logo
Ophthalmologist reacts to woman's ‘washing eyes with own urine' hack: 'Your eyes don't need anything to clean on inside'

Ophthalmologist reacts to woman's ‘washing eyes with own urine' hack: 'Your eyes don't need anything to clean on inside'

Hindustan Times20 hours ago
When it comes to health and wellness, social media has become a breeding ground for viral trends, some helpful, some questionable, and others downright bizarre. One such eyebrow-raising trend recently surfaced on Instagram, where Pune-based Nupur Pittie, who describes herself as a "medicine-free life coach," garnered attention for her unconventional eye-care routine. (Also read: What is 'skin zoning' and does it really work? Skincare experts reveal trend that treats every zone right ) Dr. Samita Moolani criticises 'urine eye wash' as useless and misleading. (Instagram)
Ophthalmologist slams 'urine eye wash' hack
Titled "Urine Eye Wash, Nature's Own Medicine," the Instagram clip shows her using the first urine of the day to rinse her eyes, claiming it relieves redness, dryness, and irritation.
Reacting to the video, Dr Samita Moolani, an ophthalmologist, shared in her June 27 Instagram post, "Your morning urine should not be clear; it could be a sign of overhydration, diabetes, or kidney problems. I don't know why people are obsessed with these cups. They are absolutely useless. You don't need to soak your eyes in anything, forget urine."
What's the right way to care for your eyes
Expressing her frustration further, she added, "What the heck is wrong with people? Your eyes are self-cleaning! They do not need anything to clean on the inside." She explained that if someone is struggling with dry eyes, the correct first line of treatment is a preservative-free, sterile, lubricating eye drop that mimics the composition of natural tears.
"Washing with water around the eyes to keep the lids and lashes clean and using eye-safe, tested wipes for makeup users, on the outside, is a good idea. That's all," Dr Samita clarified.
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.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Neurosurgeon says ‘stress rewires our brain' leading to high cortisol, memory loss; suggests 5 easy ways to stay sharp
Neurosurgeon says ‘stress rewires our brain' leading to high cortisol, memory loss; suggests 5 easy ways to stay sharp

Hindustan Times

time33 minutes ago

  • Hindustan Times

Neurosurgeon says ‘stress rewires our brain' leading to high cortisol, memory loss; suggests 5 easy ways to stay sharp

Have you been under a lot of pressure lately? It could be related to workload, family dynamics, or just some tiff you got into with your friend. But did you know that this stress could harm your brain? An overload of stress shrinks the hippocampus, scrambles focus, and ramps up anxiety. (Freepik) {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} Also Read | Cardiologist reveals 'real cause of heart diseases' isn't the elevation of cholesterol levels, but this hidden issue {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} In an Instagram post shared on June 14, Dr Steven Spitz, neurosurgeon, talked about what stress really does to your brain. He discussed the three ways in which stress rewires our brain and suggested 5 ways to help your brain stay sharp. Let's find out what the neurosurgeon suggested: How stress rewires your brain According to the neurosurgeon, stress leads to: Cortisol Memory loss Poor focus He stressed that our brain wasn't built for nonstop cortisol. So, when there is an overload of stress, it 'shrinks the hippocampus, scrambles focus, and ramps up anxiety.' Here's how the above-mentioned three factors affect our brain: {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} Read More {{^usCountry}} Per Dr Spitz, when we are stressed, our amygdala lights up and the increased cortisol levels activate our fear centre. This leads to increased anxiety, fear, and emotional reactivity. 'Your brain starts to prioritise threats over logic,' he stressed. Chronic stress = Cortisol overload {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} Per Dr Spitz, when we are stressed, our amygdala lights up and the increased cortisol levels activate our fear centre. This leads to increased anxiety, fear, and emotional reactivity. 'Your brain starts to prioritise threats over logic,' he stressed. Chronic stress = Cortisol overload {{/usCountry}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} 'When your body stays in 'fight or flight' mode too long, cortisol builds up and brain structure and function start to change,' the neurosurgeon stated. 'This isn't just 'in your head' - it's science,' he stressed. Additionally, it also affects the hippocampus, which is our memory centre. 'High cortisol shrinks the hippocampus and makes it harder to remember things, learn new info, regulate emotions, and leads to forgetfulness,' Dr Spitz said. He warned that all these aren't just signs of ageing. It's cortisol. Lastly, stress also affects our prefrontal cortex, aka the decision control centre. 'Chronic stress impairs your judgment, focus, and impulse control. That 'foggy brain' feeling? Blame cortisol hitting your prefrontal cortex. Protect your brain. Stress management isn't optional - it's neuroscience,' he explained. How to help your brain stay sharp {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} {{^userSubscribed}} {{^usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{#usCountry}} {{/usCountry}} {{/userSubscribed}} Here's what the neurosurgeon does to help his brain stay sharp: Move every day (even 10 minutes helps) Say no without guilt Box-Breathe (2-second breath in, 2-second hold, 2-second exhale, and 2-second hold) Walk without a phone sometimes Prioritise sleep like it's surgery prep 'No trendy hacks. Just what actually works. If you've been living in survival mode lately, this is your reminder: you can't pour from an empty prefrontal cortex,' he stressed. 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. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

Reality or myth: Using rubber band on ears can depuff face
Reality or myth: Using rubber band on ears can depuff face

