Latest news with #Vitamin
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Side effects of Vitamin D shots and why no one talks about its link with blocked arteries
Vitamin D is known as "sunshine vitamin", and serves two essential purposes for human health: bone development and immune system support. However, even in a tropical country like India, Vitamin D deficiency is extremely common, due to factors like poor diet, limited sun exposure, and remaining indoors. While there are pills for the deficiency, doctors sometimes administer Vitamin D injections to patients with extremely low levels, since these enter the bloodstream directly. However, do you know that these injections can have serious side effects, including blocked arteries? Let's take a look.. What Are Vitamin D Shots Doctors administer Vitamin D3 shots to patients who need strong vitamin D therapy, because their levels are critically low, or their bodies fail to absorb the vitamin through food or pills. The high dose of Vitamin D3 injected into your muscles delivers the treatment directly to your bloodstream, which accelerates deficiency correction. Common Side Effects of Vitamin D Shots Most individuals experience no issues with vitamin D injections, yet potential side effects exist: The most common side effect is pain or swelling that develops at the injection site which resolves itself within several hours or days. The area may become bruised when people receive multiple injections, which results in discomfort at the injection site. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Earn Upto 5k Daily By This Method of Intraday Trading TradeWise Learn More Undo Some people might experience nausea together with vomiting, when vitamin D accumulation exceeds safe levels. When people experience excessive vitamin D levels in their bodies, they often develop vomiting and stomach nausea. The symptoms of headache and dizziness tend to be mild, yet they can become bothersome if they persist for a longer period. Some people develop constipation, while others experience a dry metallic taste in their mouth. Excessive vitamin D consumption leads to decreased hunger and subsequent weight reduction, and muscle weakness in the body. A few individuals experience mood variations and mental confusion, together with cognitive difficulties. Rare instances of high doses may result in heart rhythm alterations, which produce fast or slow or irregular heartbeats. When vitamin D levels become excessive in the blood, it leads to both increased thirst and more frequent urination. Excessive consumption of vitamin D over time can create dangerous calcium levels, which damage the kidneys and produce kidney stones. The Severe Health Risks of Vitamin D Toxicity People who receive frequent or large vitamin D shots face a higher risk of developing vitamin D toxicity, because their levels become excessively high. The medical condition known as vitamin D toxicity or "hypervitaminosis D" develops when the body receives excessive amounts of this vitamin. The following signs appear during this condition: Confusion or disorientation Extreme tiredness High calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia): causes confusion, vomiting, kidney stones, heart issues Severe dehydration Why No One Talks About Blocked Arteries and Vitamin D Your body uses vitamin D to absorb calcium for bone health maintenance. Elevated vitamin D levels create a situation where calcium starts accumulating beyond bones, and enters other body regions such as blood vessels. Arterial Calcification: How Vitamin D May Be Linked The medical term arterial calcification describes the process of artery blockage through calcium accumulation. The process of arterial stiffening through atherosclerosis occurs when arteries become more prone to blockages. Scientific research shows that taking excessive doses of vitamin D creates conditions where calcium forms deposits in arteries, instead of bones leading to future heart disease development. Research: What Does the Science Say Observational studies demonstrate that very low vitamin D levels are connected with higher heart risks, even though research on vitamin D supplements and injections for heart disease prevention remains inconclusive. Studies of high vitamin D dosages in animals sometimes show arterial calcification, but the results do not consistently apply to human subjects. Research demonstrates that vitamin D toxicity from excessive doses or prolonged use, results in elevated blood calcium levels which can cause arterial calcification and potentially lead to blocked arteries. Research indicates that Vitamin D deficiency poses risks to the heart, but high or excessive intake in people who do not require it, does not offer clear cardiovascular benefits and could potentially cause harm. Are Vitamin D Shots Safe for Your Arteries The majority of people experience no harm from receiving a single shot or undergoing short-term medical treatment under doctor supervision. But: People who have heart disease together with a history of kidney stones and elevated blood calcium levels, require extra attention during treatment. The risk increases when patients receive prolonged or high-dose injections without blood testing. Sources WebMD The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic MedlinePlus
Hans India
15-07-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Shakarkandi's Sweet Secret to Glowing Skin
Shakarkandi, also known as sweet potato, is often seen as a comforting winter vegetable or a quick evening snack. But beyond its nutritional value, this humble root is a skincare powerhouse. Packed with beta-carotene, vitamins A, C, and E, along with antioxidants, shakarkandi helps nourish skin from within, combat dryness, dullness, and slow down signs of ageing. Whether you eat it, apply it, or freeze it for later use, sweet potatoes offer a natural and cost-effective way to achieve glowing skin. Why Shakarkandi Is a Skincare Gem The magic of shakarkandi lies in its potent blend of nutrients: Beta-carotene gets converted into Vitamin A, a key player in skin renewal and acne control. gets converted into Vitamin A, a key player in skin renewal and acne control. Vitamin C boosts collagen production, helping maintain skin firmness. boosts collagen production, helping maintain skin firmness. Vitamin E fights dullness and free radical damage. fights dullness and free radical damage. Antioxidants protect the skin from pollution, UV rays, and everyday stress. It's no wonder that these are the very ingredients found in many pricey anti-ageing creams. Easy Ways to Use Shakarkandi for Glowing Skin 1. Eat Your Way to Radiant Skin Start by adding sweet potatoes to your diet a few times a week. Roasted, boiled, in salads, or even as a tangy chaat—shakarkandi not only supports good digestion (which reflects on your skin), but also satisfies hunger in the healthiest way. 2. Make a DIY Face Mask Give your skin an instant pick-me-up with this nourishing mask: Boil and mash one sweet potato. Mix in 1 teaspoon of honey and a few drops of lemon juice. Apply the paste to your face for 15–20 minutes, then rinse off. Use this once a week to hydrate, brighten, and refresh your skin. 3. Exfoliate With a Gentle Scrub To slough off dead skin cells and rejuvenate your face: Combine mashed shakarkandi, plain yoghurt, and oats. Gently massage in circular motions. Let it sit for 10 minutes before washing off. This natural scrub can be used 1–2 times a week. 4. Cool Down With Shakarkandi Ice Cubes For a quick skin-refresh: Blend boiled sweet potato into a smooth paste. Pour into an ice tray and freeze. When needed, wrap a cube in a soft cloth and rub it gently on your face. This hack helps soothe puffiness, tighten pores, and leaves your skin feeling plump and energised. Shakarkandi is no longer just a winter comfort food—it's a multi-tasking skincare hero hiding in plain sight. With its rich nutrient profile and skin-repairing properties, incorporating sweet potatoes into your beauty routine—both internally and externally—can give you the healthy, glowing skin you've been longing for.
Hindustan Times
14-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Diet for healthy gut and mind: Dietitian shares top nutrients that support the gut-brain axis
Gut and brain functions have a bidirectional relationship, and they influence each other in powerful ways. This two-way connection, however, is largely supported by what is on your plate. For the uninformed who assume that the brain calls all the shots, the gut is also quietly running the show through this nuanced relationship of the gut-brain axis. Diet rich in leafy greens and veggies keep you healthy.(Shutterstock) What you eat goes beyond digestive functions and also affects mood and cognitive skills. Sonal Chandalia, consultant nutritionist, Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, shared with HT Lifestyle about the different brain and gut-healthy foods that improve the gut-brain axis. ALSO READ: Hepatologist explains how gut influences memory, mood and mental wellbeing; unpacks why gut may be the 'second brain' Explaining a bit more on the framework of the gut-brain axis and the key component, she added, 'A key neurotransmitter, serotonin, produced primarily in the gut, controls the narrative of the brain-gut story. It is the chief controller of sleep quality, mood swings, and appetite. The levels of this hormone are partly determined by different foods. Inclusion of amino-acid, tryptophan and serotonin-rich foods helps alleviate moods. These are similar to the foods needed for gut health. ' Food groups and nutrients that are brain-healthy Berries contain antioxidant properties. (Shutterstock) Diversifying your plate is important so that the nutrients extend to all major functions and help support overall wellbeing. Often, in the gut-brain axis, gut-healthy foods take most of the spotlight, but let's also closely look at some food groups that support brain functions, and, since it's a bidirectional relationship, these will help the gut as well. Sonal highlighted the key food groups and elaborated, 'Food groups such as: Whole-grains and whole millets (wheat, corn, oats, jowar, bajra, ragi) Legumes (whole moong, rajma, moong dal, cowpea) Green leafy vegetables (spinach, fenugreek leaves, amaranth leaves, drumstick leaves, beetroot leaves, radish leaves) Other vegetables (tomato, broccoli, carrot) Fruits (berries, amla, orange, guava, apple, jamun, banana) Salad Cooking oils (extra-virgin olive oil, cooking olive oil, mustard oil, sesame oil, groundnut oil) Nuts (almonds and walnuts) Oilseeds (flaxseeds, sesame, pumpkin, watermelon) Fatty-fish, eggs Spices (turmeric) These help maintain the neural network in the brain.' Other than overarching food groups, there are other compounds which also benefit brain health. She added, 'Certain nutrients such as Vitamin D, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin K, zinc, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acid, choline, alpha-linolenic acid, beta-carotene, lycopene, anthocyanins, polyphenols, curcumin, mono-unsaturated fats/oils, etc, play a larger role in brain functionality. These nutrients mitigate inflammation due to their antioxidant nature. They assist by maintaining the structure of the brain network and gut lining, thus preventing degeneration of both brain and gut cells.' Food for gut health Curd is one of the most recommended gut-healthy foods. (Shutterstock) Curd (or yoghurt) is the MVP of gut-healthy foods, and it's a no-brainer because of all the good benefits for the microbiome. In fact, it's one of the most recognised sources of probiotics, but it's important to note that curd is not the only major player among gut-healthy foods. The dietitian commented about other gut-friendly foods and said, 'An array of pre- and probiotic foods are a source of the beneficial bacteria required in the gut lining to aid digestion. Fermented milk products such as yoghurt, buttermilk, soluble fibre such as pectin found in apples, pears, herbs and spices such as ginger, fennel, black pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, etc, increase the optimally required microbe milieu in the gut, which in turn improves digestion.' ALSO READ: Should you eat traditional Indian dahi or Greek yoghurt? Dietician shares which is better for vegetarians Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Scottish Sun
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Win a designer light worth £119 in this week's Fabulous competition
GLOW GET IT Win a designer light worth £119 in this week's Fabulous competition Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LOOKING to give your home or garden a proper glow-up? Take a look at Italian designer brand Seletti - the iconic, playful designs bring serious fun to any interior. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Pendant lights, £119 each, Seletti From characterful gnomes to dashing deckchairs and Grecian-inspired lamps to bold aubergine candlesticks, Seletti's homeware is a talking point. Right now, we've fallen for their fab fruit pendants, part of Seletti's Vitamin collection. And the good news is that five Fabulous readers can each win their choice of either a pineapple or pear pendant lamp - worth £119. Whether it's for your downstairs loo or a statement piece over your kitchen table, it's sure to add character and a touch of fun. Just be warned, it'll only be the start of your Italian love affair with this brand. Enter below and good luck! To win, enter using the form below by 11:59pm on July 26, 2025. For full terms and conditions, click here.
The Irish Sun
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Win a designer light worth £119 in this week's Fabulous competition
LOOKING to give your home or garden a proper glow-up? Take a look at Italian designer brand Advertisement 1 Pendant lights, £119 each, Seletti From characterful gnomes to dashing deckchairs and Grecian-inspired lamps to bold aubergine candlesticks, Seletti's homeware is a talking point. Right now, we've fallen for their fab fruit pendants, part of Seletti's Vitamin collection. And the good news is that five Fabulous readers can each win their choice of either a pineapple or pear pendant lamp - worth £119. Whether it's for your downstairs loo or a statement piece over your kitchen table, it's sure to add character and a touch of fun. Advertisement Just be warned, it'll only be the start of your Italian love affair with this brand. Enter below and good luck! To win, enter using the form below by 11:59pm on July 26, 2025. For full terms and conditions, click here. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive Exclusive
