Finding a few strands on your brush or after a shower is nothing to worry about. Hair follows a natural growth cycle where old strands fall out and new ones grow, keeping overall hair volume steady.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, losing between 50 and 100 hairs daily is standard. Your hair length, washing frequency, and how you comb can change how many loose strands you notice at once.
Many people notice increased shedding during weather transitions. While seasonal shifts can temporarily raise shedding rates, blaming every single instance of heavy hair fall on the weather is a common mistake.
If your hair parting starts looking wider, your scalp becomes more visible, or hair around your forehead thins out, it goes beyond normal shedding and may indicate a structural hair growth concern.
Severe stress, high fever, rapid weight loss, surgery, or postpartum hormone shifts can push hair follicles into a resting phase. Known as telogen effluxium, heavy shedding often appears two to four months after the triggering event.
Never ignore sudden bald patches, rapidly thinning volume, persistent scalp itching, redness, flaking, or heavy shedding that lasts for months. These signs require professional medical evaluation rather than home remedies.
Doctors may recommend blood tests to check for iron deficiencies or thyroid imbalances before suggesting treatments. Popping random hair supplements or over-the-counter medications without a proper medical diagnosis is never a good idea.
Support your hair by eating a balanced diet rich in protein and iron. Avoid tight hairstyles, excessive heat styling, and rough towel-drying on wet hair to prevent breakage and maintain strong roots.
A packet of chips with your evening tea, a sugary drink between meals, instant noodles when there is no time to cook, or a ready-to-eat meal after a long day can seem like small choices. But when these foods become a regular part of the diet, those small portions can quickly add up.
A new analysis involving nearly 8.8 million adults has now looked at what that additional ultra-processed food intake may mean for long-term health. The researchers found that every extra 100 grams of ultra-processed food consumed per day was associated with a 14% higher risk of cardiovascular events.
The findings, published in Family Medicine and Community Health, come from a pooled analysis of 51 prospective cohort studies involving 8,819,894 adults across the Americas, Europe, Asia and Oceania. The same extra 100 grams was also tied to an 11% higher risk of high blood pressure, a 4% higher cancer risk, a 3% higher risk of death from any cause, and a 2% higher risk of metabolic syndrome or diabetes.
What Counts As Ultra-Processed Food?
Ultra-processed foods are generally ready-to-eat or heat-and-serve products that undergo extensive industrial processing and often contain several additives. They can include packaged snacks, sugary drinks, processed meat products and some ready-made meals.
The researchers note that these foods tend to be energy-dense and higher in sugar and salt, while providing less dietary fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals than minimally processed foods.
However, processed does not automatically mean ultra-processed. Foods such as frozen vegetables, canned foods and freshly made bread can undergo processing without necessarily falling into the ultra-processed category.
How Ultra-Processed Foods Affects the Body?
Ultra-processed foods are industrial products designed to be convenient and long-lasting. They typically contain additives, emulsifiers, artificial colours and flavourings, and are often high in sugar, salt and calories while being low in fibre, protein and micronutrients. Lead author Dr David Xiao Liu noted that these foods may harm health through several overlapping pathways.
One is the so-called “cocktail effect," in which multiple additives interact inside the body in ways that are more harmful than any single ingredient alone.
The possible effects of a diet high in ultra-processed food do not appear to be limited to the heart. Researchers have proposed several pathways through which frequent consumption of these foods may influence different organs and body systems.
Heart and blood vessels
High UPF intake has been associated with cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular events. Diets high in these foods can also be higher in sodium, added sugars and calories, which may contribute to high blood pressure, weight gain and metabolic problems that affect cardiovascular health.
Blood sugar and pancreas
Many ultra-processed foods are rich in refined carbohydrates and added sugars. Frequent consumption may contribute to blood glucose fluctuations and, over time, insulin resistance and metabolic problems. The analysis found a small association between higher UPF intake and metabolic syndrome or diabetes.
Brain
The relationship between UPFs and brain health is still being studied. Researchers are investigating whether dietary patterns involving large amounts of ultra-processed food may be associated with cognitive and neurological outcomes, potentially through metabolic, inflammatory and vascular pathways. The evidence is not strong enough to say that UPFs directly damage the brain.
Gut and digestive system Ultra-processed foods can contain less dietary fibre than minimally processed foods. A diet low in fibre may provide less support for a diverse gut microbiome and healthy bowel function. Meanwhile, some additives and processing-related compounds are being investigated for their possible effects on the gut, although their long-term impact is not fully established.
Liver and metabolism Excess calorie intake and diets high in added sugars and unhealthy fats can contribute to weight gain and metabolic dysfunction, which may affect liver health. Researchers are also examining whether certain UPF components could have effects beyond their nutritional content.
Overall body and inflammation A diet dominated by ultra-processed foods can displace fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, nuts and other nutrient-rich foods. This can mean less fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals in the overall diet. Researchers have also proposed inflammation and metabolic changes as possible mechanisms, but these pathways remain under investigation.
People who eat more ultra-processed foods may also differ in other lifestyle habits that influence health. Still, the consistency of the findings across a very large number of participants and the clear dose-response relationship strengthen the case for caution.
Replacing packaged snacks, sugary drinks, processed meats and ready meals with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and minimally processed foods is a practical starting point.
Checking ingredient lists for long strings of additives can also help. While most countries do not yet label foods specifically as ultra-processed, choosing products closer to their natural form remains one of the simplest ways to reduce exposure.
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene for sharp vision, strong immunity, and healthy skin, but eating them raw limits nutrient absorption. According to Rinkle Sharma, Senior Dietitian at Yatharth Super Specialty Hospital, Agra, raw plant cell walls are tough for the body to break down. Lightly cooking carrots and pairing them with healthy oils like olive oil unlocks this barrier, allowing your body to absorb maximum Vitamin A.
While raw carrots are crisp and refreshing, your body only absorbs around 3% of their beta-carotene. The rigid cell walls protect the nutrients too well, meaning most beneficial Vitamin A passes right through without being utilized effectively.
Gentle heat softens cellular walls, breaking down tough plant tissue. Research confirms that cooking carrots releases bound beta-carotene, increasing nutrient availability up to 39% compared to eating them raw. Simple steaming makes a massive nutrition difference.
Beta-carotene is fat-soluble, requiring healthy fats to transport it across your gut lining. Drizzling olive oil or canola oil over carrots boosts nutrient absorption by up to six times, turning every bite into a powerhouse meal.
Vitamin A is essential for preventing night blindness and strengthening immunity. By combining lightly cooked carrots with healthy oils, you optimize your daily intake, ensuring your body effectively absorbs antioxidants that fight inflammation and aging.
Don't overcook or boil your carrots into mush! A quick 5-minute sauté in olive oil with a pinch of black pepper retains crisp texture while optimizing nutrient uptake, giving you the perfect blend of taste and health.
Love raw carrot salads? Always add an oil-based dressing like olive oil vinaigrette, avocado slices, or toasted seeds. The healthy lipids interact with raw fibers, significantly increasing beta-carotene absorption without needing to cook.
To get the ultimate health payoff from carrots, remember this simple rule: heat them lightly and pair with fat. Whether roasted, steamed, or sautéed with olive oil, smart preparation unlocks their full nutritional superpower!
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!
