Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

Fact Check: Is Taurine Really A Key Driver Of Healthy Ageing?

It began with a supplement and a promise, somewhere between TikTok wellness influencers, Bryan Johnson's age-hacking rituals, and shelf after shelf of taurine-charged energy drinks at your corner store, a straightforward question started generating buzz in the <span>longevity</span> sphere: Might taurine be the key to remaining young?

For biohackers, taurine became a superstar. Praised for its ability to enhance energy, enhance exercise performance, and even counteract age-related decline, this naturally occurring amino acid—found in meats, seafood, and yes, many energy drinks—was being touted as a possible "youth molecule." It was riding high on the popularity charts after a study in 2023 suggested that taurine supplementation could slow aging in animals. The implication? Maybe we're one step closer to unlocking the secret of human longevity.

A fresh and more comprehensive investigation has come forward to contradict such previous assertions, positing that taurine levels don't decline with age after all. In fact, they can stay the same—or even increase—well into adulthood. This has left health fans and scientists alike wondering: Have we been running after a false assumption all these years?

Before you add taurine to your anti-aging toolkit, it's time to go deep on what the science actually reveals. Is taurine really a secret to healthy aging—or just the latest in a series of overblown supplements?

While the quest to crack the code of longevity picks up speed around the world, taurine — a natural amino acid present in the body and in foods with high protein content — has been making waves as a possible anti-aging serum. From the labels of energy drinks to the regimes of biohackers, taurine is being touted as a molecule that promises to add years to your life and health to your years.

Taurine is not among the nine essential amino acids but plays an important role in a multitude of physiological processes. Taurine is present in the brain, heart, retina, and skeletal muscles and is involved in the formation of bile salts, fluid balance, nerve function, and antioxidant protection. It is produced by the body and also found in meat and shellfish, which are animal-based foods. It has become popular in the world of wellness over the years for its supposed benefits in increasing energy, improving cardiovascular function, and lowering inflammation.

Both energy drinks and certain supplements usually include taurine for its reported value in improved exercise function and clearer thinking. Although it is widely used, it has been largely agreed upon what the best level of taurine should be, and no official recommendations for daily intake are made in current dietary guidelines.

Interest in taurine's potential to slow or reverse aging was highest after an international 2023 study directed by scientists at the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School Healthy Longevity Program. The research discovered that levels of taurine decreased after midlife in animals and humans, and supplementation in mice, monkeys, and worms increased lifespan and enhanced indicators of well-being, such as muscle power and glucose metabolism.

This research was soon popular with biohackers such as Bryan Johnson, who added taurine to his supplement stack geared towards reversing biological age. Taurine was viewed as a nutrient that not only had a correlation with aging but worked against its effects. The expectation was that taurine had the potential to act as a biomarker of aging as well as a therapeutic target.

But new research released in Science on June 5, 2025, indicates the interconnection of <span>taurine and aging</span> might be more complex than imagined. A team of scientists headed by Dr. Luigi Ferrucci, scientific director at the National Institute on Aging (NIA), conducted a big-scale study using cross-sectional and longitudinal data — following more than 1,000 people aged 20-100 and several animal models.

Unlike the findings of the previous study, however, this new research determined that levels of taurine did not decrease with age. Instead, taurine levels in older subjects remained constant or even rose in older subjects from almost all cohorts, including rhesus macaque monkeys and mice. These findings are a far cry from previous assumptions that taurine is an effective biomarker for biological aging.

An important difference between the 2023 and 2025 reports is methodology. The previous research was very much based on cross-sectional data — comparing various people at one time point — whereas the new study included longitudinal analysis, following the same people over long times. Study co-author Maria Emilia Fernandez said that differences in taurine concentrations between people were far larger than any change with age. This discrepancy brings us to the question: Can taurine serve as a valid tool for measuring or impacting aging?

The group also investigated whether taurine was associated with health indicators such as muscle function, a known issue among aging individuals. Once more, the results indicated no uniform correlation between cohorts, further undermining the hypothesis that taurine concentrations are predictive of physical decline with age.

<strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/nutrition/this-common-energy-drink-ingredient-is-tied-to-blood-cancer-risk-article-151655744" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank"><strong>This Common Energy Drink Ingredient Is Tied To Blood Cancer Risk</strong></a>

<h2>Potential Risks of Taurine Supplementation</h2>

Although taurine can yet possess therapeutic value under certain circumstances, it is not risk-free. Long-term or high-dose taurine supplementation has been associated with gastrointestinal upset, renal stress, and, in isolated instances, liver dysfunction or increased cancer risk, including leukemia. Such discoveries call for restraint, particularly among those who self-medicate taurine with the expectation of increasing lifespan.

