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Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Fatty liver: Doctor suggests 5 simple exercises to check if you are fit
Fatty liver is more than just a liver problem—it's a big red flag for your overall heart and metabolic health. You may think it's harmless fat sitting quietly in your liver, but it's not. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is now being renamed to metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), is strongly linked to issues like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. When fat builds up in your liver, it messes with how your body handles insulin and sugar, which can increase inflammation and raise your risk for strokes and heart attacks. The scary part? You may not even feel symptoms until it's too late. Recently, Cyriac Abby Philips, popularly known as TheLiverDoc, posted about fatty liver, how it is related to cardiometabolic health and simple tests to know if one is healthy and fit or not. "The best treatment for fatty liver disease is to prevent it by improving your cardiometabolic health. Here is a small list of tasks that I advise my patients to undergo to assess their "fitness" before I prescribe exercise for treating fatty liver," he has posted on X. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo He recommends the following exercises: The One-Minute Sit-to-Stand Test The One-Minute Sit-to-Stand Test (1-MSTS) is a quick and simple way to assess lower body strength and functional capacity. To perform it, sit on a sturdy chair about 45 cm high with your arms crossed over your chest. On the signal 'go,' stand up fully and sit back down repeatedly for 60 seconds—without using your hands. Count how many full stands you complete. For adults aged 45–59, fewer than 14 stands indicates low functional capacity, while more than 20 stands is considered a good result. It's a powerful home test to check mobility, endurance, and overall leg strength. The Three-Minute Step Test The Three-Minute Step Test is a simple way to evaluate cardiovascular fitness and recovery. Using a 12-inch (30 cm) step or stair, step up and down in a rhythmic pattern—up-up, down-down—for 3 minutes at a pace of 24 steps per minute. Immediately after, sit down, locate your pulse, and count your heartbeats from 30 to 60 seconds after exercise. For individuals aged 40–49, a recovery pulse over 96 beats per minute may indicate reduced physical fitness and strength due to inactivity. A recovery pulse at or below 80 bpm is considered a good sign of cardiovascular health. The Forearm Plank Hold The Forearm Plank Hold is a simple yet effective test of core strength and muscular endurance. To perform it, lie face down on the floor with elbows directly under your shoulders. Lift your body so it forms a straight line from ears to heels, engaging your core and keeping hips level—no sagging or lifting. Hold the position as long as you can. For adults aged 40–59, holding less than 30 seconds may indicate poor fitness, while holding between 90 to 120 seconds reflects very good endurance. This test helps gauge core stability, a key element in overall functional fitness. The Wall-Sit Test The Wall-Sit Test, also known as the Isometric Squat Test, evaluates lower-body strength and endurance. To perform it, stand with your back against a wall, feet shoulder-width apart and about 60 cm forward. Slide down until your knees form a 90° angle, keeping your back flat against the wall and arms crossed. Hold this position as long as possible without breaking form. For adults aged 40–59, holding for less than 30 seconds indicates poor lower-body fitness, while holding for more than 75 seconds reflects strong endurance. This test helps assess leg strength crucial for mobility and injury prevention. The Modified Push-Up to Fatigue test The Modified Push-Up to Fatigue test evaluates upper body and core strength, particularly for adults aged 40–59. To perform it, start on your knees with hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Lower your body until your chest nearly touches the floor, then push back up, keeping a straight line from head to knees. Repeat continuously until you can no longer maintain proper form. Completing fewer than 10–12 reps suggests low strength, while more than 25 is considered above average. This test is a simple yet effective way to measure muscular endurance and assess functional fitness in middle age. He also suggests to first, stop immediately and seek medical attention if you experience dizziness, chest pain, or unusual shortness of breath during any activity. These quick tests are not a substitute for a professional, graded lab test, but they can reveal weak links in your everyday physical ability. If you fail more than one of these simple benchmarks, it's a clear sign that you need to prioritize regular physical activity. Investing in movement today may significantly impact your long-term health, quality of life, and longevity. It's never too late to start taking care, he says. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Ghee, butter, coconut oil bad for liver? Doctor recommends switching to seed oils
