Vitamin D, often referred to as the "sunshine vitamin," plays a crucial role in the human body. This fat-soluble nutrient not only helps in calcium absorption, which is vital for healthy bones and teeth, but also supports immune system function, muscle health, and cardiovascular health. Deficiency in vitamin D has been linked to various health issues, including osteoporosis, increased risk of infections, and even certain cancers. Moreover, recent studies have indicated a lack of this vitamin leads to dementia, even at early ages.

Why Do We Need Vitamin D?

One of the primary functions of vitamin D is to facilitate the absorption of calcium in the gut, ensuring that bones remain strong and dense. Adequate levels of vitamin D are crucial for preventing conditions like rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults, both of which result from weakened bone structure. Furthermore, vitamin D is involved in regulating mood and may help in reducing the risk of depression. Some studies suggest that it can also play a role in protecting against chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.

While the body can produce vitamin D naturally through exposure to sunlight, many people do not receive enough sun exposure to meet their daily requirements. Factors such as geographical location, skin pigmentation, age, and lifestyle can all influence vitamin D synthesis. For instance, individuals living in northern latitudes or those who spend most of their time indoors may be at a higher risk of deficiency.

Natural Sources Of Vitamin D

To ensure adequate vitamin D intake, it is important to include dietary sources rich in this nutrient. Fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, are among the best natural sources of vitamin D. A single serving of these fish can provide more than the daily recommended intake. Additionally, cod liver oil is a potent source, although it is less commonly consumed in modern diets.

Fortified foods also serve as essential sources of vitamin D. Many dairy products, plant-based milk alternatives, and breakfast cereals are fortified with vitamin D to help individuals meet their nutritional needs. Egg yolks and certain types of mushrooms, particularly those exposed to ultraviolet light, are also good sources.

D2 And D3 Supplements

For those who struggle to obtain sufficient vitamin D from sunlight and diet, supplementation may be necessary. Vitamin D supplements come in two forms: D2 (ergocalciferol) and D3 (cholecalciferol). D3 is generally considered more effective at raising and maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D in the body.

Regular testing for vitamin D levels can be beneficial, especially for individuals at risk of deficiency. Health professionals often recommend a blood test to assess levels and determine if supplementation is necessary.

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.

When you picture your post-weight-loss transformation, you probably see yourself as a healthier, more energetic yourself—not as someone struggling with excess folds of loose skin. For many people, the thought of loose skin is a surprising—and unwanted—consequence that takes away from the gratification of reaching their health milestones. But the good news is: Although some level of skin laxity is unavoidable, it doesn't have to lead you to surgical treatments. Through intelligent planning and targeted lifestyle modification, and a science-supported methodology, you can easily minimize your chances of getting skin that's loose—and quite possibly eliminate it altogether.

Skin is not a surface organ—it's your body's largest and most intricate barrier, comprised of collagen and elastin, proteins that are responsible for firmness and elasticity. When you put on pounds, your skin stretches to keep up with added fat reserves. But constant stretching, particularly in instances of obesity or pregnancy, may ruin these supportive fibers.

This damage is the reason why the skin tends to struggle to recover following extreme weight reduction. And although genetics and age are factors, how much weight you lose, how you care for your skin, and your diet can influence the outcome to be in your favor.

Rapid weight loss might seem appealing, but it increases the likelihood of loose skin. Losing weight slowly—ideally 1 to 2 pounds per week—gives your skin time to adjust to your body’s new shape.

According to data from the National Institutes of Health, gradual weight loss supports metabolic stability and gives your skin’s collagen fibers time to remodel rather than collapse under pressure.

Replacing lost fat with lean muscle mass gives shape and support underneath the skin. Add resistance training, weight lifting, and bodyweight exercises to your daily routine. Short sessions, performed consistently, can contribute to noticeable skin tightening in the long term.

It is particularly helpful on the arms, thighs, and stomach—areas where loose skin often manifests.

