Latest news with #AakashHealthcare
News18
2 days ago
- Health
- News18
Forget Digital Detox: ‘Dopamine Detox' Is the New Trend: Is It Actually Good For Mental Health?
Last Updated: While the term dopamine detox may not be scientifically precise, the intentions behind the trend, slowing down, practicing mindfulness can offer mental health benefits The concept of digital detox taking a break from digital devices like smartphones and tablets has become a familiar strategy for reclaiming mental space. But now, a new mental health trend is gaining traction: the dopamine detox. Popularised by self-help communities and influencers, this practice promises to reset your brain by temporarily avoiding pleasurable activities. But is it scientifically sound? Dr. Pavitra Shankar, Associate Consultant–Psychiatry at Aakash Healthcare, shares her insights. What Is a Dopamine Detox? Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, a chemical messenger in the brain that plays a key role in pleasure, motivation, and reward. A dopamine detox, also referred to as a dopamine fast, involves abstaining from stimulating behaviours such as social media, video games, junk food, music, and even small talk for several hours or days. The idea is simple: by reducing overstimulation, your brain becomes more sensitive to natural rewards again. Advocates of the practice report feeling more focused, relaxed, and present afterward. However, the term dopamine detox is misleading, there is no need to detox from dopamine itself. It's an essential chemical without which basic functioning would be impossible. Clinically, the idea of taking intentional breaks from overstimulation is not new. Mindfulness practices and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) have long promoted reduced exposure to stimuli that encourage instant gratification. Still, the trend's terminology—especially the phrase 'dopamine detox"—can be scientifically inaccurate and misleading. That said, the principles behind the trend can be beneficial. Reducing screen time, practicing mindful eating, resisting the urge to mindlessly scroll, and taking time to reflect or journal can all help decrease anxiety, improve sleep, and enhance emotional regulation. However, balance is crucial. When approached too rigidly or without proper guidance, dopamine detoxing may lead to guilt or a sense of failure, particularly in individuals already dealing with anxiety or obsessive tendencies. It should never be viewed as a cure-all for deeper mental health issues. While the term dopamine detox may not be scientifically precise, the intentions behind the trend, slowing down, practicing mindfulness, and reducing overstimulation can offer mental health benefits. Think of it not as a strict regimen, but as an opportunity to reevaluate your relationship with pleasure and reward. And if you're feeling persistently unmotivated, distracted, or overwhelmed by compulsive behaviours, reaching out to a mental health professional for support can be far more effective than going it alone. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
NDTV
22-07-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Taking Testosterone Supplements To Be "Alpha" Can Actually Make You Infertile
In recent years, more men, including young, seemingly healthy adults, have turned to testosterone supplements and injections to bulk up, build stamina, or boost their libido. Experts suggest that these recommendations often come from their fitness trainers who suggest it for enhancing muscle gain. Add to that the constant bombing of online ads that promise an improved sex drive, energy, and mood, and you have a burgeoning market at hand. The market today is flooded with products that claim to boost testosterone: from herbal supplements like Shilajit, to protein powders, pills, and hormone injections. Data shows that the testosterone booster market is at USD 5,514.95 million in India and is growing rapidly. But behind the glossy promises lie risks that few users fully understand. As experts warn, testosterone is not a magic bullet, and certainly not one to be taken without knowing about its consequences. What Is Testosterone And What Does It Do To Your Body? Testosterone is a natural hormone primarily produced in the testicles. It plays a crucial role in developing male characteristics and maintaining overall health. According to Dr Vikas Agarwal, Director and HOD, Robotic Urology, Aakash Healthcare, "From puberty onward, it is responsible for building muscle mass, deepening the voice, growing facial and body hair, and supporting sexual desire and performance. It also contributes to bone health, mental well-being, and energy levels." As Dr Alka Jha from Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj, explains, it regulates key functions such as: Muscle and bone strength Sperm production Red blood cell production Libido and mood stability Fat distribution The Decline In Testoterone Modern lifestyle factors are playing a big role for this drop