Health and Me

Tanya Dutt

From Loneliness To Overstimulation: Psychologist Explains How COVID-19 Pandemic Changed Our Mental Health In 5 Years

From Loneliness To Overstimulation: Psychologist Explains How COVID Changed Our Mental Health In 5 Years

When <span>COVID-19</span> first emerged in late 2019, few would have imagined the deep and enduring impact that it would have on our emotional and <span>mental health</span>. What started as an immediate public health emergency—characterized by lockdowns, travel restrictions, and social distancing—soon became a turning point in society. Streets lay empty, offices shut down, and houses became classrooms, gyms, and offices for weeks on end. While survival was the first concern—saving lives, avoiding infection—another crisis was building in the background, unobtrusively remaking the way we think, feel, and connect.

Today, five years later, the after-effects of those times continue to mold our emotional lives. Psychologist Sneha Shivarajan witnessed the transformation firsthand, working with clients across the different ages and backgrounds. What she observed is that while the pandemic years were characterized by intense stress and uncertainty, the post-pandemic era has its own multifaceted challenges.

"Grief, anxiety, and loneliness were all present prior to COVID-19," Shivarajan states, "but the pandemic thrust them into the spotlight." The collective trauma of a global health pandemic made individuals more attuned and more outspoken about unease they may have previously suppressed.

One of the most significant shifts has been the normalization of asking for help. The pre- and post-pandemic prevalence of telecounseling and virtual therapy sessions dissolved geographical and social boundaries to access mental health care. Something that began out of necessity during lockdowns has continued, as widespread global events—geopolitical turbulence, economic insecurity, environmental worry—cause individuals to continue accessing virtual realms for advice and community.

These platforms provided a safe, accessible means for people to deal with their emotional needs, and they've made discussion about loneliness and mental pressure much less stigmatized.

Also Read: <a href="http://healthandme.com/health-news/is-stratus-covid-variant-the-pandemics-next-chapter-in-2025-with-new-symptoms-article-152442256" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow noreferrer" rel= "noopener nofollow noreferrer" target= "_blank">Is 'Stratus' COVID Variant The Pandemic’s Next Chapter In 2025 With New Symptoms?</a>

<h2>What Are The Emotional Patterns That Surfaced and Stayed?</h2>

Lockdowns produced a never-before-seen social experiment- roommates, partners, and families all in the same physical space together for weeks on end with no natural respite. For a few, it strengthened relationships; for others, it raised unspoken tensions.

"I’ve had clients tell me their relationship with their parents changed completely during the pandemic," Shivarajan explains. "Being around each other 24/7 brought out personality traits and habits that had never surfaced before." Conflicts that could once be avoided were suddenly unavoidable.

Meanwhile, technology became a lifeline for social connection. Virtual friendships, online romance, and remote socializing transitioned from alternative to mainstream behavior. Individuals held virtual happy hours, participated in online workouts, and even watched movies together in real-time. For many, this wasn't a temporary stopgap measure—it was the start of a new, hybrid form of relating.

The concept of "quality time" has broadened to encompass shared screens, group messaging, and hybrid experiences, where face-to-face isn't always required for closeness.

<h2>A New Generation Finding Their Way Through Identity and Overstimulation</h2>

For young adults and teenagers, the pandemic came during a critical stage in their emotional and cognitive development. With schools shut down and social life going online, their source of information burst open—ranging from climate activism to personal issues such as intimacy and mental health.

Though this stream of information is liberating, it is not without its price. "Too many young people are overwhelmed," claims Shivarajan. "They doubt themselves, fret about the future, and sometimes feel immobilized by the sheer amount of what they know."

But there's also resilience. This generation is not afraid to make their voices heard. They've embraced social media, grassroots activism, and community organizing to express themselves and call for change. The challenge is figuring out how to balance awareness with self-care, so activism doesn't spiral into burnout.

<h2>Subtle Signs of Lingering Pandemic Stress</h2>

Even for individuals who describe themselves as "back to normal," the body has a different narrative. Shivarajan cites indicators such as chronic irritability, decreased concentration, repeated illnesses, and an unshakeable feeling of restlessness as proof that unprocessed pandemic stress still lingers.

