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Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
3 best and worst foods for fatty liver disease, according to a leading US doc
Fatty liver disease is increasingly affecting even teenagers, often due to poor diet. Gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi highlights sugary drinks, deep-fried foods, and ultra-processed items as detrimental to liver health. Conversely, he recommends healthy beverages like coffee and tea, turmeric, and the '3 B's' – blueberries, broccoli, and beetroot – to support liver function and potentially reverse the condition. The incidence of fatty liver disease is on the rise. Though many people believe that this liver condition only affects older or overweight individuals, that's not true. Even teenagers are now being diagnosed with fatty liver . Poor diet is a major contributor to this condition. With proper lifestyle changes, including diet, one can reverse fatty liver. Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a California-based gastroenterologist, has shared a list of foods that are good for liver health, and some that worsen liver disease, including fatty liver. Let's take a look. What is fatty liver disease Fatty liver disease is a condition where excess fat accumulates in the liver, disrupting its function. The liver is the largest organ in the body, responsible for digesting food, storing energy, and removing toxins from the body. There are two main types of fatty liver disease: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), aka Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) Alcoholic fatty liver disease, also called alcoholic steatohepatitis 3 worst foods for fatty liver disease Studies have consistently shown that diet plays a key role in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Consumption of certain foods can lead to fat buildup in the liver, and the fatty liver could progress to fibrosis, scarring, or even cirrhosis. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If You Have Arthritis Avoid This Food Active Life Journal Learn More Undo Dr. Sethi has listed three foods that damage the liver. Sugary drinks: The first of the gastroenterologist's list is sugary drinks. These include sodas and juices. They are empty calories, which are loaded with harmful sweeteners and preservatives. Even your diet soda is harmful as it contains artificial sweeteners like aspartame. 'Soft drinks are liquid poison,' Dr. Sethi said. He also added that instead of sugary drinks, he prefers to drink plain water, sparkling water, coffee, or tea. Deep-fried foods: Regardless of how tempting those samosas or fritters look, you must avoid them if you care about your liver health. Most of such foods are cooked in unhealthy oils, which harm the liver. Well, if you really cannot avoid deep-fried foods, Dr. Sethi suggests frying them in an air fryer, which requires no oil. 'While not perfect, it is a better alternative to deep frying.' Also, if you like to brush a little bit of oil for extra crunch, he suggests using oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil or olive oil. Ultra-processed foods: Dr. Sethi has also suggested avoiding ultra-processed foods such as chips, candies, hot dogs, instant noodles, and even sugary cereals. These foods are highly processed, which is detrimental to liver health. 'Sugary cereals, which millions of kids all around the world start their morning with, are more like serial killers. Instead, switch to healthier breakfast options like oatmeal or eggs, or multigrain breads,' Dr. Sethi said. Diljit Dosanjh's Diet Diaries: Neem, Dalia & Desi Sass 3 best foods to reverse fatty liver disease Healthy beverages: Yes, you read that right. According to Dr. Sethi, beverages such as black coffee, black tea, green tea, and matcha are great for liver health. 'These beverages are rich in antioxidants that can support liver health. Just keep these to 1 to 2 cups a day and avoid adding sugar," the doctor suggested. If you really want sweetness, you can add a dash of honey. People who have trouble sleeping can pick the decaf option. Turmeric: The gastroenterologist also suggested taking turmeric, as it contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. "Aim to incorporate half to 1 teaspoon of turmeric in your diet daily," the doctor said. He also emphasized consulting your doctor before taking turmeric. 3 B's: Dr. Sethi also pointed out to add 3 Bs in the diet - Blueberries, broccoli, and beetroot. Berries such as blueberries and strawberries are high in antioxidants (anthocyanins), which improve liver function. Broccoli, on the other hand, contains sulforaphane, which enhances liver detoxification. Beetroots are high in betalains, which support blood flow and help in detoxification.
