Tanya Dutt

Sleepless Wrinkles To Oily Festive Treats: How Your Skin Suffers During Christmas

Image Credit: Canva

The holiday season is usually a time to enjoy, with festive celebrations, family reunions, and great food in abundance. But in the midst of the festivities, it is easy to forget that some features of the season are actually influencing your skin. Whether it be the rich foods of Christmas or the environmental changes, the holiday may be doing more to your skin than you know. Knowing how these factors might be effecting your skin will help you take the proper steps for healthy skin through the rest of the holiday season.

These Christmas foods often rich in refined carbohydrates, sugars, and fats could result in unwanted side effects to your skin. Mulled wine, holiday cookies, cakes, and the many sweet desserts have resulted in blood sugar spikes. The spikes of blood sugar induce inflammation in the body. This can cause you various issues related to the skin, like acne, redness, puffiness, and general irritation.

One significant process linked to high-sugar diets is glycation. This occurs when sugar molecules bind to proteins in the skin, forming advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs can damage collagen and elastin fibers, which are essential for skin elasticity, leading to sagging and wrinkles. Additionally, high glycemic foods can increase insulin levels, promoting excess oil production, clogged pores, and acne outbreaks. While it is nice to indulge in holiday treats, moderation is key. Enjoy these rich foods in moderation so as not to trigger any unwanted skin reactions.

In addition, refined carbohydrates and sugars make dehydration and water retention contribute to drying, dull-looking skin, plus make one's skin even more prone to fine lines. In order to balance festive foods with hydrating ones and beverages, include vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins in your holiday spread to help the healthy-looking skin condition be achieved and prevented by dehydration.

<h2>Dehydration and Dryness through Environmental Changes</h2>

Winter months are when the temperature is colder and the air tends to be drier, making the skin dehydrate and prone to irritation. The decrease in humidity causes your skin to lose its moisture rapidly, which results in dryness, flakiness, and discomfort. Indoor heating coupled with the chilling outdoors makes it all the more challenging to maintain moisture levels, thus aggravating general issues like cracked lips, red patches, and rough patches on the face.

It's a good idea to switch over to oil-based moisturizers when it gets colder. These more richly textured moisturizers help keep the moisture inside, keeping your skin from drying out. The oil-based moisturizers act as a protective barrier on the surface of the skin that holds hydration and reduces moisture loss. For dry skin, switching is more essential because the oil-based product would do better replenishing lost moisture compared to the light, water-based one.

In addition to using the appropriate moisturizers, you may also consider installing a humidifier in your home during the colder months to help maintain moist air and prevent further dehydration of your skin. If you have sensitive skin or eczema, you should moisturize regularly to keep your barrier healthy.

During the holiday season, most of us indulge in a drink or two, or maybe more. An occasional glass of wine or champagne is unlikely to have significant effects, but overindulgence in alcohol can lead to dehydration and skin flare-ups. Alcohol increases blood flow to the face, which may worsen skin conditions such as rosacea, redness, and puffiness. Moreover, alcohol can disrupt the natural balance of the skin, leaving it looking dull and tired.

Research has shown that people increase their drinking habits more frequently during holidays, and in America, it is reported that 29% of drinkers say that their drinking patterns increase more than usual over the holiday period. When the alcoholic drinks are consumed in combination with other high sugar foodstuffs typical of holiday feasts, they exacerbate the glycation process while weakening the skin's healing ability. If you drink alcohol, drink plenty of water to counterbalance dehydration and keep your skin hydrated.

Holiday time is all in good fun but brings with it elevated levels of stress. Between the crowds at malls, holiday parties to attend, travel arrangements and family get-togethers, things can be overwhelming. The most significant direct impact of stress, on the skin, results in cortisol, the stress hormone that the body uses in excess. Elevated cortisol means higher levels of inflammation and thereby, flare-ups, breakouts, and eczema or psoriasis conditions.

Another finding from research is that stress raises the level of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules causing damage to the cells of your skin, and this promotes premature aging. Manage your holiday stress with time to practice relaxation techniques, such as yoga, meditation, or even just spending some time in nature. By controlling your stress, you help not only your mental self but also the appearance and well-being of your skin.

<h2>Lack of Sleep and Busy Schedules</h2>

The hustle and bustle of the holidays can also lead to lack of sleep, which, in turn, impacts skin health. Your skin repairs itself while you sleep, so missing out on restful nights can prevent your skin from regenerating effectively. Inadequate sleep often results in dark circles, puffiness, and a tired, dull complexion. Furthermore, sleeplessness can trigger hormonal imbalances, leading to breakouts and other skin issues.

Busy schedules and late nights tend to make you forget your skincare routine. But forgetting those essential steps such as cleansing and moisturizing can worsen skin conditions. Always remember to take off makeup properly before bedtime; sleeping in makeup will block pores and cause breakouts. If you're running out of time, you can either use micellar water or a double cleanse to remove makeup and impurities.