These aren't random symptoms—they're messages. "Your body is trying to inform you there's more going on underneath," she says. To acknowledge these patterns is the first step in healing, but the work is very individual.

For some, recovery might mean building a stronger social network. For others, it could involve adopting new self-care routines, scaling back on commitments, or working with a therapist. Shivarajan emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all solution: "Each person is the sailor of their own ship. Even if we’re all navigating the same waves, our ships are different."

The last five years have shown that mental health is not a fixed condition—it's a dynamic response to our surroundings, relationships, and global events. COVID-19 was more than an interlude; it was a profound transformation in the way we live and connect with each other.

We've transitioned from a time of solitude to one of almost ceaseless stimulation, from loneliness to Information Overload. The technology we've created—teletherapy, virtual connections, flexible work arrangements—isn't going away. But it needs to be used mindfully, so that it strengthens not degrades our well-being.

In Shivarajan's view, awareness is the key. "If the pandemic taught us anything, it's that mental health is worth prioritizing before crisis hits. We need to keep listening—to our bodies, our emotions, and to each other."

Five years later, the takeaways are obvious: loss can prompt openness, technology can close distances, and proximity—whether physical or virtual—continues to be an essential component of healing. The task now is to bring those lessons with us, constructing a culture of mental health that is long-lasting, resilient, and profoundly human.

<em>Sneha Shivarajan is a consultant psychologist at Good Wave Foundation in India</em>

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When COVID-19 first emerged in late 2019, few would have imagined the deep and enduring impact that it would have on our emotional and mental health. What started as an immediate public health emergency—characterized by lockdowns, travel restrictions, and social distancing—soon became a turning point in society. Streets lay empty, offices shut down, and houses became classrooms, gyms, and offices for weeks on end. While survival was the first concern—saving lives, avoiding infection—another crisis was building in the background, unobtrusively remaking the way we think, feel, and connect.Today, five years later, the after-effects of those times continue to mold our emotional lives. Psychologist Sneha Shivarajan witnessed the transformation firsthand, working with clients across the different ages and backgrounds. What she observed is that while the pandemic years were characterized by intense stress and uncertainty, the post-pandemic era has its own multifaceted challenges."Grief, anxiety, and loneliness were all present prior to COVID-19," Shivarajan states, "but the pandemic thrust them into the spotlight." The collective trauma of a global health pandemic made individuals more attuned and more outspoken about unease they may have previously suppressed.One of the most significant shifts has been the normalization of asking for help. The pre- and post-pandemic prevalence of telecounseling and virtual therapy sessions dissolved geographical and social boundaries to access mental health care. Something that began out of necessity during lockdowns has continued, as widespread global events—geopolitical turbulence, economic insecurity, environmental worry—cause individuals to continue accessing virtual realms for advice and community.These platforms provided a safe, accessible means for people to deal with their emotional needs, and they've made discussion about loneliness and mental pressure much less stigmatized.Also Read: Is 'Stratus' COVID Variant The Pandemic’s Next Chapter In 2025 With New Symptoms?What Are The Emotional Patterns That Surfaced and Stayed?Lockdowns produced a never-before-seen social experiment- roommates, partners, and families all in the same physical space together for weeks on end with no natural respite. For a few, it strengthened relationships; for others, it raised unspoken tensions."I’ve had clients tell me their relationship with their parents changed completely during the pandemic," Shivarajan explains. "Being around each other 24/7 brought out personality traits and habits that had never surfaced before." Conflicts that could once be avoided were suddenly unavoidable.Meanwhile, technology became a lifeline for social connection. Virtual friendships, online romance, and remote socializing transitioned from alternative to mainstream behavior. Individuals held virtual happy hours, participated in online workouts, and even watched movies together in real-time. For many, this wasn't a temporary stopgap measure—it was the start of a new, hybrid form of relating.The concept of "quality time" has broadened to encompass shared screens, group messaging, and hybrid experiences, where face-to-face isn't always required for closeness.A New Generation Finding Their Way Through Identity and OverstimulationFor young adults and teenagers, the pandemic came during a critical stage in their emotional and cognitive development. With schools shut down and social life going online, their source of information burst open—ranging from climate activism to personal issues such as intimacy and mental health.Though this stream of information is liberating, it is not without its price. "Too many young people are overwhelmed," claims Shivarajan. "They doubt themselves, fret about the future, and sometimes feel immobilized by the sheer amount of what they know."But there's also resilience. This generation is not afraid to make their voices heard. They've embraced social media, grassroots activism, and community organizing to express themselves and call for change. The challenge is figuring out how to balance awareness with self-care, so activism doesn't spiral into burnout.Subtle Signs of Lingering Pandemic StressEven for individuals who describe themselves as "back to normal," the body has a different narrative. Shivarajan cites indicators such as chronic irritability, decreased concentration, repeated illnesses, and an unshakeable feeling of restlessness as proof that unprocessed pandemic stress still lingers.These aren't random symptoms—they're messages. "Your body is trying to inform you there's more going on underneath," she says. To acknowledge these patterns is the first step in healing, but the work is very individual.For some, recovery might mean building a stronger social network. For others, it could involve adopting new self-care routines, scaling back on commitments, or working with a therapist. Shivarajan emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all solution: "Each person is the sailor of their own ship. Even if we’re all navigating the same waves, our ships are different."The last five years have shown that mental health is not a fixed condition—it's a dynamic response to our surroundings, relationships, and global events. COVID-19 was more than an interlude; it was a profound transformation in the way we live and connect with each other.We've transitioned from a time of solitude to one of almost ceaseless stimulation, from loneliness to Information Overload. The technology we've created—teletherapy, virtual connections, flexible work arrangements—isn't going away. But it needs to be used mindfully, so that it strengthens not degrades our well-being.In Shivarajan's view, awareness is the key. "If the pandemic taught us anything, it's that mental health is worth prioritizing before crisis hits. We need to keep listening—to our bodies, our emotions, and to each other."Five years later, the takeaways are obvious: loss can prompt openness, technology can close distances, and proximity—whether physical or virtual—continues to be an essential component of healing. The task now is to bring those lessons with us, constructing a culture of mental health that is long-lasting, resilient, and profoundly human.Sneha Shivarajan is a consultant psychologist at Good Wave Foundation in India

