Parkinson's disease is a neurogenerative disorder that affects predominately the dopamine-producing (dopaminergic) neurons in the brain. People suffering from it face problems in motor movement, tremors, stiffness, and impaired balance. As symptoms progress, people may have difficulty walking, talking, or completing other simple tasks.

What Happens To Your Brain In Parkinson's Disease?

Parkinson's Disease affects various brain regions but the primary symptoms arise from the degeneration of neurons in the substantia nigra, a region near the brain's base. This area is crucial for producing dopamine, a chemical messenger essential for smooth and purposeful movement. Research indicates that by the time Parkinson's symptoms become evident, patients have typically lost 60 to 80% or more of these dopamine-producing neurons.

Additionally, individuals with Parkinson’s disease experience a reduction in nerve endings that produce norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating many involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate and blood pressure. This loss may account for some non-movement-related symptoms of Parkinson’s, such as fatigue and fluctuations in blood pressure.

Parkinson’s disease also involves the presence of Lewy bodies—abnormal deposits of the protein alpha-synuclein within affected brain cells. While the exact role of Lewy bodies in Parkinson’s is still unclear, some research suggests that disruptions in the cell’s protein disposal system may lead to the accumulation of harmful protein levels, eventually causing cell death. Other studies propose that these protein clumps could contribute to the degeneration of neurons in the disease.

Is Parkinson's Disease Infectious?

Researchers do not deny that infections can lead to Parkinson's disease. However, more evidence is required to establish a connection between the two. At present, scientists are investigating a range of viruses and infectants to find their link with Parkinson's disease. The list encompasses:

1. Epstein-Barr
2. influenza A (flu)
3. varicella-zoster
4. herpes-simplex
5. West Nile
6. HIV
7. Hepatitis C

Viral Risk Factors For Parkinson's Disease

Besides infections, researchers are also trying to find out if previous illnesses can lead to Parkinson's disease. These are the findings that have been made:

• People who get the flu vaccination may be less likely to get Parkinson’s disease than people who don’t.
• People with higher levels of the herpes simplex virus in their bodies may have more severe Parkinson’s disease symptoms.
• People with Parkinson’s are more likely to have had the Epstein-Barr virus than the general population.
• People with a history of hepatitis C may be more likely to get Parkinson’s disease than others.

Parkinson's Disease Could Begin In Gut: Study

A new study, published by researchers at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, adds to the growing evidence that Parkinson's disease may begin in the gut rather than in the brain. According to the researchers, gastrointestinal problems are common among people with neurodegenerative disorders. Individuals with Parkinson's disease often experience complications such as constipation, drooling, difficulty swallowing, and delayed stomach emptying weeks before motor symptoms appear.

In recent days, questions have emerged around the sudden demise of businessman Sunjay Kapur—particularly speculation that he may have accidentally swallowed a bee during a polo match, which then triggered a fatal reaction. While such incidents are extremely rare, they are medically possible under specific conditions.

If someone is allergic to insect venom—or has an undiagnosed heart condition—the ingestion or sting of a bug like a bee can set off a chain reaction within the body. In very rare cases, this can lead to a heart attack or even sudden cardiac arrest.

What Is Kounis Syndrome?

This rare medical condition occurs when a severe allergic reaction—known as anaphylaxis—triggers heart-related complications, including heart attacks. Known as Kounis syndrome, it accounts for just 0.5% to 2% of all anaphylactic cases, making it a rare but dangerous phenomenon.

Kounis syndrome can be caused by various allergens, including insect stings, medications, certain foods, or even unfamiliar environmental triggers. In such cases, the body’s immune response kicks in with the release of histamine and other chemicals to neutralize the threat. However, this same reaction can dangerously dilate blood vessels, drop blood pressure sharply, and deprive the heart of oxygen. This creates stress, especially for those with pre-existing cardiovascular issues.

How Allergic Reactions Impact the Heart

Histamine release during a severe allergic reaction results in widened blood vessels and a sudden drop in blood pressure. When blood pressure drops too low, the heart struggles to supply oxygen-rich blood to vital organs—including itself. This oxygen deprivation can trigger abnormal heart rhythms, known as arrhythmias, and may ultimately result in cardiac arrest.

In more severe cases, anaphylaxis may cause fluid leakage from the bloodstream into surrounding tissues, further lowering blood volume and blood pressure. In individuals with underlying heart conditions, it can also cause the coronary arteries to narrow, reducing the heart's oxygen supply and increasing the risk of a heart attack.

Another potential outcome is plaque rupture—a common cause of heart attacks in people with coronary artery disease. When the plaque lining the artery walls tears or erodes, it can attract blood clots, which block blood flow and damage heart tissue.

Real Cases of Bug-Induced Cardiac Events

Two real-life examples highlight how allergic reactions from insects can escalate into cardiac emergencies.

One case as reported in Indian Express, involved a 31-year-old man working on a bee farm who suffered multiple stings, unaware of his allergy. He had only 40% plaque buildup in his arteries, but the allergic reaction caused the plaque to rupture. Blood clots formed over the tear, blocking the artery, and a stent was required to reopen it.

In another case, a wasp bite triggered a similar reaction, although the patient experienced plaque erosion rather than rupture. This too led to a blockage, though less severe, and did not require a stent.

What to Do in Such Cases?

Immediate medical attention is critical in managing allergic reactions that affect the heart. Patients should be administered steroids or a high-dose adrenaline injection (epinephrine) without delay. Supplemental oxygen must be provided, and an electrocardiogram (ECG) should be performed to assess cardiac function.