Compounding the complexity, taurine levels are also known to vary according to conditions of health. Obesity patients tend to have taurine levels lower than normal, and protracted obesity can produce a taurine surge. Cancer patients produce increased levels in leukemia but reduced levels in breast cancer, indicating how subtle taurine's function in the body truly is.

Even with the recent setbacks to taurine's status as an anti-aging superhero, experts concede that it shouldn't be completely dismissed. Dr. Ferrucci believes that the conflicting results may even shed light on deeper mechanisms of aging. "The inconsistency can reveal some significant mechanisms with aging that may be new targets for treatments," he explained at a press conference.

Vijay Yadav, the principal investigator of the previous pro-taurine study, highlighted that the source and quality of data employed can influence results tremendously. He admits that further analysis and more refined clinical trials need to be conducted to determine how taurine could act with different biological systems in different populations.

So is taurine the fountain of youth? The answer is still out at this point. Early animal research had been promising a rosy picture, but recent evidence points to a more nuanced truth — one that's different for each person, species, and way of measuring. As with many supplements in the health space, the effect of taurine will probably depend on context, and more well-designed, human-specific research is necessary before it can be prescribed as a panacea anti-aging pill.

Meanwhile, people should consult doctors before adding <span>taurine supplements</span> to their regimen, particularly at high levels. Longevity research is being accelerated at a breakneck pace, yet where taurine is concerned, the tale is still in its early stages.

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It began with a supplement and a promise, somewhere between TikTok wellness influencers, Bryan Johnson's age-hacking rituals, and shelf after shelf of taurine-charged energy drinks at your corner store, a straightforward question started generating buzz in the longevity sphere: Might taurine be the key to remaining young?For biohackers, taurine became a superstar. Praised for its ability to enhance energy, enhance exercise performance, and even counteract age-related decline, this naturally occurring amino acid—found in meats, seafood, and yes, many energy drinks—was being touted as a possible "youth molecule." It was riding high on the popularity charts after a study in 2023 suggested that taurine supplementation could slow aging in animals. The implication? Maybe we're one step closer to unlocking the secret of human longevity.A fresh and more comprehensive investigation has come forward to contradict such previous assertions, positing that taurine levels don't decline with age after all. In fact, they can stay the same—or even increase—well into adulthood. This has left health fans and scientists alike wondering: Have we been running after a false assumption all these years?Before you add taurine to your anti-aging toolkit, it's time to go deep on what the science actually reveals. Is taurine really a secret to healthy aging—or just the latest in a series of overblown supplements?While the quest to crack the code of longevity picks up speed around the world, taurine — a natural amino acid present in the body and in foods with high protein content — has been making waves as a possible anti-aging serum. From the labels of energy drinks to the regimes of biohackers, taurine is being touted as a molecule that promises to add years to your life and health to your years.What is Taurine?Taurine is not among the nine essential amino acids but plays an important role in a multitude of physiological processes. Taurine is present in the brain, heart, retina, and skeletal muscles and is involved in the formation of bile salts, fluid balance, nerve function, and antioxidant protection. It is produced by the body and also found in meat and shellfish, which are animal-based foods. It has become popular in the world of wellness over the years for its supposed benefits in increasing energy, improving cardiovascular function, and lowering inflammation.Both energy drinks and certain supplements usually include taurine for its reported value in improved exercise function and clearer thinking. Although it is widely used, it has been largely agreed upon what the best level of taurine should be, and no official recommendations for daily intake are made in current dietary guidelines.Interest in taurine's potential to slow or reverse aging was highest after an international 2023 study directed by scientists at the Rutgers New Jersey Medical School Healthy Longevity Program. The research discovered that levels of taurine decreased after midlife in animals and humans, and supplementation in mice, monkeys, and worms increased lifespan and enhanced indicators of well-being, such as muscle power and glucose metabolism.This research was soon popular with biohackers such as Bryan Johnson, who added taurine to his supplement stack geared towards reversing biological age. Taurine was viewed as a nutrient that not only had a correlation with aging but worked against its effects. The expectation was that taurine had the potential to act as a biomarker of aging as well as a therapeutic target.But new research released in Science on June 5, 2025, indicates the interconnection of taurine and aging might be more complex than imagined. A team of scientists headed by Dr. Luigi Ferrucci, scientific director at the National Institute on Aging (NIA), conducted a big-scale study using cross-sectional and longitudinal data — following more than 1,000 people aged 20-100 and several animal models.Unlike the findings of the previous study, however, this new research determined that levels of taurine did not decrease with age. Instead, taurine levels in older subjects remained constant or even rose in older subjects from almost all cohorts, including rhesus macaque monkeys and mice. These findings are a far cry from previous assumptions that taurine is an effective biomarker for biological aging.An important difference between the 2023 and 2025 reports is methodology. The previous research was very much based on cross-sectional data — comparing various people at one time point — whereas the new study included longitudinal analysis, following the same people over long times. Study co-author Maria Emilia Fernandez said that differences in taurine concentrations between people were far larger than any change with age. This discrepancy brings us to the question: Can taurine serve as a valid tool for measuring or impacting aging?The group also investigated whether taurine was associated with health indicators such as muscle function, a known issue among aging individuals. Once more, the results indicated no uniform correlation between cohorts, further undermining the hypothesis that taurine concentrations are predictive of physical decline with age.Also Read: This Common Energy Drink Ingredient Is Tied To Blood Cancer RiskPotential Risks of Taurine SupplementationAlthough taurine can yet possess therapeutic value under certain circumstances, it is not risk-free. Long-term or high-dose taurine supplementation has been associated with gastrointestinal upset, renal stress, and, in isolated instances, liver dysfunction or increased cancer risk, including leukemia. Such discoveries call for restraint, particularly among those who self-medicate taurine with the expectation of increasing lifespan.Compounding the complexity, taurine levels are also known to vary according to conditions of health. Obesity patients tend to have taurine levels lower than normal, and protracted obesity can produce a taurine surge. Cancer patients produce increased levels in leukemia but reduced levels in breast cancer, indicating how subtle taurine's function in the body truly is.Does Taurine Remain Promising?Even with the recent setbacks to taurine's status as an anti-aging superhero, experts concede that it shouldn't be completely dismissed. Dr. Ferrucci believes that the conflicting results may even shed light on deeper mechanisms of aging. "The inconsistency can reveal some significant mechanisms with aging that may be new targets for treatments," he explained at a press conference.Vijay Yadav, the principal investigator of the previous pro-taurine study, highlighted that the source and quality of data employed can influence results tremendously. He admits that further analysis and more refined clinical trials need to be conducted to determine how taurine could act with different biological systems in different populations.So is taurine the fountain of youth? The answer is still out at this point. Early animal research had been promising a rosy picture, but recent evidence points to a more nuanced truth — one that's different for each person, species, and way of measuring. As with many supplements in the health space, the effect of taurine will probably depend on context, and more well-designed, human-specific research is necessary before it can be prescribed as a panacea anti-aging pill.Meanwhile, people should consult doctors before adding taurine supplements to their regimen, particularly at high levels. Longevity research is being accelerated at a breakneck pace, yet where taurine is concerned, the tale is still in its early stages.