Weight loss is a great victory for your health, but unfortunately, it usually comes with a hidden cost—loose, sagging skin. While not everyone gets it, many do, particularly after fast or extreme weight loss. But the good news: loose skin doesn't necessarily mean permanent. With the right approach—from determining the cause to selecting targeted treatments—you can enhance the elasticity and look of your skin. Here's how.

First, Identify: Is It Actually Loose Skin or Stubborn Fat?

Before diving into solutions, it's worth considering whether what you're observing is actually loose skin or merely a layer of subcutaneous fat under the skin.

Test the pinch test:

Pinch the area in question gently.

If the skin is thick (over several millimeters), it's probably subcutaneous fat. If that's the case, additional fat loss may tighten the skin naturally.

If the skin is thin and wrinkly, you’re dealing with true loose skin.

Step-by-Step Guide To Tighten Loose Skin After Weight Loss

1. Nourish Your Skin from Within

Your skin relies on nutrients—especially collagen and elastin—to maintain its firmness and elasticity. A well-rounded, vitamin-rich diet can help your skin recover.

Vitamin A (for cell repair): Found in eggs, cheese, oily fish, yogurt, and fortified spreads.

Vitamin C (to produce collagen): In citrus fruits, broccoli, strawberries, and potatoes.

Vitamin E (to give skin elasticity): In nuts, seeds, vegetable oils (such as sunflower or olive), and leafy green vegetables.

A balanced diet also supports weight management and overall health.

2. Adopt Lifestyle Habits That Promote Healthy Skin

Unhealthy habits can fight against your skin's resilience.

Quit smoking: Smoking significantly cuts collagen production and speeds up skin aging.

Shield from sun damage: Too much sun exposure degrades proteins in the skin, resulting in sagging skin years later.

3. Drink Plenty of Water and Moisturize Regularly

Water isn't only necessary for losing weight—it's also important for skin elasticity.

Hydration increases elasticity: Researchers found that drinking more water enhances the texture and function of the skin.

Moisturize every day: Apply creams containing natural oils (such as olive oil or coconut oil) and collagen-enhancing agents. This will work to minimize stretch marks and keep skin from drying out and sagging.

4. Exercise To Build Back Underlying Muscle

Loose skin typically occurs when fat is lost, but underlying muscle is not gained to occupy the space. Specifically targeted strength training can turn that around.

Weight training and resistance exercises create muscle, particularly in the arms, abdomen, and thighs.

Even a daily 30-minute workout of strength-building activity can tighten skin by adding depth underneath it.

5. Investigate Non-Surgical Skin Tightening Procedures

For those in need of quicker results, some non-surgical procedures provide effective, safe solutions without going under the knife:

Ultrasound skin tightening: Utilizes sound waves to increase collagen production.

Radiofrequency and IPL (Intense Pulsed Light): Stimulate tightening of the skin and enhance texture.

Chemical peels and ablative laser resurfacing: Rejuvenate the skin surface by stimulating new skin cell growth.

Neuromodulators: Cosmetically used often to relax lines, but can also enhance skin tone and texture.

All of these treatments usually need multiple sessions and little time off work.

6. Surgery for Excess or Severely Loose Skin

If your skin has been stretched out considerably—such as following weight loss of 100 pounds or more—non-surgical treatments might not be sufficient.

Body-contouring surgeries are used to remove loose skin and fat, providing immediate and striking results:

• Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
• Thigh lift
• Brachioplasty (arm lift)
• Body lift
• Breast lift

Note: Always see a board-certified plastic surgeon and consider the pros, cons, and recovery time before going ahead.

Will Loose Skin Go Away On Its Own?

That is dependent upon various factors:

Age: Younger skin is more elastic.

Duration of obesity: The longer the skin has been stretched, the more difficult it can be to retract.

Lifestyle: Smoking, sun exposure, lack of nutrition, and crash diets all impact results.

For mild to moderate loose skin, regular care can result in slow improvement. For severe cases, medical treatments might be required.

