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Daily Maverick
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Maverick
Elon Musk, depression and South Africa's cowboy ketamine clinics
Elon Musk admitted to using it for depression, Friends actor Matthew Perry died from using too much of it and in South Africa, some ketamine healthcare providers are serving it up irresponsibly. So what's ketamine all about? 'To be clear, I am NOT taking drugs!' the richest man in the world announced on his social media platform X at the end of May. 'The New York Times was lying their ass off.' Elon Musk – originally from South Africa and until recently the head of the Trump administration's so-called Department of Government Efficiency which cut billions of dollars in foreign aid – was responding to a New York Times investigation that reported he was using drugs, particularly the psychedelic-inducing drug ketamine, while he was on the campaign trail with President Donald Trump. 'I tried prescription ketamine a few years ago and said so on X, so this [is] not even news. It helps for getting out of dark mental holes, but I haven't taken it since then,' he told The New York Times. Musk also made these remarks two months ago on The Don Lemon Show. Ketamine has been used for decades as an anaesthetic drug. But in the past few years more and more psychiatrists have been using it for hard-to-treat depression – and not without reason. Peer-reviewed research, such as this study, which pooled the results of dozens of studies, shows that ketamine, when used in combination with other antidepressants, could help even the most treatment-resistant depression patients to lift their mood. In South Africa, treatment-resistant depression is mostly regarded as depression in someone for whom at least two antidepressants haven't worked. Musk has openly talked about having occasional periods of depression, but not necessarily treatment-resistant depression. Because ketamine causes temporary ' dissociative effects ', patients should only use the drug for the treatment of depression in the presence of a health professional, who either gives it to them, for instance as a drip, or supervises them taking it as a nasal spray. Dissociative effects change someone's level of consciousness or their perceptions of themselves or environment. Some patients say this feels like being 'spaced out' or 'dreaming'. These psychedelic effects, and the fact that ketamine can make people feel happier, are part of the reason ketamine is also used as a street drug, often known as 'Vitamin K' or 'Special K'. Musk told The Don Lemon Show that he gets ' a prescription from a real doctor ', but he didn't confirm whether he takes the medicine in the presence of doctors, as it should be, only that he takes ' a small amount of ketamine every other week ', with 'several weeks going by where I don't use it'. In South Africa, ketamine is registered as a 'schedule five' drug with our medicines regulator, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (Sahpra). Schedule five drugs can't be bought over the counter and can only be obtained with a doctor's prescription. But in the case of ketamine, a patient can also not collect the medicine directly from a pharmacy, since the taking of it for the treatment of depression has to be supervised by a health professional. In 2022, ketamine was approved as a nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression, but psychiatrists told Bhekisisa the spray isn't available in the country. Some healthcare providers in South Africa are also administering the drug off label as a drip; that's when doctors use a legally registered medication to treat an illness that it hasn't been approved for. Off-label use is a common practice for many medicines, but it has to be done responsibly. In the case of ketamine, the South African Society of Psychiatrists (Sasop), has published guidelines for its use for the treatment of depression. This includes that it's only used for treatment-resistant depression, and only in drip form, not as an intramuscular injection or as a tablet that dissolves under your tongue. Ketamine also has to be given by an anaesthetist or a GP with a diploma in anaesthetics 'in an environment where it is possible to monitor the patient and potentially resuscitate'. But Bhekisisa's TV programme, Health Beat, found many 'cowboy clinics' where unqualified workers give ketamine to people with depression and for conditions such as attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, for which there isn't credible evidence that it works. Sahpra's CEO, Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela, told Health Beat: '[Although off-label use] is an informed decision, on published clinical evidence, [it's important to remember] that it means that if anything happens to a patient, they [patients or healthcare providers] then cannot hold the manufacturer responsible when it, in fact, registered the product for a different indication.' Experts say unregulated use of ketamine is not only risky, it can be deadly, because if someone takes too much it can raise their blood pressure, make