from loneliness to overstimulation: psychologist explains how covid-19 pandemic changed our mental health in 5 years

Supriya Ramesh

What is Pulmonary Fibrosis?

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If you’ve been coughing for weeks, blaming it on “lingering winter sniffles” or chalking it up to “just getting older,” it might be time to step away from the cough syrup and lean in for some uncomfortable truth. Your cough could be more than a seasonal annoyance. In rare but serious cases, it could be a red flag for a life-limiting condition called <span>pulmonary fibrosis</span>.

 <strong>What is Pulmonary Fibrosis?</strong>

In plain terms, “pulmonary” means lungs, and “fibrosis” means scarring. It’s a serious, progressive condition where lung tissue becomes scarred and stiff, making it increasingly hard to breathe.

 Reportedly, there’s currently no cure. Treatments exist, but they mainly slow down the damage rather than reverse it. The sooner you get diagnosed, the better your chances of managing symptoms and that’s where spotting the signs early is crucial.

 <ul>  Shortness of breath (especially when climbing stairs or speed-walking to catch the bus)</ul>

  <li> Clubbing of fingers and toes </li>

   <strong>Why That Cough Happens</strong>

 Coughing is your body’s bouncer, booting out anything that might harm your lungs — dust, smoke, rogue crumbs, the works. The process involves your vocal cords clamping shut, then snapping open with a burst of air.

 With pulmonary fibrosis, this reflex can get stuck on a loop. Coughing irritates the vocal cords, which makes you cough more, which irritates them further, a vicious cycle that can turn even a quiet cup of tea into a coughing fit.