While such cases are rare, they underscore the importance of recognizing allergies, especially when combined with underlying heart conditions. Prompt response can be life-saving.

We all love a bit of touch up, whether on a regular day or for an event. For millions of women across the globe, threading is a regular part of their beauty routine. From shaping eyebrows to removing unwanted facial hair, this grooming technique is practiced weekly or monthly and is widely considered quick, safe, and inexpensive.

But a recent video from a doctor turned influencer has caused a stir online by claiming that threading — like tattooing and body piercing — can potentially spread Hepatitis B, a serious liver infection.

What Did The Doctor Say?

In a video that has garnered over 400,000 views within two days, Dr Vishal Gabale, an internal medicine doctor from Navi Mumbai, narrates a case where three young women, all of whom had visited the same threading salon, tested positive for Hepatitis B with identical virus strains.

Dr Gabale says he investigated the case like a “medical mystery,” and found the common link between the patients was their visit to the same salon. Citing a 2022 World Health Organization (WHO) bulletin, he claims that Hepatitis B has been known to spread through tattooing, razor-sharing, and “even cosmetic procedures like threading.”

According to him, threading can cause micro-abrasions, and if contaminated tools or threads are used, the virus could survive for days — even without visible blood.

Medical Experts Respond with Skepticism

However, not all doctors are convinced. A dermatologist based in Hyderabad acknowledges that if threading causes skin abrasions, transmission is “theoretically possible,” but stresses that no confirmed case has ever been recorded.

“Tattoos are a different story — they break the skin and do carry a risk. But threading is far more superficial,” he said. “If threading was truly risky, we’d have seen documented evidence by now, considering how common the practice is.”

He also criticized the influencer’s decision to disable comments on the video, making it harder for experts to counter misleading claims.

Missing Evidence and Misleading Sources

Hyderabad-based neurologist Dr Sudhir Kumar also raised concerns. He pointed out a small disclaimer in the video saying it’s “only for educational purposes” and presents a theoretical risk — suggesting the doctor hadn’t treated any actual Hepatitis B cases linked to threading.

“The issue is that viewers may miss that disclaimer and assume the risk is real. But to date, not a single case report has linked Hepatitis B transmission to threading — that’s significant,” Dr Kumar explained.

About the WHO bulletin cited in the video, the doctor reportedly shared a screenshot of an unrelated 2010 article, which did not reference threading and wasn’t published by WHO.

Beauty Risks vs. Clickbait

Dr Kumar added that while there are documented links between Hepatitis B and procedures like tattooing, body piercing, manicures, or even shaving with unsterile equipment, threading has never been associated with such risk, reported The South First.

He warns against fear-mongering and called the video an example of “clickbait,” made worse by its origin — a doctor, not just an influencer.

“Threading doesn’t typically break the skin. Unlike tattooing or piercings, it doesn’t create the conditions necessary for virus transmission. We must focus on real risks — unprotected sex, reused medical needles, and poor hygiene in clinical settings — not unproven, hypothetical scenarios,” he said.

Ayurveda has solutions for many kinds of ailments. Most of these remedies and cures depend on easily found spices and herbs that we are all used to eating. Ayurveda pulls from nature and our surroundings; it promotes healing from within by teaching us healthy ways to live, whether it is what we eat or what kind of routine we follow.

Weight loss is something we are all aware of and many of us have also gone through the process ourselves. While it may seem like a simple concept, it can affect us all differently.

Turmeric is a spice that's been used in traditional medicine for a very long time, and honey is a sweet food made by bees. Both contain things that can help reduce inflammation. Some studies suggest they might also help with your body's metabolism and weight loss, but we don't have a lot of strong proof yet. While honey's sweetness can make the bitter taste of turmeric easier to handle, there's no clear evidence they work better together for losing weight.

How Turmeric and Honey Might Affect Your Weight

Both turmeric and honey, when used separately, might help with weight loss. However, there are no human studies that show combining them helps you lose weight.

Turmeric

Studies show turmeric can help a little with weight loss. A review of different research found that taking curcumin (the main active part of turmeric) could slightly reduce your body mass index (BMI), weight, and waist size. Supplements that were easier for the body to absorb seemed to work better. Still, the weight loss was small (less than 1 kilogram over 4-18 weeks), and some study methods had problems. Remember, turmeric itself has only a small amount of curcumin, and it's not absorbed as well as supplements.

Honey

Some studies suggest honey can improve blood sugar and cholesterol, which might help with weight management. But other studies show honey has no effect, or even negative effects, on your metabolism. This is probably because honey is mostly sugar, so the amount you use matters.

Other Health Benefits of Turmeric

Beyond its potential role in weight management, some studies suggest that turmeric may offer other health benefits, though more research is still needed. It might help reduce inflammation in the blood and could also improve painful mouth sores caused by certain cancer treatments. Daily doses of curcumin, the active part of turmeric, may also ease symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, a condition that causes painful joint swelling. Additionally, it could help improve digestive health for those with ulcerative colitis, a disease that inflames the digestive system.

Other Health Benefits of Honey

Honey is mostly sugar, but it also has helpful ingredients that can fight damage in the body and reduce swelling. Some studies show that honey can help lessen pain after a C-section, although it didn't make the cut heal faster. It might also make mouth sores less severe for people undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer, which can help them continue their medical care.

Ways to Enjoy Turmeric and Honey

Turmeric and honey are both very versatile! You can enjoy them in many ways:

• Make a turmeric latte, also called golden milk.
• Brew turmeric tea and add honey.
• Mix honey or turmeric into salad dressings.
• Add them to smoothies, oatmeal, or rice.
• Use turmeric to marinate fish.