Eating after dinner or bedtime may be associated with a 20% to 30% higher risk of liver disease, according to a new study led by researchers at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). The findings add to growing evidence that the timing of meals, alongside what people eat, may influence long-term health. Published in Clinical […]
An estimated 2.3 million new cancer cases worldwide in 2024, accounting for 12% of the total, were linked to infections, according to an analysis by researchers at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the World Health Organization’s cancer research agency, published in The Lancet Oncology. “Infectious agents are an important preventable cause of […]
Have you ever wondered what you would do if someone suddenly collapsed in front of you? In an emergency like cardiac arrest, every second counts. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), a lifesaving emergency procedure that helps maintain blood flow to the brain and other vital organs, can improve a person’s chances of survival until medical help arrives. […]
Editor: Kritika Goel Six-month-old Mohammad Issa is in the ICU at the Shishu Hospital & Institute in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Nearly a month ago, red, heat-rash-like spots suddenly appeared all over his body. Initially admitted to a private hospital in Lakshmipur, he was moved to the capital city when his condition didn’t show any improvement. He […]
Vaccination is often seen as a childhood matter. In India, that view may be leaving many adults without protection against diseases that can be prevented. A 2025 study in BMC Public Health screened 7,097 adults in New Delhi between April 2021 and August 2022. It found that 93.3 percent of them reported “not receiving even […]
Vaccination has transformed public health, saving millions of lives and preventing severe illness and death from infectious diseases. Yet, despite decades of progress, significant gaps in immunisation coverage remain, with millions of people still missing out on essential vaccines. According to the WHO, “Globally in 2025, 13.5 million children were missing out on any vaccination […]
For decades, pregnancy and vaccination have shared an uneasy relationship in the public imagination. Many expecting mothers still associate vaccines with risk rather than protection, worried that anything injected during pregnancy could somehow harm the baby. Doctors say this fear, while understandable, often works against the very outcome it is trying to protect: a healthy […]
India could see a rise in heat-related illness, along with shifting patterns of dengue, malaria and waterborne disease, as a very strong El Niño takes hold over the coming months, doctors have warned, pointing to a fresh assessment by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) that flags an extended and intense event lasting into 2027. “A […]
CLAIM: US President Donald Trump says he takes aspirin every day, including a 386 mg dose, and has been doing so for 35 years without problems. FACT: Daily aspirin is not appropriate or safe for everyone and should be taken only when medically indicated. While it can help prevent further cardiovascular events in people […]
Men in northeastern India bear a higher cancer burden than women, with tobacco-related cancers and cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract accounting for a substantial share of diagnoses across the region, according to the latest ICMR-NINE report. The disparity is particularly pronounced in Tripura, where tobacco-related cancers account for 67.2% of all adult male cancer […]
CLAIM: Labelling everyday behaviours or emotional reactions as a “trauma response” may oversimplify their causes, as not every difficult experience or reaction is necessarily linked to psychological trauma. FACT: True. Evidence suggests that not every emotional reaction or everyday behaviour should automatically be labelled a “trauma response.” Trauma-related reactions can occur without developing PTSD, and […]
There are days when a familiar song can feel like an antidote to stress. A peppy track may lift your mood, a slow melody may help you unwind after a difficult day, and a favourite song can sometimes bring back memories, comfort or a sense of connection. Music is deeply woven into how we experience […]
Health and medical trips were the most expensive overnight journeys undertaken by Indian households, costing an average Rs 32,167 per trip, according to a new National Statistics Office (NSO) survey, conducted across India, excluding villages in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands that remain difficult to access throughout the year. The findings are part of the […]
Dr Swarup Pal is senior consultant and chief of cardiothoracic and vascular surgery at Gleneagles Hospital, Mumbai, with nearly three decades of experience in cardiac surgery. His work spans bypass, valve, minimally invasive and robotic cardiac procedures, as well as vascular surgery and heart transplantation. First Check spoke to Dr Pal about the increasingly younger […]
