Latest news with #Sunkara
Economic Times
17 hours ago
- Health
- Economic Times
Beware if you eat these 3 types of food that could be harming your brain, says neurosurgeon
Synopsis Hyderabad-based neurosurgeon Dr. Raveesh Sunkara has identified three everyday foods he strictly avoids due to their harmful effects on brain health. These include foods high in trans fats, sugary drinks, and ultra-processed items. According to Dr. Sunkara, these foods can lead to inflammation, brain fatigue, and even long-term cognitive decline. He urges people to opt for whole, unprocessed foods and be mindful of how diet influences brain function over time. Doctor Flags Three Popular Foods That May Shrink Your Brain Over Time Your daily food choices impact more than just your waistline — they also influence brain health in powerful ways. According to Hyderabad-based neurosurgeon Dr. Raveesh Sunkara, many common items found in kitchens and supermarket shelves can quietly impair cognitive function over time. In a recent Instagram video, Dr. Sunkara explained that three specific food types should be avoided altogether to support long-term brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive Sunkara emphasized that foods high in trans fats — often found in deep-fried snacks and processed baked goods — contribute significantly to brain inflammation. He pointed out that these fats, which may appear on labels as 'partially hydrogenated oils,' are commonly present in items like chips, pastries, and ready-to-eat fast food. Over time, this inflammation can impair brain function and increase the risk of neurological conditions. Scientific research supports this concern. Studies published in medical journals have associated excessive trans fat consumption with a higher likelihood of dementia and long-term cognitive deterioration. To reduce exposure, the neurosurgeon recommends cooking with healthier oils, such as olive or avocado oil, and choosing whole, unprocessed foods. Sugary drinks are another major concern. Often viewed as sources of 'empty calories,' these beverages not only add little nutritional value but can also spike blood sugar levels rapidly. Dr. Sunkara noted that repeated glucose spikes — especially from liquid sugar — can lead to brain fatigue and may even shrink brain volume over claim is backed by studies that show a connection between frequent consumption of high-sugar drinks and reduced brain volume, particularly in regions tied to memory and decision-making. These beverages have also been linked to inflammation and higher risks of neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Sunkara suggests replacing sugary drinks with water, herbal teas, or other unsweetened options. The third category Dr. Sunkara advises avoiding is ultra-processed food. Items such as packaged snacks, sugary cereals, ready-made meals, and processed meats are common in modern diets but come with significant downsides. He explained that these foods disturb the gut microbiome, which in turn disrupts the gut-brain axis — a critical communication system between the digestive tract and the brain. Research indicates that this imbalance can trigger inflammation, hinder neurotransmitter production, and contribute to mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline. Instead, Dr. Sunkara encourages a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to maintain a healthy gut and support brain link between food and brain health is clearer than ever. Dr. Sunkara's insights serve as a reminder that what we eat today can shape how well our brain functions tomorrow. By staying mindful of dietary choices and avoiding these three commonly consumed food types — trans fat-laden items, sugary beverages, and ultra-processed products — individuals can take meaningful steps toward preserving cognitive health as they age.
Time of India
18 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Beware if you eat these 3 types of food that could be harming your brain, says neurosurgeon
Your daily food choices impact more than just your waistline — they also influence brain health in powerful ways. According to Hyderabad-based neurosurgeon Dr. Raveesh Sunkara, many common items found in kitchens and supermarket shelves can quietly impair cognitive function over time. In a recent Instagram video, Dr. Sunkara explained that three specific food types should be avoided altogether to support long-term brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Trans Fat-Rich Foods: A Silent Brain Saboteur Dr. Sunkara emphasized that foods high in trans fats — often found in deep-fried snacks and processed baked goods — contribute significantly to brain inflammation. He pointed out that these fats, which may appear on labels as 'partially hydrogenated oils,' are commonly present in items like chips, pastries, and ready-to-eat fast food. Over time, this inflammation can impair brain function and increase the risk of neurological conditions. Scientific research supports this concern. Studies published in medical journals have associated excessive trans fat consumption with a higher likelihood of dementia and long-term cognitive deterioration. To reduce exposure, the neurosurgeon recommends cooking with healthier oils, such as olive or avocado oil, and choosing whole, unprocessed foods. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cardiólogo: El mejor método para un vientre plano después de los 50 (¡Es genial!) Té mágico desintoxicante Undo View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sunkara | Neurosurgeon (@dr_raveesh) Sugary Drinks and Brain Fatigue Sugary drinks are another major concern. Often viewed as sources of 'empty calories,' these beverages not only add little nutritional value but can also spike blood sugar levels rapidly. Dr. Sunkara noted that repeated glucose spikes — especially from liquid sugar — can lead to brain fatigue and may even shrink brain volume over time. This claim is backed by studies that show a connection between frequent consumption of high-sugar drinks and reduced brain volume, particularly in regions tied to memory and decision-making. These beverages have also been linked to inflammation and higher risks of neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Sunkara suggests replacing sugary drinks with water, herbal teas, or other unsweetened options. Ultra-Processed Foods and the Gut-Brain Connection The third category Dr. Sunkara advises avoiding is ultra-processed food. Items such as packaged snacks, sugary cereals, ready-made meals, and processed meats are common in modern diets but come with significant downsides. He explained that these foods disturb the gut microbiome, which in turn disrupts the gut-brain axis — a critical communication system between the digestive tract and the brain. Research indicates that this imbalance can trigger inflammation, hinder neurotransmitter production, and contribute to mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline. Instead, Dr. Sunkara encourages a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to maintain a healthy gut and support brain function. The link between food and brain health is clearer than ever. Dr. Sunkara's insights serve as a reminder that what we eat today can shape how well our brain functions tomorrow. By staying mindful of dietary choices and avoiding these three commonly consumed food types — trans fat-laden items, sugary beverages, and ultra-processed products — individuals can take meaningful steps toward preserving cognitive health as they age.
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
3 warning signs of brain stroke and how to act ‘FAST', according to a top neurosurgeon
Dr. Raveesh Sunkara highlights the critical importance of recognizing stroke symptoms promptly to save lives. He emphasizes the 'FAST' acronym: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call for emergency services. Acting quickly within the first few hours is crucial to minimize brain damage and prevent long-term disability or death. A brain stroke is a medical emergency where every second counts. Recognizing the signs and taking immediate action is crucial. It could mean the difference between life and death. Dr. Raveesh Sunkara, a board-certified neurosurgeon based in Hyderabad, has listed the 3 most common and crucial signs of a brain stroke, and why it is important to act 'FAST'. 'Recognizing these stroke symptoms quickly can save a brain and a life,' he said. Face drooping The first sign of a stroke is visible changes in facial asymmetry. Dr. Sunkara said that a stroke leads to the drooping of one side of the face. The individual will find it difficult to smile evenly. If you see someone having a droopy face all of a sudden, ask the person to smile. If one side doesn't move or appears drooped, it's a red flag. This symptom occurs because the stroke disrupts the brain's control over facial muscles, typically on one side. Recognizing this early sign and taking swift action can potentially prevent severe brain damage. Weakness of arms or legs Another critical sign is weakness or numbness in one arm or leg. You can do a quick test in such circumstances. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Ask the person to raise both arms. If one arm drifts downward or can't be lifted, it's a strong indicator of a stroke. This happens due to the impaired brain signals to the limbs, often affecting one side of the body. When the weakness affects the legs, it may cause difficulty walking or balancing. Difficulty speaking One of the most common signs of a stroke is disturbances in speech. Their words may be slurred, struggle to speak, or produce confused speech. One simple way to recognize this is to ask them to repeat a simple sentence. If they can't, or it sounds unclear, act immediately. Disturbances in speech happen when a stroke affects the brain's language centers and impairs communication. When combined with other signs, speech difficulty is a clear call to seek emergency help. Stroke signs you MUST not miss and ways to avoid stroke risk How to remember these crucial signs? Just think of acting 'FAST'. Dr. Sunkara urges everyone to memorize the F.A.S.T. acronym to recognize stroke symptoms quickly. 'F for face, A for weakness of arms, S for speech, and T is time.' Yes, that's right. Time is the most important step. Brain cells die rapidly during a stroke. How immediately you act and get the person to a hospital within the first few hours can make all the difference. Delaying treatment risks permanent disability or even death. 'If you see any of these signs, it's TIME TO CALL EMERGENCY SERVICES IMMEDIATELY,' he said.
Time Business News
2 days ago
- Time Business News
Goutham Sunkara's Insights on Automating Network Testing for Scalable SD-WAN Deployments
In today's fast-changing world of network technology, Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN) has become a key tool for companies looking for flexible, secure, and efficient connections. Goutham Sunkara, an experienced Staff R&D Software Engineer with over 10 years of expertise in network security and automation, has played a big role in making SD-WAN systems reliable and high-performing. His work at Cisco Systems and VMware by Broadcom Inc. shows how important automation is for testing SD-WAN features, providing useful lessons for network engineers and companies wanting to improve their networks. At Cisco Systems, where Goutham Sunkara worked as a Software Engineer III from July 2018 to August 2021, he had a key role in testing SD-WAN features on Cisco's ISR 4K, 1K, and Catalyst 8K routers. He focused on making sure the network routing was secure and worked well, which is a big part of what makes SD-WAN valuable. Sunkara's testing was thorough, covering how the features worked, how they handled large-scale use, their performance, and checks to ensure nothing broke over time. He created detailed plans and used both manual and automated tests to make sure Cisco's SD-WAN systems were strong and secure. His work included checking SD-WAN security features and how they worked with ISR routers, fixing weaknesses in systems like IPsec, MPLS, and DMVPN. This careful testing was essential to keep data safe and ensure networks stayed reliable, especially for big businesses that need dependable systems. A big part of Goutham Sunkara's work at Cisco was creating automation scripts using Python and the PyATS tool on Linux systems. These scripts made it easier and faster to test important network features like encryption, VPN security, and firewall rules. By automating these security tests, Sunkara saved time in finding and fixing problems, making sure Cisco's ISR routers were secure and worked well. His automation also tested a wide range of network protocols, like NAT, HTTP, IPv4/IPv6, and routing protocols such as OSPF and BGP. This complete approach not only sped up testing but also gave helpful information to the development and marketing teams, encouraging teamwork to improve product security from start to finish. Goutham Sunkara brought his automation skills to his job at VMware by Broadcom Inc., where he has worked as a Staff R&D Software Engineer since August 2021. He focused on the NSX-T platform, a software-based networking tool that works well with SD-WAN to create secure and flexible networks. Sunkara led the testing strategy and automation for NSX-T's Security Service Platform (SSP), a security product powered by AI and machine learning. He created automation scripts using Python and REST APIs to test new NSX-T features, like Distributed Firewall (DFW) on Distributed Virtual Port Groups (DVPGs), Fully Qualified Domain Name (FQDN) filtering, and NSX Edge Cluster setups. These scripts made it faster to check complex features, ensuring they worked reliably in different network situations. One of Goutham Sunkara's key accomplishments at VMware was building test framework libraries to support new NSX-T features, like Network Detection and Response (NDR) sensors, application discovery, and monitoring tools. He automated tests for East-West traffic between Linux and Windows virtual machines using tools like Spirent, CyPerf, and Cyberflood, ensuring thorough testing of Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS) and Malware Prevention Systems (MPS). This automation was essential for checking the security and performance of distributed firewalls in software-defined data centers (SDDCs). Sunkara's careful approach to creating and running test plans, including setting up ESXi hosts, configuring DHCP/DNS/vCenter, and deploying Spirent VMs, made sure the SDDC test environments were strong and mirrored real-world setups. Goutham Sunkara's education strengthened his skills in network automation. While earning his Master's in Electrical Engineering at San Jose State University, he researched adaptive bit rate streaming and ways to stop Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks, using tools like GNS3, Wireshark, and NS-3. These projects helped him learn how to design and test complex networks, skills he later used for SD-WAN and software-defined data center (SDDC) testing. His certifications, such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and VMware's VCP-DCV and VCP-NV, show his strong knowledge in routing, switching, and network virtualization. Goutham Sunkara's work gives network engineers helpful tips for automating SD-WAN testing. He stresses the need to include security testing in automation, making sure protocols like IPsec and firewall rules are thoroughly checked. His use of Python-based automation tools shows how scripts can save time and make tests more accurate. Sunkara's experience also shows the importance of teamwork, as he worked with development and feature teams to ensure testing matches product goals. As companies increasingly use SD-WAN to support remote workers and cloud apps, Goutham Sunkara's work shows how automation helps create flexible, secure, and reliable networks. His expertise in building and running automated test strategies at Cisco and VMware offers a clear guide for businesses looking to improve their SD-WAN setups, ensuring strong performance and security in today's complex digital world. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Neurosurgeon shares 3 foods he avoids as they harm the brain and 'can even shrink your brain in the long term'
Dr Raveesh Sunkara, a neurosurgeon, took to Instagram on July 10 to share a post titled: 'These 3 foods are harming your brain'. He shared , 'As a neurosurgeon, these are the top 3 foods I avoid for optimal brain health.' In the video he posted, the neurosurgeon explained which common foods can be detrimental to your brain. Also read | Neurosurgeon explains how 'brain health is pretty easy to achieve', reveals foods to eat: Dark chocolate, fish, broccoli Want to know foods to limit or avoid for optimal brain health? Read on. (Unsplash) According to Dr Sunkara, by being mindful of your diet and limiting these foods, you can help support your brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline: 1. Food containing a lot of trans fat Dr Sunkara said, 'Here are the top three foods I will completely avoid as a neurosurgeon. Number one is food containing a lot of trans fat, such as deep-fried food or packaged snacks. They cause a lot of inflammation in the brain and lead to a lot of problems long term.' The neurosurgeon's advice on avoiding certain foods to protect brain health aligns with various studies. According to a 2014 study published in consuming high amounts of trans fats has been linked to an increased risk of dementia and cognitive decline. 2. Sugary drinks He added, 'Number 2 is high sugary drinks. High sugar causes blood glucose spikes, especially in the form of liquid. It causes a lot of spikes leading up to brain fatigue over time. This, in the long term, can even shrink your brain.' As per a 2023 study published in sugary beverages can cause inflammation in the brain, leading to memory problems and an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Regular consumption of these drinks has also been linked to cognitive decline and impaired brain function. 3. Ultra-processed food Dr Sunkara concluded: 'Finally, the third is ultra-processed food, which causes a lot of gut issues. This leads to disruption of the gut-brain axis. Remember, your brain runs on what you eat.' Ultra-processed foods, often high in unhealthy fats, added sugars, and artificial additives, and can negatively impact brain health. As per a study, published in in 2018, they have been linked to inflammation, oxidative stress, and an increased risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. 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.