<h2>Holiday Travel and Skin Sensitivity</h2>

Traveling during the holiday season may also affect your skin. Changes in climate, exposure to different environmental conditions, and use of unfamiliar products can lead to skin irritation. The air cabins are particularly dry, stripping moisture off your skin. New products at hotels and relatives' homes can cause allergic reactions or sensitivities.

If you’re traveling during the holidays, make sure to pack your own skincare products and avoid using unfamiliar products that could cause irritation. Keeping your routine consistent is key to maintaining healthy skin.

<h2>Tips for Healthy Skin During the Holidays</h2>

To minimize the impact of holiday-induced skin issues, follow these tips:

<ul><li>Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.</li><li>Moderately indulge in holiday treats to avoid a rise in blood sugar and irritation on the skin.</li><li>Keep on with your skincare routine despite having busy days.</li><li>Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep nightly as this would support the skin's healing process.</li><li>Take out time to practice stress relief activities like yoga or meditation to keep both your mind and skin at peace.</li></ul>

Even though holidays are times of great merriment, they also pose certain threats to the skin. Rich foods and drinks, alcohol, environmental changes, stress, and lack of sleep can cause damage to the complexion. The best way to stay beautiful and healthy during the festival is by taking good care of your skin and diet along with maintaining a good level of stress and ensuring hydration.

<em><a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5829341/" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank" rel= "noopener nofollow noreferrer" target= "_blank">The Pathophysiological Mechanisms and the Quest for Biomarkers in Psoriasis, a Stress-Related Skin Disease</a>. 2018. Disease Markers.</em>

<a href="https://drugabuse.com/featured/holiday-highs-and-lows/" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow noreferrer" rel= "noopener nofollow noreferrer" target= "_blank">Holiday Highs and Lows</a>. 2024. American Addiction Centre