CLAIM: A viral Instagram reel by entrepreneur Raj Shamani claims a healthy breakfast lowers type 2 diabetes risk by 28%, heart disease risk by 27%, and improves cognitive performance by 15%. It also claims skipping breakfast raises these risks by 20-35%. FACTS: Multiple recent studies have linked skipping breakfast to a higher risk of […]
CLAIM: Actor Kunal Kapoor says he eats fewer carbohydrates on rest days and more on training days. He also says he has one “refuel” meal a week, which he does not call a cheat meal. FACT: Research offers limited support for the approach. Eating more carbohydrates on training days helps active people, but total daily […]
CLAIM: A viral Instagram post claims 80% of autoimmune diseases occur in women due to personality traits like people-pleasing, suppressing anger, and prioritising others’ needs over their own. It states these behaviours cause chronic stress, weakening immune regulation and triggering autoimmune disease. FACTS: Studies show that autoimmune diseases are significantly more common in women, largely […]
CLAIM: Eating carrots can improve eyesight because the beta-carotene in carrots converts to vitamin A, which supports night vision. However, carrots cannot reduce spectacle power, cure myopia or shorten the length of the eyeball. FACT: Partially true. Carrots can support normal eye health and help provide vitamin A through their beta-carotene content, particularly in people […]
Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan, who recently won the National Film Award for Best Actor for his performance in Chandu Champion, has spoken about the drastic change in his body composition during the making of the film. In an Instagram post, Aaryan said his body fat had gone from 39 percent to 7 percent over the […]
A new nationwide study of Indian schoolchildren has found that goitre, a condition where the thyroid gland swells up in the neck, has dropped sharply over the last two decades. But the same study also found that thyroid autoimmunity, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own thyroid gland, has more than doubled in […]
How often are women told they are overreacting, that it’s “just a phase”, or simply advised to “drink more water” and everything will be okay? But when you are suddenly dealing with hot flashes, feeling unusually cold at times, poor sleep, mood changes or unexplained fatigue, there may be more going on than just a […]
Obesity has made weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy increasingly common. But now, a new study suggests that stopping these medicines may have consequences beyond regaining weight. Published in BMJ Medicine, the study found that longer and continuous use of GLP-1 receptor agonists —a class of medicines that includes Ozempic and Wegovy— was associated […]
CLAIM: Autism spectrum disorder has a complex, multifactorial origin. A viral Instagram post claims Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) “may begin before pregnancy,” citing paternal age and sperm genetic changes as factors “associated with higher likelihood”, while noting association isn’t causation. FACT: Studies show that advanced parental age, including that of fathers, mothers and even grandparents, […]
CLAIM: An Instagram reel claims that exercising 30 minutes daily lowers the risk of 13 cancers and improves survival after diagnosis in breast, prostate and colon cancer. The speaker also says exercise brings natural killer cells into tumours, cutting off their blood supply and stopping cancer from spreading further. FACT: Research and experts suggest regular […]
CLAIM: Frequent use of I-pill or emergency contraceptive pills can cause irregular periods and may lead to infertility or increase the risk of cancer in women. FACT: Emergency contraceptive pills can cause temporary changes in menstrual timing or bleeding, particularly with repeated use, but there is no evidence that I-pill causes infertility or harms future […]
In the latest trailer for Season 8 of The Kardashians, Kim Kardashian, 45, reveals that she has been diagnosed with esophagitis, a condition involving inflammation and irritation of the tissues lining the esophagus. The diagnosis has drawn attention online, particularly because Kim’s late father, Robert Kardashian, died of esophageal cancer in 2003 at the age […]
CLAIM: Rabies vaccines should not be administered in the buttocks after an animal bite or scratch. They should be given in recommended sites such as the shoulder or thigh, and a dose given in the buttocks may need to be repeated. FACT: True. Rabies vaccines should not be administered in the buttocks because absorption may […]
CLAIM: An Instagram post claims soaked almonds (8-10 daily) improve egg quality and hormonal balance in women, citing reduced phytic acid, better mineral absorption, healthy fats, vitamin E, and magnesium. It also claims benefits for cognitive function, bone health, and sleep. FACT: Scientific studies show almonds support heart health and may reduce inflammation, with some […]