Time of India
21-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Alopecia Areata home remedies: What works, what doesn't, and what to avoid
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes sudden, unpredictable, and often distressing patchy hair loss on the scalp, face, and body. For many years, individuals affected by this condition in the United States had no FDA-approved treatment to turn to. That changed in June 2022, when the first official medical therapy became available. Despite this medical progress, a significant number of people continue to explore home remedies for alopecia areata in hopes of finding a natural or holistic solution. But do these home-based methods work? And can natural therapies really reverse or manage this immune-driven condition? With expert input from dermatologist Dr. Melissa Piliang, explores the most talked-about home remedies, their benefits, limitations, and the importance of evidence-based treatment. What is Alopecia areata and why it is a medical concern Alopecia areata is not merely a cosmetic issue but a medical condition in which the immune system mistakenly targets and attacks hair follicles. This leads to hair loss that can occur in isolated patches or more extensive areas. 'Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease and an immune system issue,' explains Dr. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If You Have Arthritis Avoid This Food Active Life Journal Learn More Undo Piliang. 'There's little evidence to show that natural treatments are effective in actually treating the condition. ' As Cleveland clinic reported, some natural remedies may support overall scalp health or reduce inflammation, they do not modify the immune activity driving alopecia areata. Home remedies for alopecia areata: What helps and what doesn't Essential oils may aid hair growth in alopecia areata One of the most discussed home-based approaches involves aromatherapy scalp massage using essential oils. Studies suggest that ingredients such as thyme, rosemary, lavender, and cedarwood may support hair growth when used regularly in massage routines. Although promising, aromatherapy should not be considered a cure. More extensive research is needed to establish its efficacy. Safe as a supplementary method but lacks conclusive evidence as a primary treatment. Kitchen food items for treating alopecia areata Several food-based items are frequently recommended as topical applications or dietary inclusions for those dealing with alopecia areata. Common suggestions include: Honey Onions Garlic Oatmeal These ingredients are believed to have anti-inflammatory or circulation-boosting properties that may support skin and hair health. However, their effectiveness in reversing or managing alopecia areata is scientifically unsubstantiated. Potentially beneficial for general scalp health, but do not target the autoimmune mechanism of the disease. Dietary changes A nutrient-rich diet can promote healthier hair by supplying essential vitamins and minerals. Diets high in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains are good for overall wellness and hair support. However, diet alone cannot prevent or reverse alopecia areata. Moreover, restrictive diets intended to 'cleanse' or 'reset' the immune system can be harmful, leading to nutrient deficiencies and additional stress. A healthy diet supports overall well-being but should not be viewed as a standalone treatment. Supplements Key nutrients such as Vitamin D, Iron, and Zinc play roles in hair growth and immune regulation. If a person is deficient in any of these, supplementation may be taking supplements in the absence of a proven deficiency will not enhance hair growth or halt alopecia areata progression. Valuable for correcting deficiencies—but unnecessary supplementation offers no added benefit and could cause harm. Stress management Stress is known to influence many autoimmune conditions, including alopecia areata. While it may not be the sole cause, high stress levels can exacerbate symptoms or impact recovery. Strategies like meditation, deep breathing, or soothing music can help. Nevertheless, managing stress can help individuals emotionally cope with the condition and maintain mental well-being. Helpful for psychological support but not a reliable preventive measure. Alopecia areata: What to avoid There's no miracle supplement, overpriced "super vitamin," or ultra-restrictive diet that can halt hair loss caused by this autoimmune condition. Despite the promises of quick fixes, none of these approaches provide a proven cure. "People often hope for a simple solution, but managing alopecia areata is far more complex," explains Dr. Piliang. "If you're discovering it online during a late-night search, chances are—it's not the answer. " Consult with a board-certified dermatologist before starting any treatment. Avoid relying solely on home remedies, and explore all available options in today's rapidly advancing therapeutic landscape for alopecia areata. Also Read | Know how curry leaves can improve your skin and hair naturally
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
When Farah Khan called Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Karan Johar ‘background dancers': PIC
Filmmaker and choreographer Farah Khan shares a close bond with many celebrities and is always full of positive, fun energy. Once she gave fans a lovely dose of nostalgia by posting a priceless old photo on Instagram, featuring Shah Rukh Khan , Salman Khan , Karan Johar , and Anil Kapoor . The picture was taken more than two decades ago at the sangeet ceremony of Sanjay and Maheep Kapoor. 'Very famous background dancers' Farah added her usual playful twist to the post by cheekily calling her superstar friends 'very famous background dancers.' She wrote in her caption, 'Those were the days! @anilskapoor papaji in shock. Spot the very famous background dancers pls... @sanjaykapoor2500 & @maheepkapoor's sangeet. #DanceLikeNoOneIsWatching.' In the photo, Farah is happily dancing, while Anil Kapoor watches on with a surprised look. Just behind them, a young Shah Rukh, Salman, and Karan can be seen enjoying themselves, completely unaware they'd go on to become some of the biggest names in Bollywood. Celebs react to the viral throwback The heartwarming post quickly got lots of reactions. Zoya Akhtar commented, 'So fun,' while Karan Johar simply wrote, 'Wah.' Maheep Kapoor also joined in, adding, 'Love it!!!!' This fun moment was captured at Sanjay and Maheep Kapoor's wedding festivities back in December 1998. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If You Have Arthritis Avoid This Food Active Life Journal Learn More Undo by Taboola by Taboola Farah Khan's work front On the work side, Farah recently worked as the choreographer for 'Loveyapa', which stars Junaid Khan and Khushi Kapoor, a remake of the Tamil hit 'Love Today'. Her last film as a director was the Shah Rukh Khan starrer 'Happy New Year'. Rajkummar Rao & Patralekhaa Are Expecting Their First Baby!
