Navratri is a time for devotion, festive meals and special vrat-friendly recipes. While sabudana khichdi, kuttu puri and samak rice are popular choices during the nine-day festival, sweet potato is another ingredient that deserves a place on your fasting menu. Naturally sweet, filling and easy to prepare, it can be turned into a delicious chaat with a handful of simple ingredients.
Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Pressure-cook, steam or boil them until they turn tender but do not become mushy. Allow them to cool slightly, peel off the skin and cut them into bite-sized cubes.
Heat ghee in a pan and add the sweet potato cubes. Roast them over medium heat for a few minutes until they develop a lightly crisp exterior. You can skip this step if you prefer a softer chaat or want to keep the recipe oil-free.
Transfer the warm sweet potatoes to a bowl. Add sendha namak, roasted cumin powder, finely chopped green chillies and lemon juice. Toss gently so that the seasoning coats the pieces evenly.
Finish with freshly chopped coriander and pomegranate seeds, if they are allowed under your fasting rules. Give the chaat a gentle mix and serve immediately while it is still warm.
Munching on peanuts while soaking up the winter sun or sipping evening tea is a favourite seasonal routine for many. However, elders frequently warn us never to drink water immediately after eating them. Is there any medical truth behind this age-old tradition, or is it just a myth? Here’s what science and traditional health practices say about this winter habit.
For generations, elders have advised against drinking water right after eating peanuts. According to traditional belief, peanuts generate internal warmth, and drinking cold water immediately afterward can trigger a sore throat, persistent cough, or a seasonal cold.
Health experts point out that peanuts contain natural oils and dry particles. In sensitive individuals, drinking water immediately after consumption can wash these oils down abruptly, occasionally causing mild throat irritation, tickling, or sudden coughing fits.
From a scientific perspective, drinking water after eating peanuts is generally considered safe. Water aids digestion and helps the body absorb nutrients. To date, there is no solid scientific evidence proving that drinking water after peanuts causes severe health damage.
Ayurvedic principles advise against drinking large amounts of water right after eating, as it may interfere with digestive fire. For this reason, many wellness practitioners recommend waiting 10 to 15 minutes before taking a sip of water after eating peanuts
Sometimes, discomfort is mistaken for a reaction to water when it is actually a peanut allergy. Symptoms like throat itching, swelling, coughing, or breathing difficulty are caused by bodily allergic reactions to peanuts, not the water consumed afterward.
While drinking water is mostly safe, waiting 10 to 15 minutes can prevent discomfort if you have a sensitive throat. Opt for room-temperature water over cold water and always consult a doctor if you suspect an allergy.
Hair density is not just about how your hair looks, it is also a reflection of your internal health. While shedding a few strands daily is normal, persistent hair fall can slowly reduce the number of strands growing on your scalp, making hair appear thin and lifeless. Factors like stress, poor nutrition, hormonal changes, harsh treatments, and disrupted sleep often play a bigger role than we realise. In many cases, hair density can be improved with consistent, everyday habits.
According to cosmetologist, dermatologist, and trichologist Dr Priti Karde Shringarpure, focusing on the right nutrition, scalp care, and lifestyle choices can help support healthier follicles and visibly fuller hair over time.
What does hair density actually mean?
Hair density refers to the number of individual hair strands present per square inch of the scalp. It can be low, medium, or high, and largely determines how full or voluminous your hair looks. Low density does not always mean hair loss, it may also result from excessive breakage, nutritional gaps, or stress-related shedding, such as telogen effluvium, explains Dr Shringarpure.
Why does hair density reduce over time?
Low hair density can be linked to genetics, hormonal imbalance, chronic stress, poor diet, pregnancy, menopause, harsh chemical treatments, excessive heat styling, sleep deprivation, and seasonal changes. Identifying and correcting these triggers is key to preventing further thinning.
