Latest news with #NationalLibraryofMedicine
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
6 foods that help prevent body odour during summer
Image credits: Getty Images With all things good that summer brings with it, one of the most irking and annoying effects it has on the human body is sweating and body odour. While sweat itself is odourless, when the bacteria on the skin mix with it, it creates an odour that is so pungent and unique that it might cause people to stay away from each other and be conscious of how they are smelling all the time. Isn't that why perfume and deodorant brands up their advertising during the season? While picking up the strongest and best-smelling bottle of fragrance might be your idea of getting rid of body odour, there exist easier ways like eating certain foods that can protect your skin from the odour and the harm it may have due to fragrances. Find 6 foods that will prevent body odour during summer. Citrus fruits Image credits: Getty Images Oranges and grapefruits are some citrus fruits rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. They help in the detoxification and smell reduction in the body, thus reducing odorous compounds. Regular intake of these also maintains the flow of fluids from the body, thus keeping it fresh. Green tea Image credits: Getty Images Green tea contains polyphenolic compounds such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) and epicatechin gallate (ECg) which are known to prevent the growth of a wide range of bacterial species. Not only does it control oral odour but it also reduces odour-causing compounds. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like MacBook Air M4- now available at ₹83906* MacBook Air M4 Undo Additionally, it may help block pores, thus reducing sweating and the moisture for the bacteria to thrive. Nuts and seeds Image credits: Getty Images When dealing with body odour in the summer, ensure your zinc intake is regular. Zinc deficiency can elevate body odour, whereas an ample amount of zinc oxide within the body is known to inhibit odour, according to a study published in the National Library of Medicine. Include zinc in your daily diet by eating a handful of nuts and seeds every day. Green-leafy vegetables Image credits: Getty Images Leafy greens such as spinach, kale and lettuce are rich in chlorophyll, which naturally reduces the odour-causing compounds in the body. A recent study of people with trimethylaminuria, a condition that causes fishy odour, revealed that regular intake of chlorophyllin improves the body odour of individuals with the condition. Probiotic foods Image credits: Getty Images Fermented and probiotic foods such as yogurt, buttermilk, kimchi and more aid in digestion in the body and improve gut health. They reduce the growth of odour-causing bacteria in the skin, leading to lower body odour. Cardamom Image credits: Getty Images Cardamom is rich in polyphenolic compounds such as quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin and pelargonidin which all have antioxidant properties. It is also able to regulate cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone that can influence sweating and by managing its levels, the amount of sweat produced can be reduced. Disclaimer : The information provided in this article—including the discussion of foods that may help minimise body odour in summer—is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.
New York Post
2 days ago
- Health
- New York Post
What is ‘freeze branding'? Doctors warn about trendy tattoo alternative: ‘Puts you at risk'
Sure, it's a cool craze, but experts are giving it the cold shoulder. Reveling in wildly dangerous, stupid stunts is, frighteningly, on brand for daredevil youngsters. However, healthcare professionals are now warning gutsy Gen Zs that the 'freeze branding' trend, tattooing human skin with icy-cold liquid nitrogen, 'can land you in a lot of trouble.' Advertisement 6 Suarez, known to her nearly 600k TikTok followers as Dr. Dray, urges people not to participate in the freeze branding tattoo fad. TikTok/drdrayzday 'Friendly reminder, you are not a horse,' Andrea Suarez, a board-certified dermatologist, noted in a viral vid, featuring footage of a man's back being imprinted with the frosty iron. Typically done to mark livestock, freeze branding — also known as cryo-branding — is a technique involving a cryogenic coolant, instead of heat, to destroy the pigment cells and hair follicles of an animal, leaving a lasting logo. Advertisement 'Freeze branding human skin is a bad idea,' the doc, based in Houston, Texas, advised her nearly 600,000 TikTok fans of the kooky kick, which she says can 'result in a full-thickness burn, that puts you at risk for a deep infection called cellulitis.' 6 While freeze branding is mostly safe and painless for animals, dermatologists claim the tattooing stunt can have horrifying effects on people. E. Peters – It's an acute bacterial infection causing inflammation of the deep dermis and surrounding subcutaneous tissue, per the National Library of Medicine. Without proper treatment, cellulitis can lead to complications such as sepsis, a bacterial infection in the bloodstream, an infection of the inner lining of the heart and osteomyelitis, an inflammation of the bone. Advertisement Suarez says factors that can influence the severity of freeze branding-related consequences include the overall temperature of the iron, how long it's in contact with the skin and the overall skin thickness of the area being impressed. 