Pop star Ella Henderson’s voice has filled arenas across the UK and beyond, but her latest message isn’t a chart-topper—it’s a powerful, deeply personal disclosure that’s resonating with millions. In a recent Instagram video, the 29-year-old singer revealed she was diagnosed with endometriosis earlier this year, after struggling for years with intense stomach bloating, pelvic pain, and emotional distress.

What Henderson didn’t expect was how long and difficult her journey to a diagnosis would be—and how sharing it would help shine a spotlight on one of the most misunderstood chronic conditions affecting people assigned female at birth.

“For the last few years, it's been a bit of a rollercoaster, to say the least,” Henderson confessed in her video. While fans watched her perform and thrive in the spotlight, behind the scenes she was quietly battling unrelenting symptoms. She describes how she was plagued by stomach bloating, pelvic discomfort, and deep emotional turmoil—made worse by not being taken seriously.

“I thought at one point that this was just all in my head,” she said. “I wasn’t really believed.”

For many with endometriosis, that experience is painfully familiar.

After undergoing a laparoscopy—a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and sometimes treat endometriosis—Henderson received confirmation that she wasn’t imagining anything. The procedure uncovered severe endometrial growths and scarring behind her uterus, affecting her bladder and bowel.

“Although the diagnosis was devastating, it was also validating,” she explained. “I could finally take control of my body.”

That moment of clarity often takes years for patients. According to Endometriosis UK, it takes an average of eight to nine years from symptom onset to diagnosis in the UK. Many people, like Henderson, suffer in silence, cycling through misdiagnoses while trying to manage what often becomes debilitating chronic pain.

What makes it harder is that some people have severe symptoms, while others may be asymptomatic. The severity of symptoms doesn't always align with the extent of the disease. Henderson spoke openly about how her physical struggles snowballed into mental health challenges. Living with constant pain, while being dismissed or misdiagnosed, took a toll.

“Not being believed led to periods of depression, isolation, and anxiety,” she said. “If health practitioners had recognised my symptoms sooner, all that might have been spared.”

This psychological burden is common among endometriosis patients. According to studies, mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression, occur at higher rates in those living with chronic pain from endometriosis. And yet, mental health support is rarely part of routine treatment plans.

Though there’s no cure for endometriosis, Henderson’s surgery helped ease her symptoms significantly. She’s now committed to long-term management, including lifestyle adjustments, possible hormonal therapy, and regular medical monitoring.

She’s also using her platform to advocate for awareness. In partnership with Endometriosis UK, Henderson is promoting tools to help others recognize symptoms early. One tool allows users to check symptoms in under a minute and generate a personalized letter for their healthcare provider—a small step that could dramatically shorten the diagnostic timeline for many.

Emma Cox, CEO of Endometriosis UK, praised Henderson’s courage in going public:

“Ella’s willingness to share her story will no doubt help others in their diagnosis journey,” she said. “Highlighting the significant and detrimental impact the condition can have on all aspects of someone’s life.”

And she’s right, endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women and people assigned female at birth—that’s over 1.5 million in the UK alone. Yet, stigma, misinformation, and delays in care are still the norm.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a medical condition in which tissue that resembles the lining of the uterus grows outside the womb. These renegade cells are able to adhere to organs such as the ovaries, bladder, bowel, or even below the pelvis, responding to hormonal shifts similarly to uterine tissue—thickening, deteriorating, and bleeding with every menstrual cycle but unlike during a normal period, this tissue has no place to go, leading to inflammation, scarring, organ damage, and extreme discomfort.

Symptoms are diverse but frequently include:

• Heavy or painful periods
• Pelvic pain that is chronic
• Discomfort during intercourse
• Bowel and urinary discomfort
• Inability to conceive
• Severe bloating, also referred to as "endo belly"
• Excessive fatigue

Types of Endometriosis

There are four primary forms of endometriosis:

Peritoneal (superficial): On the thin layer of the pelvis.

Ovarian (endometriomas): Ovarian cysts packed with old blood.

Deep endometriosis: Deep tissue like in the bowel or bladder.

Extra-pelvic endometriosis: Uncommon instances where lesions occur in the lungs or surgical incisions.