Health Conditions A-Z

health

skin & hair

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festive season skincare

sugar and wrinkles

holiday skin issues

christmas acne tips

winter skincare solutions

holiday glow tips

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The holiday season is usually a time to enjoy, with festive celebrations, family reunions, and great food in abundance. But in the midst of the festivities, it is easy to forget that some features of the season are actually influencing your skin. Whether it be the rich foods of Christmas or the environmental changes, the holiday may be doing more to your skin than you know. Knowing how these factors might be effecting your skin will help you take the proper steps for healthy skin through the rest of the holiday season.These Christmas foods often rich in refined carbohydrates, sugars, and fats could result in unwanted side effects to your skin. Mulled wine, holiday cookies, cakes, and the many sweet desserts have resulted in blood sugar spikes. The spikes of blood sugar induce inflammation in the body. This can cause you various issues related to the skin, like acne, redness, puffiness, and general irritation.One significant process linked to high-sugar diets is glycation. This occurs when sugar molecules bind to proteins in the skin, forming advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs can damage collagen and elastin fibers, which are essential for skin elasticity, leading to sagging and wrinkles. Additionally, high glycemic foods can increase insulin levels, promoting excess oil production, clogged pores, and acne outbreaks. While it is nice to indulge in holiday treats, moderation is key. Enjoy these rich foods in moderation so as not to trigger any unwanted skin reactions.In addition, refined carbohydrates and sugars make dehydration and water retention contribute to drying, dull-looking skin, plus make one's skin even more prone to fine lines. In order to balance festive foods with hydrating ones and beverages, include vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins in your holiday spread to help the healthy-looking skin condition be achieved and prevented by dehydration.Dehydration and Dryness through Environmental ChangesWinter months are when the temperature is colder and the air tends to be drier, making the skin dehydrate and prone to irritation. The decrease in humidity causes your skin to lose its moisture rapidly, which results in dryness, flakiness, and discomfort. Indoor heating coupled with the chilling outdoors makes it all the more challenging to maintain moisture levels, thus aggravating general issues like cracked lips, red patches, and rough patches on the face.It's a good idea to switch over to oil-based moisturizers when it gets colder. These more richly textured moisturizers help keep the moisture inside, keeping your skin from drying out. The oil-based moisturizers act as a protective barrier on the surface of the skin that holds hydration and reduces moisture loss. For dry skin, switching is more essential because the oil-based product would do better replenishing lost moisture compared to the light, water-based one.In addition to using the appropriate moisturizers, you may also consider installing a humidifier in your home during the colder months to help maintain moist air and prevent further dehydration of your skin. If you have sensitive skin or eczema, you should moisturize regularly to keep your barrier healthy.Drinking OverloadDuring the holiday season, most of us indulge in a drink or two, or maybe more. An occasional glass of wine or champagne is unlikely to have significant effects, but overindulgence in alcohol can lead to dehydration and skin flare-ups. Alcohol increases blood flow to the face, which may worsen skin conditions such as rosacea, redness, and puffiness. Moreover, alcohol can disrupt the natural balance of the skin, leaving it looking dull and tired.Research has shown that people increase their drinking habits more frequently during holidays, and in America, it is reported that 29% of drinkers say that their drinking patterns increase more than usual over the holiday period. When the alcoholic drinks are consumed in combination with other high sugar foodstuffs typical of holiday feasts, they exacerbate the glycation process while weakening the skin's healing ability. If you drink alcohol, drink plenty of water to counterbalance dehydration and keep your skin hydrated.StressHoliday time is all in good fun but brings with it elevated levels of stress. Between the crowds at malls, holiday parties to attend, travel arrangements and family get-togethers, things can be overwhelming. The most significant direct impact of stress, on the skin, results in cortisol, the stress hormone that the body uses in excess. Elevated cortisol means higher levels of inflammation and thereby, flare-ups, breakouts, and eczema or psoriasis conditions.Another finding from research is that stress raises the level of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules causing damage to the cells of your skin, and this promotes premature aging. Manage your holiday stress with time to practice relaxation techniques, such as yoga, meditation, or even just spending some time in nature. By controlling your stress, you help not only your mental self but also the appearance and well-being of your skin.Lack of Sleep and Busy SchedulesThe hustle and bustle of the holidays can also lead to lack of sleep, which, in turn, impacts skin health. Your skin repairs itself while you sleep, so missing out on restful nights can prevent your skin from regenerating effectively. Inadequate sleep often results in dark circles, puffiness, and a tired, dull complexion. Furthermore, sleeplessness can trigger hormonal imbalances, leading to breakouts and other skin issues.Busy schedules and late nights tend to make you forget your skincare routine. But forgetting those essential steps such as cleansing and moisturizing can worsen skin conditions. Always remember to take off makeup properly before bedtime; sleeping in makeup will block pores and cause breakouts. If you're running out of time, you can either use micellar water or a double cleanse to remove makeup and impurities.Holiday Travel and Skin SensitivityTraveling during the holiday season may also affect your skin. Changes in climate, exposure to different environmental conditions, and use of unfamiliar products can lead to skin irritation. The air cabins are particularly dry, stripping moisture off your skin. New products at hotels and relatives' homes can cause allergic reactions or sensitivities.If you’re traveling during the holidays, make sure to pack your own skincare products and avoid using unfamiliar products that could cause irritation. Keeping your routine consistent is key to maintaining healthy skin.Tips for Healthy Skin During the HolidaysTo minimize the impact of holiday-induced skin issues, follow these tips:Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.Moderately indulge in holiday treats to avoid a rise in blood sugar and irritation on the skin.Keep on with your skincare routine despite having busy days.Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep nightly as this would support the skin's healing process.Take out time to practice stress relief activities like yoga or meditation to keep both your mind and skin at peace.Even though holidays are times of great merriment, they also pose certain threats to the skin. Rich foods and drinks, alcohol, environmental changes, stress, and lack of sleep can cause damage to the complexion. The best way to stay beautiful and healthy during the festival is by taking good care of your skin and diet along with maintaining a good level of stress and ensuring hydration.The Pathophysiological Mechanisms and the Quest for Biomarkers in Psoriasis, a Stress-Related Skin Disease. 2018. Disease Markers.Holiday Highs and Lows. 2024. American Addiction Centre

sleepless wrinkles to oily festive treats: how your skin suffers during christmas

Health and Me

Supriya Ramesh

Credits: Canva

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Imagine stubbing your toe and feeling like it's been set on fire... for months. Now imagine that burning sensation spreading to your entire leg, and instead of easing over time, it gets worse. That’s <span>Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome</span> (CRPS). It is a condition as problematic as its name suggests and yet, bizarrely, not talked about enough.

Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome is a long-term, often debilitating condition that typically affects a limb like an arm, hand, leg, or foot after an injury, surgery, stroke, or even something as mundane as a sprain. It’s like your nervous system gets stuck in panic mode.

Type 1 (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy): Happens without a confirmed <span>nerve injury</span>.

Type 2 (Causalgia): Involves a definite nerve injury.

Regardless of type, the result is the same: persistent, severe pain way out of proportion to the initial injury, often with odd side effects.

<strong>Why CRPS Is No Ordinary Ache</strong>

If pain had a reality show, CRPS would be the melodramatic diva. The pain can feel like burning, stabbing, throbbing, or shooting. It’s often accompanied by:

<ul><li>Swelling</li><li>Changes in skin colour or temperature (hot and red one minute, cold and blue the next)</li><li>Excessive sweating</li><li>Hair and nail changes</li><li>Muscle weakness and spasms</li></ul>

It can also cause <span>allodynia</span>, which is a fancy term for when even a gentle breeze or the touch of fabric feels like torture.

Worst of all? The pain doesn’t stay neatly in one place. It may start in a toe and sneakily creep up the leg or even jump to the other side of the body.