Tips to increase hair density
1. Focus on a protein-rich, balanced diet
Hair is primarily made of keratin, a type of protein. A diet lacking protein, iron, zinc, vitamin D, and folic acid can weaken follicles and shorten the growth cycle. Include eggs, lentils, spinach, carrots, and dairy regularly. Avocados are especially beneficial, as they are rich in vitamin E and antioxidants that help protect follicles from oxidative damage.
2. Use supplements only when needed
Sometimes diet alone may not meet your hair’s nutritional needs. In such cases, supplements like biotin, collagen, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, B, and C can help bridge the gap but only when taken under professional guidance, advises Dr Shringarpure.
3. Manage stress to protect hair follicles
Chronic stress can push hair into a resting phase, leading to increased shedding and visible thinning. Simple practices like yoga, meditation, deep breathing, adequate downtime, and emotional support help regulate stress hormones that directly impact hair growth.
4. Make scalp massage a routine
Regular scalp massage improves blood circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles. A study published in Eplasty Journal found that consistent scalp massage may increase hair thickness over time. Massaging also helps remove buildup and strengthens roots.
5. Choose the right oils for oiling
Coconut oil penetrates the hair shaft and reduces breakage, according to the International Journal of Trichology. Rosemary oil has shown results comparable to minoxidil for androgenetic alopecia in a 2015 study, while reducing scalp irritation. Choose oils based on your scalp type.
6. Follow gentle hair care practices
Use mild shampoos, and avoid frequent colouring, smoothing, Botox treatments, and excessive heat styling. These damage the cuticle, weaken hair protein, and increase breakage, reducing overall density.
7. Seek professional help when hair fall is severe
If hair thinning persists or worsens, consult a dermatologist or trichologist. Professional evaluation helps address underlying causes and prevents long-term damage that home remedies alone may not fix.
While you cannot change your natural hair texture, consistent nutrition, scalp care, and lifestyle changes can significantly improve hair density over time!
A recent study in the Western Journal of Emergency Medicine suggests that some psychiatric medications could serve as alternatives to strong opioids for pain relief in emergency departments. The research, led by Akash Shanmugam, a medical student at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), examined non-opioid medications available at San Francisco General Hospital and reviewed the existing medical literature. The goal was to create a focused list of medications for specific pain conditions.
Opioids can relieve pain, but their misuse has caused the US opioid crisis since the 1990s. Prescribing them too freely without considering their addictive nature has been a big problem. It is important to reduce opioid use, but we must also ensure that pain is not undertreated. This is where alternative medications can help, as they might have long-term benefits for patients’ health.
How do people respond differently to pain medications?
The study shows that people respond differently to pain medications, often because of their genes. For example, the enzymes that help break down opioids can work at different levels in different individuals. This highlights the need for a range of pain-relief options, as the most effective medication can vary from person to person.
The study showed that common pain relievers like acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can help with different types of pain. However, some other medications work better for specific conditions. For example, ketamine may help with chest pain, while an antidepressant called a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) is promising for back pain. Several antipsychotic drugs also showed potential in treating headaches and abdominal pain.
Psychotropic medications and pain relief
Psychotropic medications can help with pain relief and mental health issues. Gabapentin was originally approved for epilepsy but is now commonly used to treat nerve pain. The authors of the study think these medications work for pain by affecting the brain circuits involved in sensing and experiencing pain.
Neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and glutamate regulate our mood and influence how we experience pain. Gabapentin works by changing the release of these chemicals by impacting calcium channels. On the other hand, antidepressants and antipsychotics directly manage neurotransmitters. These medications help balance the nervous system by changing how neurotransmitters communicate in the brain.
Mood-enhancing drugs can help people manage pain. Chronic pain often comes with issues like poor sleep, depression, anxiety, and fatigue. Medications that improve sleep and reduce anxiety can help patients better handle their pain, both physically and mentally. However, when prescribing these medications, doctors must make sure patients understand that this does not mean their pain is not real or just in their head.