Associated conditions such as adenomyosis, in which endometrial tissue invades the uterine wall, tend to exist concurrently with endometriosis, further complicating diagnosis and treatment.

While treatment involves hormonal therapies, analgesics, physical therapy, and surgery in some cases, there is no silver bullet, and most patients have to try a series of methods before experiencing relief.

And though Ella's celebrity generates publicity, the struggle for recognition, treatment, and compassion is that of every woman, girl, and individual touched by this frequently hidden disease.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of endometriosis, don’t wait. Speak with a healthcare professional and explore resources like Endometriosis UK or the Endometriosis Foundation of America because the sooner we stop doubting women’s pain, the sooner we start healing.

Most of us brush twice a day, some of us floss, and the enthusiastic few even use a mouthwash that burns like fire. But there’s one thing we’re all guilty of skipping, and that is tongue scraping. Skipping this tiny but mighty step could be the reason your oral hygiene isn’t quite hitting the mark. And it's not just about bad breath.

What is the white film on your tongue in the morning?

That whitish layer on your tongue when you wake up is not just sleep residue or leftover toothpaste. It's a delightful mix of bacteria, dead cells, food debris and other gunk. Tongue scraping removes this film before it gets a chance to cause trouble.

This Is What Happens If You Don’t Scrape

1. Bad Breath

No matter how minty your toothpaste or fancy your mouthwash, if your tongue is coated in bacteria, you’re going to have bad breath. Halitosis is often caused by anaerobic bacteria that sit on the tongue and release foul-smelling sulphur compounds. A few scrapes each morning can keep that stink in check.

2. Taste Suffers

Ever feel like food doesn’t taste quite as good as it used to? It might be because your taste buds are trapped under layers of gunk. Scraping the tongue helps clear the surface, making your sense of taste sharper and more responsive.

3. Overall Health Affected

The mouth is connected to the rest of your body, and poor oral hygiene has been linked to a range of health issues, from heart disease to diabetes. The bacteria on your tongue can enter your bloodstream through micro-abrasions in your mouth, causing inflammation in other parts of your body.

It’s an Ancient Practice

While influencers are only now discovering the joys of tongue scraping, this practice has been around for centuries, particularly in Ayurveda, where it’s considered an essential part of morning cleansing rituals. Traditional medicine has long acknowledged the tongue as a mirror to internal health, and scraping is believed to help remove toxins and stimulate digestive enzymes.

The Right Way to Do It

• Use a proper tongue scraper. Not your toothbrush. Toothbrushes don’t clean the tongue effectively and can actually push debris further in.
• Scrape gently from back to front. You’ll probably gag the first few times, but start slow and go as far back as you can comfortably manage.
• Rinse and repeat. Twice if needed. Then rinse your mouth. Done in under 30 seconds.

Adding this simple step to your routine could mean fewer dental visits, fresher breath, and even better digestion.

We know. We know. Willingly dipping yourself into freezing water is not everyone's idea of a good time. In fact, it’s the stuff most nightmares are made of. But people are queuing up to do it. Whether it’s a tub full of ice cubes or a freezing lake at 6am, cold plunges are a thing. While you will be surprised to know the benefits, first know what exactly happens when you put your body through this temporary torture.

From giving your mood a caffeine-free lift to helping muscles relax, here's what makes cold plunging the icy wellness trend for your body and brain.

1. Boosts Your Mood

A few minutes in icy water can deliver a euphoric high. That’s because cold exposure triggers a rush of endorphins, your body’s natural feel-good chemicals. It also reduces cortisol, the stress hormone. Some studies even suggest that cold water immersion can help ease symptoms of depression and anxiety.

2. Recovers Muscles

Ever wonder why athletes dunk themselves in icy baths post-game? Cold plunges help reduce inflammation, speed up muscle recovery, and soothe soreness. When you expose your body to extreme cold, blood vessels constrict. Once you’re out and warming up, they dilate, increasing blood flow to tired muscles.

3. Improves Sleep

Taking a cold plunge can actually help you sleep better. Post-immersion, your body enters a state of deep relaxation once it warms back up. Your nervous system settles down, and your sleep hormones kick in more efficiently.