fact check: is taurine really a key driver of healthy ageing?

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As the summer sun rises high, everyone anticipates relief from seasonal sniffles. Yet increasingly, more and more people are falling ill with cold-like symptoms in warmer weather too. The twist? A new Covid strain—NB.1.8.1—is spreading low-key around the world, from Asia to America and the UK. The challenge is distinguishing between a run-of-the-mill summer cold and a COVID-19 infection.

Typically, respiratory illnesses peak in the colder months when more time is spent indoors and dry air allows viruses to be more easily susceptible. Summer, however, is not virus-free. Parainfluenza virus Type 3, enteroviruses, adenoviruses, and even rhinoviruses are still causing issues in warmer climates. Social events, travel, lack of rest, more alcohol consumption, and air conditioning all set the stage for infections.

Complicating the situation further this summer is the discovery of the NB.1.8.1 Covid strain. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) only recently started monitoring it, scientists are closely monitoring its trajectory and possible implications.

Initially discovered in China in January 2025, NB.1.8.1 has a number of mutations that have caught the eye of the world's health authorities. The good news? There is as yet no evidence to suggest it results in more serious disease. In fact, U.K. Health Security Agency statistics indicate a modest rise in COVID cases with 5.2% of patients positive—up from 4.5% last week.

To date, just 13 of the confirmed NB.1.8.1 cases in the U.K. have been sequenced, the majority of them in April and May. While uncommon at present, the fact that it shares features with other variants of Covid means caution is still crucial.

<h2>Summer Colds vs. NB.1.8.1 Covid: Why It's Hard to Tell the Difference?</h2>

Both summer colds and Covid-19 have common symptoms such as:

<ul><li>Sore throat</li><li>Nasal congestion or runny nose</li><li>Fatigue</li><li>Muscle aches</li><li>Nausea or vomiting</li></ul>

However some symptoms will tend more towards Covid, such as:

<ul><li>Fever or chills</li><li>Shortness of breath</li><li>Loss of taste or smell, new</li><li>Gastrointestinal illness such as diarrhea</li></ul>

There is no guaranteed way to tell the difference between a summer cold and Covid without doing a diagnostic test. Mild COVID-19 symptoms are easily mistaken for other seasonal viruses.

Colds—seasonal or not—are viral illnesses that are transmitted by respiratory droplets, fomites (contaminated surfaces), or close proximity. The main culprits are rhinoviruses, especially during the winter months, but the warmer months experience an upsurge in viruses such as parainfluenza, enteroviruses (coxsackie and echovirus), and adenoviruses.

