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Business Standard
a day ago
- Health
- 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.
Hans India
a day ago
- Health
- Hans India
Effective Home Remedies to Combat Greasy Hair
As temperatures climb and humidity rises, greasy hair becomes an all-too-familiar struggle. The heat triggers our scalp to produce more oil, often resulting in limp, sticky strands that are difficult to manage. Add in sweat and environmental pollutants, and you're left with hair that feels far from fresh. To help you beat the scalp blues, we've rounded up five simple and effective home remedies using everyday ingredients. These DIY treatments not only combat oiliness but also restore your hair's natural bounce and vitality—without relying on harsh chemicals or frequent washes. 1. Tomato and Fuller's Earth Hair Mask A powerful combination, tomato juice mixed with Fuller's Earth (Multani Mitti) acts as a natural detox for your hair. While Fuller's Earth absorbs excess oil, tomato helps balance scalp pH. Use this mask once a week to leave your hair feeling clean, airy, and revitalised. 2. Coconut Milk Massage Surprisingly, coconut milk helps regulate oil secretion. Rich in proteins and essential fatty acids, it nourishes the scalp while balancing sebum production. Massage coconut milk into your scalp, leave it on for 20 minutes, and rinse off for hair that feels light, hydrated, and manageable. 3. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse ACV is a cult favourite when it comes to greasy hair. Dilute a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a mug of water and use it as a final rinse post-shampoo. This natural astringent helps maintain scalp pH, reduce oiliness, and add a healthy shine to your hair. 4. Lemon Juice and Coconut Oil Blend Mix two teaspoons of coconut oil with one teaspoon of lemon juice for a quick fix against oily scalp and dandruff. Lemon juice helps cleanse the scalp and reduce greasiness, while coconut oil soothes and nourishes the roots. Leave it on for 15–20 minutes before washing. 5. Aloe Vera and Tea Tree Oil Scalp Treatment Aloe vera is a go-to for calming inflamed or oily scalps. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to two tablespoons of aloe vera gel and massage onto the scalp. After 15 minutes, rinse thoroughly. This combo not only reduces oil but also combats itchiness and buildup. Say goodbye to greasy hair days with these natural, budget-friendly remedies that bring back life and volume to your hair. Whether you're heading to work, school, or just out in the sun, your locks will thank you.
Hans India
2 days ago
- Health
- Hans India
Say Goodbye to Pimples Naturally: Home Remedies to Eliminate Pimples
Pimples have a way of showing up when they're least welcome—right before a big event or an important meeting. While store-bought treatments may promise quick fixes, many are loaded with harsh chemicals that often do more damage than good. Fortunately, nature offers gentle and effective alternatives that not only target pimples but also nourish and protect your skin. Here are eight natural remedies that can help you fight breakouts and restore a healthy, glowing complexion—all from the comfort of your home. 1. Tea Tree Oil Known for its potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, tea tree oil is a powerful remedy for acne. Mix a few drops with a carrier oil like coconut oil and dab it onto the affected areas using a cotton swab. Leave it overnight for best results. 2. Fresh Aloe Vera Gel Aloe vera is a skin saviour with soothing, hydrating, and antimicrobial effects. Extract the gel directly from an aloe leaf and apply it evenly on clean skin. Let it sit for 20 minutes before rinsing off. Daily use can significantly reduce redness and pimples. 3. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) ACV helps balance your skin's pH and eliminate acne-causing bacteria. Mix one part ACV with three parts water, apply to your skin using a cotton ball, and rinse after 5–10 minutes. Use this once a week for clearer skin. 4. Ice Cube Compress For sudden breakouts and inflammation, an ice cube wrapped in a clean cloth can work wonders. Press it gently on the pimple for 30 seconds, repeating several times a day to reduce swelling and redness. 5. Green Tea Toner Green tea is rich in antioxidants and works as a natural toner. After brewing and cooling a cup, apply it using a spray bottle or cotton pad. Use it twice daily to calm the skin and reduce bacteria. 6. Multani Mitti (Fuller's Earth) This traditional clay has been used for centuries in India to cleanse and refresh the skin. Mix it with rose water to make a smooth paste. Apply it evenly, let it dry for 15 minutes, and rinse. Ideal for oily skin, use 1–2 times weekly. 7. Neem Leaf Paste Neem leaves are packed with antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Crush fresh neem leaves into a paste, apply it to affected areas, and rinse after 20 minutes. It not only treats pimples but also helps prevent future breakouts. 8. Honey and Cinnamon Mask This sweet and spicy combo is more than just tasty. Honey's antibacterial properties and cinnamon's antioxidants make them a great duo for skin health. Mix one tablespoon of honey with half a teaspoon of cinnamon, apply for 15 minutes, then rinse off. Use this 2–3 times a week. While pimples may be a common skin woe, the solution doesn't always lie in expensive treatments. These home remedies harness the healing power of natural ingredients to target acne at its root—reducing excess oil, calming inflammation, and keeping bacteria in check. Try incorporating these into your routine and let your skin breathe and heal naturally.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Harvard gastroenterologist ranks popular trends: Is eating cold rice, doing intermittent fasting good for gut health?