in male hormones in men. As Dr Jha points out, "The surge in male testosterone consumption stems from declining natural levels due to obesity, stress, and lifestyle factors, coupled with heightened awareness of hypogonadism symptoms and an ageing population seeking anti-ageing benefits." This has resulted in more men seeking testosterone therapy, not just for medical reasons like hypogonadism (a condition where the body doesn't produce enough testosterone), but also recreationally, to enhance appearance or perceived 'masculinity'. Testosterone is being taken "for muscle building, athletic performance, and sexual enhancement via supplements and therapies. This trend is fuelled by fitness culture, social media influence, e-commerce accessibility, and off-label use among young adults, though it raises risks like stroke and heart issues," Dr Jha says. The Decline Of Testosterone Is Normal While Ageing It's normal for testosterone levels to decrease with age. Data shows testosterone levels in men naturally decline with age, typically starting around age 30, with a gradual decrease of about 1-2% per year. But other reasons - like stress or poor diet - can accelerate the drop. You can watch out for these signs if that's the case, as the drop in testosterone can cause: Fatigue or lower energy levels Mood changes, including irritability or depression Decreased libido Muscle loss Increase in body fat Difficulty in concentrating Reduced strength or endurance If you're experiencing these, the answer isn't necessarily supplements. Dr Vikas Agarwal recommends that "a simple blood test can determine whether your testosterone levels are low. If they are not, taking testosterone will not help and it may do more harm than good." Enter Testosterone Experts suggest that in such cases, where testosterone is significantly low, testosterone therapy and other practices come in. But still it is not for everyone. "Testosterone replacement is typically prescribed for men experiencing hypogonadism. This is often due to medical issues like chemotherapy, genetic conditions, or injury," explains Dr Alka Jha. It may help improve energy, libido, mood, and even bone density in those who truly need it. But for healthy men, experts say, especially those using it for muscle gain or performance, the benefits are unclear and potentially dangerous. Testosterone use without medical necessity can shut down your body's natural hormone system. "The body thinks it has enough testosterone when you take it externally and shuts down its natural production," explains Dr Vikas Agarwal. Can Cause Infertility: The Hidden Side Effect Taking testosterone, especially above the counter, can cause various side effects. These can include both common and more serious issues, such as changes in sexual function, physical and emotional changes, and potential impact on the cardiovascular and prostate health. But experts suggest that sometimes, hormonal suppression of the naturally producing testosterone can lead to testicular shrinkage, reduced sperm count, and long-term infertility. Dr Sunita Tandulwadkar, President of FOGSI and HOD at Ruby Hall Clinic Pune, warns that "many young people are taking testosterone with the advice of their trainer, and this testosterone stops the production of testosterone in the body naturally." She explains, "It can stop the formation of sperm, known as spermatogenesis. In 60% to 75% of men, infertility occurs significantly. And it can be impossible to reverse this effect for a long time." Dr Alka Jha further adds, "It suppresses natural testosterone production by down-regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, leading to smaller testicles, reduced sperm count, and infertility. This is often reversible but can persist for months after stopping therapy." The Alpha Male Syndrome From late-night gymbro science to online supplement sales, testosterone has been promoted as a shortcut to virility, power, and youth. But many of these promises are misleading. This need of becoming and feeling like 'men' and 'Alpha' has led to a surge in sales of testosterone supplements and other products. Experts also blame social media. As Dr Vikas Agarwal notes, "Social media and fitness culture play a big role as many men feel pressured to look a certain way, and testosterone promises quick muscle gain. For older men, it offers hope of increased sexual vitality, while some even believe it can reverse ageing. However, these expectations don't always match reality." A medical review published in the Cureus journal confirms that while testosterone therapy helps in diagnosed hypogonadism, "there is very limited evidence that it helps healthy men". In fact, all experts agree: testosterone therapy can be life-changing, but for the right person, under the right circumstances, and under medical supervision. So, if you're in your 20s or 30s and tempted to try testosterone as a shortcut for muscles according to a gym trainer or podcaster's advice, or an Instagram ad, think again.