 <strong>The Four Flavours of Cough</strong>

 <ol>  <strong>Acute cough</strong> – Lasts less than three weeks; often tied to infections or irritants.</ol>

  <li> <strong>Sub-acute cough</strong> – Sticks around for three to eight weeks; can be linked to slow recovery after illness or conditions like whooping cough.</li>

  <li> <strong><span rel="noindex">Chronic cough</span></strong> – Lingers for more than eight weeks and often signals a long-term respiratory issue.</li>

  <li> <strong><span rel="noindex">Refractory cough</span></strong> – Ignores your treatment plan entirely and just keeps going.</li>

 <ul>  <strong>Dry/unproductive</strong> – Triggered by things like temperature changes, dusty air, or laughing.</ul>

  <li> <strong>Productive</strong> – Clears mucus or anything that’s wandered into the lungs’ “no entry” zone.</li>

 While pulmonary fibrosis can happen to anyone, your risk might be higher if you:

  <li> Have a family history of <span rel="noindex">lung scarring</span></li>

  <li> Have had long-term exposure to dust, smoke, or fumes</li>

  <li> Take certain medications known to irritate the lungs</li>

  <li> Live with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)</li>

A pulmonary fibrosis cough often doesn’t respond to standard cough medicines. Instead, treatment usually focuses on easing symptoms and improving quality of life.

 Your doc may recommend alternative medications used for chronic cough in other conditions. These don’t cure the scarring but can make the coughing less intrusive. They’ll also want to check for other contributing factors like acid reflux, sinus issues, or side effects from medication, because if those are making things worse, tackling them can help.

 While you work with your doctor, you can try a few lifestyle tweaks to manage coughing fits:

 <ul>  Avoid smoky, dusty, or heavily polluted spaces</ul>

  <li> Stay hydrated to soothe irritated airways</li>

  <li> Use a humidifier to keep the air moist</li>

  <li> Rest your voice and avoid speaking over loud noise (which can strain the vocal cords)</li>

  <li> Practise gentle breathing exercises recommended by your care team</li>

 Pulmonary fibrosis is rare, but catching it early can mean more treatment options and better management. Plus, you’ll finally know whether your cough is from a stubborn cold or something that needs closer attention. Your cough could be a harmless side effect of a dusty ceiling fan or it could be your body waving a red flag. 

pulmonary fibrosis

chronic cough

lung scarring

breathlessness

dry cough

productive cough

refractory cough

lung health

pulmonary fibrosis symptoms

pulmonary fibrosis treatment

If you’ve been coughing for weeks, blaming it on “lingering winter sniffles” or chalking it up to “just getting older,” it might be time to step away from the cough syrup and lean in for some uncomfortable truth. Your cough could be more than a seasonal annoyance. In rare but serious cases, it could be a red flag for a life-limiting condition called pulmonary fibrosis. What is Pulmonary Fibrosis?In plain terms, “pulmonary” means lungs, and “fibrosis” means scarring. It’s a serious, progressive condition where lung tissue becomes scarred and stiff, making it increasingly hard to breathe. Reportedly, there’s currently no cure. Treatments exist, but they mainly slow down the damage rather than reverse it. The sooner you get diagnosed, the better your chances of managing symptoms and that’s where spotting the signs early is crucial.Symptoms to Watch For   Shortness of breath (especially when climbing stairs or speed-walking to catch the bus)   Fatigue    Unexplained weight loss   Clubbing of fingers and toes    Why That Cough Happens Coughing is your body’s bouncer, booting out anything that might harm your lungs — dust, smoke, rogue crumbs, the works. The process involves your vocal cords clamping shut, then snapping open with a burst of air. With pulmonary fibrosis, this reflex can get stuck on a loop. Coughing irritates the vocal cords, which makes you cough more, which irritates them further, a vicious cycle that can turn even a quiet cup of tea into a coughing fit. The Four Flavours of Cough   Acute cough – Lasts less than three weeks; often tied to infections or irritants.   Sub-acute cough – Sticks around for three to eight weeks; can be linked to slow recovery after illness or conditions like whooping cough.   Chronic cough – Lingers for more than eight weeks and often signals a long-term respiratory issue.   Refractory cough – Ignores your treatment plan entirely and just keeps going.   Coughs can also be:   Dry/unproductive – Triggered by things like temperature changes, dusty air, or laughing.   Productive – Clears mucus or anything that’s wandered into the lungs’ “no entry” zone.   Who’s More at Risk? While pulmonary fibrosis can happen to anyone, your risk might be higher if you:   Are over 50   Have a family history of lung scarring   Have had long-term exposure to dust, smoke, or fumes   Take certain medications known to irritate the lungs   Live with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)   Managing the CoughA pulmonary fibrosis cough often doesn’t respond to standard cough medicines. Instead, treatment usually focuses on easing symptoms and improving quality of life. Your doc may recommend alternative medications used for chronic cough in other conditions. These don’t cure the scarring but can make the coughing less intrusive. They’ll also want to check for other contributing factors like acid reflux, sinus issues, or side effects from medication, because if those are making things worse, tackling them can help. Everyday Coping Tricks While you work with your doctor, you can try a few lifestyle tweaks to manage coughing fits:   Avoid smoky, dusty, or heavily polluted spaces   Stay hydrated to soothe irritated airways   Use a humidifier to keep the air moist   Rest your voice and avoid speaking over loud noise (which can strain the vocal cords)   Practise gentle breathing exercises recommended by your care team Pulmonary fibrosis is rare, but catching it early can mean more treatment options and better management. Plus, you’ll finally know whether your cough is from a stubborn cold or something that needs closer attention. Your cough could be a harmless side effect of a dusty ceiling fan or it could be your body waving a red flag. 