Summer activities—weddings, concerts, holidays—promote intimate contact between groups, and typical summer behaviors such as drinking, bad sleep, and poor diet compromise immune systems. Air conditioning units, by dehydrating nasal passages, also impair the body's resistance to viral invaders.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges anyone with cold-like symptoms to monitor closely. Covid-19 symptoms can appear two to 14 days after exposure and vary from mild to severe. The virus can be contagious two days before symptoms emerge and up to 10 days—or more—in immunocompromised individuals.

If you’re feeling unwell, the best course of action is to:

<ul><li>Stay home and rest</li><li>Wear a mask if around others</li><li>Get a COVID-19 test</li><li>Talk to your healthcare provider</li></ul>

Timely treatment, such as antiviral therapy with Paxlovid, is ensured through accurate diagnosis, particularly among high-risk individuals.

<h2>Can Vaccines Protect Against NB.1.8.1?</h2>

While a newer vaccine aimed at fall variants is being developed, the existing vaccines remain protective against NB.1.8.1. The variant is of the "drifter" type from the Omicron lineage, which indicates earlier immunity could still help prevent severe disease.

Dr. Aaron Chen, a Johns Hopkins University virologist, observes, "Although mutation is unavoidable, current vaccines remain effective in preventing hospitalization and complications from new variants, such as NB.1.8.1."

<h2>How To Avoid Getting Sick This Summer?</h2>

There's no surefire way to completely avoid viruses, unfortunately. But here are some practical tips from experts:

<ul><li>Drink plenty of water and moderate your booze</li><li>Consume a nutrient-dense diet full of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins</li><li>Get good rest and reduce stress levels</li><li>Clean those surfaces that are touched most often such as airplane trays, phones, and exercise equipment</li><li>Supplement with vitamin D if one is deficient since it enhances immune function</li><li>Wash hands frequently, do not share food or beverages, and wear a mask in public indoor areas</li></ul>

Most people recover from summer colds and mild Covid-19 at home. Supportive care—hydration, over-the-counter pain relief, and rest—is typically enough. Nasal decongestants and lozenges can ease symptoms, while more serious or persistent cases warrant medical consultation.

If you suspect Covid, getting tested is crucial—not only for your health but for the wellbeing of those around you.

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As the summer sun rises high, everyone anticipates relief from seasonal sniffles. Yet increasingly, more and more people are falling ill with cold-like symptoms in warmer weather too. The twist? A new Covid strain—NB.1.8.1—is spreading low-key around the world, from Asia to America and the UK. The challenge is distinguishing between a run-of-the-mill summer cold and a COVID-19 infection.Typically, respiratory illnesses peak in the colder months when more time is spent indoors and dry air allows viruses to be more easily susceptible. Summer, however, is not virus-free. Parainfluenza virus Type 3, enteroviruses, adenoviruses, and even rhinoviruses are still causing issues in warmer climates. Social events, travel, lack of rest, more alcohol consumption, and air conditioning all set the stage for infections.Complicating the situation further this summer is the discovery of the NB.1.8.1 Covid strain. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) only recently started monitoring it, scientists are closely monitoring its trajectory and possible implications.Initially discovered in China in January 2025, NB.1.8.1 has a number of mutations that have caught the eye of the world's health authorities. The good news? There is as yet no evidence to suggest it results in more serious disease. In fact, U.K. Health Security Agency statistics indicate a modest rise in COVID cases with 5.2% of patients positive—up from 4.5% last week.To date, just 13 of the confirmed NB.1.8.1 cases in the U.K. have been sequenced, the majority of them in April and May. While uncommon at present, the fact that it shares features with other variants of Covid means caution is still crucial.Summer Colds vs. NB.1.8.1 Covid: Why It's Hard to Tell the Difference?Both summer colds and Covid-19 have common symptoms such as:Sore throatNasal congestion or runny noseFatigueMuscle achesNausea or vomitingHowever some symptoms will tend more towards Covid, such as:Fever or chillsShortness of breathLoss of taste or smell, newGastrointestinal illness such as diarrheaThere is no guaranteed way to tell the difference between a summer cold and Covid without doing a diagnostic test. Mild COVID-19 symptoms are easily mistaken for other seasonal viruses.What Exactly Is a Summer Cold?Colds—seasonal or not—are viral illnesses that are transmitted by respiratory droplets, fomites (contaminated surfaces), or close proximity. The main culprits are rhinoviruses, especially during the winter months, but the warmer months experience an upsurge in viruses such as parainfluenza, enteroviruses (coxsackie and echovirus), and adenoviruses.Summer activities—weddings, concerts, holidays—promote intimate contact between groups, and typical summer behaviors such as drinking, bad sleep, and poor diet compromise immune systems. Air conditioning units, by dehydrating nasal passages, also impair the body's resistance to viral invaders.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges anyone with cold-like symptoms to monitor closely. Covid-19 symptoms can appear two to 14 days after exposure and vary from mild to severe. The virus can be contagious two days before symptoms emerge and up to 10 days—or more—in immunocompromised individuals.If you’re feeling unwell, the best course of action is to:Stay home and restWear a mask if around othersGet a COVID-19 testTalk to your healthcare providerTimely treatment, such as antiviral therapy with Paxlovid, is ensured through accurate diagnosis, particularly among high-risk individuals.Can Vaccines Protect Against NB.1.8.1?While a newer vaccine aimed at fall variants is being developed, the existing vaccines remain protective against NB.1.8.1. The variant is of the "drifter" type from the Omicron lineage, which indicates earlier immunity could still help prevent severe disease.Dr. Aaron Chen, a Johns Hopkins University virologist, observes, "Although mutation is unavoidable, current vaccines remain effective in preventing hospitalization and complications from new variants, such as NB.1.8.1."How To Avoid Getting Sick This Summer?There's no surefire way to completely avoid viruses, unfortunately. But here are some practical tips from experts:Drink plenty of water and moderate your boozeConsume a nutrient-dense diet full of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteinsGet good rest and reduce stress levelsClean those surfaces that are touched most often such as airplane trays, phones, and exercise equipmentSupplement with vitamin D if one is deficient since it enhances immune functionWash hands frequently, do not share food or beverages, and wear a mask in public indoor areasWhat If You Do Get Sick?Most people recover from summer colds and mild Covid-19 at home. Supportive care—hydration, over-the-counter pain relief, and rest—is typically enough. Nasal decongestants and lozenges can ease symptoms, while more serious or persistent cases warrant medical consultation.If you suspect Covid, getting tested is crucial—not only for your health but for the wellbeing of those around you.