it hard to breathe and, among other things, cause seizures. In an autopsy, authorities in Los Angeles found that Friends actor Matthew Perry, who played the character Chandler Bing and wrote about his history of drug dependency, died in 2024 of what authorities called the 'acute effects' of ketamine abuse, which was administered intravenously. Mia Malan recently spoke with the psychiatrist Dr Bavi Vythilingum, a member of the South African Society of Psychiatrists, who helped write the guidelines for ketamine use in South Africa, in Bhekisisa's May episode of Health Beat. The interview was edited for clarity. Mia Malan (MM): Why are psychiatrists talking about ketamine right now? Bavi Vythilingum (BV): It's probably the first completely novel antidepressant that we've had for a long time. So, with antidepressants, it usually takes about, say, two to three weeks for it to work. With ketamine, you can get a response within two to three days, and sometimes, as we give the infusion patients feel better. MM: Why does it work so fast? BV: We're not 100% sure, but we think it's because it's working on the glutamate receptor and causes very big neurodevelopmental changes very rapidly, and that's what gives you that rapid onset of action. MM: What is a glutamate receptor? BV: Glutamate is a brain neurotransmitter like serotonin and noradrenaline. Glutamate is situated throughout the brain and ketamine works on that receptor. MM: So it's something that helps you to feel good? BV: If you're taking ketamine, for example, for drug use, it would produce an altered state of consciousness, which can make you feel good, but can also be unpleasant. But certainly, for depression, it seems to work for a lot of people. MM: So, who gets ketamine? Is it people who need to be helped immediately, and then you wean them off it? Or how does it work? BV: There are two groups of people who would get ketamine: those who are extremely depressed, extremely suicidal and a danger to themselves, where we need a very rapid onset of action. And the second group are what we call treatment resistant, where they have failed what we call an adequate trial – that's a trial at a high enough dose for a long enough period of two standard antidepressants. MM: And if you then put such a patient on ketamine, what happens? BV: Most people who have ketamine will have a non-ordinary state of consciousness where they may feel they are not in their body, what we call dissociation. They may experience reality in different ways. They may see complex shapes and colours. They may feel sounds as being colours. It can be a beautiful experience, but it can also be an anxiety-provoking experience. MM: How long would that last? BV: As long as we give the infusion, usually about 40 minutes. Then they go home and they come back after two to three days for a total of about six infusions. MM: What happens after that? BV: There's no internationally recognised standard of maintenance. We're still trying to understand how we should do it. But there are definitely some people who get very well on ketamine and don't get well on other stuff. And for them, we need to top up. So, initially we would top up every week to two weeks, for about four weeks, and then reassess. There are some people who need monthly ketamine, but we do that with caution, and we do a constant reassessment of a patient to see if we still need to give it. MM: What about addiction? BV: We have to assess somebody very carefully for previous and current substance use. So if somebody is an active substance user, even if they're not using ketamine – say they're an alcoholic – you'd be very cautious about giving ketamine. MM: Who can give ketamine? We have heard of many clinics that give it where it's not psychiatrists giving it, where a GP gives infusions. Is that legal? BV: It is technically not illegal, because any doctor can give any medication. That's a Health Professions Council of South Africa regulation. But you have to be within the scope of your practice, which means you have to be able to prescribe and you have to be able to manage the [possible drug] complications. Sasop's position is that only psychiatrists can prescribe ketamine because it is for either emergencies or treatment resistance situations. But we follow the principles of the South African Society of Anaesthesiologists, in that people must have an anaesthetic qualification. So I, as a psychiatrist, will prescribe, but I don't give ketamine. My anaesthetic colleagues are the people who give ketamine. MM: What does ketamine treatment cost? BV: You're looking at about R2,400 to R2,500 per infusion. The big cost of that is around personnel because you need an anaesthetically trained doctor and a nurse. MM: Do medical aids pay for it? BV: Medical aids are starting to pay. So your top-tier medical aids will pay for ketamine upon motivation, but the medical aids are reluctant to pay. And a big cause of the reluctance is all these so-called cowboy ketamine clinics. The medical aids are saying, quite rightly, that they don't know if ketamine is going to be given safely. DM
NDTV
2 days ago
- Health
- NDTV