Most kitchens use ghee , butter, or coconut oil but could these beloved fats be harming your liver? A liver expert now recommends switching to refined and cold-pressed seed oils for improved liver health. His advice challenges many of our long-held beliefs about "traditional fats." The liver specialists reportedly warn that using ghee, coconut oil, and butter on a regular basis can harm liver health, particularly in people who are predisposed to fatty liver disease. Doctors now recommend using refined seed oils for cooking and cold-pressed oils for raw consumption to improve liver function and reduce internal inflammation. Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, a hepatologist who goes by TheLiverDoc on social media, presents a completely different viewpoint on liver health. He wrote on X, "Switch from saturated fats like coconut oil, clarified butter (ghee), lard and butter to refined (for cooking), unrefined and cold pressed (for direct use) seed oils rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated to experience improved liver tests and reduce liver fat,' as per a report by The Indian Express. ALSO READ: Can Omega-3 lower blood sugar? One woman's 3-month prediabetes reversal sparks hope Live Events Why are saturated fats being flagged by liver doctors? 'Increasing clinical research supports this claim," says Dr. Manoj Gupta, head of PSRI Hospital's Liver Transplant and Surgical Gastroenterology department, in an interview with The Indian Express. It is well known that saturated fats, such as those in ghee, butter, coconut oil, and lard, can lead to the accumulation of liver fat, particularly in those who are either at risk for or have been diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). High consumption of saturated fats has been shown to worsen insulin resistance, raise hepatic triglyceride levels, and activate inflammatory pathways in the liver, according to studies published in journals such as Hepatology and The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. "While traditional fats like ghee and coconut oil are culturally significant and consumed in moderation in many households, excessive and regular intake, especially in the context of a sedentary lifestyle and calorie-dense diet, can worsen metabolic health, including liver function," continues Dr. Jagadish Hiremath, a public health intellectual. Individual responses, he says, can differ, and the total dietary pattern, lifestyle, and pre-existing metabolic risk factors are more important than any one food. ALSO READ: Cow's milk makes a comeback! New study says it's healthier than oat milk after all How should you actually use seed oils in daily cooking? Processing methods have an impact on the healthfulness of seed oils. Safer for deep-frying and sautéing, refined seed oils, such as canola, rice bran, or sunflower oil, are treated to eliminate impurities and tolerate high cooking temperatures without degrading. In contrast, cold-pressed or unrefined oils are extracted by mechanical pressure without the use of heat or chemicals, preserving antioxidants, phytosterols, and vitamin E, all of which are good for the liver and heart but are heat-sensitive and best eaten raw. Can changing oil alone really improve liver test results? In people with fatty liver disease, substituting monounsaturated and polyunsaturated seed oils for saturated fats has demonstrated encouraging outcomes in terms of lowering liver fat and improving lipid profiles. These advantages become even more noticeable when regular exercise and a lower sugar intake are added, making this one of the most affordable and easily accessible liver health interventions. FAQs Are ghee and coconut oil bad for the liver? Yes, in excess, they can increase liver fat and inflammation—particularly if you already have a fatty liver or live a sedentary lifestyle. Which oils should I use instead? Doctors recommend refined seed oils for cooking and cold-pressed oils, such as flaxseed or sunflower, for raw use.