Ask ten doctors what causes CRPS, and you might get eleven guesses. The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but it seems to involve:

<ul><li>A malfunction in the peripheral and central nervous systems</li><li>Abnormal inflammatory responses</li><li>Dysfunction of blood vessels and pain pathways</li><li>It’s the body’s overreaction to trauma, like a car alarm blaring long after the bump is gone.</li></ul>

Chronic pain doesn’t just hurt the body; it impacts daily life. CRPS affects every layer of existence:

<ul><li>Mental health: Anxiety, depression, and even PTSD-like symptoms are common.</li><li>Mobility: Limited range of motion and muscle weakness may lead to reliance on walking aids or wheelchairs.</li><li>Sleep: Pain that flares up at night makes good sleep feel like a luxury.</li><li>Work and relationships: Jobs may be lost, plans cancelled, social life drained.</li></ul>

What adds to the distress? Many people with CRPS report feeling disbelieved, even by medical professionals. It’s an <span>invisible illness</span> with painfully visible consequences.

There’s no one-size-fits-all cure, but the goal is to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment is usually multi-pronged:

<ul><li>Medications: Pain relievers, nerve-blockers, antidepressants, anticonvulsants</li><li>Physical therapy: To restore mobility and function</li><li>Occupational therapy: To adapt daily tasks</li><li><span rel="noindex">Psychological support</span>: Pain management techniques like CBT and mindfulness</li><li>Interventional approaches: Nerve blocks, <span rel="noindex">spinal cord stimulation</span>, or ketamine infusions in severe cases</li></ul>

Early diagnosis is key. The longer CRPS goes untreated, the more entrenched and resistant it becomes.

<strong>CRPS Is Real, Rare, and Relentless</strong>

Though CRPS is considered rare, with estimates suggesting around 5 to 26 cases per 100,000 people annually, it’s devastating for those who live with it. It often shows up uninvited, stays far too long, and brings along a suitcase full of complications.

But awareness is growing. Support groups, research into new treatments, and advocacy efforts are helping give a voice to people who’ve lived in silence. With the right treatment plan, support system, and a dash of stubborn hope, many people find ways to live well despite the pain.

chronic regional pain syndrome

crps symptoms

nerve injury

burning pain

allodynia

chronic pain condition

physical therapy for crps

psychological support

invisible illness

spinal cord stimulation

Imagine stubbing your toe and feeling like it's been set on fire... for months. Now imagine that burning sensation spreading to your entire leg, and instead of easing over time, it gets worse. That’s Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). It is a condition as problematic as its name suggests and yet, bizarrely, not talked about enough.Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome is a long-term, often debilitating condition that typically affects a limb like an arm, hand, leg, or foot after an injury, surgery, stroke, or even something as mundane as a sprain. It’s like your nervous system gets stuck in panic mode.There are two types:Type 1 (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy): Happens without a confirmed nerve injury.Type 2 (Causalgia): Involves a definite nerve injury.Regardless of type, the result is the same: persistent, severe pain way out of proportion to the initial injury, often with odd side effects.Why CRPS Is No Ordinary AcheIf pain had a reality show, CRPS would be the melodramatic diva. The pain can feel like burning, stabbing, throbbing, or shooting. It’s often accompanied by:SwellingChanges in skin colour or temperature (hot and red one minute, cold and blue the next)Excessive sweatingHair and nail changesMuscle weakness and spasmsIt can also cause allodynia, which is a fancy term for when even a gentle breeze or the touch of fabric feels like torture.Worst of all? The pain doesn’t stay neatly in one place. It may start in a toe and sneakily creep up the leg or even jump to the other side of the body.Why It HappensAsk ten doctors what causes CRPS, and you might get eleven guesses. The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but it seems to involve:A malfunction in the peripheral and central nervous systemsAbnormal inflammatory responsesDysfunction of blood vessels and pain pathwaysIt’s the body’s overreaction to trauma, like a car alarm blaring long after the bump is gone.Life with CRPSChronic pain doesn’t just hurt the body; it impacts daily life. CRPS affects every layer of existence:Mental health: Anxiety, depression, and even PTSD-like symptoms are common.Mobility: Limited range of motion and muscle weakness may lead to reliance on walking aids or wheelchairs.Sleep: Pain that flares up at night makes good sleep feel like a luxury.Work and relationships: Jobs may be lost, plans cancelled, social life drained.What adds to the distress? Many people with CRPS report feeling disbelieved, even by medical professionals. It’s an invisible illness with painfully visible consequences.How Do You Treat It?There’s no one-size-fits-all cure, but the goal is to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment is usually multi-pronged:Medications: Pain relievers, nerve-blockers, antidepressants, anticonvulsantsPhysical therapy: To restore mobility and functionOccupational therapy: To adapt daily tasksPsychological support: Pain management techniques like CBT and mindfulnessInterventional approaches: Nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulation, or ketamine infusions in severe casesEarly diagnosis is key. The longer CRPS goes untreated, the more entrenched and resistant it becomes.CRPS Is Real, Rare, and RelentlessThough CRPS is considered rare, with estimates suggesting around 5 to 26 cases per 100,000 people annually, it’s devastating for those who live with it. It often shows up uninvited, stays far too long, and brings along a suitcase full of complications.But awareness is growing. Support groups, research into new treatments, and advocacy efforts are helping give a voice to people who’ve lived in silence. With the right treatment plan, support system, and a dash of stubborn hope, many people find ways to live well despite the pain.

understanding chronic regional pain syndrome: when pain persists beyond injury

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We have all had that mini meltdown finding a clump of hair in the shower drain or a brush full of hair after combing hair. While blaming stress or the changing seasons feels comforting, experts warn that your body might be sounding a nutritional alarm. Yes, your hair loss might be less about the weather and more about what is missing from your plate.