what is pulmonary fibrosis and why that annoying cough might be more than just a cold

Scientist Reveals the Tiny Foods That Can Transform Your Cholesterol in Just 10 Days

Credits: Canva

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If you’ve ever stared at a packet of mixed nuts wondering whether to sprinkle them over your porridge or just eat them by the handful, here’s your permission slip: go for it. According to Dr Sarah Berry, a professor at King’s College London and Chief Scientist at ZOE, nuts and seeds are not just snackable; they are good for cholesterol crunching. In fact, swap some of your less healthy fats for these nutritional powerhouses, and you could lower your cholesterol by up to 10 per cent in just 10 days. That is faster than most fad diets.

<h3>The 10-Day Cholesterol Challenge</h3>

High cholesterol often feels like one of those invisible problems, until it suddenly is not. It can quietly build up in your arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. But Dr Berry, during an appearance on the Zoe podcast, said that you can make a real difference in under two weeks by tweaking, not overhauling, your diet. It’s not about eating less fat; it’s about eating the right kind of fat.

And this is where most people get it wrong. “Don’t do a low-fat diet,” Dr Berry warns, calling the idea “radical” to anyone still following decades-old advice. Instead, aim for a moderate-fat diet rich in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats—exactly the kinds you’ll find in nuts, seeds, and certain oils.

<h3>Why Low-Fat Diets Miss the Point</h3>

It is tempting to think cutting fat will cut cholesterol, but Dr Berry explains that’s a trap. Not all fats are bad. Saturated fats, found in red meat and some processed foods, can push LDL cholesterol—often dubbed “bad” cholesterol—into dangerous territory. But polyunsaturated fats, abundant in seeds, seed oils, and many nuts, do the opposite.

Simply adding nuts to your meals, whether as a snack, salad topping, or nut butter, can slash LDL cholesterol by 5 to 10 per cent. You have to make a swap. This benefit comes from replacing “harmful” fats, like those in certain animal products and fried foods, with healthier plant-based fats.

Sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, chia seeds—they’re all loaded with polyunsaturated fatty acids that support heart health. Stir them into yoghurt, blend them into smoothies, or scatter them over roasted veggies. You’ll barely notice the extra effort, but your arteries will thank you.

Seed oils, like sunflower and flaxseed oil, can also be smart choices in moderation, adding healthy fats to your cooking without the cholesterol-raising impact of certain animal fats.

