Latest news with #DrKunalSood
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Insomniacs are claiming a popular condiment - eaten neat - helps them sleep well... even more surprising, doctors say they're right
A woman has claimed a spoonful of mustard before bed stopped the painful muscle cramps that were stopping her from sleeping—and it's not too good to be true. In a video posted on TikTok posted by @susiegriffin17, which has amassed more than 40,000 views, Susie Griffen said: 'I have a legitimate question for #DoctorTok that deals with mustard and leg cramps.' She explained that painful muscle cramps had left her unable to get any sleep—which she vitally needed to recover while in hospital after a surgery for a shattered ankle. In a bid to help ease the persistent pain, a nurse surprisingly brought her a packet of mustard, which she said would help. The nurse, Ms Griffen claims, told her it was a simple trick she'd learnt from her dialysis patients that, despite her not knowing why for certain, seemed to work. In the comments, social media users shared it has worked for them too, with one user saying 'I use mustard all the time for leg cramps'. And in a recent video, responding to her question, Dr Kunal Sood a US-based anesthesiologist said the nurse was right. Posting on his own TikTok channel, he said: 'There is anecdotal evidence, and the hypothesized reason is because mustard contains acetic acid, which is found in vinegar.' This he said will decrease muscle activity downstream by stimulating TRP receptors in your mouth, also called transient receptor channels. He said: 'Basically muscle cramps are caused by a glitch in the connection between muscles and neurons.' And he explained, when the acetic acid in mustard activates these TRP receptors, they will override and correct the misfiring. The hypothesized reason he referred to was from 2020 study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. Their analysis of other studies led them to hypothesize that yellow mustards could be practical in athletes to prevent or alleviate muscle cramps. But he added: 'Mustard also contains both magnesium and potassium which can help correct any electrolyte imbalance.' There is evidence that both magnesium and potassium are associated with longer sleep duration and better sleep quality. If you'd like to try he advised it is recommended to start with a teaspoon of the mustard. However, if your muscle cramps continue to persist, he warned you should speak with a doctor. In the comment section, social media users shared how they've used the simple trick too. One user said: 'Our high school football team used to keep mustard packets on the sidelines. Another wrote: 'It sure does help! I've been dealing with leg cramps for 10 years and a little squirt of mustard before bed will help do the trick.' A third user comment: 'Yes, a teaspoon stops the cramps. Also a sip of pickle juice works.' This was another trick that in the comment section of both videos, social media users also recommended. In the same study, the researchers hypothesized that juice from all types of pickles could also help prevent and alleviate muscle cramps. It comes just a week after Dr Sood claimed a spoonful of peanut butter before bed can help you sleep better throughout the night. This is because it contains tryptophan—an amino acid vital for the production of serotonin—'which can have a calming effect on your brain' said Dr Kunal Sood. Some studies have suggested different foods with tryptophan can help improve sleep quality. But it is also high in healthy fats which prevent blood sugar level spikes, which can be a cause for waking up during the night, added the US-based anesthesiologist.