Time of India

time4 hours ago

  • Time of India

Reality or myth: Using rubber band on ears can depuff face

A bizarre beauty hack involving rubber bands around ears claims to depuff the face by promoting lymphatic drainage. Experts debunk this trend, citing temporary effects from increased blood flow and potential skin irritation. Effective alternatives include cold tools, hydration, reduced salt intake, lymphatic massage, and proper sleep posture. While harmless for brief experimentation, lasting results require science-backed methods, not ear-strangling. Okay, so the internet's back at it again with another bizarre beauty hack. This time, people are swearing by a trick where you wrap a rubber band around your ears to help depuff your face. Sounds ridiculous? Well, yeah. But somehow, this 'hack' has gone viral, and now everyone wants to know: does it actually work, or is it just another TikTok and Instagram myth? Let's break it down here: So, what's the deal? The idea behind this trend is that putting gentle pressure on certain points of your ears (like with a rubber band) can help with lymphatic drainage, which basically means flushing out excess fluid from your face. Less fluid = less puffiness = snatched jawline. At least, that's the theory. But here's the thing: just wrapping a band around your ears for a few minutes isn't going to magically drain your face like a faucet. It doesn't really work like that. Why it seems like it might work Okay, so if you've tried this, you might notice your skin looking slightly tighter or redder right after. That's just because you've increased blood flow to the area or slightly irritated it. The effects? Totally temporary. We're talking minutes, not magic. Also, your ears and face aren't directly connected in a way where you can squeeze one and drain the other. The lymphatic system is a bit more complex than that. Could it be bad for you? Surprisingly, yes. While it seems harmless, wearing a tight rubber band around your ears can irritate the skin, leave red marks, or even mess with your circulation if you overdo it. And let's be honest, nobody wants sore ears and a puffy face. Want to actually depuff your face? Do this instead: Cold tools: Jade rollers or ice globes straight from the fridge. Game changers. Hydrate: Drink water. Seriously. Puffiness is often your body holding onto water because you're not drinking enough. Cut back on salt: Especially before bed. It makes a big difference. Lymphatic drainage massage: Look up a few YouTube tutorials, it's way more effective than ear-strangling. Sleep right: Elevate your head a bit, and try sleeping on your back. Should you try it? If you're just curious and want to play around with a loose rubber band for like five minutes, fine - just be gentle and don't expect miracles. But if you're actually trying to look less puffy long-term? Yeah, this is not it. There are way better, safer, and more science-backed ways to de-bloat your face that won't leave your ears sore and red. So maybe keep the rubber bands for your hair (or your desk drawer), and leave your face out of it.

Keep Your Cholesterol In Check: Here's What Doctors Wish You Knew About High LDL Cholesterol
Keep Your Cholesterol In Check: Here's What Doctors Wish You Knew About High LDL Cholesterol

News18

time4 hours ago

  • News18

Keep Your Cholesterol In Check: Here's What Doctors Wish You Knew About High LDL Cholesterol

Last Updated: Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death in the country, accounting for nearly 7.8% of total mortalities Across the country, episodes of heart-related conditions like heart attacks are becoming increasingly common. But doctors are raising an alarm: high LDL cholesterol (also known as 'bad cholesterol") is showing up more frequently in India's younger population and it's a silent threat. Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death in the country, accounting for nearly 7.8% of total mortalities. Behind many of these cases lies high LDL cholesterol, which plays a critical role in blocking arteries and triggering conditions like atherosclerosis and strokes. Dr. Sarita Rao, Senior Interventional Cardiologist and Director of Cathlab, Apollo Hospital, Indore, says, 'The role of LDL cholesterol (LDLC) in the development of atherosclerosis is well documented, where LDLC tends to accumulate and form plaque, creating blockages in the arteries and restricting blood flow. What makes it even more concerning is that high LDLC, like most heart conditions, doesn't show any symptoms. By the time there is chest pain or any warning sign, a cardiac event could already be underway and it may be too late. So, bringing high LDL cholesterol down to target levels is the primary objective for preventing serious heart conditions." Why Indians Need to Be Extra Cautious When compared to Western populations, Indians have been found to have higher levels of LDL cholesterol and lower levels of HDL cholesterol (the 'good" cholesterol that helps remove LDL from the bloodstream). This is why doctors recommend that cholesterol screening begin as early as 18 years of age. Early testing helps in detecting silent threats and allows one to take action before things escalate. People who may appear fit can still have high LDL cholesterol. 'I'm in my 30s, I work out regularly and eat clean," shares Delhi-based Ajay. 'I was confused and surprised when a routine test showed that I had high LDLC. My cardiologist explained that elevated LDL cholesterol could have various reasons and encouraged me to continue medical therapy alongside my healthy routine." It's Not Just About Eating Right We know that lifestyle modifications like a healthy diet, regular exercise, and stress management are essential but they're not always enough. Doctors emphasize that medical therapy should not be delayed or skipped, especially if your LDLC numbers are beyond the target range. Each patient's treatment journey is unique. Factors such as age, family history, diabetes status, or previous cardiac events all influence an individual's LDLC targets. This is why personalized treatment plans are crucial. It's important to seek professional medical advice and actively participate in treatment. However, in India, it's observed that only about 60% of patients adhere to their prescribed medication, a worrying trend. Misconceptions often lead people to stop their medication, which causes a rebound in LDL levels and heightens cardiovascular risk. Moreover, stress, poor sleep, and metabolic imbalances can also elevate LDLC levels. These factors contribute to chronic inflammation, prompting the body to produce more LDL cholesterol, thereby increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke. When Lifestyle Isn't Enough – Advanced Therapy Is Key For patients who don't respond well to conventional statins, advanced therapies are increasingly being prescribed. Targeted treatments like PCSK9 inhibitors, siRNA therapy, or inclisiran show great promise in helping patients reach their target LDLC levels when standard options fall short. Always remember: high LDL cholesterol may not show symptoms but its consequences can be fatal. Whether you're a gym regular or someone who's never thought twice about your cholesterol, it's time to get screened, stay informed, and stick to your treatment plan for a healthier heart.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store