is it just a summer cold or the nb.1.8.1 covid variant? how to tell when the symptoms are nearly identical

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The terrifying crash of an Air India flight in Ahmedabad killing 241 people with just one British passenger surviving has sent shockwaves around the world. Although flying is statistically one of the safest ways to travel, such traumatic incidents can revive old terrors in even the most experienced of travelers. To the 25 million Americans who already suffer from <span>aerophobia</span>, the technical name for the <span>fear of flying</span>, this awful news might be more than just upsetting. It might be debilitating.

<span>Mental health</span> experts caution that such events can amplify already-existing anxiety, fueling catastrophic thinking and resulting in severe avoidance of travel. And yet, despite the fear, there are ways to deal with <span>flight anxiety</span> that are evidence-based and even get over it.

Aerophobia refers to a severe, irrational fear of flight. While some may equate it with fear of a plane crash, most individuals afflicted by the condition actually fear more the sense of intense panic that grips them before or in transit. This encompasses fear of confinement in an airplane, losing control of one's flight, or experiencing a panic attack at altitude.

"Aviophobia or aerophobia is very prevalent," states Clinical Psychologist Akansha Tayal. "Prevalence rates are 10% to 35%, and most people feel very uncomfortable, particularly when faced with reports of aviation accidents. The fear itself is usually irrational and disproportionate to the real danger posed." 

Symptoms tend to occur across three areas:

Physical: Palpitations of the heart, sweating, dizziness, nausea.

Emotional: Irritability, restlessness, overwhelming fear.

Cognitive: Catastrophic thinking, obsessive worry, avoidance activities.

Even as frightening as crashes might appear, aviation safety has only enhanced. According to a 2023 analysis by MIT scientists, the probability of being killed in a commercial airline accident around the world is approximately 1 in 13.7 million. Even so, the public eye and emotional intensity of aviation disasters often overshadow their statistical infrequency when it comes to those suffering with aerophobia.

This psychological effect availability bias is the reason why tragic headlines seem so close to home and threateningly personal. "Our brains are hardwired to respond to threat cues," says Ms Tayal. "Even an unlikely event will feel like a personal risk when it's sensationalized or emotionally jarring."

<h2>How to Recognize the Signs of Flight Anxiety?</h2>

If you're avoiding travel, unwilling to get on airplanes, or preoccupied with air safety, you might have clinical aerophobia. In addition to discomfort, you might experience:

<ul><li>Panic attacks during or prior to flying</li><li>Flight avoidance media</li><li>Overresearching crash records or airline safety</li><li>Repetitive behaviors (reviewing weather forecasts, switching seats)</li><li>Interference with sleep prior to departure or illness due to tension</li></ul>

<h2>Expert-Backed Strategies to Overcome Aerophobia</h2>

While aerophobia can feel paralyzing, it’s highly treatable. Experts recommend a mix of self-help techniques and professional interventions.