Hindustan Times
15-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Are you being ‘banksied'? The latest toxic dating term, which is crueller than ghosting
Have you felt like your partner is slowly detaching themself from you? Emotionally pulling away and withdrawing their feelings? But there are no fights, no arguments, just widening distance. The latest toxic dating term, Banksying, is crueller than ghosting.(Photo: Adobe Stock) Feels like a concept that has always been there, and multiple couples may have fallen victim to it. Well, now there is a word for it, and it is called 'Banksying', a toxic dating term which makes 'ghosting' seem much more polite. You do not break up with your partner, but rather put them through a toxic cycle of constant emotional withdrawal, and they are left wondering in the dark about what went wrong. But how did this term get here? The word takes shape after the England-based street artist, Banksy, 50, who creates his work, makes it known to the public, and then just vanishes without any announcement whatsoever. People have taken this habit of his to describe someone who emotionally backs away from a relationship before a 'break-up' conversation is officially in place. But why do people do this? Is it healthy or toxic? Dating coach Pratik Jain tells us, 'We are not taught communication (especially in intimate contexts) etiquette in our younger years. So we find our safe way to deal with tough situations. When one person is clear that they want to end a relationship, they know that direct communication will lead to a lot of instant conflicts, tensions and drama from the other person. So, to avoid the burden of all these, detaching is a safe way to go about it (at least for the person initiating it)." What does this lead to? You still engage in everything you used to do, but something feels off. There are fewer texts, less enthusiasm to make date plans, and maybe even shallower conversations than what used to be the case. And when you do inquire, the said person says things like, "It's fine" and sometimes even accuses you of "overthinking", etc. It is like they are there physically but gone emotionally. Dr Pavitra Shankar, Associate Consultant- Psychiatry at Aakash Healthcare, explains that this emotional withdrawal could be considered a form of passive-aggressive behaviour or emotional manipulation. 'It's a covert way of expressing anger, discomfort, or disconnection, forcing the partner to guess or interpret the silence. While it may not always be intentional, this behaviour creates emotional confusion and shifts the burden of resolution onto the other person,' she says. Even the psychological impact on the partner being 'Banksied' can be significant and long-lasting. They may experience confusion, self-doubt, and a deep sense of rejection because there is no clear closure or communication; the individual often ruminates, replaying moments to decipher what went wrong. 'This can erode self-esteem and trigger abandonment wounds, especially in individuals with insecure attachment styles. It can also induce anxiety in future relationships, as the person becomes hypervigilant about emotional shifts, fearing repeat withdrawal,' says Dr Shankar. So, what can you do to protect yourself? The first step would be to be on the lookout for the signs of being banksied. Pratik shares a few signs you should notice if you suspect something is off: The partner is not sharing things with you as much as before. They create trivial issues while blaming you or making you feel that you are not contributing to the relationship. They avoid any direct conversation that addresses the need to keep the relationship moving smoothly. Spending less and less time on intimate dinners, activities, etc. Ghosting vs Banksying While they both mean withdrawing from a relationship without actually breaking up, banksying is much more mean and toxic than ghosting. Ghosting is when someone stops communicating abrupt without any explanation or warning. The person performing the ghosting simply disappears, leaving the other individual confused, hurt, and rejected. However, banksying is different. This act refers to a slower form of ending a relationship where one partner slowly and subtly withdraws emotionally from the relationship without openly discussing their intentions to end it.
NDTV
13-07-2025
- NDTV
Radhika Yadav's Murder: Psychology Of Pride, Patriarchy, And Prejudice
New Delhi: Many Indian households idolise male control over vulnerability, or else how do you go from being your daughter's biggest cheerleader to her killer? But that's what happened in Gurgaon, where Deepak Yadav allegedly murdered his daughter, 25-year-old tennis ace Radhika. Everybody's still trying to wrap their heads around it. Cops have Deepak in custody now. He's admitted to everything, right down to the detail-sent his son out to buy milk so he'd have a clear shot. Why? Villagers kept sneering at him, calling him "shameless" for funding Radhika's career. He was even thinking about ending his own life, but instead, he turned all that anger on the one person who defied him-Radhika, who flat-out refused to close her tennis academy. A police investigation is underway. Radhika's phone has been recovered. Police say right before everything went down, Radhika deleted all her social media. Was she hiding? Escaping? Her WhatsApp chats with her old coach, Ankit, are a cry for help-she felt stuck, wanted to bolt to Dubai or Australia. Her mom, Manju, was home too, but she says she was sick that day and refused to give a police statement. While forensics dig through Radhika's phone, psychiatrists like Dr Pavitra Shankar and Dr. Pooja Verma are weighing in on what might've pushed Deepak over the edge-bottled-up rage, patriarchy squeezing the life out of everyone, and the pressure to keep up appearances. Pride, Shame, and a Father's Ego Meltdown One possible cause, according to Dr Pavitra Shankar, Associate Consultant in Psychiatry at Aakash Healthcare, is displaced anger. She explains that "displaced rage is when anger from one source-like social humiliation or loss of control-is redirected toward a'safer' target, often family." It's possible that the villagers' insults to Deepak's status and masculinity festered and found a release in Radhika. "Perceived disrespect or ongoing stress are trigger points," Dr Shankar says. "A weak sense of self-worth is