Tavishi Dogra
Tavishi Dogra is a health journalist with over 8 years of experience in the field. She has built a reputation as a trusted voice, adept at simplifying complex medical information for a broad audience. Her work with prominent media outlets, including RSTV, Financial Express, Jagran, and Zee, has honed her skills in effectively communicating health topics to diverse groups. Tavishi's extensive research and expertise in AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy) make her a valuable source of expert advice and the latest updates on leading a healthier lifestyle. Follow her on HealthShots for more insights!
Popularly known as drumstick (or moringa), munga is widely recognized across India as a nutritious vegetable. Ayurveda considers both its pods and leaves a powerhouse of medicinal benefits. Rich in essential vitamins and minerals, moringa balances vital body doshas, combats inflammation, and supports bone health. State governments like Chhattisgarh are even launching mass plantation drives to harness its superfood benefits against malnutrition.
Dr Aastha Mishra, Ayurveda Medical Officer at Government Ayurveda Dispensary in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, highlights moringa as a rich natural source of essential vitamins, iron, folate, calcium, and magnesium that support overall daily bodily wellness.
Packed with dietary iron and folate, moringa makes a valuable dietary addition for individuals managing anemia. While medical treatment remains vital for severe deficiencies, incorporating drumsticks into meals naturally supports healthy red blood cell production.
Moringa contains high concentrations of calcium and magnesium, minerals crucial for maintaining strong bones and joints. Ayurvedic practitioners frequently recommend drumstick pods and leaves to aid bone health and manage conditions like osteoporosis effectively.
In Ayurvedic terminology, moringa possesses shoolhar (pain-relieving) and shothhar (anti-swelling) properties. Regular consumption helps reduce joint discomfort and internal inflammation, offering natural relief for people suffering from chronic stiffness and body pain.
According to Ayurveda, moringa has deepan-pachan qualities that stimulate digestive fire and improve nutrient absorption. Adding drumsticks to your daily diet supports smooth digestion, reduces bloating, and maintains optimal digestive tract health.
Moringa features a pungently bitter taste (katu-tikta) and a warming potency (ushna virya). These natural characteristics make it particularly effective at balancing vata and kapha doshas, clearing excess respiratory phlegm, and improving metabolic circulation.
Abundant in potent antioxidants, moringa plays a vital role in neutralizing harmful free radicals caused by oxidative stress. This antioxidant capacity strengthens cellular health, boosts immune response, and protects tissues from premature degradation.
To combat malnutrition and anaemia, Chhattisgarh launched the 'Har Ghar Munga' campaign, distributing free saplings to 7.88 lakh families across 52,553 Anganwadi centres. In Raipur, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai led a massive single-day drive planting 50,000 saplings.
Starting your morning with healthy habits sets the tone for an energetic, stress-free, and productive day. Eliminating common morning mistakes from your lifestyle can boost your mental clarity, support digestive health, and enhance overall physical well-being.
Avoid Jerking Out of Bed: Jumping out of bed instantly taxes your muscles and cardiovascular system. Instead, take deep breaths, sit at the edge of your bed for two minutes, and drink water before standing up. This prepares your mind and body gradually.
Stop Hitting the Alarm Snooze Button: Repeatedly snoozing your alarm interrupts fragmented sleep cycles, leaving you mentally fatigued. Ditch the snooze function entirely and set your alarm for the exact time you intend to wake up to protect your mental health and brain function.
Prioritize Morning Stretching and Movement: Reactivate your body after hours of rest with light stretching, outdoor deep breathing, or meditation. Skipping movement limits flexibility and blood flow, whereas a short routine keeps you feeling refreshed, agile, and energized throughout the entire workday.
Delay Checking Your Smartphone: Checking notifications or social media immediately upon waking induces premature stress and distracts your focus. Replace morning screen time with a clear daily plan to mental prepare yourself for upcoming tasks and maintain a calm, positive mindset.
Ditch Bed Tea on an Empty Stomach: Consuming tea or coffee on an empty stomach disrupts metabolism and worsens acidity. Swap early caffeine for warm water mixed with lemon and honey or green tea, and enjoy your coffee or tea strictly after completing a nutritious breakfast.
