More often than not the media is abuzz with fad diets being endorsed by celebrities, such as a paleo diet, Keto diet, Atkins diet and the like. Recently, the former skipper of the Indian cricket team, Virat Kohli was featured in some prominent Indian dailies for advocating a vegetarian diet—to minimize the uric acid […]
CLAIM: Loud snoring is a deep and restful sleep FACT: No, it could signal serious breathing issues The quality of one’s sleep is contingent on many factors such as ageing, depression, medications, and circadian rhythm disorders. There’s an anecdotal account that snoring indicates a deep and restful sleep. However, medical evidence doesn’t support this. […]
CLAIM: The consumption of fish and milk leads to white patches on skin FACT: Medical evidence supporting this claim is non-existent There’s a lot of anecdotal wisdom that claims that consuming the fish and milk two together, or within a short interval of each other, could lead to white patches on one’s skin, […]
A First Check reader recently shared a video with us on our newly launched WhatsApp tip line, where a patron of ayurvedic treatment is seen saying that seven food spices can ward off the poisonous and toxic effects of all the food we consume, asking us to verify the claims. The video was shared with […]
CLAIM: Are hormonal injections like steroids used in the production of broiler chicken? FACT: While there have been reports of the practice continuing in some parts of India despite a ban on growth hormones’ use in poultry, this does not appear to be the norm. Experts have said selective breeding, immunizations, and the use […]
Claim: Poor oral hygiene over time can lead to an increased risk of heart disease Fact: Poor oral hygiene affects health but has no direct link to heart attacks, experts say Teeth are an integral part of the human body, but they are often overlooked when analysing one’s health. That is, as long as […]
Psoriasis is generally considered a skin condition with the itchy, flaky, and scaly patches of skin dominating all conversations around the disease. The fact that psoriasis also affects the nails and may simultaneously be the cause of arthritis is rarely mentioned, or known outside the medical fraternity. What is Psoriasis Psoriasis is a chronic condition […]
CLAIM: Sugar in lemonade restricts the body’s ability to absorb Vitamin C from lemon juice FACT: Indeed! Glucose from sugar is readily absorbed by the body, blocking the absorption of vitamin C In many cultures a glass of lemonade is the beverage of choice to beat the summer heat. The humble Shikanji or Nimbu […]
CLAIM: A popular social media post claims that coffee consumption leads to hair loss FACT: There’s little evidence to firmly link excessive caffeine intake to hair loss in people A Redditt user going by the name ArachWitch claims that he is convinced of the hair-thinning effects of consuming coffee. “I’m convinced caffeine consumption increases hair […]
Ancient wisdom dictates that going to bed early and waking up in the wee hours is good for health, wealth and happiness. We have all heard the famous saying by Benjamin Franklin since we were kids “Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” But is that all true? […]
Cachexia accounts for 30% of deaths among advanced-cancer patients, yet it remains poorly understood. According to oncologists, Cachexia is a lethal muscle-wasting and anorexic health condition accompanying advanced stages of cancer, and not cancer per se. What is Cachexia? Cancerous tumors can induce metabolic conditions such as anorexia and weight loss in […]
CLAIM: Holding in a sneeze could be injurious to health. FACT: Indeed! Holding in your sneeze can cause injury to some body parts. One of our First Check readers recently asked us whether holding in our sneeze is dangerous on our newly launched WhatsApp tipline, where people can send in health related claims […]
CLAIM: Coconut oil added regularly to a balanced diet lowers cholesterol to normal. FACT: Use of coconut oil in cooking, raises the ‘bad’ cholesterol levels among individuals. Many social media users promote coconut oil as a healthful alternative to be included as part of one’s cooking regimen. An X user who has close to […]
Breast cancer is the most common cancer type that afflicts women and occasionally even men. In either case, conventional treatment involves a surgical procedure, referred to as mastectomy or lumpectomy, followed by a combination dose of radiation, chemo, and hormone therapy. The standard treatment involves anywhere from 15 to 30 sittings, ideally spaced over […]
For the longest time, heart disease has been the biggest reason for deaths, worldwide, with the number of dead running into millions, and now new studies show that South Asians, including Indians, are at an increased risk on developing heart disease at a young age. While South Asians constitute a quarter of the world’s population, they account for 60 […]
CLAIM One can contract chickenpox twice. FACT A bout of Chickenpox is self-vaccinating and rarely does one experience a second infection Many of us who had chickenpox as a child, remember being told that we would not get it a second time and that we are immune to it. However, now some social media users […]
To most individuals, the mere mention of the word cholesterol signifies a state of ill health. It takes a nuanced reading to understand the intricacies of the outcomes of cholesterol deposits on human health and discern between cholesterol that is good for one’s health and the one that is bad, or harmful for health. So, […]
CLAIM Slow Chewing of food can be a game changer for blood sugar control. FACT Indeed. Slow chewing of food helps lower blood glucose spikes. Can you help you manage your diabetes, simply by changing the way you chew your food? This is the latest in the everday barrage of claims about what […]
CLAIM: Manuka honey has anti-cancer properties. FACT Manuka honey has shown anti-cancer properties in animal studies and on laboratory-grown human cells. But the claim lacks evidence from clinical trials involving humans. For some time, Manuka honey has been the focus of many anti-cancer discussions on social media. This post on X.com, for instance, is all […]
CLAIM: Drinking lemons soaked in hot water can cure cancer FACT: Drinking hot water in which lemons have been soaked, or consuming lemon juice, is no cure for cancer. At best, it could boost one’s immunity. Cancer is a major concern in India, with the Indian Council of Medical Research saying that “approximately one in […]
Claim Regular exercise significantly reduces the risk of cancer Fact Indeed. Research shows that regular exercise considerably lowers the cancer risk. People and health specialists generally discuss the numerous health benefits of regular exercise- from managing one’s weight and improving one’s mood, to improving one’s overall health. But does regular exercise reduce one’s chances of […]
CLAIM: Use of soy protein, as a body-building supplement or otherwise among men, could lead to infertility. FACT: Current data doesn’t show a link between consuming soy within recommended dietary limits, and male infertility. Body-building diet is a frequent topic of conversation in the locker rooms of gyms with focus on calories consumed, and more […]
CLAIM: Chewing smokeless tobacco does not cause cancer. FACT: Chewing smokeless tobacco is carcinogenic with oral cancer being the most probable outcome. 45 year old rickshaw puller Manish Chauhan is waiting for his next ride on a hot afternoon in Delhi. While he waits, he turns to a vice he has been indulging […]
CLAIM: No amount of alcohol consumption, light to moderate, can provide health benefits. FACT: Alcohol consumption, no matter how little, is not safe. Recently, some Twitter posts highlighted the absence of any touted health benefits of alcohol consumption. Alcohol is POISON. There is absolutely zero benefit from it lol the quicker yall […]
CLAIM:
Garlic shots help lower blood pressure, bad cholesterol, and the risk of heart disease
FACT:
Indeed, regular consumption of garlic has all these health benefits.
CLAIM: Consuming the Indian gooseberry, known as Amla, has multiple health benefits. FACT: Amla has anti- ageing properties. It also helps with controlling blood-sugar and cholesterol levels. The lore on ancient Indian medicine has always waxed eloquent about the multiple health benefits of consuming Indian Gooseberry (Amla)- from being an excellent source of Vitamin C and rejuvenator of […]
This is not the first time such a ban was imposed by the health ministry – 14 combination drugs were prohibited in 2023, and 328 in 2018 The Centre has banned 156 fixed dose combinations (FDCs) drugs, including antibiotics, pain-relievers, and multivitamins, among others. One of the banned FDCs include a combination of three drugs, […]
CLAIM:
All types of herpes infections are sexually transmitted
FACT:
Only a particular type of Herpes, called the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), is spread through sexual activity. Herpes Zoster, also referred to as Shingles, is caused by the reactivation of the childhood chicken pox virus in adulthood.
