mentions, 'Under this diet plan, you need to extend the natural fasting time (which is usually the night hours during sleep) in the daytime as well, while reducing the eating window. For example, eating between 6-8 hrs or 10 hrs most and fasting for 16-18 hrs overnight is ideal. You can do so by finishing the evening meal by 6 pm and fasting till the next morning." He adds, 'Unlike the Western culture of eating small and frequent meals, longer overnight fasts, especially time-restricted eating, can support better weight control and may have added health benefits for chronic kidney disease patients." What Are The Benefits of Time-Restricted Eating For Chronic Kidney Disease Patients? Dr Shankar mentions that intermittent fasting reduces overweight and obesity, which are major risk factors for diabetes and hypertension. Since these two conditions account for nearly 65-75% of kidney failure cases, maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the incidence of CKD. Intermittent fasting can also help improve cardiovascular health. It is particularly important for chronic kidney disease patients, as many of them invariably develop cardiovascular disease, which is another major cause of death in this population. Dr Shankar suggests, 'Monitor kidney function closely when you are practising intermittent fasting. Most importantly, stay hydrated during this fasting routine. In some individuals, it can worsen existing kidney issues, especially in acute kidney situations, and kidney stone disease." He notes that patients who are on diabetic medication should consult their doctors as there can be variations in their metabolic activity, including going into severe hypoglycemia (low sugar levels)." As with any dietary change, it's essential to personalise your approach to intermittent fasting, especially if you have existing kidney conditions. With the right medical guidance, this time-tested practice could be a powerful tool in protecting your kidney health and improving overall longevity. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: May 24, 2025, 13:14 IST News lifestyle » health-and-fitness Can Intermittent Fasting Keep Your Kidneys Healthy? Expert Reveals The Truth
BBC News
11-04-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Mental illness shouldn't define us, says Woodbridge runner
A marathon runner who said he refused to be defined by a mental illness he had as a child has been pounding the pavements as part of a 365-day Berry, 23, from Woodbridge, Suffolk, is running at least 7.46 miles (12km) every day in 2025 to raise money for Suffolk Mind – and he has just conquered his 100th running coach had anorexia for six years from the age of 11 and hoped his year-long, 2,721 mile (4380km) run would encourage more people to speak out about their mental health struggles."I am very lucky to still be here today and I do not take that for granted, but some people do still suffer in silence, so my goal is to get more men talking," he said. "I think we still don't talk about our feelings enough and it can be really tough - 12 men take their own life every day in the UK, so that's why the number 12 has such significance."Even going for a run is really helpful and I just want people to have meaningful connections and speak about their feelings." Mr Berry, who ran a marathon in two hours and 24 seconds - his personal best time - was driven to embark on the challenge after his high school friend took his own life."I have always wanted to do a charity challenge but that was a real calling for me to take action," he added."My parents work in the mental health sector so it has been a part of my life for as long as I have been alive and I've also struggled with my own mental health battles." 'Anorexia doesn't define me' Mr Berry was diagnosed with anorexia as a schoolboy and missed out on large portions of education due to having to spend time "in and out of hospital".According to the Priory charity, about 25% of those affected by an eating disorder are male, while about 10% of all people affected by an eating disorder suffer from anorexia Eating Disorders said anorexia nervosa has the highest mortality rate of any mental illness."Still now there is not much support and I think people don't understand the illness and it can be judged in an unfair ways, in males, especially," he told the BBC."Anorexia is the most deadly of all mental illnesses, but I am fully recovered now and I don't want it to become my identity."I've found myself now and, while it made me who I am, it doesn't define me - I am Cooper." Mr Berry, who recently ran 49 miles (79km) across Lanzarote and completed the Berlin Marathon, has 265 days of the challenge left to complete."I've been running for the majority of my life now, so it's just all about knowing when to put your foot on the accelerator and when to take it off," he said."It's been a crazy journey so far but I am glad to be at day 100 and I am sure I going to complete this."This isn't a gimmick or a fitness stunt, it's a personal mission to start conversations and remind people they're not alone." If you have been affected by this story or would like support then you can find organisations which offer help and information at the BBC Action Line Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists probe gulls' 'weird and wonderful' appetites
