Woman suffers third-degree burns, unable to walk after not using sunscreen: ‘I'd rather be dead'

A woman revealed that she had to be hospitalised and was unable to walk for a week as she suffered third-degree burns after she skipped using sunscreen while going tanning. TikTok creator Taylor Faith narrated her harrowing ordeal in a video where she revealed that she was stand-up paddleboarding when it occurred.
Faith said that she had forgotten sunscreen and decided to go without it and get a tan on a sunny day. She said the worst she expected to happen was a mild burn, but after eight hours of being in the water under the sun, her legs were scorched.
She was rushed to the hospital, where doctors diagnosed her with a rare and dangerous third-degree sunburn, which damaged all layers of her skin.
'I never thought this would happen to me until it did. It's so bad a couple days ago I was thinking I'd rather be [dead] than feel that way," she said, according to New York Post.
While most sunburns are mild and heal within days, third-degree burns can damage nerve endings, blood vessels and deep tissue. Symptoms of third-degree burns include dizziness, exhaustion, fever, headache, muscle cramps and nausea.
'My insides are severely damaged, and all my blood vessels are as well. think this life lesson is gonna turn me into a sunscreen activist," she said.
Experts recommend limiting sun exposure between 10 AM and 2 PM, when UV rays are strongest. If you must step outside, do so while wearing protective clothing and using sunscreen with at least SPF 30. It should also be reapplied every two hours or more often if you are swimming or sweating.

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Mint

3 hours ago

• Mint

Why everyone is chasing the Shilajit high

At 44, Harpreet Vir Singh doesn't just run a wellness company, he lives its philosophy. The founder of Your Happy Life (YHL), Singh is a longevity evangelist with a clear-eyed vision of what ageing well should look like. 'I want to be able to go on treks, travel, discover new places and experiences, even when I am old," he says. His goals are precise: lean muscle mass, deep sleep, biological metrics that track healthy ageing, and a supplement stack that includes NMN (said to mitigate ageing-related disorders) and Shilajit. Not because they're trendy, but because they work for him. Singh, with such a clear blueprint for his 70s, 80s and 90s, is still cautious. 'I don't believe Shilajit is a cure-all, but I do feel the benefits when I am on it. Better mental clarity, steady energy levels through the day, and better recovery from and resilience for my workouts," Singh says. He dislikes the reductive branding of Shilajit as a testosterone booster or 'natural viagra". 'It's limiting its benefits," Singh says. 'It has over 80 trace minerals, and if used the right way, its benefits can go beyond gender." At 48, Mumbai-based film director Abhishek Agnihotri hit a health crisis. He experienced bouts of dizziness and blurred vision that baffled multiple specialists—cardiologists, internists, even psychiatrists. Despite numerous tests, no one could offer a clear diagnosis. His vitals were mostly normal, barring high blood pressure, which stabilised with medication — yet the symptoms persisted. 'At one point, I decided to start my own research. Doctors gave me pills and more pills. But why was I feeling so out of whack?" Agnihotri says. He turned to Instagram. Doctor influencers, in particular, Gary Brecka and Eric Berg, gave him clues for further testing. Agnihotri decided to navigate the rabbit hole of nutrient deficiencies, metabolism and the integrative axis of midlife biology, environment and mental and emotional stress. Tests revealed several atypical markers, including low testosterone. A year and many consultations later, he found a protocol that helped him feel like himself again. Besides regular exercise, a diet and lifestyle overhaul, and a set of supplements to address mineral deficiencies, which included Shilajit. 'After about six months, my blood markers were at a normal range. Testosterone came back up to a 300-plus. I can't say for sure it was just because of Shilajit. But it has its role to play in the entire protocol. Everything worked together," Agnihotri says. He takes a pea-sized dose of Kapiva Shilajit resin at night, along with Ashwagandha and Moringa. So what really is this sticky pale-brown to blackish-brown herbal biomass from the Himalayas and Hindukush ranges that people the world over are spending their money on? Why is Shilajit now a TikTok favourite and a wellness influencer's go-to content for vitality? The myth of the rejuvenator It is a complex mixture of organic humic substances and plant and microbial metabolites occurring in the rock rhizospheres of its natural habitat. In Ayurvedic texts, it is categorised as a rasayana—a rejuvenator that enhances the quality of plasma and, in turn, tissues, and prolongs life by healing and preventing disease. Its literal Sanskrit meaning: conqueror of mountains and destroyer of weakness. 'Joh mritak ko zinda kar de, woh Shilajit hai (what brings the dead to life is Shilajit)," says Ajay Sharma, a 67-year-old Ayurvedic physician from Lucknow. Disproportionate to the hype around it, scientific studies on Shilajit are limited. Also Read: Move over K-Beauty. Ayurveda beauty is here Ancient pedigree, modern problems A handful of studies, mostly done in the US, extol its benefits. But many come with the caveat that, being an exudate of various mountainous plants and rock surfaces, unpurified Shilajit could contain lead and toxic heavy metals. In general, many Ayurvedic and herbal medicines contain such toxic elements. And like most Ayurvedic supplements, there's no way to know for sure which one is authentic enough for you to take. Ashwin Bhadri, founder and CEO of Equinox Labs, one of the largest food, water and air testing laboratory in India says, 'Shilajit may be ancient in origin, but verifying its safety requires modern science. Unfortunately, many Shilajit products today are contaminated with toxic metals like lead and mercury, posing serious health risks." If you're consuming Shilajit, here's what you must check: an FSSAI license number, NABL-accredited lab test reports – especially for heavy metals, a batch-wise certificate of analysis (COA), and a clear ingredient list with no vague or exaggerated claims, Bhadri said. In India, Ayurvedic supplements must comply with both Ayush and FSSAI guidelines, but very few brands follow this rigorously. 'As consumers, we need to stop trusting trends blindly and start asking better questions. Look beyond the label. Ask for the report. Your health depends on it," says Bhadri. Tapas Biswas, owner of Kolkata-based Actizeet, says Shilajit is not safe for human consumption unless it is purified according to the process outlined in Ayurvedic texts and then lab-tested for traces of lead or other heavy metals. 'The distillation process has to be thorough," Biswas says. His brand of Shilajit has had the same pricing for several years now. He says he sustains it because of loyal customers who have trusted it over the years. 'I have not felt any new surge in sales in the last two years; it has remained constant," he adds. Actizeet sells one of the most expensive Shilajit in resin form in India: ₹6,450 for a 40-gram bottle. Biswas claims that the market also has chemically formulated fake Shilajit—make a formulation with 65 %+ fulvic acid, the main ingredient in the resin, add other trace minerals, and add an edible dark brown colour to the mix, and you have an Instagram-ready Shilajit mock-up to keep a business going. That hasn't stopped demand. According to a 2024 study by the US- and India-based market research company Grand View Research, the global market for Shilajit is estimated at $175.6 million. The Indian market for Shilajit generated $18.7 million in 2024, it said. Several health and wellness companies in India and abroad have introduced their brand of Shilajit. Brands like Baidyanath and its new-age label Kapiva, Dabur and others, sell their products, marketed largely through wellness influencers. Many of these brands refused to be interviewed for this story. Omkar Kulkarni, an Ayurvedic doctor and chief formulator at Panchamrit Ayurveda, says their signature product, an effervescent Shilajit composite, infused with other herbs like Ashwagandha and Gokshura, is priced at ₹600 for 15 units (tablets). Shilajit prices vary in India from ₹999 to ₹6,500 for a 15-40 gm pack. Also Read: Confused by wellness trends? Some common sense advice to cut through the noise From the Himalayas to the studios In the West, Shilajit has found its way into elite wellness regimens. One of the first wellness coaches to discuss its properties in the Western world was the founder of the California-based company Cymbiotika Chervin Jafarieh. 'In addition to sustained energy, Shilajit has wide-ranging benefits from building resilience to stress, sleep normalization, digestion, mood balancing, and joint wellness, which is why it's an essential product in many of our bundles," Jafarieh has said. Cymbiotika charges $67 for 15 grams of its resin, and its website asks customers to join the waitlist for its forthcoming liquid formulation. Jafarieh once coached tennis champion Novak Djokovic, known for his unconventional health choices. In Hollywood, actors Robert Downey Jr. and Ashton Kutcher have openly endorsed Shilajit. In India, actor Sonu Sood and cricketer Hardik Pandya have also promoted its benefits. The Nugenix Shilajit capsules, also an American brand, are marketed for 'total testosterone boost" and cost $53 for 120 capsules. Also Read: Magnesium mania: Startups get to ride a new wellness craze. But is it all hype? No one-size-fits-all Priyanka Oka, 34, a Pune-based Ayurvedic practitioner and consultant with the Healing Hands integrative health clinic, says Shilajit is one of the most potent medicines of Ayurveda with a high concentration of fulvic acid and humic acid. 'We mostly use Shilajit as a catalyst… It enhances the properties of other medicines while also doing its bit," she says. Dosage depends on every patient's unique biology. 'Shilajit creates a lot of heat in the body, and for some people, like those with an active kidney disease, it can have adverse effects," Oka says. 'I wouldn't recommend more than 1 gram of Shilajit per day from a trusted brand." Though a Western medicine doctor is unlikely to prescribe Shilajit, some see value in a complementary approach. Delhi-based cardiologist and functional medicine specialist Alok Chopra says, 'Ayurveda is a part of our Indian culture and is a powerful tool. Having said that, it has its own limitations. It may be a somewhat limited science, but I often work with Ayurvedic doctors to help my patients with specific needs." "Faith is an important part of any treatment, and if one accepts this without doubt, it would help." Long-time users like Annie Kohli, 73, a Mumbai-based agriculture and plant medicine entrepreneur, swear by its benefits. She began taking Shilajit in her late 60s after feeling a dip in stamina. 'I take Shilajit, the resin form, dissolved in warm water every morning. I take it for a month, then stop for two months, and then take for another month, according to my Ayurvedic doctor's prescription. I am as energetic as I was in my 50s," Kohli says. Deepa Kannan, an ayurveda and functional medicine expert based in Tamil Nadu, cites Ayurvedic texts to list its benefits: rejuvenative, improves sexual potency, helps boost intellect, alleviates painful urination, scrapes toxins from tissues, heals bones. It all depends on the individual on whom it is used. The next time your gym trainer suggests you start Shilajit as a precursor to your workout, consider a deep dive into your own biology. A sensible lesson from the blistering hype around this ancient elixir is this: Whether you are a man, a woman, or any other combination of genders, Shilajit only works when you know your singular requirement for it. Ayurveda is not an exact science; prescriptions are not based on large-scale clinical trials. An Ayurvedic approach is more complex and holistic, and its enduring quality is that it treats an individual, not symptoms. Take Harpreet Vir Singh of YHL, for instance. He doesn't position Shilajit as a miracle cure, just one part of a longer journey. He tracks how his body feels with and without it. He knows what he's trying to achieve. His grandmother lived to 98, and he wants to aim for that. "But with more mobility and exuberance than my grandmother could imagine in her 90s." Sanjukta Sharma is a Mumbai-based journalist, and founder of the wellness and health IP, @the_slow_fix.

Time of India

13 hours ago

• Time of India

Why matcha is trending everywhere: From boosting heart health to weight loss, this over 800-yr-old tea "surprisingly beats" coffee, chai in many ways

Everywhere you look on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), or TikTok, that vibrant green swirl is the new hot trend, matcha. This finely ground Japanese green tea powder has roots going back around 800 years, but today it's capturing hearts (and hashtags) across the globe. Once the centrepiece of traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, matcha is now a favourite of health enthusiasts and people looking for a coffee alternative. Its picture-perfect colour and creamy flavour make it ideal for lattes, smoothie bowls, and desserts, and it brings real health benefits to the table too. From London cafés to Mumbai kitchens, influencers and café menus are embracing matcha, and social media trends are following quickly. Ancient Roots in Japanese Tea Culture Long before it became an Instagram sensation, matcha was a sacred part of Japanese culture. It is believed that in the early 1200s, a Zen Buddhist monk named Eisai brought powdered green tea from China to Japan. Over time, it became central to chanoyu, the Japanese tea ceremony, which celebrates mindfulness, hospitality, and the art of finding beauty in simplicity (wabi-sabi). In these ceremonies, matcha is carefully whisked in a bowl and served with intention. In the 1500s, tea master Sen no Rikyu refined the preparation process, emphasising harmony and simplicity. Today, matcha drinkers still honour that legacy of calm and meditation. In short, when we enjoy a cup of matcha, we're also sipping a piece of Japan's rich cultural heritage. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Neuropathy is not from Low vitamin B. Meet the Real Enemy of Neuropathy (Stop Doing This) Health Insight Journal Learn More Undo Why Matcha Is So Good for You Matcha's modern fame isn't just about its colour, it's about its health benefits too. Unlike regular green tea, where you steep the leaves and remove them, matcha is made by consuming the whole powdered leaf. That means you get more of the good stuff, like antioxidants. As per science reports, one cup of matcha can contain nearly three times more catechins (a powerful group of antioxidants) than a cup of regular green tea. These help protect the body from damage by neutralising harmful free radicals. Matcha is also believed to support heart health, improve blood pressure, and reduce 'bad' LDL cholesterol. Live Events On top of that, matcha is a smart energy booster. It contains caffeine, but also L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calm and focus. So instead of the jittery buzz you might get from coffee, matcha offers a smooth, sustained energy boost. Many people say it helps them stay alert without the crash or headaches that can follow a strong cup of coffee. Matcha may also support metabolism and detoxification. It's rich in chlorophyll, which is known to help remove toxins from the body and support liver function. This combination of antioxidants, caffeine, and natural detox properties is why so many matcha lovers say it helps them feel energetic and refreshed throughout the day. Matcha vs Other Morning Drinks Compared to regular green tea, matcha generally wins when it comes to nutrients. Since you consume the entire leaf, it provides more antioxidants and vitamins than a simple tea infusion. In fact, studies suggest it may contain up to three times more of the key antioxidant catechins. When compared to coffee, matcha's benefits are different. Coffee gives a strong caffeine jolt, but matcha provides a gentler lift that lasts longer. Many people say they feel more focused and balanced after drinking matcha, without the energy crash that can follow coffee. While matcha typically has less caffeine than a large coffee, it makes up for that with calming L-theanine and extra antioxidants, which coffee doesn't offer. Because of this, many people now see matcha as a 'healthier alternative to coffee', with a more stable, clean energy boost and added wellness benefits. Matcha Mania on Social Media Matcha's bright green look and frothy texture make it a natural star on social media. On Instagram alone, the #matcha hashtag has millions of posts. The drink's photogenic appearance, whether in a stylish latte or a vibrant smoothie bowl, makes it irresistible to influencers and cafés alike. Trendy cafés are now building entire menus around matcha. You'll find layered matcha lattes, colourful frappés, and iced blends that practically beg to be photographed. Seasonal flavours like strawberry matcha or matcha vanilla blends often go viral, and global chains have added matcha to their drink offerings. Online communities have even formed around it, from 'matcha morning rituals' to 'matcha girls' sharing tips, reviews, and DIY recipes. The craze isn't just limited to drinks. Matcha desserts, like green tea cookies, cakes, ice cream, and pancakes, are also exploding in popularity, especially as people recreate them for social media. Matcha in the Kitchen: Recipes and Products Matcha is incredibly versatile, which is part of its global appeal. The classic way to enjoy it is in a matcha latte, hot or cold, made with milk or milk alternatives. Matcha smoothies, banana blends, and iced cappuccinos are other easy favourites. Many also use matcha in recipes for energy balls, protein pancakes, and oatmeal. In desserts, matcha adds both colour and flavour. Green tea cheesecake, cupcakes, matcha mochi, and even matcha tiramisu are popular across cafés and online recipe videos. Some adventurous types even mix matcha into mocktails or soda-based drinks for a refreshing twist. When shopping for matcha, you'll usually see two main types: ceremonial and culinary grade. Ceremonial-grade matcha is the highest quality, made from the youngest leaves and known for its sweet, smooth taste. It's best enjoyed on its own or in traditional lattes. Culinary-grade matcha comes from older leaves, has a stronger and slightly bitter flavour, and is ideal for recipes, baking, or mixing with sweeteners. There are also a growing number of matcha products in shops: ready-to-drink matcha lattes, sachets of instant matcha, matcha energy bars, chocolate, and even skincare items. Ceremonial matcha is ideal for purists, while culinary matcha is great for daily drinks and experimenting in the kitchen. Inputs from agencies

Business Standard

21 hours ago

• Business Standard

Are these popular Instagram fitness trends actually helpful or just hype?

From apple cider vinegar promises to moon-charged water rituals, 100 Surya Namaskars a day to collagen powders that claim to erase wrinkles, we've all been tempted to try them. But do they actually work, or are they just hype in disguise? We asked doctors and nutrition experts to break it down for you. This Fact-check Friday, let's separate the facts from the fluff. Can apple cider vinegar balance hormones and burn fat? You've probably seen someone on Instagram gulping apple cider vinegar (ACV) every morning. The claim? It 'balances hormones' and melts fat. But according to nutritionist Dr Divya Sakhalkar, ACV might help you feel fuller and slow down blood sugar spikes, which can support weight loss a little, and for women with PCOS, it may slightly improve insulin sensitivity. But for most people, ACV is not a hormone-fixing miracle. 'Sip it if you like the taste and feel a benefit, but don't treat it like a hormonal wizard potion,' she said. Should you go gluten- or dairy-free if you're not allergic? Going gluten-free or dairy-free might seem like the ticket to more energy and less bloat, especially if celebrities on your timeline swear by it. 'But unless you've got coeliac disease, gluten sensitivity, or lactose intolerance, there's no need to ditch bread or milk. Whole grains and dairy are packed with nutrients like fibre, protein, and calcium. Cutting them out without guidance can leave you more tired, not energised,' said Dr Sakhalkar. Is moon-charged water actually good for sleep and mood? TikTok and Insta reels claim leaving your water out under moonlight can soothe your soul, balance your energy, and improve your sleep. Scientifically though, moon-charged water is still just water. Dr Sakhalkar explains any benefit you feel likely comes from the ritual, not the liquid. It is purely placebo. True sleep and mood balance depends on cortisol, melatonin, screen time, and stress levels. Does post-workout soreness mean better results? You crushed leg day, and now you can't walk. They say that's good for you, right? Well, not always. Asad Hussain, Founder and CEO of Odds Fitness, explains that soreness (or delayed onset muscle soreness, aka DOMS) isn't a must-have sign of a successful workout. It often shows up when your body is doing something new or intense. But progress can happen even without soreness, especially if you're consistent and gradually increasing your load. Can yoga headstands reverse ageing or increase height? Doing a headstand (shirshasana) might boost blood flow and help you feel sharper, calmer, and even younger, to some extent. Asad clarified: 'Shirshasana supports circulation and hormone regulation, but it's not a reverse-ageing switch. And while yoga can improve posture—which can make you look taller and feel more aligned—it cannot make adults grow taller. Bones stop growing after puberty.' Do posture belts actually fix back pain? Asad said they build awareness, but they won't strengthen your muscles or fix the real problem. Long-term improvement requires stretching, strengthening your core and back, and mobility work—not just gadgets. Can face yoga or collagen really reverse ageing? According to Dr Ruben Bhasin Passi, Consultant Dermatologist, CK Birla Hospital Gurugram, face yoga can tone some muscles and may improve blood flow, so yes, some tightening can happen over time. But reversing ageing or sculpting a jawline? Not likely. Collagen powders can improve skin hydration slightly over months. But they're not magic potions. Sun protection, retinoids, and good