Gut health is as important as our physical and mental health, as they are all correlated. Your gut has an impact on your overall health, which is why a healthy gut means a healthy body and mind. Also Read | Is blurred vision a sign of brain tumour? Surgeon shares 8 early warning signs to be aware of Recently, several gut health trends have gained popularity on social media, with people following them blindly in an effort to improve their gut microbiome. But, it is important to stop and think which of them are actually beneficial. In a video shared on June 15, Dr Saurabh Sethi, MD (gastroenterology and hepatology), ranked 10 gut health trends for 2025 on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the highest). Let's find out what he had to say: A post shared by Saurabh Sethi (@ Dr Sethi rated the popular trend of eating cold potato and rice for the resistant starch 5. The gut doctor rated L-glutamine supplements 6 on his list. But what are these supplements? According to Medical News Today, low L-glutamine levels may affect metabolism and gut health. Therefore, using the supplements often helps manage irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Additionally, glutamine helps strengthen the cell barrier that prevents your intestines from becoming damaged. The gastroenterologist rated consuming apple cider vinegar (ACV) for gut health 4. Many studies suggest that ACV is consumed as it is a probiotic, and may introduce 'good' bacteria into your gut. However, according to a report by the Cleveland Clinic, most of these studies are small and need further research to support their claims. Dr Sethi rated intermittent fasting 7 on his list. Per News-Medical, intermittent fasting benefits gut bacteria because it gives them time for rest and repopulation, even though more research is necessary to define its precise advantages. Synbiotics are a mixture of prebiotics and probiotics. Dr Sethi rated them 8. Per a 2019 study, they beneficially affect the host by improving the survival and activity of beneficial microorganisms in the gut. The Harvard-trained gut doctor rated the carnivore diet 3 on his list. For detox teas, Dr Sethi gave a 2 rating. According to him, detox tea trends are 'overhyped' and have minimal gut benefit. He rated the parasite cleanse 1. According to the gut doctor, there is no evidence for the benefits of routine use of a parasite cleanse on the gut. What is a parasite cleanse? Per a WebMD report, a parasite cleanse claims that a combination of supplements and diet can rid your body of parasites. Yet there is no evidence that any of these cleanses work, and some might cause dangerous side effects. A high-fibre diet consists of fruits, legumes and seeds. Per Dr Sethi, a high fibre diet has a 9 rating. Per the National Institutes of Health (NIH), dietary fibre is beneficial as it is fermented by the human gut microbiota, producing beneficial microbial metabolites. Lastly, he gave the highest rating (10) to fermented foods. Some examples of fermented foods are kefir and yoghurt. 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.
Hindustan Times
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Sharvari Wagh turns 28: Apple cider vinegar with warm water in morning to south Indian breakfast, know her diet secrets
Sharvari Wagh, who has acted in films such as Bunty Aur Babli 2 (2021), turned 28 on June 14. Did you know the actor likes to start her day with warm water, apple cider vinegar (ACV), and a glass of green juice, which helps with hydration and digestion? Also read | Benefits of apple cider vinegar: Your answer to weight loss, diabetes, skin problems On Sharvari Wagh's birthday, here's a look back at the actor revealing everything she eats in a day in a February 23, 2020, interview with Bollywood Bubble. From having a 'king-size breakfast' consisting of nutritious options like poha, rava upma, or idlis, which provide sustained energy to focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods to maintain her overall well-being, here's everything Sharvari swears by to stay toned. A post shared by Sharvari 🐯 (@sharvari) Asked about her morning routine, she said: 'I usually start my day with some warm water with apple cider vinegar and one green juice that I have every day.' Have you tried apple cider vinegar? Some people claim that drinking it before meals can help drop kilos. In January 2025, Dr Kunal Sood, an anesthesiology and interventional pain medicine physician, shared how ACV may actually have potential benefits for weight loss. Click here to learn more. Asked if she likes to have a 'king-size breakfast,' Sharvari said she loves breakfast and prefers 'basic stuff like poha, upma, idli' with 'south Indian being her most favourite' breakfast. A post shared by Sharvari 🐯 (@sharvari) Sharvari's balanced diet with occasional junk food can be a realistic approach for many people. She likes eating Japanese food, and likes to order from McDonald's on her cheat days. Her favourite cuisine is Japanese, she said. The actor permits herself to enjoy junk food in moderation, such as once or twice a week. This can help satisfy cravings and make the diet more sustainable. When speaking about her favourite cheat meals, Sharvari said, 'What I prefer on cheat meal days? McDonalds, like everything on their menu.' Sharvari also said she was 'moody' when it comes to having sweet treats, but she 'loves Indian desserts like gulab jamun and sandesh'. 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.