<h3>Listen to What Your Body’s Saying</h3>

“Seeing a lot of hair strands on your pillow cover feels distressing,” says Dr Khushboo Jha, MBBS, MD, Chief Dermatologist Consultant at Metro Hospital and Founder of One Skin Clinic, Faridabad, “but you need to listen to your body. It’s the way it communicates that your body is struggling with some deeper concern, probably nutrient deficiency.”

Hair, it turns out, is a high-maintenance tissue. It’s fast-growing and metabolically active, demanding a steady supply of nutrients. But it’s not considered essential for survival. So in times of nutritional crisis, your body reroutes vitamins and minerals to more important organs like your heart or brain, leaving your hair stranded without support.

“If your diet is insufficient, especially lagging in iron, vitamin D, Vitamin B complex such as <span>vitamin B12</span> and biotin, zinc, protein, etc., hair will be the first one to suffer,” says Dr Jha.

<h3>Why Vegans, Crash Dieters, and IBS Patients Should Pay Extra Attention</h3>The hair-nutrition connection is especially crucial for those following restrictive diets. Dr Jha warns that vegetarians and vegans “may unknowingly miss out on essential nutrients, particularly iron and protein, leading to diffuse thinning or excessive shedding.”

Dr Ameesha Mahajan, Cosmetic Dermatologist and Founder of Eden Skin Clinic, agrees. “Vegetarians or vegans are more prone to deficiencies, especially when it comes to vitamin B12, iron and <span>protein deficiency</span>,” she says. And it’s not just about what you eat, but also how well your body absorbs it. “Impaired gut absorption disorders such as coeliac disease or IBD… can lead to extreme hair thinning,” Dr Mahajan adds.

<span>Crash diets</span> and <span>eating disorders like bulimia nervosa</span> don’t do your strands any favours either. These behaviours disrupt the body’s nutritional balance and can prematurely push hair into the shedding phase.

<h3>The Medical Jargon You Didn’t Know You Needed: <span rel="noindex">Telogen Effluvium</span></h3>

One particular fallout of nutrient shortfalls is telogen effluvium, a name for hair falling out sooner than it should. Dr Mahajan points to <span>iron deficiency anaemia</span> as a common trigger. “It is strongly associated with telogen effluvium, a condition where hair prematurely enters the shedding phase,” she explains.

In other words, if you’ve been feeling unusually tired and your hair is thinning, it might be more than a coincidence; it could be low iron or another nutrient throwing your hair growth cycle off track.

Before you go on a supplement shopping spree, both experts urge caution. “Before self-prescribing supplements, experts urge a full nutritional workup to identify what’s missing,” says Dr Jha. Overloading on certain vitamins can do more harm than good.

Dr Mahajan agrees. “It’s best to get blood parameters checked for any nutrient deficiencies before beginning any supplement to be sure.”

So yes, multivitamins are tempting but flying blind could backfire. Know what you’re low on before topping up.

<h3>Eat for Your Hair: What to Load on Your Plate</h3>

Both dermatologists suggest nourishing your scalp from within. Dr Jha recommends “a diet loaded with whole grains, legumes, millets, dairy products, nuts, seeds, etc.,” noting these support not only hair health but also overall wellbeing.

Dr Mahajan says that these foods “help to restore the lost nutrients, making the hair denser and thicker.” Think of them as edible armour for your follicles.

<h3>Still Losing Hair? Time to Dig Deeper</h3>

If your hair continues to vanish despite eating all the right things, don’t ignore it. “If still you face symptoms, consult a dermatologist for ruling out hormonal or other health conditions,” advises Dr Jha.