From pilfering chips to swallowing whole starfish, gulls are known for their voracious appetites. However, one scientist was so astounded to see pictures on social media of gulls eating "weird and wonderful things" that she launched a citizen science project to study their shifting diets. University of Salford ecologist Dr Alice Risely wants people to upload their snaps of hungry gulls to the project's website, Gulls Eating Stuff. "By studying gulls' diet, we can learn more about their behaviour, their role in ecosystems and the pressures they face in a changing world," she said. UK seabirds face threats from warming oceans, overfishing and avian flu. Gull populations are in decline, with several species on the UK red list of conservation concern. Some gulls are coming to live closer to people, adding human leftovers to their natural menu of fish, crabs, starfish and earthworms. The birds may be flocking to urban areas to find food to feed their chicks during the breeding season, switching back to a natural diet once their youngsters have fledged. Alternatively, gulls may be relying on human leftovers for much of the year as the natural food supply dwindles. "The fact is we just really don't know – there is very little data," said Dr Risely. "This is why we wanted to exploit this resource of online photos to try and help us understand what the gulls are eating, and if there are any patterns we can find." One particularly striking photograph shows a gull eating a baby puffin. It was taken by scientist Samuel Schmidt on a trip to the Farne Islands in Northumberland. Getting more information on what gulls are eating - in proximity to people and as the climate changes - "could be very enlightening", he said. "The gull wasn't malicious; it was just hungry," he added. Gulls are known to eat other birds, including pigeons. The UK is known for its huge colonies of seabirds nesting on cliffs - but populations are plummeting amid a host of pressures, from climate change to a lack of food. Five seabirds added to UK red list of most concern Gulls are in trouble in their natural spaces - and some species, such as herring gulls and lesser black-backed gulls are seeking refuge in coastal cities. There is very little data on the number of urban gulls - but natural populations are regularly monitored, showing big declines. Three gull species are on the UK red list of conservation concern: The great black-backed gull - a very large gull with black wings and a powerful beak that nests around the coast, on clifftops, rooftops and islands The common gull - a medium-sized gull scarcer than its name suggests that nests around lakes in the north of England and Scotland The grey-backed and pink-legged herring gull. Follow Helen on Bluesky.
BBC News
22-02-2025
- Science
- BBC News
Scientists probe gulls' 'weird and wonderful' eating habits
From pilfering chips to swallowing whole starfish, gulls are known for their voracious one scientist was so astounded to see pictures on social media of gulls eating "weird and wonderful things" that she launched a citizen science project to study their shifting of Salford ecologist Dr Alice Risely wants people to upload their snaps of hungry gulls to the project's website, Gulls Eating Stuff."By studying gulls' diet, we can learn more about their behaviour, their role in ecosystems and the pressures they face in a changing world," she said. UK seabirds face threats from warming oceans, overfishing and avian populations are in decline, with several species on the UK red list of conservation concern. Some gulls are coming to live closer to people, adding human leftovers to their natural menu of fish, crabs, starfish and birds may be flocking to urban areas to find food to feed their chicks during the breeding season, switching back to a natural diet once their youngsters have fledged. Alternatively, gulls may be relying on human leftovers for much of the year as the natural food supply dwindles."The fact is we just really don't know – there is very little data," said Dr Risely."This is why we wanted to exploit this resource of online photos to try and help us understand what the gulls are eating, and if there are any patterns we can find." One particularly striking photograph shows a gull eating a baby was taken by scientist Samuel Schmidt on a trip to the Farne Islands in more information on what gulls are eating - in proximity to people and as the climate changes - "could be very enlightening", he said."The gull wasn't malicious; it was just hungry," he are known to eat other birds, including pigeons. The UK is known for its huge colonies of seabirds nesting on cliffs - but populations are plummeting amid a host of pressures, from climate change to a lack of seabirds added to UK red list of most concernGulls are in trouble in their natural spaces - and some species, such as herring gulls and lesser black-backed gulls are seeking refuge in coastal is very little data on the number of urban gulls - but natural populations are regularly monitored, showing big declines. Three gull species are on the UK red list of conservation concern:The great black-backed gull - a very large gull with black wings and a powerful beak that nests around the coast, on clifftops, rooftops and islandsThe common gull - a medium-sized gull scarcer than its name suggests that nests around lakes in the north of England and ScotlandThe grey-backed and pink-legged herring Helen on Bluesky.