Cardiac arrest and heart attack are often used loosely and interchangeably. Perhaps, the layman does not know the difference. However, there’s a difference, and it is stark. But, don’t worry; Team First check is here to help you understand the difference between the two so that you can monitor your health and seek timely and […]
The first drug to be approved by the U.S. FDA for the treatment of alopecia areata, Ritlecitinib is an immune suppressant that encourages hair growth. There are many reasons for hair loss or alopecia. The cause determines whether one’s hair falls out gradually or abruptly, or just visibly thins out in certain areas. For example, […]
Scientists find that sugar consumption does not affect the behaviour or cognitive performance of children. However, one cannot eliminate the possibility of a small effect, particularly in individuals with ADHD. At birthday parties, children often gorge on candies and break into a bedlam. Parents, typically, blame the sugar in the candy for the kids’ hyperactive […]
Researchers at Mayo Clinic recently established new criteria for a memory-loss syndrome in older adults, showing promise in the definitive diagnosis of cognitive degenerative conditions. Cognitive deterioration manifests as a combination of symptoms that include difficulties with memory, attention span, communication, judgement, reasoning and problem-solving abilities. Based on symptoms alone, it’s challenging, even for skilled […]
Indians with a high consumption of salt and sugar are exposed to a significant amount of these food contaminants daily, according to a recent study. A recent study in India indicates the presence of microplastics in edible table salt and sugar. Indians with a high consumption of salt and sugar are exposed to a significant […]
Scientists at the University of Sydney and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine used CRISPR gene-editing technology to identify ways to block cobra venom and repurposed heparin to stop necrosis. Recently, scientists at the University of Sydney and the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine discovered that a common blood thinner, Heparin, can be repurposed as […]
SMN protein is produced inadequately leading to severely compromised bodily functions, or physical disability. There have been reports in the Indian news media recently about the plight of infants afflicted by Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a genetic neuromuscular disorder. One of the recognised remedies – Zolgensma (Onasemnogene Abeparvoves-Xioi), an FDA-approved gene therapy medicine, costing INR […]
The viral infection transmitted by sandflies, mosquitoes, and ticks, has been claiming young lives in India lately. A suspected outbreak of Chandipura Virus (CHPV), a viral infection transmitted by sandflies, mosquitoes, and ticks, has been reported in the Indian state of Gujarat. It is believed to have claimed 15 lives — mostly children — so […]
The drug suppresses appetite, while simultaneously slowing down digestion, so that individuals feel full for longer durations. The Indian media has been abuzz with news about US pharma giant Eli Lilly’s weight-loss drug, Tirzepatide, that could be a game-changer in managing diabetes. “But is the drug safe?” enquired a First Check reader. As per the […]
Recent Celine Dion video prompts conversations about the extremely rare neurological disorder with no cure. Celine Dion, the Canadian singer, has been in the news recently after a video of her experiencing a “10-minute seizure” went viral online. The singer has maintained a low public profile since being diagnosed with stiff person syndrome (SPS) in […]
Explainer: Decoding Zika virus, prevention measures Given that there is no vaccine yet to prevent Zika virus disease, or medicine to treat the condition, prevention is the key. With India reporting growing cases of Zika virus infection, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a public health advisory earlier this month. First […]
This could be a result of climate change, since rising air temperatures lead to a rise in water temperatures, which are the breeding grounds for Naegleria fowleri. The news of three deaths in the last two months in the southern state of Kerala, due to amoebic meningoencephalitis, a rare infection, is causing much apprehension among […]
Healthy adults can donate blood regularly. Not age, but health condition determines whether or not you are eligible to be a blood donor. Blood donation is equated with the gift of life. Yet several prevailing myths about this noble act often dissuade well-meaning people from donating blood. In response to reader queries, First Check debunks […]
The first oral GLP 1 approved by the USFDA for treatment of type 2 diabetes, the drug can also aid weight loss among non-diabetic population as well as protect cardiovascular health. Overweight and obesity have become a huge public health problem, leading to a gold rush to manufacture anti-obesity drugs worldwide. Among the many aspirants, […]
A critical health emergency has hit Japan, resulting in high rates of infection and mortality. Japan is facing a serious health crisis caused by a dangerous bacteria called Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome (STSS). This infection is making people very sick and causing many to stay home or rush to hospitals, similar to what happened during […]
Access to clean drinking water, hygienic food, and typhoid vaccination are the best preventive measures. As urbanisation and climate change continue to add to the global burden of typhoid, the growing incidence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) makes it all the more challenging to contain the spread of this life-threatening infection. Prevalent in many countries in […]
While curcumin generally exhibits safe metabolism and low toxicity among humans, unregulated supplement use can lead to harmful side-effects. Curcumin, the biologically active component in turmeric, has been revered for its health benefits in different cultures. Widely used in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and cardio protective agent, turmeric has acquired […]
The chickenpox vaccine is effective in preventing chickenpox as well as shingles. It’s approved for children and adults. A clinical study demonstrating the efficacy of a vaccine in preventing shingles for over a decade made headlines in India last month as the pharma giant launched the vaccine in the country. However, awareness about the viral […]
The vector-borne disease spread by mosquitoes can lead to severe brain inflammation, resulting in serious symptoms like seizures, coma and even death. As India and most of Asia await the onset of monsoons after a particularly challenging summer, concerns about Japanese Encephalitis (JE) transmission during the rains are justified. Once the vector populations increase, the […]
The king of fruits, mango, has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. In India, the practice of ripening the fruit by injecting it with calcium carbide, a carcinogen, has drawn attention to the health risks associated with the artificial ripening of fruits. “Are black blotches on the surface of mangoes a tell-tale sign of harmful artificial ripening?” asked a First Check reader. The answer is yes; beware of mangoes with black blotches on the skin.