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First Post
5 days ago
- Health
- First Post
Urine as an eyewash? It's just another dangerous online trend
Nupur Pittie, a Pune-based 'medicine-free life coach', went viral for using urine to rinse her eyes, claiming its natural healing benefits. The video has caused massive outrage on social media, with health professionals, including Dr Cyriac Abby Philips, known online as The Liver Doc, strongly warning against the practice read more Nupur Pittie, a self-described health coach, demonstrates her eye-care routine in detail while listing the supposed benefits of using urine as eye wash. Image courtesy: Instagram We've all seen strange wellness trends pop up online, but this one might just take the cake. A bizarre video recently went viral featuring Nupur Pittie, a woman from Pune who identifies herself on Instagram as a 'medicine-free life coach.' In the clip, she's seen using her own urine to rinse her eyes, confidently claiming that the practice is medicinal and helps heal various eye issues. In the video, Pittie demonstrates her eye-care routine in detail while listing the supposed benefits of the practice, like reduced dryness, redness, and irritation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As you might expect, the move has led to massive outrage on social media, with health professionals stepping in to strongly warn against such practices. So what exactly did she say, and what do doctors think? Let's break it down. What exactly did Nupur Pittie claim? In the now-viral video, Nupur Pittie guides viewers through what she calls her 'morning eye wash' routine—using her own urine. She introduces the method under the title 'Urine Eye Wash – Nature's Own Medicine.' Pittie explains that the process involves collecting fresh, midstream urine and pouring it into a special eye cup. From there, she recommends blinking into the liquid continuously for about 4 to 5 minutes. After that, she suggests gently dabbing the eyes with a warm towel for another 2 to 3 minutes. She claims the practice is deeply rooted in natural healing and describes urine as 'your own body's creation' that has been used for centuries as a natural remedy. Please don't put your urine inside your eyes. Urine is not sterile. Boomer aunties trying to be cool on Instagram is terrifying. Source: — TheLiverDoc (@theliverdr) June 25, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'It's a powerful anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and detoxifying agent,' she says in the clip. 'Used as a gentle eye rinse, it can help reduce redness, dryness, irritation, and even support long-term clarity.' She also advises people to be mindful during the process: 'Always use clean hands, fresh midstream, and full awareness. Your body knows how to heal itself — sometimes, you just need to get out of the way.' The video racked up over 1.5 lakh views in 24 hours, sparking a wave of criticism and concern online. However, after the backlash, it was deleted. Doctors warn against using the 'urine eyewash' Dr Jaison Philip, a urologist, tweeted, 'NEVER! NEVER! NEVER DO THIS! Urine always belongs in the toilet—never elsewhere. Don't harm yourself.' He added that while the pH of normal human urine ranges from 5.5 to 6.5 (acidic), the ideal pH for eye wash solutions is around 7.4 (alkaline). 'Using urine as an eyewash can cause anything from inflammation to vision loss,' he wrote. Multi-award-winning hepatologist from Kerala, Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, known online as The Liver Doc, also reposted the video on X, urging people not to follow such advice, 'Please don't put your urine inside your eyes. Urine is not sterile,' he wrote, adding, 'Boomer aunties trying to be cool on Instagram is depressing… and terrifying.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD People also reacted with shock and anger to the clip. One person commented, 'Why why why? How do people justify putting the body's waste back into the body?' While another added, 'Someone tell this aunty that the first urine of the morning actually contains more bacteria than urine passed later in the day. Why? Because it sits in the bladder overnight, giving bacteria more time to multiply. Putting that into your eyes isn't just misguided—it's downright dangerous.' Urine as a remedy? Think again In Ayurveda, urine was once believed to help with everything from asthma and allergies to digestive issues, wrinkles, and even cancer. But in modern medicine, those claims don't hold up. Most of the supposed benefits of urine therapy come from anecdotal evidence or references in ancient texts. There's no solid scientific proof to support its effectiveness. What we do know, however, is that using urine as a home remedy can come with real health risks. To put it simply, urine is a waste product. It's mostly water—about 95 per cent—but the remaining 5 per cent includes things your body is actively trying to get rid of, like urea (formed by the liver when breaking down proteins), creatinine (from muscle activity), and various salts. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In Ayurveda, urine was once believed to help with everything from asthma and allergies to digestive issues, wrinkles, and even cancer. But in modern medicine, those claims don't hold up. Image for Representation. Pixabay In other words, there's nothing medicinal about it. Urine also has a slightly acidic pH, which can disturb the tear film—the thin, protective layer that keeps your eyes lubricated. According to an India Today report citing a medical expert, rinsing your eyes with urine strips away this layer and replaces it with a fluid that contains waste. This could lead to redness, irritation, and even serious infections like conjunctivitis or keratitis. Skin contact isn't risk-free either. 