Never Skip Your Morning Breakfast: Skipping breakfast increases your risk of developing metabolic issues like obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and weakened immunity. Eating a wholesome morning meal fuels your brain, stabilizes blood sugar levels, and provides sustained energy for your daily activities.
Walk into any skincare aisle today, and you'll find shelves lined with products promising brighter, clearer and younger-looking skin. We have never had more choices or more information at your fingertips than today. From understanding active ingredients to building personalised routines, skincare has become far more science-led than it was a decade ago. Shaily Mehrotra, CEO & Co-Founder, Fixderma & FCL, explains that despite growing awareness, concerns such as acne, pigmentation, dullness and premature ageing continue to affect millions.
Healthy skin doesn't exist in isolation.
As the body's largest organ, it reflects what's happening beneath the surface. The quality of our sleep, the food we eat, how we manage stress, our hydration levels and the time we spend in the sun all influence how effectively the skin repairs itself, maintains its protective barrier and withstands daily environmental stressors.
Sleep: Where Skin Recovery Truly Begins
In today's always-on culture, sleep is often the first thing people compromise on. Ironically, it is also when the skin performs some of its most important work. During deep sleep, collagen production increases, skin cells regenerate and the skin barrier repairs itself from the cumulative effects of pollution, UV exposure and oxidative stress. Inadequate sleep, however, elevates cortisol levels, which can trigger inflammation, slow recovery and contribute to breakouts as well as premature signs of ageing. Consistently getting seven to eight hours of quality sleep remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to support healthier skin
Nutrition: Your Skin Reflects What's on Your Plate
Skincare products can only work with the skin you nourish. Every skin cell relies on a steady supply of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, proteins and healthy fats to regenerate and function efficiently. Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and omega-3 fatty acids provide the nutrients needed to support collagen production and strengthen the skin barrier. On the other hand, frequent consumption of highly processed foods and excess sugar may promote inflammation and collagen breakdown, gradually affecting the skin's firmness, texture and overall appearance. Healthy eating is therefore not just a wellness goal, it is an essential part of skin health.
Stress: The Invisible Factor Behind Many Skin Concerns
Stress may not always be visible, but its effects on the skin often are. Persistent stress increases cortisol production, stimulating excess oil secretion and amplifying inflammation. The result can be acne flare-ups, increased skin sensitivity, delayed healing or worsening of inflammatory conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. While stress cannot always be avoided, managing it through regular exercise, mindfulness, adequate rest or simply taking time to disconnect can positively influence both overall well-being and the skin's natural ability to recover.
Hydration: More Than Just Drinking Water
Hydration is one of skincare's most misunderstood concepts. While drinking enough water is important, healthy skin also depends on its ability to retain moisture. A compromised skin barrier allows water to escape more easily, leaving the skin dry, tight and more vulnerable to external irritants. Supporting hydration requires both internal and external care, adequate fluid intake, water-rich foods, and moisturisers formulated with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides and glycerin that help strengthen the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss.
Exercise: An Often-Overlooked Skin Booster
Regular physical activity benefits far more than overall fitness, it also supports healthier skin. Exercise improves blood circulation, allowing oxygen and nutrients to reach skin cells more efficiently while helping carry away metabolic waste. This enhanced circulation supports collagen production, promotes a natural glow and aids the skin's repair processes. Physical activity also helps regulate stress hormones, which can reduce stress-related breakouts and inflammation. While sweating itself doesn't "detox" the skin, it is important to cleanse the face after exercise to remove sweat, oil and impurities that may clog pores if left on the skin. Whether it's a brisk walk, strength training, yoga or cycling, staying active consistently contributes to healthier skin from within.
Healthy Skin Is Built Through Everyday Choices
The skincare conversation is evolving beyond quick fixes. People are seeking science-backed solutions while recognising that healthy skin is closely linked to overall well-being. That shift matters because skincare is most effective when viewed as part of a broader lifestyle rather than an isolated routine. The products we choose certainly play an important role, but they deliver their greatest value when supported by quality sleep, balanced nutrition, regular exercise, effective stress management and proper hydration.