Dr Mahajan adds, “If you still suffer from hair fall, despite making changes in your diet, it’s time to consult a dermatologist, as it might be due to some hormonal disruption or any other autoimmune-related cause.” Because sometimes, hair loss isn’t just about what’s missing but what’s going wrong beneath the surface.

sudden hair thinning

nutritional deficiency

iron deficiency anaemia

vitamin b12

protein deficiency

telogen effluvium

crash diets

eating disorders like bulimia nervosa

impaired gut absorption

Skin & Hair

We have all had that mini meltdown finding a clump of hair in the shower drain or a brush full of hair after combing hair. While blaming stress or the changing seasons feels comforting, experts warn that your body might be sounding a nutritional alarm. Yes, your hair loss might be less about the weather and more about what is missing from your plate.Listen to What Your Body’s Saying“Seeing a lot of hair strands on your pillow cover feels distressing,” says Dr Khushboo Jha, MBBS, MD, Chief Dermatologist Consultant at Metro Hospital and Founder of One Skin Clinic, Faridabad, “but you need to listen to your body. It’s the way it communicates that your body is struggling with some deeper concern, probably nutrient deficiency.”Hair, it turns out, is a high-maintenance tissue. It’s fast-growing and metabolically active, demanding a steady supply of nutrients. But it’s not considered essential for survival. So in times of nutritional crisis, your body reroutes vitamins and minerals to more important organs like your heart or brain, leaving your hair stranded without support.“If your diet is insufficient, especially lagging in iron, vitamin D, Vitamin B complex such as vitamin B12 and biotin, zinc, protein, etc., hair will be the first one to suffer,” says Dr Jha.Why Vegans, Crash Dieters, and IBS Patients Should Pay Extra AttentionThe hair-nutrition connection is especially crucial for those following restrictive diets. Dr Jha warns that vegetarians and vegans “may unknowingly miss out on essential nutrients, particularly iron and protein, leading to diffuse thinning or excessive shedding.”Dr Ameesha Mahajan, Cosmetic Dermatologist and Founder of Eden Skin Clinic, agrees. “Vegetarians or vegans are more prone to deficiencies, especially when it comes to vitamin B12, iron and protein deficiency,” she says. And it’s not just about what you eat, but also how well your body absorbs it. “Impaired gut absorption disorders such as coeliac disease or IBD… can lead to extreme hair thinning,” Dr Mahajan adds.Crash diets and eating disorders like bulimia nervosa don’t do your strands any favours either. These behaviours disrupt the body’s nutritional balance and can prematurely push hair into the shedding phase.The Medical Jargon You Didn’t Know You Needed: Telogen EffluviumOne particular fallout of nutrient shortfalls is telogen effluvium, a name for hair falling out sooner than it should. Dr Mahajan points to iron deficiency anaemia as a common trigger. “It is strongly associated with telogen effluvium, a condition where hair prematurely enters the shedding phase,” she explains.In other words, if you’ve been feeling unusually tired and your hair is thinning, it might be more than a coincidence; it could be low iron or another nutrient throwing your hair growth cycle off track.Don’t Pop Just Any PillBefore you go on a supplement shopping spree, both experts urge caution. “Before self-prescribing supplements, experts urge a full nutritional workup to identify what’s missing,” says Dr Jha. Overloading on certain vitamins can do more harm than good.Dr Mahajan agrees. “It’s best to get blood parameters checked for any nutrient deficiencies before beginning any supplement to be sure.”So yes, multivitamins are tempting but flying blind could backfire. Know what you’re low on before topping up.Eat for Your Hair: What to Load on Your PlateBoth dermatologists suggest nourishing your scalp from within. Dr Jha recommends “a diet loaded with whole grains, legumes, millets, dairy products, nuts, seeds, etc.,” noting these support not only hair health but also overall wellbeing.Dr Mahajan says that these foods “help to restore the lost nutrients, making the hair denser and thicker.” Think of them as edible armour for your follicles.Still Losing Hair? Time to Dig DeeperIf your hair continues to vanish despite eating all the right things, don’t ignore it. “If still you face symptoms, consult a dermatologist for ruling out hormonal or other health conditions,” advises Dr Jha.Dr Mahajan adds, “If you still suffer from hair fall, despite making changes in your diet, it’s time to consult a dermatologist, as it might be due to some hormonal disruption or any other autoimmune-related cause.” Because sometimes, hair loss isn’t just about what’s missing but what’s going wrong beneath the surface.

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Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death globally, and while technology has evolved to the point where predicting heart attacks is possible, the medical world still struggles to put this into practice. Experts point to both promise and pitfalls in predictive <span>cardiology</span>, revealing why such life-saving tech is not yet a mainstream reality.

<h3>The Tech Is Here, But We Are Not Using It Enough</h3>

Dr. Vikrant B. Khese, Cardiologist at Jehangir Hospital, Pune, says the idea that we can predict heart attacks before they happen is both “exciting and frustrating, because while the technology exists, its real-world implementation remains limited.”

He explains that <span>artificial intelligence</span> (AI) and machine learning (ML) have incredible potential in this field. These tools can analyse vast datasets, such as blood pressure, <span>lipid profiles</span>, <span>ECGs</span>, imaging, and even genetic markers, to uncover patterns that might be invisible to the human eye. “These tools can detect subtle risk factors that may be missed in routine clinical practice. However, several challenges continue to hold us back,” he says.

One of the biggest concerns is the source of the data feeding these algorithms. “The majority of AI models are trained on Western datasets that do not reflect the unique genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors of Indian or Asian populations. This creates a mismatch, resulting in lower accuracy and reliability for non-Western patients.”