Challenge irrational fears by learning facts about flight safety. Avoid sensational news and instead focus on what you’re looking forward to. Keep a mental list of safe flight experiences.

Practice slow breathing with a soothing word such as "peace." It reduces the heart rate and quenches stress hormone activity. Mindfulness techniques and progressive muscle relaxation can also keep your body connected.

Rehearse a peaceful flight experience in your mind—from getting on the plane to arrival. Visualization can get your brain thinking about flying as an ordinary, safe thing.

Crossword puzzles, backward counting, reading, or soothing videos can break the worry loop mid-flight.

Travel with a supportive friend and inform them of your triggers. Advance briefing with sympathetic airline personnel can also smooth pre-flight anxiety.

Begin with short flights or utilize flight simulators to rewire gradually, exposing yourself to incrementally longer flights. Safe repetition is shown to decrease sensitivity over time.

<h4>7. Professional Assistance is Effective</h4>

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Therapy are gold-standard treatments. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Virtual Reality Therapy are increasingly proving to be effective treatments.

"Any psychologist can help the person walk through CBT in order to cope with irrational thoughts," Ms Tayal says. "For tackling these maladaptive thoughts and irrational fears, we do graded exposure, EMDR, or virtual reality. Relaxation training, mindfulness, and grounding are all important too."

<h2>Coping Tools to Practice on the Ground</h2>

Grounding Techniques: Utilize the 5 senses to remain engaged in the moment.

Mindfulness: Practice non-judgmental attention to your thoughts and bodily sensations.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Release tension to decrease physiological arousal.

Professional Monitoring: When anxiety arises from underlying trauma or generalized anxiety disorder, a psychiatrist may assist in regulating underlying causes.

<h2>Can Aerophobia Come Back After Treatment?</h2>

Yes—but long-term results are promising. Research indicates that individuals treated with CBT tend to sustain outcomes for three years or longer. Occasional therapy "booster shots" or regular practice of coping techniques can ward off relapse.

<h2>How to Prevent and Manage Aerophobia?</h2>

There is no guaranteed way to prevent aerophobia, but there are some habits of daily living that can definitely minimize its effect. Steering clear of such stimulants as alcohol or caffeine prior to a flight will keep anxiety under control. Open discussion of your apprehension with intimate family members, friends, or a support group is also crucial, as it helps lessen the emotional load. Shying away from solitary confinement is equally crucial—sharing space with people who are going through the same thing can provide reassurance and confirmation. Finally, remaining attuned to your own mental health and being proactive in seeking assistance early, particularly if symptoms persist or intensify, can make a tangible difference in dealing with flight-related anxiety.

Flight anxiety exists, and tragedies such as the Air India crash can be daunting but you are not alone, and your fear is not something to be ashamed of. With appropriate tools, techniques, and support, the skies don't have to be so frightening.