Lifestyle Coach Shares Health Benefits Of Okra
Okra, also known as lady's finger, is a bright green vegetable loved for its mild flavour, subtle crunch, and versatility. Whether fried, stewed, or tossed into curries, it's a staple in many kitchens, and it turns out, it's also a nutritional powerhouse. Nutritionist and health coach Luke Coutinho recently shared a video on Instagram highlighting the many health benefits of okra. In the video, he explained how the vegetable is rich in essential nutrients and can easily be included in a balanced diet. One of the key components of okra is its mucilage, a gel-like substance that acts as a form of fibre. According to Luke Coutinho, this fibre helps nourish good gut bacteria, supports bowel movement, and improves stool consistency. He also pointed out that okra is especially beneficial for people managing diabetes, inflammation, and gut health. It's packed with Vitamin K, Vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and all B vitamins. Its high fibre content works as a prebiotic, supporting a healthy gut microbiome. In addition to being low in calories, okra contains small amounts of protein and carbohydrates. Luke Coutinho added that scientific studies have shown okra helps reduce glucose absorption and improves insulin sensitivity, thanks to compounds like flavonoids and polysaccharides. Its anti-inflammatory properties may also help lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the body. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Luke Coutinho - Official (@luke_coutinho) He also mentioned that he often includes okra in diets for people who are preparing for or recovering from surgery, dealing with colorectal issues, and undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, or heavy medication. He said okra-based meals ease digestion, reduce oxidative stress, and support cellular healing. Luke Coutinho also cautioned people to avoid okra if they are allergic to it or those taking heavy blood thinners. He also advised people not to deep-fry or overcook okra, as it kills most of the nutrition. He recommended steaming, light cooking, or even adding okra to salads or soups instead and suggested trying okra water by soaking it overnight and drinking it the next day. He suggested, "Stop deep frying it. Lightly saute, steam, or mix into dals and sabzis." He stated that managing conditions like diabetes, heart problems or weight loss issues requires regular exercise, good sleep quality, stress management, and proper nutrition, as there is no magic food that can cure diabetes, prevent heart attacks, or cause weight loss on its own. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
Business Standard
2 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
Heart-smart eating: Diet tips to lower risk of sudden cardiac arrest
'Our heart health depends on our diet,' says Dr N Sandeep, Consultant – Cardiology, Manipal Hospital Vijayawada. 'The food choices we make every day can boost or harm our heart health, and most of us are often oblivious to this fact.' It's not just about avoiding fatty foods or salt anymore. The heart thrives on a balanced intake of nutrients, which includes healthy fats, fibre, antioxidants, and vitamins. What we eat directly affects inflammation, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and arterial health, all of which are key contributors to cardiovascular risk, including sudden cardiac arrest. What foods should you eat daily to protect your heart? According to experts, the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy, has been shown to reduce blood pressure and protect heart function. Dr Dibyaranjan Behera, Consultant – Interventional Cardiologist at Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, recommends eating these foods every day to keep your heart in shape: Leafy greens like spinach and kale (rich in nitrates and Vitamin K) Berries for their polyphenols and anti-inflammatory benefits Nuts (especially almonds and walnuts) for healthy fats and antioxidants Whole grains such as oats and brown rice for cholesterol-lowering fibre Fatty fish like salmon or mackerel for heart-protecting omega-3s (vegetarian alternatives include flaxseeds and chia seeds) These foods reduce oxidative stress, lower bad cholesterol (LDL), improve blood pressure, and protect arteries, all critical in lowering the risk of sudden cardiac events. For those with pre-existing heart conditions, Dr Behera advises a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods and regular monitoring with a healthcare provider to manage risks more effectively. Which fats are heart-healthy, and which should you avoid? The doctors recommend the following: Avoid trans fats (found in processed snacks, baked goods, and fried items) completely. They raise LDL (bad cholesterol) and lower HDL (good cholesterol), doubling heart risk. Limit saturated fats found in red meat and full-fat dairy, which also raise LDL cholesterol. Replace with unsaturated fats from nuts, seeds, olive oil, and avocado. These improve vascular function and reduce inflammation. 'Making smart food choices for protecting heart health isn't about restriction—it's about balance,' adds Dr Sandeep. Should you cut back on salt for heart health? According to the experts, salt is problematic. 'Too much salt increases blood pressure and puts your heart under strain,' said Dr Sandeep. Smart salt swaps include: What's the easiest way to start eating heart-smart? The doctors emphasised that there is no need for a major overhaul to make a big impact. Small changes can go a long way:
India.com
04-06-2025
- Business
- India.com
Shop under eye creams now on Myntra's End of Reason Sale (31st May – 12th June)
Brighten, de-puff, and renew tired eyes with top-rated under eye creams—now at irresistible discounts! Zee Media Bureau Jun 04, 2025 Targets puffiness and dark circles gently with snail mucin and peptides for smoother, healthier under eyes. Shop Now Enriched with Hexyl Retinol Complex, this cream hydrates and firms delicate under eye skin effectively. Shop Now Powerful blend of Vitamin K and Retinal reduces pigmentation, puffiness, and fatigue around the eyes. Shop Now Lightweight retinol formula refreshes under eye skin, softens fine lines, and helps with early aging. Shop Now At IDPL, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. It should not be construed as an endorsement to buy. IDPL may make a very small commission from its sale if one chooses to buy the product from any of the links in this Web Story Read Next Story
Hans India
23-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Stay hydrated with nature's coolest fruits
The summer sun shines down harshly and makes it priority number one to keep the right degree of hydration for any form of healthy living. Failing in this regard produces varying degrees of suffering, from blah, dizzy, and headache to heat-stroke attacks. Water exists in abundance where hydration is concerned. Yet certain fruits are said to perform equal functions in replacing fluids and reintroducing key electrolytes into the body. Watermelon, cucumber, and berries are among the topmost fruits in having refreshing and health-renourishing characteristics. Watermelon: Nature's hydration king Almost 92% of the watermelon is water, making it almost the most hydrating fruit there is. To slake thirst is one thing, and to impinge health is another. It imparts some instant energy to the body with natural sugars, and it is a treasure house of vitamins A, B6, C, lycopene, and amino acids. Lycopene protects the skin against damage from the sun, while potassium and magnesium affect hydration much more incisively, preventing cramps, which are often forgotten when we refer to dehydration. A bowl of watermelon in time for mid-morning or a light refreshment after workout makes the body nice and cool while providing hydration. Cucumbers: Stay cool and pure Cucumbers are botanically a fruit and contain about 95 percent water, an author says. Low in calories, cucumbers are rich in silica, Vitamin K, and anti-inflammatories. Being composed of high water and fiber content, cucumbers aid digestion and, therefore, remove toxins out of the body that are essential during the summertime when they cause common digestive ailments. Cucumber detoxifies and keeps the skin healthy- two essential needs during those humid, summary months. Eat it raw in salads, infuse it into water, or blend it into refreshing summer coolers. Berries: Nutrients and refreshers Strawberry, blueberry, and raspberry might not be found common across the country, but they are fast entering, and goodness gracious, well be worth it. These brilliant fruits typically have moisture content of about 85-90%, thus providing an extra hydration boost, meanwhile offering a good heft of antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber. Sean with Immunity, improves skin texture, combats the free radicals from heat and pollution. A bowl of chilled berries could make an ideal dessert and also work as a good ingredient in smoothies. Hydration beyond water Hydrating fruits contain vitamins, minerals, and natural sugars, which energize and have thermoregulatory functions to reduce the possibility of fatigue during the summer. They also maintain digestive health and function in skin elasticity in harsh weather. Using these fruits for everyday meals is a clear and effective method to counter dehydration most naturally. At this time, when there's loss of water due to sweating and exposure, throwing these water-rich foods into the mix would have a double advantage of replacing lost fluids while providing essential nutrients. A fruit bowl with watermelon cubes, cucumber slices, and a handful of mixed berries is a useful way to get much-needed vitamins, minerals, and fluids in every bite. Conclusion This year, as the climate-pattern fuels burning summer months in most states of India, it may even take sweet nature's bounty like watermelon, cucumber, and berries to remain cool, fresh, and healthy through the summer. Hydration isn't only about maintaining water level in the body- it's all about preserving an electrolyte balance, supporting organ functions, and nourishing the body from within. - (Dr Pratayksha Bhardwaj, World Record-Holding Dietician and Weight Management Expert)