<h3>Rethinking Dairy, Meat, and Carbs</h3>

Dr Berry isn’t out to demonise all animal products. Fermented dairy like yoghurt and cheese gets a surprising green light. These foods, she says, don’t have the cholesterol-raising effect you might expect from their saturated fat content. That’s not permission to live on brie and cheddar, but it is a reason to stop fearing your cheese board.

Red meat, however, is a different story. Packed with saturated fats, it’s a direct contributor to rising cholesterol levels. Swapping steak nights for lentil stews or chickpea curries a couple of times a week could make a noticeable difference to your numbers.

Then there’s the carbohydrate conundrum. The real trouble lies with refined carbs like white bread, white rice, and sugary snacks. These are rapidly processed by your body and can be converted into triglycerides, which worsen cholesterol profiles. But whole grains are firmly in the “good for you” column. Wholegrain bread, brown rice, oats, and quinoa can help improve cholesterol levels when they replace the refined stuff.

<h3>Building Your 10-Day Cholesterol Menu</h3>

Swap your morning white toast for porridge topped with walnuts and chia seeds. Your mid-morning biscuit could become a small handful of almonds. At lunch, toss sunflower seeds into your salad, and use olive or sunflower oil for dressing. Dinner might feature grilled salmon or chickpeas instead of steak, with a side of quinoa instead of white rice.

Cholesterol levels can be surprisingly responsive to dietary changes. LDL cholesterol particles are constantly being produced and cleared from your bloodstream. When you replace saturated fats with healthier fats, you improve your body’s ability to remove LDL cholesterol. Combine that with reducing refined carbs and upping your wholegrain intake, and the improvement can be measurable in just days.

Dr Berry’s advice is refreshingly realistic: no calorie counting, no extreme restrictions, just sensible swaps. It’s about building habits you can maintain beyond the initial 10 days, keeping your cholesterol low for the long haul.

Forget the idea that lowering cholesterol means bland food and joyless salads. With nuts, seeds, and the right fats, you can eat deliciously and still give your heart a health boost in record time. 