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Doctor reveals four foods to avoid if you're one of the millions of Brits who suffers from heartburn
A doctor has revealed the foods most likely to keep people up at night. Dr Kunal Sood, a US-based anaesthesiologist, says avoiding chocolate, tomatoes, spicy food, and coffee can prevent heartburn—a burning sensation in the chest caused by stomach acid flowing back into the oesophagus. It's a painful condition which troubles one in four UK adults, and can also be a symptom of a far more serious condition. Dr Sood warned that recurrent instances of heartburn may be a sign that you have gastro oesophageal reflux disease (GERD). 'Typical symptoms include heartburn, sour taste, persistent cough or hiccups, hoarse voice and bad breath,' he said in a video posted on TikTok to his 2.7million followers. Previously a study found chocolate increases acid exposure which makes reflux more likely. Similarly, another found many GERD patients self-reported that eating tomatoes worsened reflux. Other researchers have found capsaicin, the component in chillies which gives the vibrant salad fruits their heat, can trigger heartburn in some people. However, the symptoms, which can be worse after eating or lying down, can also be triggered by smoking, stress and even pregnancy, he warned. Doctors have previously warned that drinking coffee, particularly first thing in the morning, can lead to the condition. As well as avoiding these foods, he recommended trying to eat 'smaller and more frequent meals'. This is backed up by a study which found larger meals increased risk of reflux when compared with smaller, more frequent meals. He also advised keeping a food diary to help those suffering identify which foods are triggering their heartburn. Other things you can do to prevent heartburn are sleeping on your left side, drinking less alcohol, and avoiding eating right before bed, he shared. It follows a study in 2023 found that sleeping on your left side at night can reduce your risk of acid reflux. Meanwhile a systemic review found there is some evidence drinking alcohol increases your risk of GERD. Similarly, another study found eating dinner a couple of hours before sleeping increased risk of the condition. In the comment sections, several social media users wrote about their struggles with heartburn. One user wrote: 'I let mine go too long and ended up with stomach ulcers that became worse and had to go on medication.' Meanwhile another commented: 'I have GERD, it's so annoying.' Dr Sood was reacting to a video posted two years ago by @paleaverse that amassed 2.1 million views. In that video, Palesa Phooko, a 23-year-old medical student, shared she had an acid reflux/heartburn problem. Earlier this month, heartburn sufferers were offered a test in a bid to catch the earliest possible signs of a deadly cancer. The 'sponge on a string' test available on the high street sees individuals swallow a special pill containing a sponge the size of a 1p coin. It aims to spot a condition called Barrett's oesophagus, which occurs when stomach acid rises up the food pipe causing heartburn and damaging tissue. In some cases, the damaged tissue may have abnormal changes, which may one day become cancer. While the sponge on a string test has been offered in hospitals and other clinical settings for years, this is the first time it will be offered in a high-street setting. The NHS says if the two-year pilot is successful the initiative could be rolled out to more parts of the country. Professor Peter Johnson, NHS national cancer director, said: 'For the majority of people with persistent reflux, these quick and easy heartburn health checks will provide peace of mind that you aren't at increased risk of cancer. 'For those who do find out they have Barrett's oesophagus, regular follow-up checks will be put in place so any further cell changes can be spotted early.' If worrying sings are detected patients can have treatments to have the cells removed.
The Sun
22-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
A spoonful of common diet staple an hour before bed ‘helps you sleep better' – plus 5 other hacks
STRUGGLING to get a decent night's sleep? Well, you aren't alone, Brits are one of the world's most sleep deprived countries - as we average just six and a half hours of kip per night, stats show. 3 Thankfully, a scoop of this everyday food might be the answer, and it's probably already in your cupboard. A doctor has claimed that scoffing a spoonful of peanut butter an hour before bed could help you sleep right through the night. 'This is because it contains tryptophan, an amino acid vital for the production of serotonin, which can have a calming effect on your brain,' said Dr Kunal Sood, US-based anaesthesiologist. It also packs healthy fats, which help keep your blood sugar stable, a key factor in preventing those annoying 3am wake-ups. 'Lastly, peanut butter also contains magnesium, which has been shown to also relax you and improve sleep quality,' Dr Sood explained in a recent TikTok video. Although there's no research on the effects of peanut butter on sleep specifically, some studies back the idea that tryptophan-rich foods can improve sleep. That's because tryptophan can be turned into a molecule called 5-HTP, which your body uses to make serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin helps regulate mood, thinking and sleep, while melatonin is the hormone that controls your sleep–wake cycle. But a 2024 study found peanut butter didn't help sleep. Although the research, published in the International Journal of Exercise Science, only tested 40 firefighters, who often have disrupted sleep anyway, so the results might not apply to everyone. Your ultimate sleep toolkit in 13 steps - from recording snoring to daylight hack Dr Sood was reacting to a viral video posted by 29-year-old Kat Eilonwy from Pennsylvania, US, which has now racked up 1.8million views. She said: 'So, apparently eating a spoon of peanut butter before bed helps drop your cortisol levels to help you sleep.' Cortisol, often called the 'stress hormone' can mess with your sleep if levels are too high in the evening. Previous research, including the 2021 ARISTOTLE study, has linked regular peanut butter consumption to lower cortisol levels, along with reduced anxiety and depression. Commenters were quick to back the nut butter hack. One wrote: 'I discovered that a spoonful before bedtime helps me sleep through the night.' 