CLAIM: An Instagram reel claims that seed oils, including corn oil, canola oil, vegetable oil and cottonseed oil, are more dangerous to the body than alcohol, sugar, meat or butter. It states that these oils contain hexane, “a chemical that’s actually found in gasoline,” and that they cause brain damage, fatty liver and inflammation, urging […]
Veteran actor and former beauty queen Nafisa Ali Sodhi has revealed that her ovarian and peritoneal cancer has progressed, with a recent PET/CT scan showing new deposits on the surface of her liver. Ali, who was crowned Miss India in 1976 before going on to a career in films, took to Instagram to share that […]
Vaccination is often associated with childhood, but protection against infections remains important throughout adulthood. As people grow older, immunity against some infections may decrease, while the risk of complications from certain diseases can increase. Adults may also face new risks because of their occupation, travel, lifestyle or underlying health conditions. For a healthy adult in […]
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has directed states and Union Territories to strictly regulate stem cell therapy, making clear that the treatment can be offered as routine clinical care only for diseases and conditions approved by the government. The advisory, issued on September 17, follows a January 30, 2026, Supreme Court judgment […]
India may have recorded an estimated 565,900 stillbirths in 2023 among pregnancies of 22 weeks’ gestation or longer, according to a new analysis published in The Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia. The estimate is substantially higher than the 347,300 stillbirths estimated when only fetal deaths at 28 weeks or later are counted, the threshold […]
A new research has found that flu, COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccines continue to give strong protection against hospital admission and death, especially among older adults, infants and pregnant women. The review was carried out by the Vaccine Integrity Project, which is based at the University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research […]
Before you grab your favourite hot tea or coffee, think about how hot you are drinking it. A new University of Oxford study involving nearly 1 million UK adults found that people who preferred their tea or coffee very hot had about three times the risk of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) compared with those […]
CLAIM: An Instagram post claims drinking one Diet Coke daily makes people nearly 3x more likely to develop dementia, citing a 2017 study. It notes possible links via gut bacteria, insulin response, and eating habits, while acknowledging the studies show association, not proof of direct causation, and that other lifestyle factors may contribute. FACTS: Scientific […]
For millions of Indians, especially women in rural households, the smoke damaging their lungs may not come from just one source. It may come from a cigarette or bidi smoked by someone else in the home. It may also come from the wood, dung or crop waste used for cooking. And in some households, both […]
Colorectal cancer has overtaken every other cancer as the leading cause of cancer death among Americans under the age of 50, according to a major new report released by the American Cancer Society. The report, published in March 2026 in the journal CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, paints a troubling picture of a disease […]
CLAIM: An Instagram reel claims that a morning drink made of warm water, turmeric, black pepper, cayenne, lemon juice, and grated ginger, taken daily on an empty stomach, can “detox” the entire body of parasites within seven days by giving the gut a complete reset. FACT: Recent research shows ginger and turmeric can shift the […]
CLAIM: A baby’s prolonged crying, particularly in the evening, may not always indicate acid reflux or cow’s milk protein intolerance. It may instead be part of the normal “witching hour”, a period of increased fussiness and crying commonly seen during early infancy. FACT: True. Prolonged or evening crying can be a normal part of early […]
CLAIM: Actor Pankaj Tripathi, in an FSSAI “Eat Right India” video, says he now takes 30 minutes to eat, focusing solely on food, savouring each bite mindfully, and treating meals with gratitude and reverence, like worship. He claimed that slow, distraction-free, mindful eating for a set duration benefits health and digestion. FACT: Research shows that […]
With diminishing trust in the food around us, checking labels has become increasingly important. Yet, when shopping online, consumers often cannot see key information such as a product’s Best Before or Use By date before placing an order. A recent LocalCircles survey found that 48% of Indian online grocery shoppers surveyed still could not find […]
India’s drug regulator has flagged a batch of the widely used rabies vaccine Abhayrab as substandard and potentially spurious after it failed a potency test, according to a government document. The development comes less than two years after concerns were raised about counterfeit Abhayrab doses in India, a country that reports nearly 6,000 rabies deaths […]
CLAIM: A viral reel by Twinkle Khanna suggests a DIY pesticide wash: mix 1 cup vinegar + 2 cups water + 1 tbsp baking soda, soak 5–10 minutes, scrub, then rinse. FACT: Studies show pesticide residue reduction varies by method, ranging from under 50% to over 90%. Running water and boiling tend to work best, […]
Claim: An X user claims that 87% of people in India will develop cancer by 2035 due to consumption of adulterated milk. It claims that 68.7% of milk and milk products sold in India are adulterated. Fact: False. The WHO has clarified that it has not issued any advisory to the Indian government. An […]
As India observes National Nutrition Week, the latest government survey shows that child malnutrition remains widespread, even as some indicators have improved over the past five years. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6), released this year and covering 2023-24, found that 29.3% of Indian children under five are stunted, or too short for their age. […]
Between the shopping malls, the office desk and the evening commute, most of us have heard the same magical instruction that hit 10,000 steps or the day doesn’t count. The original 10,000 steps a day goal originated in 1965 as a Japanese marketing gimmick to sell a pedometer called Manpo-kei (which translates to “10,000-steps meter”). […]
CLAIM: An Instagram post claims that placing a pinch of sea salt under the tongue, then drinking water, cures headaches in 5 minutes, claiming sodium restores electrolyte balance, reduces brain blood vessel swelling, and stops migraine pain signals. It also links dehydration/electrolyte loss to headaches generally. FACTS: There is no evidence that salt under the […]
CLAIM: Ripe papaya is safe during pregnancy, while raw or unripe papaya should be avoided because it contains latex. FACT: It is too broad to say that papaya is unsafe during pregnancy. The concern mainly relates to raw or unripe papaya, which contains higher amounts of latex that has been shown to stimulate uterine contractions […]
CLAIM: An Instagram reel claims that a morning drink of cinnamon, lemon juice, and raw honey mixed in water can lower blood sugar, restore energy, and help “your clothes fit better.” FACT: Studies show cinnamon may modestly affect insulin and glucose responses under controlled dosages, not through water infused with a teaspoon of it. Experts […]
A large study of over 2 lakh pregnant women across India has found a strong link between anaemia and stillbirth risk, with severe anaemia carrying the greatest danger. The study was published in The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia by researchers from the University of Oxford, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and the […]
“Trust is not given by default. Trust is something that is earned, and there is no difference when it comes to AI,” said Tushar Vashisht, Co-founder and CEO of Healthify, formerly HealthifyMe, in a conversation with First Check LIVE. during the second dialogue in the Health and Trust in the Age of AI series, titled […]
From intermittent fasting and probiotics to “gut detoxes” and so-called superfoods, nutrition advice is everywhere. Social media has turned food and gut health into a stream of competing claims – some rooted in science, others driven more by trends than evidence. But with so much advice at our fingertips, a basic question remains: what does […]
CLAIM: The viral reel claims that blue tea made from butterfly pea flowers can support metabolism, assist with weight management and reduce cravings. It recommends drinking blue tea three times a day along with a healthy diet and exercise to support weight loss. FACT: Current evidence does not show that blue tea directly boosts […]
CLAIM: Eating avocado toast can lead to weight gain because avocado, despite being a healthy source of fats and nutrients, is also high in calories. The reel suggests that large portions of avocado, calorie-dense bread and toppings such as cheese, along with drinks, can significantly increase the meal’s overall calorie content. FACT: Current evidence does […]
CLAIM: Eating fruits immediately after a meal can cause gas, bloating and stomach cramps. The reel claims that consuming large amounts of fruit, particularly fruits high in fructose or sorbitol, or combining several fermentable foods, can increase digestive discomfort. FACT: Misleading. Eating fruit after a meal does not inherently cause gas, bloating or stomach cramps, […]
Ash, a 22-year-old gender studies student from South Delhi, has been receiving psychiatric treatment and taking medication as part of it. “I have been a long-time consumer of medicines related to my anxiety,” he said. “Although I don’t get the medicines prescribed by my doctor online, sometimes I do order over-the-counter medicines, which I used […]
CLAIM: An Instagram post by longevity physician Dr Darshan Shah claims warm turmeric paste on knees nightly can break down years of joint inflammation, enabling pain-free movement. It cites “15 randomized trials, 1,670 patients” showing curcuminoids significantly reduce knee pain versus placebo, rivalling anti-inflammatory drugs, calling this “not folklore.” FACT: Turmeric supplements, taken orally, may […]
CLAIM: An Instagram post claims phones emit radio frequency (RF) energy that increases brain cancer/tumour risk and lowers sperm counts, especially when kept near the head or on the bed while sleeping. It advises keeping phones off the bed. FACT: False. Large-scale research has consistently found no link between mobile phone use and brain cancer. […]
A large international study has found that long-term exposure to common air pollutants is linked to millions of cancer cases worldwide each year, with women facing higher risks than men for many types of the disease. The research, published in the journal Nature Health, looked at more than 100 million cancer cases recorded across 952 […]
India is seeing a rise in seasonal influenza, with H1N1 accounting for much of the increase in influenza A infections. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has urged people to avoid self-medication with antibiotics and antivirals, warning that unnecessary use of medicines during the current flu surge can cause harm and contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). […]
A new study has found that older adults who had more positive beliefs about ageing were more likely to show improvement in their cognitive and physical functioning over time, challenging the widespread assumption that growing old means inevitable decline. The study published in the journal Geriatrics, conducted by researchers at Yale University, tracked about 11.314 […]
Delhi has reported 1,777 cases of H1N1 influenza so far this year, including 114 new cases recorded on August 20, according to the latest Delhi government data. In all, the national capital has recorded 2,602 seasonal influenza cases in 2026, comprising 2,392 Influenza A cases and 210 Influenza B cases. H1N1 accounts for the largest […]
A parliamentary committee has said that Chronic Kidney Disease has become one of the fastest-growing non-communicable diseases in the country, with a large number of patients diagnosed only after the disease has reached an advanced stage. The Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare, headed by Rajya Sabha member Ram Gopal Yadav, presented […]
CLAIM: An instagram post claims that eating ice cream can be a healthy food. It suggests that moderate consumption of it as part of a balanced diet might even help protect against heart disease. FACT: False. While ice cream contains some nutrients, studies suggest that high consumption can raise the risk of cardiovascular disease. Doctors […]
More than 3 billion people worldwide are living with a neurological condition, and fewer than one in three countries has a national policy to deal with the problem, according to the World Health Organisation’s first Global Status Report on Neurology, released in October 2025. The report estimates that in 2021, neurological disorders affected close to […]
CLAIM: An Instagram post claims that eating two kiwis before bed helps people fall asleep nearly 35 minutes earlier. It cites a Taipei Medical University study in which people with sleep problems eat kiwis nightly for four weeks and experience faster sleep onset, longer sleep duration and better sleep quality. FACT: False. Studies link kiwi […]
Before you scroll and add your favourite cosmetic to your cart, excited to try a new shade, serum or skincare product, a recent survey is drawing attention to another side of India’s rapidly growing beauty market – counterfeit products and adverse reactions. A new national survey by LocalCircles found that 40% of consumers surveyed who […]
Karnataka is planning to introduce a dedicated Women’s Health Policy, with menopause set to be one of its key focus areas, according to reports. The proposed policy aims to improve awareness about menopause, promote early identification of symptoms and make healthcare and counselling more accessible to women during midlife. Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Minister […]
Apollo Hospitals has announced a new initiative called “Always Open. Always Here.” that will make outpatient services available on all seven days of the week, including Sundays. The private hospital chain said its emergency, critical care and inpatient services have always run round the clock. What changes now is that outpatient consultations, diagnostic tests, preventive […]
Introducing eggs to babies earlier, rather than delaying them, may help reduce the risk of developing an egg allergy, a new Australian study has found. The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, found that egg allergy prevalence among infants fell from 9.2% before updated feeding guidelines to 7.6% after recommendations began encouraging earlier introduction of eggs […]
CLAIM: A viral Instagram reel claims warming the feet before bed, via socks or a heating pad, helps you fall asleep 15-20 minutes faster by triggering heat loss through dilated blood vessels, which lowers core body temperature. It claims cold feet delay sleep by 25 minutes and shorten deep sleep, citing “Swiss researchers from the […]
More doctors and nurses are treating a larger number of patients than they were a year ago, yet a smaller share of them are thinking about leaving their jobs, according to a new global survey by Elsevier, a health information company. The report, called Clinician of the Future 2026, surveyed 2,757 doctors and nurses from […]
CLAIM: A popular podcast claimed that mixing most fruits with milk is unhealthy because fruit acids (like vitamin C) curdle milk, citing apples, oranges, and berries as examples, with an apple milkshake reportedly separating into layers after 30 minutes. It claimed only sweet, buttery fruits like mango and avocado are safe exceptions. FACT: Curdling occurs […]
CLAIM: An Instagram post claims toe and knuckle hair is a positive indicator of healthy peripheral circulation and strong heart pumping to extremities. It states consistent blood flow keeps hair follicles active, signaling cardiovascular health and absence of arterial blockage. FACT: Toe or knuckle hair is not a reliable indicator of heart health or peripheral […]
Mental health is more than the absence of mental disorders; it is a state of well-being that enables people to cope with life’s stresses, realise their abilities and participate meaningfully in society. Yet in India, mental health remains a largely neglected dimension of healthcare. Government data suggests that around 15% of adults experience mental health […]
CLAIM: An Instagram reel promotes a rice water drink, mixed with roasted cumin, dried mint, rock salt, lemon juice, and coriander, as an Ayurvedic remedy for “aggravated Pitta dosha.” It claims to help with heavy periods, painful urination, recurrent UTIs, excess body heat, sweaty hands/feet, and perimenopause symptoms, positioning it as a natural, low-cost alternative. […]
CLAIM: A 2023 UK Biobank study published in Sleep Health, involving genetic data from 378,932 adults, found that habitual daytime nappers had a slightly larger total brain volume than non-nappers—equivalent to an estimated 2.6 to 6.5 years of younger brain ageing. However, daytime napping was not significantly associated with memory or reaction time. FACT: Multiple […]
CLAIM: A viral Instagram post claims daily instant noodle consumption can silently harm fertility, citing high sodium, refined carbs, and unhealthy fats alongside low zinc, folate, omega-3s, and antioxidants. It suggests these deficiencies impair sperm/egg development and hormone balance, while a nutrient-rich diet improves fertility outcomes in both men and women. FACT: Animal studies […]
CLAIM: A viral Instagram reel recommends drinking clove water (4-6 cloves soaked in filtered water) daily on an empty stomach, claiming benefits for skin, digestion, immunity, joint pain, and liver health. It warns eugenol in cloves can be liver-toxic in excess, limits intake to 1 cup/day, yet calls it “safe” for a 7-day challenge. FACT: […]
With Gujarat recording 35 laboratory-confirmed cases of Chandipura virus out of 184 suspected patients tested, with 22 deaths among children under 15, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare sent a National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) to the state on August 5 to strengthen the response to the contagion. The team has also […]
CLAIM: An Instagram post cites a 2012 study claiming women on creatine plus antidepressants saw depression symptoms drop 45% in 2 weeks, 65% in 4 weeks, and 80% in 8 weeks, with 52% reaching remission. It also claims women store 70-80% less creatine than men, depleted further by menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. FACT: Creatine, long […]
Ninety-one per cent of schools in Delhi were located within five kilometres of a documented toxic site, the highest proportion among the ten capital cities studied across the developing world, according to a new working paper from the Center for Global Development (CGD), a Washington and London-based research organisation. The report matched the locations of […]
CLAIM: An Instagram post claims chronic mouth breathing reduces oxygen delivery by 18%, causing dry mouth, tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. It also links mouth breathing to snoring, sleep apnea, daytime fatigue, cardiovascular problems, and altered jaw/facial development in children, urging early evaluation by dentists or paediatric specialists. FACT: False. Studies indicate […]
Three widely prescribed medicines have been classified as carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the cancer research branch of the World Health Organization. The drugs are hydrochlorothiazide, a common blood pressure medicine; voriconazole, an antifungal drug; and tacrolimus, which is given to organ transplant patients to prevent rejection. The […]
Over the years, one topic has surfaced again and again—in conversations with patients, around family dinner tables, at community events, and more recently in my direct messages: food, gut health, and what it really means to eat well. That is hardly surprising. Nutrition science continues to evolve as new evidence emerges. At the same time, […]
CLAIM: A viral podcast clip features MP Ravi Kishan claiming the gut, once called the “second brain,” is now the “first brain.” He says people think through the gut, that eating involves a form of “thinking” originating there, and that the phrase “gut feeling” reflects this. The claim is widely shared on social media. FACT: […]
CLAIM: A viral video alleges that the Indian version of Fanta contains artificial colours and flavourings instead of real orange juice, has nearly 2.5 times as many calories, and contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar per 300 ml, compared with four teaspoons in the French version, suggesting weaker food regulation in India. FACT: Label checks […]
India is home to an estimated 253 million adolescents, the largest in the world, making their health and well-being a critical public health priority. Yet, evidence suggests that many young people continue to face preventable health risks while lacking awareness about healthy lifestyles. A 2025 comparative study published in the Journal of Public Health Research […]
Do you remember when we were children or teenagers and used to think, “When I grow up, I’ll buy all my favourite packets of chips,” or even, “I’ll buy the entire store!” Those were the carefree days of innocence. Fast forward a few years, and many of us find ourselves doing the exact opposite – […]
People often discuss ways to lose weight, including counting calories, hitting the gym, increasing protein intake, trying intermittent fasting, or following the latest diet trends. Social media is flooded with weight-loss tips, transformation stories and fitness advice. But there is another side of the conversation that rarely gets the same attention: people who struggle to […]
CLAIM: Wearing copper bracelets or anklets cures joint pain and inflammation by allowing copper to enter the body through the skin. FACT: False. Copper does not enter the bloodstream through healthy skin, and research shows copper bracelets do not relieve joint pain or inflammation better than placebo bracelets. A viral Instagram post claims that […]
CLAIM: An Instagram reel claims that drinking sugarcane juice slowly acts like medicine, while gulping it or water in a hurried manner can cause diseases. FACT: False. There is no scientific evidence that drinking sugarcane juice slowly makes it act like medicine, or that gulping it causes diseases. The speed of consuming sugarcane juice or […]
HIV prevalence among pregnant women in Karnataka has risen for three consecutive surveillance rounds, reversing a trend that had held for nearly twenty years, according to the state’s own annual report for 2025-26 released by the Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society (KSAPS). The finding is significant because it comes from the HIV Sentinel Surveillance of […]
CLAIM: Consuming sugar can cause dark circles under the eyes by triggering a process called glycation, which breaks down collagen, thins the skin, and makes it more prone to pigmentation. The reel further suggests that sugar is the one dietary item people should eliminate. FACT: Current scientific evidence does not support the claim that consuming […]
CLAIM: The post claims that apricots, particularly dried apricots, can help support iron levels and are a useful food for people with anaemia. It suggests that their iron content, along with pairing them with vitamin C-rich foods, can aid iron absorption and contribute to healthy red blood cells, energy production, and oxygen transport. The […]
CLAIM: A viral Instagram post claims Germany invented a new injectable collagen gel that regrows joint cartilage without surgery, implants, or extended recovery. It says the body’s cells grow into the gel to form healthy cartilage, offering a natural alternative to joint replacement for arthritis, joint pain, and cartilage injuries. FACT: Collagen-based hydrogels for cartilage […]
Actress Hina Khan is again in the news as she braves an ice bath therapy, offering another glimpse into the routine she has been following under medical supervision. In a video shared on Instagram, Khan is seen immersing herself in a tub of ice-cold water while carefully following breathing instructions from a doctor. She also […]
CLAIM: PRP (platelet-rich plasma) combined with microneedling is an advanced treatment that effectively combats hair loss caused by factors such as poor diet, genetics, PCOD, female pattern hair loss, and COVID. The treatment claims to stimulate existing hair follicles, strengthen hair, and promote hair regrowth by delivering growth factors from a person’s own blood into […]
CLAIM: The viral Instagram post claims that eating 30–40g of 70% or higher dark chocolate daily lowers cortisol levels by 21%, improves insulin sensitivity, enhances post-workout recovery and boosts blood flow through flavonoids. It also suggests that dark chocolate supports hormonal and heart health, and may help improve cholesterol levels when consumed regularly. FACT: Current […]