nuts and seeds for cholesterol

cholesterol advice

lower cholesterol in 10 days

healthy fats vs saturated fats

polyunsaturated fats benefits

ldl cholesterol reduction

seeds for heart health

whole grains and cholesterol

low fat diet myths

cholesterol friendly meal swaps

If you’ve ever stared at a packet of mixed nuts wondering whether to sprinkle them over your porridge or just eat them by the handful, here’s your permission slip: go for it. According to Dr Sarah Berry, a professor at King’s College London and Chief Scientist at ZOE, nuts and seeds are not just snackable; they are good for cholesterol crunching. In fact, swap some of your less healthy fats for these nutritional powerhouses, and you could lower your cholesterol by up to 10 per cent in just 10 days. That is faster than most fad diets.The 10-Day Cholesterol ChallengeHigh cholesterol often feels like one of those invisible problems, until it suddenly is not. It can quietly build up in your arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. But Dr Berry, during an appearance on the Zoe podcast, said that you can make a real difference in under two weeks by tweaking, not overhauling, your diet. It’s not about eating less fat; it’s about eating the right kind of fat.And this is where most people get it wrong. “Don’t do a low-fat diet,” Dr Berry warns, calling the idea “radical” to anyone still following decades-old advice. Instead, aim for a moderate-fat diet rich in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats—exactly the kinds you’ll find in nuts, seeds, and certain oils.Why Low-Fat Diets Miss the PointIt is tempting to think cutting fat will cut cholesterol, but Dr Berry explains that’s a trap. Not all fats are bad. Saturated fats, found in red meat and some processed foods, can push LDL cholesterol—often dubbed “bad” cholesterol—into dangerous territory. But polyunsaturated fats, abundant in seeds, seed oils, and many nuts, do the opposite.Simply adding nuts to your meals, whether as a snack, salad topping, or nut butter, can slash LDL cholesterol by 5 to 10 per cent. You have to make a swap. This benefit comes from replacing “harmful” fats, like those in certain animal products and fried foods, with healthier plant-based fats.Seeds: The Cholesterol FightersSunflower seeds, flaxseeds, chia seeds—they’re all loaded with polyunsaturated fatty acids that support heart health. Stir them into yoghurt, blend them into smoothies, or scatter them over roasted veggies. You’ll barely notice the extra effort, but your arteries will thank you.Seed oils, like sunflower and flaxseed oil, can also be smart choices in moderation, adding healthy fats to your cooking without the cholesterol-raising impact of certain animal fats.Rethinking Dairy, Meat, and CarbsDr Berry isn’t out to demonise all animal products. Fermented dairy like yoghurt and cheese gets a surprising green light. These foods, she says, don’t have the cholesterol-raising effect you might expect from their saturated fat content. That’s not permission to live on brie and cheddar, but it is a reason to stop fearing your cheese board.Red meat, however, is a different story. Packed with saturated fats, it’s a direct contributor to rising cholesterol levels. Swapping steak nights for lentil stews or chickpea curries a couple of times a week could make a noticeable difference to your numbers.Then there’s the carbohydrate conundrum. The real trouble lies with refined carbs like white bread, white rice, and sugary snacks. These are rapidly processed by your body and can be converted into triglycerides, which worsen cholesterol profiles. But whole grains are firmly in the “good for you” column. Wholegrain bread, brown rice, oats, and quinoa can help improve cholesterol levels when they replace the refined stuff.Building Your 10-Day Cholesterol MenuSwap your morning white toast for porridge topped with walnuts and chia seeds. Your mid-morning biscuit could become a small handful of almonds. At lunch, toss sunflower seeds into your salad, and use olive or sunflower oil for dressing. Dinner might feature grilled salmon or chickpeas instead of steak, with a side of quinoa instead of white rice.Why This Works So FastCholesterol levels can be surprisingly responsive to dietary changes. LDL cholesterol particles are constantly being produced and cleared from your bloodstream. When you replace saturated fats with healthier fats, you improve your body’s ability to remove LDL cholesterol. Combine that with reducing refined carbs and upping your wholegrain intake, and the improvement can be measurable in just days.Dr Berry’s advice is refreshingly realistic: no calorie counting, no extreme restrictions, just sensible swaps. It’s about building habits you can maintain beyond the initial 10 days, keeping your cholesterol low for the long haul.Forget the idea that lowering cholesterol means bland food and joyless salads. With nuts, seeds, and the right fats, you can eat deliciously and still give your heart a health boost in record time. 

scientist reveals the tiny foods that can transform your cholesterol in just 10 days

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You walk out of the <span>tattoo studio</span> with fresh ink that looks bold, bright, and perfect. But within a few days, you notice the colours seem duller, almost blurred. Do not worry! This cloudy look is a normal part of healing. According to dermatologists and <span>tattoo</span> artists, that milky veil over your design is not the end of your tattoo dreams. It is simply your skin doing its job.

As Dr Pragati Gogia Jain, DNB (Dermatology) at ApolloMedics Hospital, Lucknow, explains, our skin has layers. The top layer, called the <span>epidermis</span>, is made up of <span>keratinocytes</span>. When these cells are young, they’re packed with organelles and nuclei, making them opaque. As they mature, they lose these structures, becoming more transparent.

When you get a tattoo, the needle bypasses the epidermis and deposits pigment in the dermis. This process causes a controlled injury, triggering inflammation. In the days that follow, damaged keratinocytes in the <span>epidermis start shedding</span> (desquamation), and the fresh replacements are immature and cloudy.

“This cloudy layer scatters light, making the tattoo look dull,” says Dr Jain. “It’s temporary, and as the epidermis completes its 28-day turnover cycle, your tattoo will regain its clarity.”

<h3>What’s Happening Beneath the Tattoo Ink</h3>

Sahil Bali, tattoo artist at Devil’z Tattooz, says the fresh-out-of-the-studio vibrancy is like an Instagram filter: beautiful, but fleeting. “Right after we finish, the ink is just beneath intact skin, so the colours look sharp,” he says. “But as your immune system gets to work, a thin layer of scabbing or <span>peeling skin</span> forms. It’s made of dried <span>plasma</span>, old skin flakes, and natural oils, which aren’t transparent.”