3 Another said: 'Every night I take one slice of bread, slap some PB on it and fold it in half. I'm always asleep within 30 minutes of eating that.' A third added: 'It works! I've been doing it for three months, doing it to help my stomach when I couldn't sleep and noticed I slept better after a spoonful of peanut butter.' Dr Sood's followers also agreed. One said: 'I have trouble sleeping almost every night. Peanut butter has helped me a lot.' Another added: 'Wow okay good reason to eat peanut butter.' And a third added: 'I thought I was the only one who did this!' Peanut butter, or just peanuts, has also been linked to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and bowel cancer. But Dr Sood warned: 'It is worth noting while peanut butter may help some people sleep, it is not for everyone.' As one unlucky commenter put it: 'Dammit, I'm allergic to peanuts.' 5 other sleeping hacks The NHS says we should all aim for seven to nine hours a night — but even the best sleepers struggle sometimes. For most of us, a proper night's kip feels like the ultimate prize. So how do you actually get it? Here are some well-known hacks which might be worth a try: 1. The military hack Used by soldiers to fall asleep in just 2 minutes, this technique involves relaxing your entire body step-by-step, starting with your face, then your shoulders, arms, and down to your legs. Clear your mind and take slow, deep breaths. It is meant to work, even if you're lying in a noisy room. 2. The melatonin boost Melatonin is the hormone your body makes to signal bedtime. You can help it along by dimming lights an hour before sleep and avoiding screens. In the UK, melatonin supplements aren't sold over the counter—you need a prescription to get them. 3. Cool down to nod off Your body needs to drop its core temperature to fall asleep easily. Which can be a bit of an issue in the summer. Keep your bedroom cool, around 18C is perfect, and use breathable bedding. Cooler temps help you drift off faster and get deeper sleep. 4. Cut caffeine after midday That afternoon cuppa might keep you wired when you should be winding down. At least eight hours should pass between your last hit of caffeine and bedtime. Try switching to decaf or herbal teas after lunch to avoid a late-night buzz. 5. Breathe and relax Try slow, deep breathing or a quick meditation before bed. It calms your mind and body, making it easier to switch off and drift off.
Daily Mail
21-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Doctor reveals simple diet hack that can help you sleep better at night: 'Do it two hours before bed for the best night's sleep'
A doctor has claimed a spoonful of peanut butter before bed can help you sleep better throughout the night. This is because it contains tryptophan—an amino acid vital for the production of serotonin—'which can have a calming effect on your brain' said Dr Kunal Sood. Some studies have suggested different foods with tryptophan can help improve sleep quality. But it is also high in healthy fats which prevent blood sugar level spikes, which can be a cause for waking up during the night, added the US-based anesthesiologist. 'Lastly peanut butter also contains magnesium which has been shown to also relax you and improve sleep quality,' he said in a recent video posted on TikTok. These claims are backed up by research on other foods, but a study in 2024 found peanut butter didn't have a positive effect on sleep. However, the study involved 40 firefighters who commonly have sleep difficulties due to their work shifts, so the results may differ for the average person. Dr Sood was reacting to a video posted two years ago by a 29-year-old woman from Pennsylvania in the US that amassed 1.8million views. In the other video, Kat Eilonwy said: 'So, apparently eating a spoon of peanut butter before bed helps drop your cortisol levels to help you sleep.' Cortisol, often known as the 'stress hormone' can disrupt sleep if levels are elevated in the evening. Previously researchers have found those who regularly eat peanut butter have lower cortisol levels—so, the snack may help you wind down before sleeping. The study also found those who ate peanut butter reported lower levels of anxiety and depression. In the comment section of her video, one user said: 'I discovered that a spoonful before bedtime helps me sleep through the night.' Another user wrote: 'Every night I take one slice of bread, slap some PB on it and fold it in half. I'm always asleep within 30 minutes of eating that.' A third user added: 'It works! I've been doing it for three months, doing it to help my stomach when I couldn't sleep and noticed I slept better after a spoonful of peanut butter.' After posting his video, Dr Sood also received comments from social media user saying it has helped them. One user said: 'I have trouble sleeping almost every night. Peanut butter has helped me a lot.' Meanwhile another commented: 'Wow okay good reason to eat peanut butter.' A third commented: 'I thought I was the only one who did this!' Other health benefits of peanut butter include a lower risk of type two diabetes and colorectal cancer. However, at the end of the video, Dr Sood added: 'It is worth noting while peanut butter may help some people sleep, it is not for everyone.'