skincare still do the heavy lifting. Will bone broth or fish collagen give you glowing skin overnight? Dr Passi pointed out that while these foods are nutritious, skin glow also depends on hydration, diet, sun exposure, sleep, hormones, genetics, and skincare. Can onion juice or rice water regrow bald patches? They might make hair look healthier, but they won't bring back lost hair. Onion juice and rice water have some beneficial nutrients, but bald patches caused by conditions like androgenetic alopecia need medical treatment, said Dr Passi. Will lifting weights make women bulky? This one's a classic myth. Dr Tushar Tayal, Consultant, Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, confirmed, 'No, lifting weights won't make you bulky. Women have lower testosterone and won't 'bulk up' unless they're following advanced, intense bodybuilding programmes. Instead, weight training makes women leaner, stronger, and metabolically healthier.' Are 100 Surya Namaskars a day the ultimate health solution? Surya Namaskars are a fantastic full-body exercise. But doing 100 daily is not the only way to be healthy. Dr Tayal reminded that health is about balance, which includes nutrition, sleep, exercise, stress, check-ups. 'Overtraining can even cause injuries or burnout. So do what works for your body—not what goes viral,' he said. Is waking up at 4 am the secret to success? #RiseAndGrind may be trending, but success isn't tied to an alarm clock. Dr Tayal said waking up early can align with your natural rhythms, but what matters more is sleep quality and consistency—not just being up before sunrise. Can sound frequencies rewire your brain? Binaural beats and calming frequencies can help you relax, but there's no scientific proof they 'rewire' your brain overnight. Dr Tayal emphasised that brain health improves with long-term habits: exercise, food, rest, and therapy if needed. Do turmeric and ginger shots boost immunity? They help, but they're not a magic shield. Prachi Jain, Chief Clinical Nutritionist, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, said turmeric (curcumin) and ginger (gingerol) have proven benefits, but no shot alone can boost your immunity. It's about your entire diet, sleep, and stress habits. Can water or herbal teas flush fat and toxins? Water is essential for detox, but overdoing it doesn't 'flush' fat. And teas or kadhas? They can help digestion and reduce bloating, but they won't melt fat unless you're in a calorie deficit. 'Drinking sufficient water is crucial for maintaining your body's own detoxification mechanisms—primarily your kidneys, liver, and skin. Water assists in eliminating waste through sweat and urine. But consuming more water than necessary doesn't 'supercharge' detox,' said Prachi. Are protein shakes only for bodybuilders? According to Prachi, protein shakes are a convenient tool for anyone who struggles to meet their protein needs—including vegetarians, office workers, and older adults. She said, 'Protein is important for repairing muscles, maintaining healthy skin, for immunity, and for hormone function. Although bodybuilders require greater protein consumption, even an average adult will be better off having shakes if it is not possible for them to consume enough protein through foods. Not every protein shake is equally good—opt for good-quality, low-sugar ones and use them as additions, not replacements, to whole foods.' So, what actually works? The truth is there's no single shortcut or superfood to being fit, healthy, or youthful. Most viral trends have some truth, but the real magic lies in consistency, balance, understanding the science, and knowing what works for your body.