Latest news with #KashmikSinghChouhan
India Today
2 days ago
- Health
- India Today
Water Only Fasting: More Harm Than Help?
Water Only Fasting: More Harm Than Help? By: Kashmik Singh Chouhan Popular on social media for quick weight loss and 'mental clarity,' but experts now warn it could be doing more harm than good. University of Sydney researchers studied 20 adults who fasted with water only for 10 days, followed by 5 days of refeeding. 1. Study Details Participants lost about 7.7% of their body weight and saw a 6% drop in waist size dramatic results in just 10 days. 2. Rapid Weight Loss Contrary to expectations, fasting raised inflammatory proteins (like CRP and IL-8), not lowered them potentially straining the immune system. 3. Spike in Inflammation Markers showed the body was breaking down muscle and bone fueling weight loss, but at a physical cost. 4. Muscle and Bone Stress Fasting may reduce amyloid proteins (linked to Alzheimer's), but experts still caution about its impact on memory and cognition. 5. Memory and Focus Risks Fasters reported headaches, insomnia, and low blood pressure signs water only fasting isn't easy on the body. 6. Headaches and Dizziness Experts warn people with heart or blood vessel issues should avoid water only fasting it can raise risks instead of helping. 7. Heart and Vascular Strain Results are based on 20 participants. Effects vary. Experts stress the importance of medical supervision for prolonged fasting. 8. Not a One Size Fits All Yes, water fasting offers fast weight loss but the bodily costs, including inflammation, muscle loss, and memory risk, may outweigh the benefits. A safer alternative? Consult a doctor and try balanced, guided approaches instead.
India Today
3 days ago
- Health
- India Today
7 Japanese Diets That Can Reduce Depression by up to 20%
7 Japanese Diets That Can Reduce Depression by up to 20% By ; Kashmik Singh Chouhan A 2025 study of 12,500 Japanese workers found that closely following a traditional washoku diet was linked to a 17–20% lower rate of depressive symptoms. This UNESCO isted diet includes fish, miso soup, rice, soy, vegetables, mushrooms, seaweed, and green tea focused on balance, seasonality, and variety. 1. What Is Washoku? Oily fish like salmon and mackerel supply EPA and DHA omega‑3 fats known to support brain function and mood stabilization. 2. Omega‑3 from Fish Leafy greens, seaweed, and mushrooms are high in antioxidants, which help reduce brain inflammation a known contributor to depression. 3. Antioxidants from Veggies Miso, soy, and green tea contain probiotics that nourish the gut microbiome a direct link to improved brain health via the gut–brain axis. 4. Fermented Foods Help Gut–Brain Soy and vegetables provide folate and isoflavones nutrients essential for neurotransmitter production and healthy nervous systems. 5. Folate, Phytoestrogens & Nutrition The umami flavor in washoku (like broth from miso) may activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping promote relaxation and calm. 6. Umami & Relaxation Response This study surveyed over 12,500 workers (88% male) between 2018–2021, adjusting for lifestyle factors like exercise, sleep, smoking, and job stress. 7. Robust Study Design Following washoku-style eating healthy fats, fermented foods, whole grains, and veggies could be a simple step toward better mental wellbeing. 8. What It Means for You You don't need to move to Japanstart adding fish, greens, fermented staples, and umami-rich broths to your meals. Your mood may thank you.
India Today
5 days ago
- India Today
Lost Your Passport Abroad? What Indians Must Do
Lost Your Passport Abroad? What Indians Must Do By: Kashmik Singh Chouhan Losing your passport abroad is stressful, but manageable. Follow these 7 clear steps tailored for Indian citizens to ensure your safety and a smooth return home. Go to the nearest police station and report the loss. Ask for a written complaint or police report—it's essential for embassy support and travel documents. 1. File a Local Police Report Immediately Visit or call the local Indian mission. Locate it via They'll guide you through the next steps. 2. Contact the Nearest Indian Embassy Fill the emergency document request form at or your embassy's site. Carry your FIR/police report and passport-sized photos. 3. Submit an Online Application Form An EC is a one-way travel document that allows you to return to India without your original passport. It's issued by the Indian mission after verifying your identity. 4. Apply for an Emergency Certificate You'll need ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, passport copy, flight ticket, visa). Always carry both digital and physical copies when traveling abroad. 5. Arrange Proof of Identity & Travel Inform your airline and local immigration authorities. They may ask for embassy-issued documents and EC approval before rebooking your return flight. 6. Inform Airline & Immigration A lost passport doesn't mean the end of your journey. With the right steps and embassy support, Indian travellers can navigate the crisis safely and confidently.
India Today
5 days ago
- Health
- India Today
Your Brain on Sugar: What Really Happens Inside Your Head
Your Brain on Sugar: What Really Happens Inside Your Head By: Kashmik Singh Chouhan Sugar Lights Up the Brain But Not Always in a Good Way Your brain loves sugar but too much of it can cause problems. Here's what really happens when you eat sugary food or drinks. Glucose is your brain's main fuel. After eating sugar, your brain gets a fast energy spike making you feel alert and awake (temporarily). 1. Instant Energy Boost Sugar triggers dopamine—the 'feel good' chemical. It lights up brain reward centers, which is why sugar can feel addictive. 2. Dopamine Rush Once the sugar rush fades, your blood sugar crashes. This can lead to irritability, fatigue, and anxious feelings. 3. Mood Swings Too much sugar can disrupt how brain cells communicate. You may feel foggy, distracted, or have trouble focusing. 4. Focus & Brain Fog Diets high in sugar are linked to weaker memory and learning. Over time, sugar may shrink memory-related brain areas like the hippocampus. 5. Memory & Learning High sugar intake increases brain inflammation and raises the risk of depression, anxiety, and diseases like Alzheimer's. 6. Long-Term Impact Sweet, but at a Cost Sugar isn't the enemy but too much can affect how your brain works. Fuel your mind with balanced meals and keep sugar as an occasional treat.
India Today
5 days ago
- Science
- India Today
Space Junk Explained: What's Orbiting Above Us Right Now?
Space Junk Explained: What's Orbiting Above Us Right Now? By: Kashmik Singh Chouhan More than 34,000 large objects and millions of tiny fragments are circling Earth at 28,000 km/h. Space junk is no longer just a sci-fi issue it's real and growing. Space junk includes dead satellites, rocket parts, tools lost by astronauts, and debris from collisions. Even a paint fleck can cause damage at orbital speeds. What Counts as Space Junk? Junk builds up from satellite breakups, anti-satellite missile tests, leftover rocket boosters, and accidental explosions. Where Does It Come From? – 34,000+ objects >10 cm – 900,000+ fragments 1–10 cm – 128 million particles <1 cm How Much Is Up There? Debris can destroy satellites and threaten the ISS. Space agencies perform collision-avoidance maneuvers regularly. Risks to Satellites & ISS A chain reaction of collisions could trap us on Earth. More junk = more collisions = even more junk. This dangerous feedback loop is a top concern. The Kessler Syndrome Radar, telescopes, and satellites scan the skies 24/7. When needed, alerts are sent to move spacecraft out of harm's way. How It's Tracked Laser brooms, harpoons, drag nets, and robotic arms are being tested to clean orbit. Most are still in the early stages. Cleanup Ideas The UN and space agencies now require satellites to plan safe disposal. Some new tech burns up after use. What's Being Done? Space is not endless when it comes to orbits. Managing space debris now means safer missions, cleaner skies, and a future for space exploration.