6 For freeze branding, folks use cryogenic coolant to burn away pigment cells and hair follicles to in order to achieve a deep burn. TikTok/Some TikTokers are seemingly ditching tattoos for a new body modification trend called freeze branding. But doctors warn that risks should be considered., 6 Farmers often use branding tools to mark their animals as assets. beodra – 6 While experts concede that a freeze brand tattoo might 'look cool' at first, they warn that the damage isn't worth participating in the trend. TikTok/Some TikTokers are seemingly ditching tattoos for a new body modification trend called freeze branding. But doctors warn that risks should be considered., Advertisement Freeze branding is just one of the latest, loony and potentially perilous practices that tweens, teens and 20-somethings have recently adopted. The 'Sharpie lip-liner' trend is, too, sending shockwaves through the medical community, prompting dermatologists to advise beauty influencers against applying standard Sharpie marker ink to the edges of their mouths in hopes of achieving a semi-permanent pout. 'The risk isn't worth it,' cautioned Dr. Brooke Jeffy, in a statement. 'I would just have concerns that some of these potential toxins [found in Sharpies] would get absorbed [in the bloodstream] to a level that might be concerning for overall health risks.' 6 Doctors warn that freeze branding can lead to a number of medical issues that can negatively impact the skin, heart and bones. – Skincare specialists issued a similar word-to-the-wise about the 'hemorrhoid cream eye' hack. It's an 'unhinged' movement that sees wannabe belles using topical steroids — meant to remedy swollen veins in the rectum or anus — to reduce bagginess beneath their eyes. But insiders say the outré quick-fix can cause serious health issues, such as glaucoma. And much like her cohorts, Suarez advocates for skin health over trendiness. Advertisement 'While [a freeze-brand tattoo] may look cool at first,' she began, noting the white-hot impression the cold poke leaves on the skin. 'After six weeks of intensive wound care, this is what you might be left with,' continued Suarez, showcasing the red, icky final results of the tat. 'And that was only after having [the freeze branding iron] on there for a mere 10 seconds,' she added. 'Don't do this.'
IOL News
2 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
Can a tiny label fix a giant problem? Norway's retouch law tackles social media's beauty lies
The journey away from online perfectionism begins by recognizing that our imperfect selves deserve just as much appreciation as the polished images we so often pursue. Image: Oladimeji Ajegbile/Pexels Scroll. Double tap. Swipe left. For many of us, this isn't just a mindless habit, it's our second life. But behind every flawless selfie and dreamy travel reel, there's an unspoken truth: our daily dose of online perfectionism might be eating away at our real-life mental health. A Norwegian law that quietly made headlines in 2022 has resurfaced on Instagram feeds again, and it's more relevant now than ever. This law demands that all adverts must be clearly labelled if they've been digitally retouched. Whether it's smoother skin, slimmer waists or brighter eyes if it's been edited, you should know about it. If not, the influencer or brand could face hefty fines. At first glance, this might feel like a small policy change in a faraway country. But it taps straight into one of the biggest wellness crises of our hyper-connected age: our unhealthy obsession with looking perfect online. With over 5 billion people now using social media most through mobile our relationship with digital beauty has become deeply personal, and for some, dangerously unhealthy. Where did this obsession come from? Let's be honest humans have always loved a little embellishment. Theatre, magazines, film, they've all sold us polished versions of reality. But unlike old-school media, social media is personal. It's our faces, our bodies, our kids, our homes being airbrushed and filtered for all to see. A study published in the National Library of Medicine shows just how common this has become: one in four people now edits more than 40% of the photos they post. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Skin blemishes top the list of edits, followed by making ourselves look "younger, fresher and simply 'better.' Research from Cosmetic Dermatology shows that apps like Instagram and Snapchat are often connected to low self-esteem and negative body image, and can even contribute to Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) - a mental health issue where people become fixated on flaws in their appearance. According to a 2019 study in Body Image, around 24% of social media users report severe body image concerns, and this can jump even higher for teens. It's not just vanity, it's mental hygiene. Aesthetics expert Dr Alek Nikolic says this isn't just about wanting to look good for likes. 'Social media amplifies unrealistic beauty standards to a point where people feel inadequate and anxious in their real lives,' Nikolic explains. This pressure isn't something we can just brush off. Research by Fardouly and Vartanian (Body Image, 2016) found that teenage girls who viewed edited selfies rated the images as more attractive than unedited ones and worse, believed these flawless looks were real. The result? They felt worse about their bodies. Can a label fix this? Norway's move to label edited images is built on good intentions to protect people, especially the young, from harmful illusions. But will a simple disclaimer fix our obsession with online perfection? Psychologist Sophia Choukas-Bradley, from the University of Delaware, told The Washington Post that while the law is a start, it's not a cure-all. 