Daily Mail
14-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Trendy soft drink loved by millions could 'protect against bowel cancer' in some people, study reveals
Coconut water might do more than quench your thirst—it could help ward off a disease that increases the risk of cancer, a study has found. Speaking of the findings on Instagram, Dr Kunal Sood, an anaesthesiologist from Maryland, USA, said: 'Even though the study was just for ulcerative colitis patients, it may be a gentle, food-based tool to support gut health with your doctor's guidance.' Ulcerative colitis is a long-term condition where the colon and rectum become inflamed, causing ulcers to develop on the lining of the large intestine. Now, experts believe that coconut water could help keep symptoms of the painful condition under control and reduce the risk of complications like bowel cancer. Common symptoms of the condition—which affects around 300,000 people in the UK—include debilitating diarrhoea, severe abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. Symptoms can also worsen and affect other parts of the body causing fat to swell under the skin, painful joints and even weakened bones. The researchers, from All India Institute of Medical Sciences, analysed 97 patients with mild to moderate ulcerative colitis to see whether coconut water would have anti-inflammatory effects on patients' gut microbiome. They found that drinking 400ml of coconut water a day for eight weeks led to higher rates of clinical remission—where symptoms lessen to the point that they're almost gone—compared to a placebo. In a video posted to Instagram, Dr Sood who was not involved in the study, added: 'Researchers also found that it shifted the gut microbiome, increasing beneficial bacteria while reducing inflammatory bacteria. 'Its high potassium content and anti-microbial peptides may play a role in that effect,' he added. Most concerningly, patients with ulcerative colitis also have an increased risk of bowel cancer, with the risk becoming more severe the longer a patient has lived with the disease. Living with the condition for 30 years can increase the risk of bowel cancer by 18 per cent, according to studies. But now researchers say drinking just 400ml of coconut water daily could help manage symptoms and ward off the deadly disease. Coconut water has surged in popularity in recent years for its supposed health benefits as a natural source of electrolytes, vitamins and minerals for as little as £2.20 a bottle. The water is the clear substance found inside green, unripe coconuts and just one cup of it is said to contain an impressive 600mg of potassium. According to the NHS, adults should aim for around 3,500mg of potassium a day. This essential mineral helps keep fluid and sodium levels, reducing inflammation in the body. Coconut water also contains high levels of antioxidants, which can help to neutralise oxidative stress which leads to cell damage. Ulcerative colitis patients are at higher risk for developing bowel cancer because chronic inflammation can result in the continuous turnover of cells in the intestine. This rapid turnover increases the chance of abnormalities that may lead to cancer. In order to reduce the risk of the condition developing into bowel cancer, patients are currently recommended under NHS guidelines to eat a balanced diet, including plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables—like coconut water. Unfortunately, many patients are often unaware that their condition has developed into bowel cancer as the initial symptoms of the disease are similar. These include blood in the stool, diarrhoea and abdominal pain—all of which are common symptoms for ulcerative colitis patients. To try and catch the disease early, patients with ulcerative colitis are invited for regular check-ups to look for signs of bowel cancer from 10 years after their first symptoms develop. This involves examining the bowel with a camera inserted into the rectum—known as a colonoscopy. The findings come amid a surge in bowel cancer cases in young people—many of whom are perfectly fit and healthy. While research is yet to identify a specific smoking gun, groups of scientists have posed a variety of theories, including rising obesity levels, poor diets and microplastic pollution. Common symptoms of the disease include needing to go to the toilet with more urgency, rectal bleeding, blood in the stool—which may appear red or black in colour—and change in consistency. Some patients may also experience abdominal pain, bloating and unexplained weight loss. Overall, just over half of bowel cancer patients are expected to be alive ten years after their diagnosis, with 90 per cent of people diagnosed at stage 1 surviving for at least five years.