mental health

aerophobia

flight anxiety

fear of flying

air india crash 2025

coping with flight anxiety

The terrifying crash of an Air India flight in Ahmedabad killing 241 people with just one British passenger surviving has sent shockwaves around the world. Although flying is statistically one of the safest ways to travel, such traumatic incidents can revive old terrors in even the most experienced of travelers. To the 25 million Americans who already suffer from aerophobia, the technical name for the fear of flying, this awful news might be more than just upsetting. It might be debilitating.Mental health experts caution that such events can amplify already-existing anxiety, fueling catastrophic thinking and resulting in severe avoidance of travel. And yet, despite the fear, there are ways to deal with flight anxiety that are evidence-based and even get over it.What is Aerophobia?Aerophobia refers to a severe, irrational fear of flight. While some may equate it with fear of a plane crash, most individuals afflicted by the condition actually fear more the sense of intense panic that grips them before or in transit. This encompasses fear of confinement in an airplane, losing control of one's flight, or experiencing a panic attack at altitude."Aviophobia or aerophobia is very prevalent," states Clinical Psychologist Akansha Tayal. "Prevalence rates are 10% to 35%, and most people feel very uncomfortable, particularly when faced with reports of aviation accidents. The fear itself is usually irrational and disproportionate to the real danger posed." Symptoms tend to occur across three areas:Physical: Palpitations of the heart, sweating, dizziness, nausea.Emotional: Irritability, restlessness, overwhelming fear.Cognitive: Catastrophic thinking, obsessive worry, avoidance activities.Even as frightening as crashes might appear, aviation safety has only enhanced. According to a 2023 analysis by MIT scientists, the probability of being killed in a commercial airline accident around the world is approximately 1 in 13.7 million. Even so, the public eye and emotional intensity of aviation disasters often overshadow their statistical infrequency when it comes to those suffering with aerophobia.This psychological effect availability bias is the reason why tragic headlines seem so close to home and threateningly personal. "Our brains are hardwired to respond to threat cues," says Ms Tayal. "Even an unlikely event will feel like a personal risk when it's sensationalized or emotionally jarring."How to Recognize the Signs of Flight Anxiety?If you're avoiding travel, unwilling to get on airplanes, or preoccupied with air safety, you might have clinical aerophobia. In addition to discomfort, you might experience:Panic attacks during or prior to flyingFlight avoidance mediaOverresearching crash records or airline safetyRepetitive behaviors (reviewing weather forecasts, switching seats)Interference with sleep prior to departure or illness due to tensionExpert-Backed Strategies to Overcome AerophobiaWhile aerophobia can feel paralyzing, it’s highly treatable. Experts recommend a mix of self-help techniques and professional interventions.1. Cognitive RestructuringChallenge irrational fears by learning facts about flight safety. Avoid sensational news and instead focus on what you’re looking forward to. Keep a mental list of safe flight experiences.2. Relaxation TechniquesPractice slow breathing with a soothing word such as "peace." It reduces the heart rate and quenches stress hormone activity. Mindfulness techniques and progressive muscle relaxation can also keep your body connected.3. Cope Ahead VisualizationRehearse a peaceful flight experience in your mind—from getting on the plane to arrival. Visualization can get your brain thinking about flying as an ordinary, safe thing.4. Use Distraction ToolsCrossword puzzles, backward counting, reading, or soothing videos can break the worry loop mid-flight.5. Support SystemTravel with a supportive friend and inform them of your triggers. Advance briefing with sympathetic airline personnel can also smooth pre-flight anxiety.6. Gradual Exposure TherapyBegin with short flights or utilize flight simulators to rewire gradually, exposing yourself to incrementally longer flights. Safe repetition is shown to decrease sensitivity over time.7. Professional Assistance is EffectiveCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Therapy are gold-standard treatments. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Virtual Reality Therapy are increasingly proving to be effective treatments."Any psychologist can help the person walk through CBT in order to cope with irrational thoughts," Ms Tayal says. "For tackling these maladaptive thoughts and irrational fears, we do graded exposure, EMDR, or virtual reality. Relaxation training, mindfulness, and grounding are all important too."Coping Tools to Practice on the GroundGrounding Techniques: Utilize the 5 senses to remain engaged in the moment.Mindfulness: Practice non-judgmental attention to your thoughts and bodily sensations.Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Release tension to decrease physiological arousal.Professional Monitoring: When anxiety arises from underlying trauma or generalized anxiety disorder, a psychiatrist may assist in regulating underlying causes.Can Aerophobia Come Back After Treatment?Yes—but long-term results are promising. Research indicates that individuals treated with CBT tend to sustain outcomes for three years or longer. Occasional therapy "booster shots" or regular practice of coping techniques can ward off relapse.How to Prevent and Manage Aerophobia?There is no guaranteed way to prevent aerophobia, but there are some habits of daily living that can definitely minimize its effect. Steering clear of such stimulants as alcohol or caffeine prior to a flight will keep anxiety under control. Open discussion of your apprehension with intimate family members, friends, or a support group is also crucial, as it helps lessen the emotional load. Shying away from solitary confinement is equally crucial—sharing space with people who are going through the same thing can provide reassurance and confirmation. Finally, remaining attuned to your own mental health and being proactive in seeking assistance early, particularly if symptoms persist or intensify, can make a tangible difference in dealing with flight-related anxiety.Flight anxiety exists, and tragedies such as the Air India crash can be daunting but you are not alone, and your fear is not something to be ashamed of. With appropriate tools, techniques, and support, the skies don't have to be so frightening.

air india crash may have triggered flight anxiety in millions, expert shares how to overcome aerophobia

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Ananda Lewis, Former MTV Host Who Shared Her Breast Cancer Story To The World Passes Away At 52

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<span>Ananda Lewis</span>, celebrated TV host known for her authenticity and warmth, passed away at 52 after a long and brave battle with <span>breast cancer</span>. Once a beloved face on BET’s Teen Summit and MTV’s Total Request Live, she used her platform to engage young audiences with pressing social issues and celebrity interviews that left a mark.

Lewis first came into the spotlight through BET’s Teen Summit, where she led candid conversations on challenges facing Black youth. Her interviews with figures like Kobe Bryant, Tupac Shakur, and Hillary Clinton earned her critical acclaim, including an NAACP Image Award.

In 1997, she joined MTV, becoming a key voice on MTV Live, Hot Zone, and TRL. Though her move sparked criticism, she remained unapologetic. “Growth is necessary,” she told the Associated Press. “You’ve got to get out there and live your life.”