4. Boosts Immune System

Regular cold plunges may also give your immune system a little kick in the pants. The cold stimulates white blood cell production, which helps your body fight off illness. Some studies have found that people who practise cold water immersion regularly tend to get fewer colds and recover faster.

5. Makes Your Skin Glow

Cold water tightens your pores, reduces puffiness, and boosts circulation to your skin. It’s basically nature’s version of a toner. Plus, by reducing inflammation and flushing out toxins, your skin is left looking brighter, fresher, and decidedly more awake than you feel.

6. Teaches You to Breathe

Ever tried to breathe normally when your body is screaming from shock? Cold plunges force you to master your breath. That slow, deep breathing you’re encouraged to do during the first freezing minute? It’s not just to stop you from panicking. It actually helps train your nervous system to stay calm under pressure, build mental resilience, and reduce anxiety over time.

In a nutshell, cold plunging isn’t just a weird wellness trend. It’s a full-body and mind experience that comes with some genuinely impressive health benefits. Yes, it’s uncomfortable. Yes, you’ll want to scream. But after a while, you might just find yourself looking forward to it.

For a country that treats 23 degrees Celsius like it is the Sahara, the UK isn’t exactly built for this kind of heat. While most of us are busy Instagramming sunsets, our bodies might be quietly waving red flags. And that tiredness or weird headache is not just the heat; it could be your system slowly giving signs.

Here is what the heat could actually be doing to you and why you should not ignore it.

That Headache Is a Heat Alarm

You’ve drunk your water, you're not hungover, and yet your head’s pounding like you’ve been at a rock concert. Heat headaches are real, and they’re one of the first signs your body is overheating. So slam a glass of water, sit in front of a fan, and maybe ditch the hot coffee for something icy. It would help if you stuck your feet in a cold bucket like your gran used to do.

Sweat, Then No Sweat? That’s Trouble

At first, you’re drenched like you’ve run a marathon in your own kitchen. But then… nothing. You stop sweating. Your skin feels dry, hot and honestly a bit different. This switch can be dangerous. It’s a classic heatstroke sign. Do not ignore if you’ve been roasting all day and your skin is suddenly dry and flushed; that’s your cue to cool down fast. Think cold compress, wet towel, or even lying in a bath.

Muscles Twitching on Their Own?

Random leg twitches? Sudden tummy cramps while lying down doing absolutely nothing? That’s not just your body being weird; it’s heat cramps. They happen when you’re low on salt and hydration, and they can be surprisingly painful. DIY remedy: Bananas, electrolyte sachets, or if you’re fancy, coconut water.

Feeling Like You're About to Faint on the Road?

Heat dizziness is uncertain. One minute you’re grabbing grapes; the next you’re gripping the trolley like it’s your last hope. When it’s hot, your blood pressure can drop faster than your motivation on a Monday. If you suddenly feel woozy or like you’re in a bad dream, sit down before you fall down. Always carry a water bottle.

Can’t Think Straight? Not Just the Heat Making You Dull

If you’re suddenly mixing up names, forgetting simple words, or spacing out mid-text, that could be the heat messing with your brain. Mental fog, confusion, or even irritability are signs that your body is cooking from the inside. If someone is slurring, looking spaced out, or acting like they’ve had a few too many but haven’t, it could be heatstroke. Call for help.

Your Skin Feels Like a Radiator?

Hot, dry, and suspiciously flushed skin is not the summer glow you think it is. If your skin starts feeling like it belongs in an oven, it means your body’s not coping well with the heat. Especially if your pulse is racing and you feel weirdly calm. Get help. This is your body in SOS mode. Cool off immediately and don’t try to “push through it”.

Swollen Feet?

Heat can make your feet and ankles puff up like inflatable pool toys. It’s not you gaining sudden water weight; it’s literally your blood vessels acting up. So put your feet up, wear comfy shoes, and avoid salty snacks. That means no crisp binge while complaining about the weather.

Do Not Forget To:

• Hydrate well
• Draw the curtains always
• Sit in front of a fan for relief
• Avoid peak sun hours
• Don’t ignore what your body’s whispering