'Urine isn't sterile and can introduce bacteria, especially if the skin is already inflamed,' warned Dr Garima Tyagi, a dermatologist at SENS Clinics, in an interview with NDTV. She noted that while medically formulated creams with urea can safely hydrate and exfoliate the skin, using raw urine is unhygienic and potentially harmful. 'Applying urine to your face can lead to breakouts, irritation and infections—it's waste material, not skincare,' she said. And if the urine isn't fresh or the person has an underlying condition like a urinary tract infection, the risks become even more serious. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Bottom line? Before jumping on any bizarre wellness trend, it's always safer, and smarter, to talk to a doctor first. With input from agencies
India.com
5 days ago
- Health
- India.com
Terrifying Trend: Doctor Explains Why Urine In Eyes Is EXTREMELY Dangerous After Viral Video
A shocking video of a Pune-based woman illustrating an eyewash with her own urine has gone viral on social media, eliciting serious warnings from doctors. The contentious clip, uploaded by self-styled "health coach" Nupur Pittie, asserted that the practice was "Nature's Own Medicine" and good for dryness, redness, and irritation. But multi-award-winning doctor of hepatology Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, known commonly as TheLiverDoc, soon denounced the trend. Sharing the video again on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Dr. Philips gave a stark warning: "Please don't put your urine inside your eyes. Urine is not sterile." He appended a critical comment, saying, "Boomer aunties trying to be cool on Instagram is depressing… and terrifying." Please don't put your urine inside your eyes. Urine is not sterile. Boomer aunties trying to be cool on Instagram is terrifying. Source: — TheLiverDoc (@theliverdr) June 25, 2025 Pittie's video, which was named "Urine Eye Wash – Nature's Own Medicine," showed a live eye wash with morning urine. In spite of her assertion, the video has since been removed owing to widespread criticism from critical viewers and medical professionals alike. Dr. Philips also openly challenged Pittie on her Instagram post, allegedly writing, "You need help, woman. This is not normal. If you are trying to ride the social media 'following and like wave,' this is not the way. Get help." The public responded in a similar manner. Social media posts were responded to with comments questioning the reasoning behind using body waste for health, with one commenter writing, "Someone tell this aunty that the first urine of the morning actually contains more bacteria than urine passed later in the day.". Plugging that into your eyes isn't only misguided—it's dangerous." Another person commented, "If urine was so beneficial to the body, it wouldn't discard it. They are actually harvesting the waste of the body and attempting to reuse it. I mean what type of poverty thinking is this?" This episode has again sparked a larger discussion regarding the spread of unsubstantiated health remedies over the internet and the imperative to practice responsible content generation and consumption on social media platforms. Medical professionals have always cautioned against such untested practices, pointing out that urine is not sterile and may contain pathogenic bacteria and other contaminants that get introduced to delicate eye tissues, leading to serious infections or irritation.
News18
6 days ago
- Health
- News18
Amid Pune Woman's ‘Terrifying' Viral Video, Doctor Explains Why Urine Should Not Be Put In Eyes
In response to the Pune woman's urine eye-wash method, the health expert has called it "depressing and terrifying." A shocking video of a Pune woman demonstrating an unusual way of cleaning her eyes with her own urine has caused quite a stir on social media. The method quickly drew criticism from multi-award-winning hepatologist Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, popularly known as TheLiverDoc, who reshared the clip on his X (formerly Twitter) handle and issued a clear warning: 'Please don't put your urine inside your eyes. Urine is not sterile." He added, 'Boomer aunties trying to be cool on Instagram is depressing… and terrifying." The video in question was originally posted by Nupur Pittie, a self-described health coach, who introduced the unexpected practice under the title 'Urine Eye Wash – Nature's Own Medicine." In the clip, she gave a live demonstration of rinsing her eyes with her own urine in the morning, claiming it helped with issues like dryness, redness and irritation. According to Moneycontrol, Philips even took to Pittie's Instagram to directly comment on her video. 'You need help, woman. This is not normal. If you are trying to ride the social media 'following and like wave,' this is not the way. Get help," he wrote. One wrote, 'How do people justify putting the body's waste back into the body?" While another added, 'Someone tell this aunty that the first urine of the morning actually contains more bacteria than urine passed later in the day. Why? Because it sits in the bladder overnight, giving bacteria more time to multiply. Putting that into your eyes isn't just misguided—it's downright dangerous." Another comment read, 'The human body is very, very pro-survival. If urine were so useful to the body, it wouldn't throw it away. They are literally collecting the body waste and trying to reuse it. I mean, what kind of poverty mindset is this?" The incident has reignited a broader conversation about the promotion of unverified health remedies online, adding to the ongoing debate around responsible social media use. First Published:
