Latest news with #gastroenterologist
The Sun
27-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The three toxic items in EVERY home that this doctor warns should be removed ‘immediately'
A DOCTOR has revealed the three household items that should be thrown away "immediately" because of their toxic traits. Repeated use could lead to high blood pressure, cholesterol and reproductive issues, he warns. Gastroenterologist Dr Saurabh Sethi is known for sharing a wealth of health expertise on various social media platforms, including Instagram (@ He previously shared three foods he always avoids to protect his liver. Now, the 42-year-old has revealed three toxic items commonly found in people's homes, and advises people get rid of them immediately. In a clip, which has racked up 11.8m views and over 141,000 likes, Dr Sethi's first warning is over scented candles. 'These contain phthalates, which are known to disrupt hormone levels,' the doctor, from California, US, says. 'And cause respiratory issues." Phthalates are chemicals used in synthetic fragrances to help the scent bind to the wax and last longer. When candles containing phthalates burn, they release them into the air. Dr Sethi adds: 'Opt for unscented or natural candles made from soy or beeswax.' Phthalates have been linked to various health risks, including endocrine disruption, reproductive issues, developmental problems, and increased risk of certain cancers. How to prevent toxic plastics 'destroying' your brain - as doctor warns of 'damage and dementia risk' Studies have also shown connections between phthalate exposure and asthma, ADHD, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. The second household item Dr Sethi lists as being a danger is plastic cutting boards. He says: 'These can degrade over time, releasing microplastics into your food, which can accumulate in the body." Studies have linked microplastics to a range of potential health issues, including reproductive problems, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurological effects. They can also contribute to inflammation, cell damage, and disrupt the gut microbiome. Instead, Dr Sethi advises: "Switch to a wooden one to minimise risk.' 3 Last on Dr Sethi's list is scratched or chipped non-stick pans. Dr Sethi explains: 'These contain PFAS, which have been linked to high blood pressure, cholesterol and reproductive issues. 'Damaged pans can release these particles into your food." PFAS are a large, complex group of synthetic chemicals that have been used in consumer products around the world since about the 1950s. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a range of health problems, including increased risk of certain cancers, altered immune function, liver damage, and reproductive and developmental issues. Some studies also suggest links between PFAS and thyroid disease, changes in cholesterol levels, and behavioural problems in children. Dr Sethi advises: "So make sure to either replace these pans as soon as they are scratched or chipped. 'Or replace those with safer alternatives, such as stainless steel or cast iron.' What are microplastics and why are they a worry? Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than five millimetres in diameter. They come from a variety of sources in our everyday life, from larger pieces of plastic debris, such as from the degradation of bottles, to the tiny beads in personal care products like toothpaste and exfoliants, and synthetic fibres from textiles like polyester and nylon. We can either ingest them, for example in food and water contaminated with them, or inhale them from the air. There is growing concern about the potential health impacts of microplastics on both the environment and human health. When ingested or inhaled, microplastics can cause physical and chemical damage to living organisms. Studies have shown that they may be involved in inflammation in the body by leading to the release of proteins called inflammatory cytokines. While these studies are typically small and in animals or cells, inflammation is linked to a range of chronic diseases, including heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. Cellular damage has been a key focus of studies on microplastics. The tiny pieces of plastic have been shown to cause cell death, cause damage via oxidative stress, and interfere with hormone function. There is also evidence to suggest that microplastics can cause genotoxic effects, meaning they can damage genetic material within cells - raising fears they can contribute to cancer. The evidence is still evolving for these tiny particles that are barely visible to the naked eye.
The Sun
14-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The 3 foods I always avoid as a doctor to protect my liver – and everyone should be doing the same
A DOCTOR has revealed the three foods he avoids to protect his liver - and says the list often leaves people shocked. The liver is often an underestimated organ, playing a critical role in various bodily functions that are essential for overall health and well-being. 3 3 It filters the blood, breaking down toxins and harmful substances, produces bile, which aids in digestion and waste removal, and plays a crucial role in storing and metabolising nutrients, and in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Doing what you can to protect your liver is important, particularly as damage is often irreversible. Dr Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist, his famed for sharing his health advice on TikTok (@doctorsethimd). He recently revealed the most dangerous time to go to sleep, explaining that snoozing after midnight could damage the brain. Now, the 42-year-old has shared the top three foods he avoids to protect his liver – and says that everyone should be doing the same. In a clip, which has racked up 53,000 views and over a thousand likes, he begins by listing fructose-heavy snacks. 'Fructose is commonly found in sugary drinks and processed snacks,' the doctor, from California, US, says. 'And it is handled almost entirely by the liver. 'This can lead to fat buildup over time, increasing the risk of fatty liver disease.' A study published in 2020 suggesting high fructose intake may trigger fatty liver disease by damaging the intestinal barrier. 'Healthy' woman, 35, died just three days after doctors 'dismissed' three red-flag symptoms of killer disease The next food item is industrial seed oils, such as soybean, corn and sunflower. Dr Sethi explains: 'These are high in omega-6 fats. 'When consumed in excess, they can fuel inflammation and oxidative stress. 'Both are harmful to the liver.' Some animal studies suggest that certain seed oils, particularly when heated, may negatively impact liver health by disrupting lipid metabolism and increasing fat accumulation. These studies also link seed oils to oxidative stress and metabolic dysfunction. 3 His final, and most surprising, item to avoid is fruit juice. Dr Sethi claims that even natural, 100 per cent juices have a high fructose level and no fibre. He adds: 'This combination causes quick blood sugar spikes, which can drive fat storage in the liver.' Several studies link excessive fruit juice consumption to potential liver damage, particularly non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The primary concern is the high fructose content in fruit juice, which can overwhelm the gut and lead to excess fructose being processed by the liver, potentially causing fatty liver. How to keep your liver healthy Healthy diet Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, including five servings daily. Include whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats like those in olive oil and fatty fish. Limit sugary drinks, processed foods, and excessive fat and sugar. Regular exercise Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Physical activity helps manage weight and improve liver health. Moderate alcohol consumption Limit alcohol intake to recommended guidelines, which typically include no more than 14 units of alcohol per week for men and women. Consider having several alcohol-free days per week. Medication safety Be aware of potential interactions between medications and alcohol, and always consult with your doctor about medication use. Weight management Maintain a healthy weight, as excess weight can increase the risk of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Viral hepatitis prevention Practice safe sex, get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, and avoid sharing needles or other personal items that could spread the virus. Hydration Drink plenty of water throughout the day, as hydration supports overall health and liver function.
The Sun
06-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The most dangerous time to go to sleep – as doctor warns it could lead to 4 health issues
A DOCTOR has warned of the most dangerous time to go to sleep. While a late bedtime may seem better than no bedtime at all, if you find yourself falling asleep after midnight it could lead to a number of health issues, he says. Dr Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist, recently issued an urgent warning to people using plastic water bottles and heating up their leftovers in takeaway containers, as the material is showing up in our brains. Now, the 42-year-old has revealed to his 504,000 followers on TikTok (@doctorsethimd) the dangerous effects going to sleep after midnight has on our bodies – especially our minds. In a clip, which has racked up 29,000 views and hundreds of likes, he explains the four ways in which our body suffers. 'If you regularly stay up past midnight, you might experience several health issues,' the doctor, from California, US, says. 'This means you are generally getting less than seven to nine hours of sleep.' The NHS recommends people get seven to nine hours sleep - in line with the 'golden eight hours'. But really, everyone is different. But you do need adequate quantity and quality to allow the body to optimally function and repair itself, promoting overall health and well being. The first effect of staying awake past midnight is weight gain, Dr Sethi says. Indeed, poor sleep has been linked to weight gain in research. It disrupts appetite and fullness hormones and sleepiness causes you to reach for high-calorie foods. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found a 20 per cent greater risk of obesity or large waistline in those who went to sleep at midnight or later compared to those who slept between 8 and 10 pm. Your ultimate sleep toolkit in 13 steps - from recording snoring to daylight hack Second, Dr Sethi says sleeping past midnight causes a decline in mood, and thirdly, stress levels will increase. A study from Stanford Medicine, published in Psychiatry Research, suggests that sleeping before 1am, regardless of individual chronotype (natural sleep-wake preference), is linked to better mental health. This study found that those who go to bed later than 1am have a higher risk of developing mental health issues like depression and generalised anxiety disorder. Lastly, Dr Sethi says "you may struggle with concentration and thinking during the day". Sleeping before midnight can enhance concentration because the first few hours of sleep, which often fall before midnight, are critical for deep sleep and restorative processes that are vital for cognitive function and memory consolidation - as demonstrated by a study at the University of Arizona. Getting to sleep before midnight can also offer other health benefits. A study by the British Heart Foundation found people who fall asleep between 10 and 11pm have the lowest risk of heart and circulatory disease, while those who fall asleep at midnight or later have an increased risk. Another study published in the European Heart Journal found that falling asleep before midnight is linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Dr Sethi advises: 'To improve your overall health, including hormone balance, gut health, liver health and mood, aim to sleep before midnight. 'And stick to a consistent bedtime. 'Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep every night.' The best sleep routine and environment Thomas Høegh Reisenhus, TEMPUR® sleep specialist & sleep counsellor, reveals the key components of a good bedtime routine and environment... A sure-fire way to facilitate a better night's sleep is to practice good sleep hygiene. Establish a sleep routine that works for you and stick to it. This will help your body establish a consistent, natural sleep-wake cycle which can do wonders for your overall sleep quality. As such, try to avoid making up for lost sleep with a lie-in. Instead of sleeping in, spend your morning reading a book in bed or having a leisurely coffee in the kitchen. Ensure that your bedroom, bedding, and sleepwear are fit for purpose too. The ideal sleep environment is dark, quiet, and cool – much like a cave. If you find unwelcome sources of light are keeping you up, consider investing in an eye mask or black-out curtains. Adding soft furnishings can be a great way to reduce noise, with the surfaces having an absorptive quality, but if this doesn't work, consider embracing a soothing soundtrack to block it out. In terms of temperature, try to keep your bedroom at 18°C. You can further reduce the risk of waking up due to overheating by ensuring that all your bedding and sleepwear is made with natural, breathable materials such as cotton and linen. Bear in mind that everyone is different; what might work for most, may not work for you! Whilst knowing how much sleep you should get, how to overcome common barriers, and practicing good sleep hygiene can facilitate a great night's sleep, if you continue to struggle with sleep or fatigue persistently, do not hesitate to visit a doctor or health professional for support.