exacerbated in Gurgaon by social scrutiny and status anxiety. Extreme reactions can occur when someone's identity is linked to social acceptance. High-Achieving Family, High-Pressure Cooker It's possible that Radhika's ambition and independence, which were developed in the meritocracy of sports, widened the divide. "The parent-child relationship can become entangled with identity and control in high-achieving families," says Dr. Pooja Verma, a clinical and rehabilitation psychologist at Yashoda Medicity in Ghaziabad. Parents may expect success and obedience from their children by projecting their own goals or fears onto them. Until her independence threatened his power, Deepak's investment in Radhika's academy implies he considered her success as his own. Dr Verma states that "it can feel like betrayal if the child deviates from the 'ideal path.'" "Emotional dysregulation can result from unfulfilled expectations, particularly in parents who lack coping mechanisms." Prejudice and Societal Pressure The prejudice of Wazirabad's villagers who allegedly mocked Deepak calling him "gira hua admi" shows the weight of societal judgement if the daughters outshine. Since social image is crucial, Gurgaon's fast urbanisation creates a special conflict between tradition and modernity. "Gurgaon's fast-paced economy erodes traditional values while intensifying pressure to uphold family honour," Dr Verma emphasises. Given the importance of a father's authority in patriarchal cultures, Radhika's success and her defiance might have been viewed as a public insult. According to Dr Verma, "the fear of humiliation can trigger shame and anger, especially in those with low emotional resilience." This dynamic is highlighted by Deepak's admission that the village taunts drove him to the brink, causing his pride in Radhika to turn to shame. Dr Shankar continues. Deepak's frantic attempt to regain control is evident in his demand that Radhika leave her academy. The Quiet Cost of Stigma Around Mental Health Would expert assistance have prevented this tragedy? Dr Verma thinks so. She claims that "in India, mental health is stigmatised, especially for men, where seeking help is seen as weakness." Deepak may have suffered from untreated illnesses like depression or emotional dysregulation that were made worse by social pressures. She cautions that "mental distress can erupt into irrational or violent behaviour without treatment." The fact that Deepak acknowledged contemplating suicide prior to killing Radhika points to a serious, unresolved internal conflict. Dr Shankar concurs, pointing out that mental health problems in India are not adequately reported. She claims that "unresolved problems simmer silently, and the lack of resources and cultural stigma make it worse." Radhika's plans to leave and the removal of her social media accounts indicate that she was under immense strain, perhaps sensing the tension at home.
Hindustan Times
10-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Walk it off for wellness: All about the Japanese, Nordic and fart walks!
While hard-hitting gym workouts cannot be beat, more mellow forms of movement are social media's current faves. After the hot girl walks that spawned during the COVID-19 lockdowns, walking trends offer an easy, no-equipment way to get moving. Like hiking, Nordic walking involves walking with poles on either side(Photo: Adobe Stock) People are now turning to Japanese walks (up to 2.5 million views), Nordic walks (up to 2 million views) and fart walks (up to 15 million views) on Instagram to improve posture, heart health and other health concerns in today's time. These walks are said to activate up to 90% muscles as opposed to regular walks. So, what are they, and how do they help? #Nordic walking A full-body workout, this involves using two long poles as walking aids. The poles help propel you forward, increasing stride length and pace, while also involving the arm, shoulder, chest and core muscles. Dr Amit Pandey, head of physiotherapy at Asian Hospital, notes, 'It enhances cardiovascular fitness, tones the upper body, strengthens core muscles and promotes better joint mobility.' Benefits: According to Dr Lakshay Bhaktiani, physiotherapist at PSRI hospital, using two poles encourages upright posture, reducing strain on the lower back, knees and hips. This makes it ideal for older adults or those with mild arthritis. 'Nordic walking raises heart rate without added exertion, improves circulation, lowers bad cholesterol and blood pressure,' he says. As per Dr Sukriti Bhalla, head of cardiology at Aakash Healthcare, 'Nordic walking can burn 20-46% more calories than regular walking and is effective for managing metabolic health.' Caution: Have a chronic heart condition? Consult your doctor before starting this walk, as it could spike your heart rate and blood pressure. #Fart walking A short, gentle walk after meals, particularly post-dinner, aids digestion and potentially reduces bloating and discomfort. Although a traditional practice in some cultures to improve intestinal motility, the term was coined by Canadian author Mairlyn Smith. 'By walking for as little as two minutes, we reduce our chances of developing type 2 diabetes,' she said on social media. Benefits: Dr Lakshay, tells us: 'A 'fart walk' opens up the bowel and aids better movement.' As per the physiotherapist, low-intensity walks can significantly reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes. Caution: Moderation is key, especially for those with heart issues. If not done properly, such walks could spike blood pressure, which may be problematic in the future. #Japanese walking Created by Japanese exercise physiologist Dr Hiroshi Nose, the Interval Walking Technique is a simple 30-minute routine where one alternates their walking pace every three to five minutes. It is designed to elevate the heart rate during the brisk intervals and recover during slower phases. Benefits: Japanese walking can be practised anywhere; all you need is 30 minutes. Dr Ashish Agarwal, director of cardiology at Aakash Healthcare, shares, 'Walking at intervals boosts heart health, regulates sugar and blood pressure levels, and lowers the risk of diabetes and stroke.' Caution: Individuals with arthritis or mobility limitations should perform this only with supervision to avoid increased strain or exacerbating any existing pain or discomfort.