'It's a Band-Aid for a gaping wound,' she said. 'Without tackling the bigger problem of why we crave these illusions, we're not fixing the root issue.' Studies back this up. A Norwegian law that quietly made headlines in 2022 has resurfaced on Instagram feeds again, and it's more relevant now than ever. Image: Hardeep Singh/Pexels Research published in Media Psychology (2020) found that warning labels on retouched images can sometimes backfire drawing more attention to the image and making people scrutinise themselves even more harshly. Our digital lives aren't going away and honestly, most of us love a pretty picture. The real challenge is learning to live without filters and with our flaws. The Norwegian law is a reminder that some honesty is good for us but the deeper work is up to us. Part of that is learning to pause and question what we see. Are those abs real? Is that skin poreless? Probably not. For example, Drake's recent shirtless selfie, showcasing well-defined abs, has sparked online speculation about whether his physique is the result of natural fitness or cosmetic surgery, specifically abdominal etching. While some fans praised his apparent transformation, others questioned the sudden and dramatic definition, particularly in comparison to the rest of his physique, leading to comparisons with cosmetic procedures. Education is key here, especially for teens and young adults whose brains are still wiring up for self-worth. We can also push for more realistic storytelling from brands and influencers. When big names drop the filters, it chips away at impossible standards. For example, when supermodel Gisele Bündchen posted unretouched images of herself with grey hair strands, it made headlines and inspired millions. The fight against online perfectionism starts with us admitting that our messy, unedited selves deserve just as much love. Norway's law might not solve everything, but it sparks an important question: What do we gain when we stop chasing impossible beauty and start accepting ourselves as we are?
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Cardiologist says this one risk factor for heart failure, with deadlier consequences, is rarely diagnosed and often mistaken for hypertension
Image credits: Getty Images Heart failure is the leading cause of death in the US. According to the New York State Department of Health, about 695,000 people die of heart disease in the United States every year, making it the cause of 1 in every 5 deaths. Heart failure can happen due to a variety of conditions such as coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy, heart valve problems and habits such as smoking, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption and an unhealthy lifestyle. While most of these factors can be recognised and diagnosed within time for repair, a cardiologist on Instagram has enlightened netizens about one risk factor that remains undiagnosed for hypertension and other diseases, when actually it is a cause of heart failure. The cardiologist who goes by the id, heart_transplant_doc, revealed that amyloidosis- a protein that infiltrates the heart, stiffens it and gradually shuts it down from the inside out is a big risk factor for heart failure. He wrote in the caption how most people are misdiagnosed for years and are told that it's "hypertension," "age", or "just back pain." The clues for the condition he shared were "thick walls on echo," "low voltage on EKG," "Carpal tunnel," "Spinal stenosis," and "fatigue that doesn't make sense" What is Cardiac Amyloidosis ? Image credits: Getty Images According to the National Library of Medicine , cardiac amyloidosis is a frequently underdiagnosed condition that demands a high index of clinical attention. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Choose your Nightfarer and try to survive against the Night's Tide! Shop Now Undo It happens due to the extracellular deposition of insoluble proteins where amyloid fibrils accumulate in the spaces between myocytes, leading to cellular damage, impaired performance and increased stiffness (as stated by the doctor). It is the most common type of restrictive cardiomyopathy. What are the symptoms of cardiac amyloidosis ? Image credits: Getty Images Symptoms of the condition overlap with those of heart failure including fatigue, dyspnea, orthopnea, lower limb swelling and abdominal distension. Patients may experience palpitations, chest pain and musculoskeletal manifestations such as tingling and numbness in the thumb, index, middle and half of the ring finger, along with wrist pain. On physical examination, general findings may include blood pressure revealing hypertension, muffled heart sounds, periorbital edema, high jugular venous pressure, pedal edema and macroglossia. Even the National Library of Medicine website states that the condition is rarely diagnosed and needs a high degree of clinical suspicion. Thus, people experiencing any such symptoms must consult a doctor to check for the condition.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
What happens when you drink energy drinks on a daily basis?