She later launched The Ananda Lewis Show in 2001, a daytime talk show aimed at real conversations, even if it followed a familiar format. The show lasted one season, but Lewis remained a powerful presence, later joining The Insider as a correspondent.

<h4>Breast <span rel="noindex">Cancer</span> Journey That She Shared With The World</h4>

In 2020, Lewis revealed that she had been living with stage 3 breast cancer since 2018—later advancing to stage 4. Her diagnosis came after years of ignoring persistent inflammation linked to mastitis from breastfeeding. A lump discovered in her right breast led to a biopsy, confirming it was invasive carcinoma.

Instead of following a conventional medical path, Lewis chose alternative treatments. “I wanted to understand why my body created cancer and how to change the terrain,” she explained. She focused on diet changes, stress management, detoxing, and holistic therapies like high-dose vitamin C, acupuncture, and cryoablation.

Lewis moved to Arizona in 2020 for 16 weeks of intensive integrative treatment. Her cancer reduced from stage 3 to 2 and was no longer in her lymph nodes. But the journey wasn’t without hardship—financial struggles and insurance lapses made consistent treatment difficult.

In early 2023, a scan showed the tumor had grown slightly, but it had not spread. She underwent electrical ablation in Mexico, which unfortunately didn’t succeed. By October 2023, a PET scan confirmed the cancer had advanced to stage 4. Still, Lewis continued treatment and saw significant improvement by January 2024.

Lewis was candid about her journey, using her story to raise awareness about early detection and holistic health. “Stage 4 doesn’t mean the end,” she said. “It means I have to do more.”

Her message to women was clear: be proactive. Prioritize mammograms, manage stress, sleep well, and adopt a clean lifestyle. “If I had known what I know now ten years ago, perhaps I wouldn’t have ended up here,” she said.

“I want to look back and say—I did that exactly how I wanted to,” Lewis reflected. Her legacy is one of resilience, wisdom, and an enduring belief in the right to choose one’s own path—even through cancer.

Ananda Lewis cancer survivor dies at 52

health and wellness

cancer

breast cancer

cancer survivor

Ananda Lewis

Ananda Lewis, celebrated TV host known for her authenticity and warmth, passed away at 52 after a long and brave battle with breast cancer. Once a beloved face on BET’s Teen Summit and MTV’s Total Request Live, she used her platform to engage young audiences with pressing social issues and celebrity interviews that left a mark.A Powerful Presence on ScreenLewis first came into the spotlight through BET’s Teen Summit, where she led candid conversations on challenges facing Black youth. Her interviews with figures like Kobe Bryant, Tupac Shakur, and Hillary Clinton earned her critical acclaim, including an NAACP Image Award.In 1997, she joined MTV, becoming a key voice on MTV Live, Hot Zone, and TRL. Though her move sparked criticism, she remained unapologetic. “Growth is necessary,” she told the Associated Press. “You’ve got to get out there and live your life.”She later launched The Ananda Lewis Show in 2001, a daytime talk show aimed at real conversations, even if it followed a familiar format. The show lasted one season, but Lewis remained a powerful presence, later joining The Insider as a correspondent.Breast Cancer Journey That She Shared With The WorldIn 2020, Lewis revealed that she had been living with stage 3 breast cancer since 2018—later advancing to stage 4. Her diagnosis came after years of ignoring persistent inflammation linked to mastitis from breastfeeding. A lump discovered in her right breast led to a biopsy, confirming it was invasive carcinoma.Instead of following a conventional medical path, Lewis chose alternative treatments. “I wanted to understand why my body created cancer and how to change the terrain,” she explained. She focused on diet changes, stress management, detoxing, and holistic therapies like high-dose vitamin C, acupuncture, and cryoablation.A Different Kind of BattleLewis moved to Arizona in 2020 for 16 weeks of intensive integrative treatment. Her cancer reduced from stage 3 to 2 and was no longer in her lymph nodes. But the journey wasn’t without hardship—financial struggles and insurance lapses made consistent treatment difficult.In early 2023, a scan showed the tumor had grown slightly, but it had not spread. She underwent electrical ablation in Mexico, which unfortunately didn’t succeed. By October 2023, a PET scan confirmed the cancer had advanced to stage 4. Still, Lewis continued treatment and saw significant improvement by January 2024.Lewis was candid about her journey, using her story to raise awareness about early detection and holistic health. “Stage 4 doesn’t mean the end,” she said. “It means I have to do more.”Her message to women was clear: be proactive. Prioritize mammograms, manage stress, sleep well, and adopt a clean lifestyle. “If I had known what I know now ten years ago, perhaps I wouldn’t have ended up here,” she said.“I want to look back and say—I did that exactly how I wanted to,” Lewis reflected. Her legacy is one of resilience, wisdom, and an enduring belief in the right to choose one’s own path—even through cancer.

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