More than 200 million girls and women alive today have been subjected to the practice, with more than three million girls estimated to be at a risk of being subjected to FGM annually. On the International Day of Action for Women’s Health, observed globally on May 28 every year to amplify demands for sexual and […]
The body temperature rises to about 40 degrees Celsius, coupled with a severe imbalance of salts such as sodium and potassium in the body. Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan was recently hospitalised after experiencing a heat stroke. While the discomforts associated with soaring temperatures are well acknowledged, many people are uninformed about the health risks […]
Most infections are asymptomatic, while some manifest as moderate fever, or severe fever. No vaccine against WNV is available yet for humans. As cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) rise in the Indian state of Kerala, neighbouring regions are on high alert. While the situation is still evolving and could cause a public health concern, […]
The risk of vitreous detachment increases with age, particularly among individuals aged 50 and above. Recently, Raghav Chadha, a 35-year-old Indian politician and Member of Parliament, underwent a surgical procedure called Vitrectomy in the UK. Ever since, questions about the surgical procedure have been coming up online and offline. First Check gets you all the […]
While it may be easier to reach for a supplement, calcium from food sources does a better job of building bones. We know that calcium is crucial for the strength of our bones and teeth. But it does a lot more – helps muscles contract and relax, aids efficient blood clotting, regulates heart rhythms and […]
Proteins from dietary sources can be equally effective in muscle building as protein supplements — without the associated risks of renal, liver and brain damage. Fitness trainers, in most cases, explicitly ask gym-goers to start taking protein supplements. Doubts about potential side effects are easily quelled by citing personal examples of prolonged use. However, there […]
Mangiferin, one of the most extensively investigated naturally occurring anti-cancer substance, is present in greater concentration in mango peel than in the pulp. It is that time of the year when most households in India stock reserves of the king of fruits, Mango. Recently, there have been increasing claims online about the anti-proliferative, or anti-cancer […]
The extremely rare event of the virus mutating such that it is able to invade human bodies, could result in a public health emergency. Globally, cases of bird flu, also referred to as avian flu, are on the rise. There’s fear that this corroborates the predictions of health scientists that the future pandemic is likely […]
The popular drink may contain lead chromate, a toxic pigment that is sometimes added to turmeric to make it more yellow, leading to serious health issues. Ever since Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow has endorsed golden latte or turmeric latte, a trendy turmeric-milk drink, it has become hugely popular. But there’s a hidden danger: the latte […]
The second leading infectious cause of death globally, every day, nearly 3500 people are dying due to hepatitis B and C infections. The World Health Organization (WHO) 2024 Global Hepatitis Report, released earlier this month, highlights that the disease is the second leading infectious cause of death globally, with 1.3 million deaths per year. Every […]
Gold nanoparticles have antifungal, antibacterial and anti-ageing benefits. However, those allergic to gold from contact dermatitis need to exercise caution. “Does Suvarna Bhasma work for the skin?” asked one of our readers. First Check delved into research on the subject to understand the rationale behind the use of nano and colloidal gold particles in traditional […]
The generous act of donating one’s corneas after death can enable two or more people to acquire vision. It can also be valuable for research leading to prevention or cure of blindness. Vision is one of the most cherished senses, enabling people to perceive the beauty and intricacies of the world around them. However, for […]
Excess acetaminophen intake is the leading cause of drug-induced liver injury, one of the most common causes of liver failure. Does paracetamol, a painkiller commonly used to mitigate fever and treat mild to moderate pain, cause liver toxicity? That’s the recurring question many readers have asked over the last couple of weeks. Based on the […]
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