Image credits: Getty Images While beverages like tea and coffee have been known to energise the human body for years, the modern era demands modern options and they have arrived in the form of quirkily branded, creatively flavoured and Gen Z-designed energy drinks that apparently taste better and are more energising. According to CivicScience , 82% of U.S. adults drink at least one energy drink every day, including 53% who consume two or more. The most popular brands consumed were Red Bull, Monster, Rockstar Energy, Celsius and more. While energy drinks might be more "cool" and provide higher amounts of caffeine than traditional beverages, is it healthy to have them every day? Let's figure out. What are energy drinks? Image credits: Getty Images Energy drinks are beverages designed to work as an "energy boost" for the drinker by a combination of stimulants and energy boosters. While the main constituents in most of them are caffeine, other constituents include vitamin B, ginseng, taurine, methylxanthines, yerba mate, acai, maltodextrin, creatine and more, as per the National Library of Medicine . Positive health effects of energy drinks Image credits: Getty Images It's important to understand that energy drinks do have benefits. They improve memory, increase alertness and elevate moods among other things. A study analysed the effects of a popular energy drink to find out that it significantly improves aerobic endurance and anaerobic performance on cycle ergometers. It also increased mental performance in terms of choice reaction time, concentration, memory and more. Many studies have shown increased performance by physically active individuals after drinking energy drinks. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mi Piace Così | Quanto costa perdere peso? Mi Piace Così Undo by Taboola by Taboola One study found that the consumption of 3mg/kg of caffeine in the form of energy drinks improved the physical performance of female volleyball players. While another showed that tired volunteers were better at lane drifting and reaction time while driving after consuming energy drinks. While they might make you feel energised and ready to tackle the head head-on, drinking even one energy drink every day might not be as harmless as it seems. Here's why! Is it healthy to have energy drinks daily? Image credits: iStock According to the National Library of Medicine, studies show that energy drinks can have a variety of cardiovascular, neurological, psychological, metabolic, and other effects. Cardiovascular effects : Several studies have shown that the consumption of energy drinks increases heart rate and arterial blood pressure, arterial dilatation, aneurysm formation, dissection and rupture of large arteries. Neurological and psychological effects : Consumption of doses equal to or above 200mg usually develops caffeine intoxication with symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, muscle twitching, restlessness and periods of inexhuastibility. It can also lead to acute and chronic daily headaches. Hallucinations are also common in individuals who consume more than 300mg of caffeine per day. Gastrointestinal and metabolic effects : Energy drinks typically contain large amounts of sugar ranging from 21g to 34g per oz in the form of sucrose, glucose or high fructose corn syrup. Consuming them daily or even more than once increases the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Additionally, increased caffeine intake decreases insulin sensitivity leading to a rise in blood glucose levels. Dental effects : A Swedish study analysed the effects of soft drink consumption in relation to dental erosion. Consuming energy drinks causes a 2.4-fold increase in dental erosion due to the low pH and high sugar content they have. All of these results lead to the fact that consuming energy drinks once in a while for their flavours is harmless. However, making their consumption a daily habit might cause you a trip to the hospital sooner or later.