When Surgery Is the Only Option

In severe instances—particularly following weight loss of more than 100 pounds—non-surgical solutions might not be enough. Body-contouring procedures like tummy tucks, thigh lifts, or brachioplasty can eliminate major folds of loose skin.

Surgery must be the last option. It's costly, involves considerable downtime, and has inherent risks. Always see a board-certified plastic surgeon and consider the advantages carefully.

Will Loose Skin Go Away on Its Own?

Mild skin laxity tends to improve on its own over time, particularly in those who are younger or who live a healthy, collagen-prompting lifestyle. But for more severe sagging, this may level off and not get any better without doing anything.

You can act proactively from day one on your weight loss program. Add skin-care measures to your fitness and diet plan and get better long-term results.

The road to a healthier body doesn't need to mean sacrificing your confidence. By gradually losing weight, nourishing your skin through nutrients and water, remaining active, and eschewing harmful habits, you give your skin the power to cope and remain resilient. Loose skin can be a widespread issue, but one that's not set in stone. With the right science-driven strategy, you can safeguard your skin—no knife necessary.

Affecting millions of people all over the world, dementia is the current seventh leading cause of death globally. The World Health Organization states that 57 million people had dementia in 2021, the most common form of it being Alzheimer which contributes to 60-70% of cases. One of the most devastating things about this disease is that there is no cure for it. Researchers have been studying the disease in various contexts, but there are still many aspects of this mental condition that we are not aware of.

While there is no cure for the disease, getting treatment for dementia helps you minimize the symptoms and sustain your quality of life. The best way to deal with dementia is catching it early. That will allow healthcare professionals to give you the best possible treatment.

Important Symptoms That Go Unnoticed

When people think of dementia, memory problems are usually the first thing that comes to mind. However, there are many subtle signs of the disease that we might miss. A dementia diagnosis comes with the understanding that the disease can change a person’s entire being, the way they think, how they behave, even their core values that make up the person’s identity.

Understanding and addressing these sensory issues earlier could make a huge difference. It could help healthcare providers offer the crucial emotional and social support that patients need during what can be a very confusing and upsetting time. Plus, recognizing changes in a person's senses can also help doctors determine a dementia diagnosis. These signs are unrelated to simple memory loss.

How Dementia Changes How We See and Hear

Dementia often affects how a person experiences the world, changing how they understand what they see and hear. The Alzheimer’s Society explains that this happens because dementia damages the brain, leading to things like seeing shadows as objects or mistaking family members. These changes can be very confusing and upsetting for the person and their loved ones, making supportive responses crucial to maintain their confidence. A sudden, quick change could be serious, so call a doctor right away.

Difficulties with Hearing and Understanding Sounds, Especially in Noisy Places

Losing hearing in middle age (40-65) can increase your risk of dementia, and sometimes, hearing problems are an early sign. According to the Alzheimer’s Society as we age, hearing often declines, making it harder to hear clearly, especially in busy places. There are two types: one where ears don't pick up sounds well, and another where the brain struggles to process sounds. Getting your hearing checked and using hearing aids can help reduce dementia risk and improve memory and thinking skills. Protecting your hearing early in life is also important.

A Reduced Sense of Smell and Taste

Our sense of smell, often underestimated, provides vital information and can be an early indicator of dementia. According to the University of Chicago, research shows a rapid decline in smell can predict changes in brain regions linked to Alzheimer's disease, even before memory problems appear. This discovery could lead to simple smell tests for earlier detection of cognitive decline. While more research is needed, this inexpensive tool offers hope for identifying those at higher risk sooner, potentially leading to better treatments.

Problems with How We Feel Touch

According to a 2023 study published in the eBioMedicine, while hearing and vision are often studied, research now shows that changes in our sense of touch can also be linked to cognitive decline. Studies have found that people with mild cognitive impairment often have reduced sensitivity to touch compared to others. This means they might not feel things as clearly. This connection between touch sensitivity and memory suggests that looking at all our senses, not just sight and hearing, is important for understanding how the brain changes as we age and its role in conditions like dementia.