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habits

Winter skincare alert: 8 morning habits that may be drying out your skin and causing premature ageing

by jummy84 November 27, 2025

written by jummy84

Winter brings a welcome chill. But for your skin, it can be a season of silent damage. The drop in temperature and humidity disrupts the skin barrier, making it more prone to dryness, sensitivity, and premature ageing. However, what many people don’t realise is that some everyday morning habits may be exacerbating these issues, often without any obvious signs until the damage has accumulated.

If you have been making these morning skincare mistakes, time to wake up(Pexels)

How to prevent dry skin in winter

Dermatologist Dr Bindu Sthalekar, founder of Skin Smart Solutions, and Dr Shweta Tripathi, dermatologist, aesthetic injector, and founder of My Skindom, tell HT ShopNow that several common morning skincare habits may be drying out your skin and contributing to premature ageing.

But these can be prevented by avoiding some unhealthy skincare habits in winter.

1. Washing your face with hot water

A steaming-hot splash may feel comforting, but heat strips away essential lipids and ceramides from the skin barrier. “Hot water accelerates transepidermal water loss, leaving skin dry, rough, and vulnerable to fine lines”, says Dr Tripathi. Hot water also strips the skin’s natural moisture barrier and triggers inflammation, which speeds up collagen loss, explains Dr Sthalekar. Both dermatologists recommend switching to lukewarm water that cleans effectively without disrupting the skin’s natural moisture balance.

2. Starting the day without a moisturiser

Skipping moisturiser is a big no. Dr Tripathi explains why:“Overnight, the skin loses moisture and needs replenishment. Opt for barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and peptides, especially in winter.” She also recommends applying a moisturiser within 60 seconds of cleansing to trap moisture effectively. Dr Sthalekar says, “Choose a cream over a gel if you live in a dry environment or spend most of your time in heated spaces”.

3. Applying vitamin C without moisture or SPF

“Vitamin C serums are more potent in 2025 formulations, but they can be drying or irritating when applied to freshly cleansed skin, and can increase photosensitivity and irritation when applied without a sunscreen”, says Dr Tripathi. She also recommends applying a hydrating serum before vitamin C with broad-spectrum SPF 30+.

4. Using harsh or foaming cleansers

Using high-foam, sulphate-based cleansers may leave your skin squeaky clean, but that tightness is a sign of barrier damage. “Over time, this leads to irritation, dullness, and accelerated ageing, so replace them with a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser that cleans without stripping, ”Dr Sthalekar suggests.

5. Overusing caffeinated drinks before hydrating

“Morning coffee culture is huge, especially high-caffeine cold brews. But drinking caffeine before water can leave your skin dehydrated and looking dull throughout the day,” Dr Tripathi, tells HT ShopNow. Instead, she recommends drinking at least one glass of water before your morning caffeine.

6. Forgetting sunscreen just because it’s cold

Ultraviolet rays don’t hibernate for winter. In fact, UVA, the wavelength responsible for DNA damage and ageing, remains constant year-round. Pair sunscreen with antioxidants for enhanced protection, especially in polluted urban environments.

7. Applying active ingredients to dry skin

Try to reduce using retinoids, acids, and exfoliating serums as they can become harsher on your skin in winter, suggests Dr Sthalekar. Applying them on dry, dehydrated skin amplifies irritation, and sometimes micro-inflammation is a major driver of premature ageing. The best way to include these serums and acids is to layer them strategically.

“If irritation persists, apply every alternate night or use short-contact therapy. This ensures results without compromising the skin barrier”, she asserts.

8. Relying on SPF in makeup instead of actual sunscreen

“Tinted moisturisers and foundations now boast higher SPF levels, but they still don’t provide enough coverage on their own,” Dr Tripathi says. Inadequate sun protection remains the number 1 cause of premature skin ageing. So, she recommends always applying a dedicated sunscreen every morning.

Dr Sthalekar says winter skincare isn’t about adding more steps, it’s about choosing the right ones and doing them mindfully. Small morning changes can preserve skin elasticity, prevent premature ageing, and support a stronger, healthier skin barrier through the season.

(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.)

5 hacks that can keep your tummy healthy: Weight management to eating habits

by jummy84 November 16, 2025

written by jummy84

A healthy stomach is crucial for a healthy body. The National Health Service (NHS) has laid out a set of everyday habits that make a surprising difference to how your stomach behaves. Just small adjustments can help your gut settle down, avoid flare-ups, and generally function the way it should. Most of these are not secrets, but the NHS notes that people rarely follow through with these measures. Here are 5 lifestyle tips for a happy, healthy gut

Avoiding heavy dinners before bed helps your gut settle.(Representative image/Unsplash)

Stress hits the stomach harder than people think

The NHS points out that stress does not stay in your head. It lands straight in your stomach. You can feel that twisty, uneasy sensation when something is weighing on you. That is your digestive balance shifting. For some people, stress slows everything down and causes bloating, constipation and a heavy, uncomfortable gut. For others, it speeds digestion up so fast that it sends them running to the bathroom.

Stress can also flare underlying conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome and stomach ulcers. The NHS says reducing stress – even in small, realistic ways – helps digestion stabilise again.

Also read: Does gut bacteria contribute to autism symptoms? Here’s what major scientific review reveals

Daily choices shape how your stomach reacts

The habit weakens the muscle that keeps stomach acid where it belongs. Once that barrier softens, acid shoots back up and triggers reflux. Heartburn becomes the norm. Smoking also heightens the risk of stomach cancer and aggravates other inflammatory gut issues.

Improving eating habits

Eating habits matter just as much. According to the NHS, rushing through meals is one of the biggest mistakes. Slowing down, chewing properly and keeping portions sensible give your digestive system a fighting chance. Eating regular meals, staying hydrated, and avoiding heavy dinners right before bed helps your gut settle.

Also read: Study reveals how analysing natural speech can help in research cognitive decline. Here’s what we know

Weight management is the key

Weight also plays a role. Excess abdominal fat pushes against the stomach, and the NHS says that pressure makes heartburn worse. Losing even a small amount can calm symptoms.

Alcohol becomes a problem when you go too far

Moderate drinking is fine, the NHS says, but binge drinking is not. Those heavy sessions spike acid production, stir up irritation and set off heartburn or other digestive discomforts. The definition is simple: too much alcohol in one go.

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.

November 16, 2025 0 comments

Lifestyle

Neurologist warns against these 3 simple habits that can damage your brain: ‘Wearing headphones to bed leads to…’

by jummy84 November 11, 2025

written by jummy84

Brain health is a crucial element of your overall wellbeing, as your brain controls all bodily functions and mental processes, including movement, thoughts, emotions, and memory, among others.

If you are one of those people who wear headphones to bed, you should know that loud sounds can damage the hair cells in your inner ear and over time can raise your risk of hearing loss and dementia. (Freepik)

Also Read | AIIMS-trained gastroenterologist warns ‘stop putting cotton buds in your ears’; can cause 70% ear injuries, hearing loss

While diet, exercise, and rest are important components of maintaining brain health, your lifestyle habits also significantly impact your brain’s well-being. Sometimes, however, there are some inconsequential practices that we believe do no harm, but are risking cognitive decline and brain disorders.

3 things that can harm your brain

In a November 4 Instagram post shared by Dr Bing, MD, MPH, a neurologist and biostatistician, he listed three things that he absolutely avoids as a neurologist and recommends others avoid as well. The habits include practices such as wearing headphones for extended periods or to bed, neglecting gum health, and sitting on the toilet for an excessive amount of time. Here’s how they damage your brain.

1. Wearing headphones to bed

Dr Bing cautioned against wearing headphones to bed. Here’s why: “If you are one of those people who wear headphones to bed, just make sure that the sounds that you’re playing are quiet and not loud because loud sounds can damage the hair cells in your inner ear and over time can raise your risk of hearing loss and dementia.”

Moreover, the neurologist emphasised that wearing earbuds and headphones for extended periods can trap moisture and bacteria. This can increase the risk of developing an ear infection.

“If you’re listening to loud sounds during sleep, it might interrupt your deep sleep and disrupt your lymphatic system, which is your brain’s nightly cleaning cycle that cleans out toxins,” he added.

2. Ignoring gum health

Next, the neurologist advised against ignoring gum health. Sharing his routine, Dr Bing revealed, “Every night, I floss and I water floss and then I brush because recent studies have shown that gum health might be related to someone’s brain health.”

Protect your grey matter. (Google Gemini)

The neurologist cited a 2025 study which found: “People with more gum disease and cavities had almost double the risk of stroke, and other studies have linked poor oral health to dementia and cognitive decline.”

3. Sitting on the toilet for more than 5 minutes

Lastly, the neurologist advised against sitting on the toilet for more than 5 minutes. He divulged, “This is because sitting too long and straining can cause blood to pool in your legs and drop your blood pressure, especially if you have certain underlying conditions, and not enough blood going to your brain can cause someone to faint.”

Unfortunately, the neurologist revealed that he sees such examples almost every week. However, he excused those with chronic bowel disease, as they might not have a choice, but otherwise, he cautioned, “Do not linger on the toilet.”

This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

November 11, 2025 0 comments

Lifestyle

Celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar shares ‘3 small lifestyle habits’ that can make a big impact on your health

by jummy84 November 5, 2025

written by jummy84

In our fast-paced lives, we often focus on the big, dramatic changes, detox plans, crash diets, or intense fitness routines, thinking that’s the only way to improve our health. But the truth is, it’s often the little, everyday habits that quietly shape how we feel, how much energy we have, and how our body functions over time.

Rujuta Diwekar shares simple tips for better health without major changes.

Celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar, who has worked with stars like Kareena Kapoor, shared in her November 5 Instagram post 3 simple habits that can make a big impact on your health, without turning your life upside down. (Also read: Nutritionist shares how you can hit your daily 10,000 steps goal at home in 60 minutes with easy exercises )

1. Food: Bring root vegetables back

Rujuta’s first tip is simple: include root vegetables in your weekly diet at least three times. Think arbi, konfa, suran, rataru, foods from the farm and forest that have been largely forgotten in the era of broccoli, arugula, avocado, and asparagus.

“Why bring these back? First, for their antioxidant activity,” she explains. “If you’re feeling low this winter, antioxidants help prevent congestion, runny noses, and dry skin and scalp. They keep you feeling warm, bright, and healthy from the inside.” Second, root vegetables work as prebiotics. “If winter has left you with bloating or gas, these will help fix your gut health in a simple, natural way.”

And third, they support hormonal health. “Whether it’s perimenopause, menopause, irregular periods, or even trying to get pregnant, including these root vegetables in your diet, at breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even as an evening snack can help regulate hormones.”

Rujuta promises that in the coming weeks, she’ll share recipes to include these vegetables in a wholesome, tasty way, but in the meantime, your mom’s kitchen likely already has everything you need.

2. Exercise: The evening ‘scroll’

Rujuta’s second tip is all about movement, but it’s not intense. “It’s a light, easy stroll in the evening or post-dinner, just before bed. Make sure it’s a stroll, not a brisk walk. You should be able to hum your favourite song as you do it. No getting out of breath,” she says.

In India, this is called Shata Pavli; in the West, it’s humorously known as the ‘Fart Walk’. “It helps digestion, releases excess gas, improves sleep, and is especially beneficial for people with high fasting sugars,” Rujuta explains. A simple 10-minute post-dinner walk can make a huge difference over time.

Rujuta Diwekar emphasises disconnecting from screens before bed and after waking, promoting mental well-being.(Google Gemini)

3. Sleep and screen time

Finally, Rujuta stresses the importance of disconnecting from gadgets. “Stay away from screens for 30 minutes before bedtime and 30 minutes after waking up. This helps your body sync with natural rhythms, allows you to process your day, delete unnecessary mental clutter, and feel more like yourself. It’s simple but incredibly effective for mental and physical well-being.”

“None of this requires fancy equipment or investment, just a little commitment and awareness,” she adds. “Don’t wait for a health issue to start caring for yourself. Small, consistent habits now prevent bigger problems later.”

This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

November 5, 2025 0 comments

Lifestyle

Urologist warns these 5 morning habits can damage your kidneys: ‘Not drinking water in the morning to…’

by jummy84 October 25, 2025

written by jummy84

Your morning habits set the course for the day you will have, and they are not limited to what you eat for breakfast. It can determine whether you will feel energised throughout the day or be lethargic. Moreover, the decisions you make in the morning also impact your kidneys.

Start your day with at least a glass of water rather than choosing coffee or tea. (Pexels)

Also Read | Cardiologist shares 6 foods to eat to lower cholesterol: Walnuts, okra and more

In an Instagram post shared on October 14, Dr Venkatsubramaniam, a urologist, explained the 5 morning habits that you may be unknowingly practising and are harming your kidneys. He included habits like not drinking water after waking up, holding your pee, taking painkillers on an empty stomach, not rehydrating after exercise, and skipping breakfast. Let’s find out why you should be avoiding these habits.

5 morning habits that can harm your kidneys

Sharing the list of 5 morning habits that may be harming your kidneys, Dr Venkatsubramaniam wrote, “Your kidneys work all night to keep you healthy — don’t start your day by making their job harder. Small changes in your morning routine can go a long way in protecting your kidneys.”

1. Drink water before your coffee

Dr Venkatsubramaniam warned against not drinking water in the morning. According to him, after a night of mild dehydration, your body and your kidneys are craving water. “Start your day with at least a glass of water rather than choosing coffee or tea,” he suggested.

2. Don’t hold your pee

The urologist warned that after waking up, one shouldn’t hold their pee for long and immediately empty the bladder in the morning. He explained that after holding urine overnight, our bladder is already stretched and waiting to be released. “Never hold your pee for too long in the morning, and don’t do that throughout the day as well,” he advised.

3. Avoid painkillers on an empty stomach

Thirdly, the urologist advised against taking painkillers on an empty stomach. “Painkillers can harm your kidneys if not taken judiciously, but more so if taken on an empty stomach,” he explained.

4. Rehydrate after exercise

Skipping hydration after intense exercise can be bad for your kidneys. Though morning workouts are an excellent way to energise your day, the urologist advised that it’s equally important to rehydrate after you are done to replenish lost fluids and support recovery.

5. Never skip a healthy breakfast

Lastly, Dr Venkatsubramaniam advised never to skip breakfast. Often, due to our fast-paced lives, we miss eating a healthy breakfast in the morning. However, starting your day with a healthy protein breakfast is always beneficial, the urologist claimed. “By skipping breakfast, one tends to snack on high-salt foods, which are very high in sodium,” he warned.

This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

October 25, 2025 0 comments

Lifestyle

World Spine Day 2025: Neurosurgeon shares 6 daily habits that damage your spine: Sleeping on stomach, soft mattress

by jummy84 October 16, 2025

written by jummy84

World Spine Day 2025: 16 October is observed as World Spine Day to raise awareness regarding spinal health. This year’s theme is ‘invest in your spine.’ On this observance day, let’s take a closer look at some of the daily harmful habits.

Long hours of sitting at work is hazardous to your spinal health. (Picture credit: Freepik)

ALSO READ: Spine surgeon warns Indians not to ignore back pain until it’s too late, reveals who all ‘should be extra careful’

To understand how some common habits may impact spinal health, Dr Gaurav Batra, neurosurgeon of brain and spine at Max Super Speciality Hospital at Vaishali, shared with HT Lifestyle, that one needs to take care of the spine as it is the very bedrock of the body’s architecture, responsible for the majority of movements. But nowadays, some daily habits put spinal health at risk, causing severe backache.

“Back pain will also accumulate slowly and will become increasingly worse. Most stress that is acquired from posture, ergonomics, and habit can be avoided by being aware,” he emphasised. “Minor adjustments in how we sit, move, and sleep can have a big difference in how it keeps a healthy, ache-free spine.” To fix your back pain, you need to change some habits.

Dr Batra shared these five habits that quietly destabilise your spine, along with one pro tip for each on how you can rectify them:

1. Long sitting and posture

Make sure your posture is correct when you sit at work. (Picture credit: Freepik)

Hours of sitting, and particularly with a curved back and bowing neck, puts the lower back under tremendous tension.
Gradually, the constant tension seeps into the muscles of the spine, represses disc nutrition, and hastens wear and tear. The consequence is nagging stiffness of the back, fatigue, and even disc prolapse.

Tip: Sit with support for your lower back, screen at eye level, and take hourly moving breaks.

2. Excessive smartphone use

Repetition of neck flexion for extended periods of time spent on a phone can multiply the cervical spine’s load hundreds of times.
This is commonly referred to as ‘tech neck’, which results in neck pain, shoulder stiffness, and premature cervical spondylosis.

Tip: Phone at eye level with two-handed support, and intersperse gentle neck stretches during practice.

3. Having a sedentary lifestyle

A sedentary lifestyle weakens the deep spinal stabilising muscles, such as the back extensors and core.
This loads the discs and ligaments mechanically, resulting in chronic low back pain and deteriorated posture.

Tip: Regular stretching, strengthening, and brisk walking restore spinal balance and endurance.

4. Picking up objects the incorrect way

Bending at the waist to lift heavy objects places extreme stress on the lower back and may result in disc injury or abrupt muscle spasm.

Tip: Always bend knees and hips, keep the object close to the body, and never turn while lifting.

5. Using defective mattresses

Lying on a sagging or soft mattress will most likely disturb the spine and hyper-extend the back muscles during sleep.

Tip: Lie on a medium-firm mattress.

6. Sleeping on stomach

Lying on one’s stomach will most likely hyper-extend the neck and lower back as well.

Tip: Lie on a medium-firm mattress and experiment with lying on the side with a pillow between your knees to maintain the natural spinal alignment.

October 16, 2025 0 comments

Lifestyle

101-year-old man who survived coma, heart attack, fought in World War II shares 7 habits that contributed to long life

by jummy84 October 15, 2025

written by jummy84

American centenarian Si Liberman, 101, has shared his seven ‘longevity tips’, drawing from his remarkable life experiences, including surviving a coma, the Great Depression, a heart attack, and enemy fire over Nazi Germany in World War II. In an October 13 piece he wrote for The Washington Post, Si, shared seven hard-earned tips he picked up along the way that contributed to his long life. Also read | Nutritionist shares 5 Japanese habits Indians can adopt for long and healthy life

Si Liberman, 101, attributes his longevity partly to not smoking, a habit prevalent among his peers when he was young.

He wrote in the article titled, ‘I’m 101 years old: Here are 7 things I think are ‘longevity secrets’:

1. Focus on relationships

“I’ve been very lucky. I’ve been married for 76 years to my wife, Dorothy, 97. We have two terrific children who we’re very close to, and two grandchildren who always keep in touch,” Si said.

2. Don’t smoke

He added, “Most everyone smoked when I was young, but I didn’t. When I started dating my wife, she was smoking now and again, but I got her to quit.”

3. Exercise and eat healthy

“We’ve always tried to eat healthy. I have fruit for breakfast and eat a lot of fish. After moving to Florida 14 years ago, my routine has included walking on the beach followed by swimming in our building’s pool,” Si said.

4. Have a positive attitude

“Despite having to get through some dark days, I’ve never been down for very long. If I have a cold, I think it will be better soon. If I’m going through a rough time, I think I just have to live through it and things will look up. I think attitude is highly underrated and can’t be underestimated,” Si added.

5. Get appropriate medical care

He also said, “I’ve benefited from the scientific progress we’ve made in treating health conditions and what I would call the miracles of modern medicine. We’ve always been careful and had routine appointments with doctors.”

6. Do work you find meaningful

Si said, “When I was working, I was editor of the Asbury Park Sunday Press, a privately owned paper. It was a challenging and rewarding job as a journalist for more than 40 years. And I still do a little writing to keep busy.”

7. Be a little lucky

He concluded, “I believe I’ve been a lucky guy in a 79-year relationship with my wife. Though she’s had some memory problems since falling several times, she always remembers to exchange kisses before we go to sleep at night. Living with someone you care about, who also cares about you, really helps.”

At 101, Si Liberman reveals his top 7 longevity secrets. (Made using Grok AI)

Bryan Johnson, a tech entrepreneur-turned-longevity enthusiast, avoids three habits to stay healthy and live longer. Click here to know what those are.

Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.

October 15, 2025 0 comments

Lifestyle

Woman who lost over 70+ kgs shares 5 simple habits that helped her transform her body: ‘I stopped skipping breakfast’

by jummy84 October 5, 2025

written by jummy84

Many women struggle with weight loss, juggling busy schedules, diets, and workouts with little to show for it. One woman named Kate Daniel, who lost over 70+ kgs, shares in her September 26 Instagram post how simple, consistent habits helped her achieve a complete transformation.

Kate Daniel shares simple habits that transformed her life and health post-bariatric surgery.(Instagram/@bariatric_chic)

Kate explains, “The impossible becomes possible when you show up with the same 5 habits, one day at a time… The small, repeatable habits I built are what helped me lose over 70 kg and silence the food noise. And you can too… Nothing flashy. Nothing complicated. Just simple things that stacked up and rewired my brain one day at a time.” (Also read: Woman says this ‘AI diet’ helped her lose 7 kg and 2 inches from her belly in 21 days: ‘Not just weight loss…’ )

Here are the five habits Kate followed:

1. Stop treating your body like bin

Kate said, “Leftovers were still waste whether I ate them or not. Every time I honoured fullness, the food noise lost a little more power.”

2. Never skip breakfast

She suggests, “No more ‘saving calories.’ A high-protein start stopped the grazing cycle before it began.”

3. Move your body daily

Kate recommends, “Walking, stretching, dancing. Not workouts. Not punishment. My stress dropped, my nervous system calmed, and the urge to eat to cope got quieter too.”

4. Make one promise and keep it

“Just one! Small, doable, and repeatable. That’s how identity shifts and habits become automatic. Building self-trust silenced the self-doubt that used to trigger overeating,” she explains.

5. Meal prep as self-care

“Delicious bariatric meal prep gave me peace, time back, and stopped the chaos. With food ready, decision fatigue faded and so did the space for food noise and cravings to take over,” she adds

Kate adds, “None of these felt perfect. But they felt possible. And possible is what compounds into freedom. Weight loss surgery gave me the tool, but it wasn’t gastric sleeve surgery alone that got me here. If you’re on your bariatric journey after gastric sleeve or bypass surgery and you’ve ever thought it was impossible for you, let this be proof it’s not. You just need the right micro habits and strategies, ones you can actually implement into your life today.”

Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.

October 5, 2025 0 comments

Lifestyle

US doctor reveals 6 simple everyday habits that have surprising health benefits: ‘Helps with reflux, can prevent…’

by jummy84 October 4, 2025

written by jummy84

Small, simple habits can sometimes have outsized effects on your health, often in ways you wouldn’t expect. From stepping outside in the morning sun to taking a few minutes for deep breathing, everyday actions can boost mood, improve blood sugar control, and even support better sleep.

Walking after meals helps regulate blood glucose spikes.(Unsplash)

Also Read | Cardiologist shares 15 lifestyle factors that may ruin your heart health and double your heart attack risk

Dr Kunal Sood, an anesthesiologist and interventional pain medicine expert, has outlined such everyday habits that have surprising health benefits. In an Instagram video posted on October 3, the doctor reveals six daily habits you can practice every day – ranging from walking after meals to taking cold showers – and explains why they are beneficial.

Cold showers improve mood

According to Dr Sood, cold exposure can trigger a surge of norepinephrine, which lifts mood and increases alertness. He explains, “Trials show hot-to-cold showers can reduce self-reported sick days and raise perceived energy. Evidence for depression is limited but promising.”

Walking after meals balance glucose spike

Dr Sood suggests that walking for 10 to 30 meals after eating meals helps balance glucose spikes. It also “helps with reflux, and can prevent post-meal drops in blood pressure in older adults. Best results come from short walks spread throughout the day.”

Lifting weights lowers insulin

The doctor highlights, “Resistance training increases GLUT4 transporters in muscle, improving insulin sensitivity and lowering HbA1c in type 2 diabetes.” This lowers insulin levels and Dr Sood also adds, “More muscle mass also enhances glucose handling and body composition.”

Also Read | Dermatologist explains why people in their 20s and 30s are experiencing premature grey hair; shares tips to prevent it

Morning sun improves sleep

Exposure to bright sunlight in the morning helps regulate your circadian rhythm. Dr Sood, “Bright light in the morning helps anchor your circadian rhythm, making it easier to fall asleep at night.” Additionally, he also mentions studies that suggest exposure to sunlight benefits office workers, and those struggling with insomnia, delayed sleep phase, and chronic pain.

Deep breaths lower blood pressure

According to Dr Sood, slow breathing – approximately six breaths per minute – reduces activity of the sympathetic nervous system and improves blood pressure control. He suggests, “Practicing daily for 10-15 minutes can lower systolic pressure by 3-8 mmHg on average.”

Standing for 5 minutes hourly has many benefits

Dr Sood points out, “Breaking up long sitting periods with light walking or standing improves blood sugar, insulin, and blood pressure. Walking is best, especially after meals, as it engages the calf muscles and boosts circulation.”

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

October 4, 2025 0 comments

Lifestyle

AIIMS gastroenterologist warns against ‘having coffee on empty stomach’, shares 7 worst coffee habits to avoid for gut

by jummy84 September 28, 2025

written by jummy84

Coffee is one of the most loved beverages worldwide, with millions relying on it to kick-start their mornings or power through long days. But while that cup of coffee may feel like a saviour, certain everyday habits around it can quietly harm your health in the long run.

Avoid these coffee mistakes to protect your gut health and sleep quality. (Pixabay)

Dr Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist trained at AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford Universities, in his September 28 Instagram post, breaks down the 7 worst coffee habits you need to avoid. Here is what he said:

1. Coffee on an empty stomach

Starting your day with coffee instead of food can increase stomach acid production, leading to reflux, nausea, bloating, and even gastritis if it becomes a daily routine.

2. Sugar, creamers and syrups

That flavoured latte may taste indulgent, but it often carries 30–50 grams of hidden sugar. Regular intake adds excess calories, promotes fatty liver, and raises the risk of diabetes.

3. More than four cups a day

Crossing 400 mg of caffeine daily (about four cups) can spike cortisol levels, irritate the gut lining, and cause palpitations, jitteriness, and anxiety.

4. Late-night coffee

Since caffeine has a half-life of 5–6 hours, an evening cup can interfere with deep sleep cycles. Poor sleep hampers the liver’s natural detox and repair processes.

5. Using coffee to mask fatigue

Relying on caffeine to power through exhaustion instead of addressing poor sleep worsens burnout. Over time, it contributes to brain fog, hormonal imbalance, and digestive stress.

6. Artificial sweeteners

“Zero calories” doesn’t mean safe. Sweeteners like sucralose and aspartame may disturb gut microbes, disrupt digestion, and impact long-term gut health.

7. Light roast doesn’t mean gentler

It’s a common myth that lighter roasts are easier on the stomach. In reality, dark roasts tend to be less acidic and may be better tolerated by those prone to reflux or GERD.

Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.

September 28, 2025 0 comments

Newer Posts

Older Posts

habits

How to prevent dry skin in winter

1. Washing your face with hot water

2. Starting the day without a moisturiser

3. Applying vitamin C without moisture or SPF

4. Using harsh or foaming cleansers

5. Overusing caffeinated drinks before hydrating

6. Forgetting sunscreen just because it’s cold

7. Applying active ingredients to dry skin

8. Relying on SPF in makeup instead of actual sunscreen

Similar articles for you

Stress hits the stomach harder than people think

Daily choices shape how your stomach reacts

Improving eating habits

Weight management is the key

Alcohol becomes a problem when you go too far

3 things that can harm your brain

1. Wearing headphones to bed

2. Ignoring gum health

3. Sitting on the toilet for more than 5 minutes

1. Food: Bring root vegetables back

2. Exercise: The evening ‘scroll’

3. Sleep and screen time

5 morning habits that can harm your kidneys

1. Drink water before your coffee

2. Don’t hold your pee

3. Avoid painkillers on an empty stomach

4. Rehydrate after exercise

5. Never skip a healthy breakfast

1. Long sitting and posture

2. Excessive smartphone use

3. Having a sedentary lifestyle

4. Picking up objects the incorrect way

5. Using defective mattresses

6. Sleeping on stomach

1. Focus on relationships

2. Don’t smoke

3. Exercise and eat healthy

4. Have a positive attitude

5. Get appropriate medical care

6. Do work you find meaningful

7. Be a little lucky

1. Stop treating your body like bin

2. Never skip breakfast

3. Move your body daily

4. Make one promise and keep it

5. Meal prep as self-care

Cold showers improve mood

Walking after meals balance glucose spike

Lifting weights lowers insulin

Morning sun improves sleep

Deep breaths lower blood pressure

Standing for 5 minutes hourly has many benefits

1. Coffee on an empty stomach

2. Sugar, creamers and syrups

3. More than four cups a day

4. Late-night coffee

5. Using coffee to mask fatigue

6. Artificial sweeteners

7. Light roast doesn’t mean gentler