This layer dulls the appearance of the tattoo. From day four to day ten, peeling starts. The temptation to pick at those flakes is real, but doing so can yank out pigment and cause patchy healing. “Hands off is the golden rule,” warns Bali.

<h3>Why <span rel="noindex">Tattoo Aftercare</span> Matters</h3>

While most cloudiness is part of the healing process, poor aftercare can make it worse. Dr Jain says that slathering on too much ointment can trap moisture between skin layers, creating a hazy effect. Over-moisturising can also make the peeling phase messy, while under-moisturising can slow healing.

<strong>The golden trio of aftercare:</strong>

<ul><li>Keep it clean, but not soaking wet</li><li>Moisturise lightly with fragrance-free ointment or lotion</li><li>Avoid scratching, picking, or exfoliating the area until it’s fully healed</li></ul>

You walk out of the tattoo studio with fresh ink that looks bold, bright, and perfect. But within a few days, you notice the colours seem duller, almost blurred. Do not worry! This cloudy look is a normal part of healing. According to dermatologists and tattoo artists, that milky veil over your design is not the end of your tattoo dreams. It is simply your skin doing its job.The Science of the Skin ScreenAs Dr Pragati Gogia Jain, DNB (Dermatology) at ApolloMedics Hospital, Lucknow, explains, our skin has layers. The top layer, called the epidermis, is made up of keratinocytes. When these cells are young, they’re packed with organelles and nuclei, making them opaque. As they mature, they lose these structures, becoming more transparent.When you get a tattoo, the needle bypasses the epidermis and deposits pigment in the dermis. This process causes a controlled injury, triggering inflammation. In the days that follow, damaged keratinocytes in the epidermis start shedding (desquamation), and the fresh replacements are immature and cloudy.“This cloudy layer scatters light, making the tattoo look dull,” says Dr Jain. “It’s temporary, and as the epidermis completes its 28-day turnover cycle, your tattoo will regain its clarity.”What’s Happening Beneath the Tattoo InkSahil Bali, tattoo artist at Devil’z Tattooz, says the fresh-out-of-the-studio vibrancy is like an Instagram filter: beautiful, but fleeting. “Right after we finish, the ink is just beneath intact skin, so the colours look sharp,” he says. “But as your immune system gets to work, a thin layer of scabbing or peeling skin forms. It’s made of dried plasma, old skin flakes, and natural oils, which aren’t transparent.”This layer dulls the appearance of the tattoo. From day four to day ten, peeling starts. The temptation to pick at those flakes is real, but doing so can yank out pigment and cause patchy healing. “Hands off is the golden rule,” warns Bali.Why Tattoo Aftercare MattersWhile most cloudiness is part of the healing process, poor aftercare can make it worse. Dr Jain says that slathering on too much ointment can trap moisture between skin layers, creating a hazy effect. Over-moisturising can also make the peeling phase messy, while under-moisturising can slow healing.The golden trio of aftercare:Keep it clean, but not soaking wetMoisturise lightly with fragrance-free ointment or lotionAvoid scratching, picking, or exfoliating the area until it’s fully healedThe Healing Timeline: What to ExpectWeek 1: Swelling and inflammation can make colours look slightly different. Cloudiness starts to creep in.Week 2: Peeling is in full swing, and the haze is most noticeable. Do not pick.Weeks 3–4: New skin settles in, clarity returns, and your tattoo looks almost like day one.Weeks 4–6: Full healing. Your tattoo now has its true colours and crisp lines.Your tattoo’s journey is a cycle: vibrant due to fresh ink, hazy during inflammation and peeling, then clear again as the skin regenerates. In short: The cloudy phase is temporary.Don’t touch, scratch, or peel.Follow optimal aftercare to prevent infection.Always ensure your artist uses fresh, sterilised needles.As Bali puts it, “Your tattoo is for life. A couple of hazy weeks is nothing compared to years of wearing a clear, beautiful design.”

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