Dr. Khese adds that <span>cardiovascular disease</span> is deeply multifactorial. It is not just about clinical metrics. “Stress, socioeconomic status, cultural diet patterns, air pollution, and unstructured physical activity all influence risk but are difficult to quantify in a dataset. AI still struggles with these intangible but crucial variables.”

And even when predictive tools are developed, another hurdle lies in the healthcare system’s ability to use them. “Data-driven predictions can only be as good as the data input. In India, inconsistent electronic medical records, underreporting, and fragmented healthcare systems make it harder to gather high-quality longitudinal data, limiting the AI's learning potential.”

Crucially, there is also a behavioural gap. “Even when <span>prediction</span> tools exist, they are not routinely used by clinicians due to scepticism, lack of training, or workflow disruption. Bridging the gap between innovation and implementation is a major hurdle.”

According to Dr. Khese, technology must complement clinical judgement, not replace it. “AI is a powerful tool but not a standalone solution. Until we combine high-quality, representative data with clinical wisdom and system-level integration, the promise of predicting heart attacks before they happen will remain underutilised. The future lies in synergy; technology must empower doctors, not replace them.”

<h3>Prediction Tools Exist—But We’re Waiting for Symptoms</h3>

Dr. Vijay D'Silva, Medical Director of White Lotus International Hospital and Clinical Advisor and Mentor of Heartnet India, backs this view and draws attention to major international trials. “Research from the University of Oxford has suggested that a global trial of an AI tool that can predict the 10-year risk of <span>heart attack</span> has shown that in about 45 per cent of patients with chest pain, treatment could be improved,” he shares.

“Early detection of cardiac risk allows timely treatment and monitoring that can help reduce the mortality rate,” he says, explaining that most coronary blockages are asymptomatic. “Some present with chest, arm or jaw pain on exertion (angina pectoris). Few present as a heart attack or sudden death. People seek treatment after a heart attack when the damage is already done.”

According to Dr. D’silva, “With the help of the right tools, it is now possible to predict a heart attack before it occurs.” Among these tools are blood tests, ECGs, and advanced risk calculators such as the <span>AHA PREVENT calculator</span>, ASCVD <span>Risk Calculator</span> Plus, QRISK3, and SCORE2.

He points out how the 2023 AHA PREVENT calculator estimates 10-year cardiovascular risk in individuals aged 30 to 79, and 30-year risk in adults aged 30 to 59. “Early-stage detection of CVD minimises the cost and also reduces the CVD mortality rate,” he says.

<strong>This tool divides patients into four risk categories, each with its own treatment strategy:</strong>

<ul><li>Low risk (&lt;5%): Maintain healthy lifestyles and reassess every five years.</li><li>Borderline risk (5–7.4%): Lifestyle changes and monitoring of risk-enhancing factors like BP, sugar, weight and lipids. CAC scoring can further stratify risk. Annual reassessment recommended.</li><li>Intermediate risk (7.5–19.9%): Calls for lifestyle management, preventive medication (statins or aspirin), stress testing and CT coronary angiogram. Yearly reassessment is needed.</li><li>High risk (≥20%): Requires intensive lifestyle changes, pharmacotherapy, imaging and close follow-up.</li></ul>

Despite these advances, Dr D'Silva says, “The gap lies in implementation. Most people still wait for the symptoms to appear before seeing a doctor. Heart attacks, unfortunately, strike without any warning, especially in women and younger patients, where symptoms can be atypical.”

He stresses that predictive cardiology is not yet standard in clinical practice. “People who are at risk seek care when symptoms arise. But in cardiology, symptoms often come too late. Up to 50 per cent of heart attack victims had no prior warning signs.”

<h3>Why Risk Calculators Are NotFoolproof</h3>While risk calculators are promising, Dr. D’silva also points out their limitations. “The risk calculator may underestimate the risk in the following situations,” he says, listing specific high-risk groups such as:

<ul><li>Patients with LDL cholesterol ≥190 mg/dL</li><li>Those with familial hypercholesterolemia</li><li>Patients with type 1 diabetes</li><li>People with other risk-enhancing factors like family history of early cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, chronic kidney disease, chronic inflammatory diseases (psoriasis, RA, lupus), or early menopause</li></ul>

<h3>The Way Forward</h3>Both experts agree: predictive tools are no longer science fiction, but adoption is patchy. As Dr. Khese puts it, “The future lies in synergy; technology must empower doctors, not replace them.”

Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death globally, and while technology has evolved to the point where predicting heart attacks is possible, the medical world still struggles to put this into practice. Experts point to both promise and pitfalls in predictive cardiology, revealing why such life-saving tech is not yet a mainstream reality.The Tech Is Here, But We Are Not Using It EnoughDr. Vikrant B. Khese, Cardiologist at Jehangir Hospital, Pune, says the idea that we can predict heart attacks before they happen is both “exciting and frustrating, because while the technology exists, its real-world implementation remains limited.”He explains that artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have incredible potential in this field. These tools can analyse vast datasets, such as blood pressure, lipid profiles, ECGs, imaging, and even genetic markers, to uncover patterns that might be invisible to the human eye. “These tools can detect subtle risk factors that may be missed in routine clinical practice. However, several challenges continue to hold us back,” he says.One of the biggest concerns is the source of the data feeding these algorithms. “The majority of AI models are trained on Western datasets that do not reflect the unique genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors of Indian or Asian populations. This creates a mismatch, resulting in lower accuracy and reliability for non-Western patients.”Dr. Khese adds that cardiovascular disease is deeply multifactorial. It is not just about clinical metrics. “Stress, socioeconomic status, cultural diet patterns, air pollution, and unstructured physical activity all influence risk but are difficult to quantify in a dataset. AI still struggles with these intangible but crucial variables.”And even when predictive tools are developed, another hurdle lies in the healthcare system’s ability to use them. “Data-driven predictions can only be as good as the data input. In India, inconsistent electronic medical records, underreporting, and fragmented healthcare systems make it harder to gather high-quality longitudinal data, limiting the AI's learning potential.”Crucially, there is also a behavioural gap. “Even when prediction tools exist, they are not routinely used by clinicians due to scepticism, lack of training, or workflow disruption. Bridging the gap between innovation and implementation is a major hurdle.”According to Dr. Khese, technology must complement clinical judgement, not replace it. “AI is a powerful tool but not a standalone solution. Until we combine high-quality, representative data with clinical wisdom and system-level integration, the promise of predicting heart attacks before they happen will remain underutilised. The future lies in synergy; technology must empower doctors, not replace them.”Prediction Tools Exist—But We’re Waiting for SymptomsDr. Vijay D'Silva, Medical Director of White Lotus International Hospital and Clinical Advisor and Mentor of Heartnet India, backs this view and draws attention to major international trials. “Research from the University of Oxford has suggested that a global trial of an AI tool that can predict the 10-year risk of heart attack has shown that in about 45 per cent of patients with chest pain, treatment could be improved,” he shares.“Early detection of cardiac risk allows timely treatment and monitoring that can help reduce the mortality rate,” he says, explaining that most coronary blockages are asymptomatic. “Some present with chest, arm or jaw pain on exertion (angina pectoris). Few present as a heart attack or sudden death. People seek treatment after a heart attack when the damage is already done.”According to Dr. D’silva, “With the help of the right tools, it is now possible to predict a heart attack before it occurs.” Among these tools are blood tests, ECGs, and advanced risk calculators such as the AHA PREVENT calculator, ASCVD Risk Calculator Plus, QRISK3, and SCORE2.He points out how the 2023 AHA PREVENT calculator estimates 10-year cardiovascular risk in individuals aged 30 to 79, and 30-year risk in adults aged 30 to 59. “Early-stage detection of CVD minimises the cost and also reduces the CVD mortality rate,” he says.This tool divides patients into four risk categories, each with its own treatment strategy:Low risk (Borderline risk (5–7.4%): Lifestyle changes and monitoring of risk-enhancing factors like BP, sugar, weight and lipids. CAC scoring can further stratify risk. Annual reassessment recommended.Intermediate risk (7.5–19.9%): Calls for lifestyle management, preventive medication (statins or aspirin), stress testing and CT coronary angiogram. Yearly reassessment is needed.High risk (≥20%): Requires intensive lifestyle changes, pharmacotherapy, imaging and close follow-up.Despite these advances, Dr D'Silva says, “The gap lies in implementation. Most people still wait for the symptoms to appear before seeing a doctor. Heart attacks, unfortunately, strike without any warning, especially in women and younger patients, where symptoms can be atypical.”He stresses that predictive cardiology is not yet standard in clinical practice. “People who are at risk seek care when symptoms arise. But in cardiology, symptoms often come too late. Up to 50 per cent of heart attack victims had no prior warning signs.”Why Risk Calculators Are NotFoolproofWhile risk calculators are promising, Dr. D’silva also points out their limitations. “The risk calculator may underestimate the risk in the following situations,” he says, listing specific high-risk groups such as:Patients with LDL cholesterol ≥190 mg/dLThose with familial hypercholesterolemiaPatients with type 1 diabetesPeople with other risk-enhancing factors like family history of early cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, chronic kidney disease, chronic inflammatory diseases (psoriasis, RA, lupus), or early menopauseThe Way ForwardBoth experts agree: predictive tools are no longer science fiction, but adoption is patchy. As Dr. Khese puts it, “The future lies in synergy; technology must empower doctors, not replace them.”Dr. D'silva concludes, “The ability to predict heart attacks is advancing continuously, but we need public awareness and equitable access to make predictive cardiology more standard.”In short, we can predict heart att but until we normalise risk screening, improve data systems, and bridge the clinical gap, too many heart attacks will continue to catch people and systems off guard.

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