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In the age of social media and quick fix health remedies, viral claims of herbal concoctions which promise to clean the uterus from diseases have grabbed much attention. One such viral claim has made its way through the Instagram reels suggesting that a simple herbal tea, made with red onion and shilajit capsules, removes uterine cysts, fibroids, and even controls the menstrual cycle. How accurate are these claims? Let's dig into the science of these claims, and sort out fact from fiction.
The Instagram reel claims to boil red onion in its skin and drink this concoction empty stomach or just before bed that will cleanse the uterus of cysts, fibroids, and so on. It is also promoting supplementary shilajit capsules. Some videos feature alternative medicine enthusiast Deepak Chopra who is preaching in this video. It promises women results right away-for example, how it can straighten out one's periods, get rid of reproductive health concerns, and other such benefits.
Medical experts refute all these claims vigorously. The uterus, they note, is a self-cleansing organ that doesn't need extraneous assistance to "detoxify" or "cleanse." Such claims lack scientific evidence, and in most cases, it's a matter of misinformation or even manipulated content, at times even generated with the help of AI.
It is important to understand why these claims fall short by grasping the nature of uterine cysts and fibroids.
Fluid-filled sacs that develop in different areas, including the ovaries. Ovarian cysts are mainly benign and disappear over time without a need for surgical intervention.
These are abnormal growths found in the uterus. They appear in different sizes and cause the following symptoms; heavy bleeding, pelvic pain among others.
Both have to be diagnosed properly and receive adequate treatment. Medication or surgical methods may occasionally be necessary. Herbal teas and remedies, though helpful for general well-being, do not have the capacity to dissolve cysts or fibroids.
Lack of evidence and adequacy on the use of herbal preparations to the study done on uterine fibroids was concluded. That is, more studies of higher quality are needed to fully understand if herbal remedies can possibly contribute any positive effects on the health of the uterus.
Some medicinal plants and herbs are actually capable of exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities; however, their contribution toward addressing issues like those in fibroids and cysts had not yet been proven.
Although no food or beverage can prevent, eradicate, or kill fibroids or cysts, a healthy diet can be a useful tool in the reduction of possible risk factors and control of symptoms. Foods high in the essential nutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins can have a general benefit for the reproductive organs.
Fruits and Vegetables: Produce such as apples, broccoli, cabbage, tomatoes, and citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruit) are rich in antioxidants and may reduce the risk of developing fibroids.
Calcium-Rich Foods: Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and fortified alternatives (soy, almond, or oat milk) are good sources of calcium and vitamin D, which studies suggest may reduce the risk of fibroids.
Vitamin D-Containing Foods: Some of these include light tuna, salmon, and rainbow trout, which provide immune health as well as balance to hormones.
Even though red onion tea and shilajit cannot cleanse the uterus, a few herbs and spices may ease symptoms of disorders such as endometriosis or premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
1. Curcumin: This is a compound found in turmeric that has shown anti-inflammatory effects and may be able to suppress the production of estradiol, a hormone associated with endometriosis.
2. Chamomile: Chamomile tea has been used to alleviate PMS symptoms, and its active compound, chrysin, has been reported to inhibit the growth of endometrial cells.
3. Essential Oils: A combination of cinnamon, clove, rose, and lavender oils applied during aromatherapy massage reduces menstrual pain and bleeding.
4. Ashwagandha: This is an adaptogenic herb used to reduce stress, which can indirectly benefit women with hormonal imbalances or chronic conditions like endometriosis.
While the allure of natural remedies is strong, especially when presented as quick and easy solutions, it’s essential to rely on evidence-based healthcare. Self-diagnosing and experimenting with unproven remedies can delay necessary medical treatment and lead to complications.
Consulting a healthcare provider is critical for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans. Doctors can also provide guidance on incorporating safe and effective complementary therapies into your routine.
There is no scientific basis to support the fact that a simple herbal concoction can cleanse the uterus of "any disease," which misleads the individuals to follow some ineffective remedies. The uterus does not require any kind of external "cleansing" for it to work at its best, and cysts and fibroids are usually treated by proper medical care.
Generally speaking, a proper diet with essential fruits, vegetables, and supplements can help develop overall reproductive well-being, however, it shall not replace other medical treatments and interventions. Also, herbs and plants such as chamomile, turmeric, and ashwagandha have been confirmed to be efficient in treating most related conditions.
Always be up to date, follow trusted health care professionals, and beware of fads that promise miraculous improvements in health with less scientific proof. Your health deserves nothing less.
Herbal preparations for uterine fibroids. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009
Curcumin inhibits endometriosis endometrial cells by reducing estradiol production. ran J Reprod Med. 2013
Comparison of the effects of Matricaria chamomila (Chamomile) extract and mefenamic acid on the intensity of premenstrual syndrome. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2014
The effect of aromatherapy abdominal massage on alleviating menstrual pain in nursing students: a prospective randomized cross-over study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013
A Systematic Review of Human Trial Results Reported for the Ayurvedic Herb Ashwagandha. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2014
Prolactin and cortisol levels in women with endometriosis. Braz J Med Biol Res. 2006
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Cheese And Dementia Risk: One of the world’s most loved foods may offer an unexpected benefit for brain health. A long-term study has shown that regularly eating high-fat cheese is linked to a lower chance of developing dementia.
The findings come from research published December 17 in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Scientists in Sweden examined dietary information from roughly 27,600 participants in the Malmö Diet and Cancer study, who were followed for an average of 25 years, and discovered a surprising connection between cheese consumption and dementia risk.
High-fat cheeses and cream may help reduce the risk of dementia, according to a new study. Published in Neurology, the research found that individuals who included two servings of high-fat cheese in their daily diet were less likely to develop dementia. Participants who ate 50 grams or more of high-fat cheese per day had a 13% lower risk compared to those who consumed less than 15 grams, the study reported. Similarly, people who included more high-fat cream in their diet had a 16% lower risk than those who had none, as per USA Today.
While the study shows an association between high-fat cheese and cream and reduced dementia risk, it does not prove that eating these foods directly prevents the condition. “This does not prove that cheese prevents dementia, but it does challenge the idea that all high-fat dairy is harmful for the brain,” said study co-author Emily Sonestedt, a nutrition researcher at Lund University in Sweden, where the Malmö Diet and Cancer study is based, in an interview with USA TODAY. “For most people, it means that enjoying cheese in reasonable amounts, as part of a balanced diet, does not appear harmful and may even have some benefit.”
The Swedish research specifically linked daily intake of high-fat cheeses—Brie, Gouda, and Cheddar—to a lower risk of developing dementia. Participants who consumed at least 50 grams of these cheeses each day experienced a 13% drop in dementia risk compared to those who ate smaller amounts.
The study also noted reduced risks of Alzheimer’s disease in certain genetic groups, though the researchers caution this does not prove a cause-and-effect relationship. Rather, it challenges the assumption that all high-fat dairy negatively affects brain health. Experts highlight that including these cheeses in moderation, as part of a balanced diet, could be beneficial.
Importantly, how cheese fits into a person’s overall diet may influence dementia risk. Sonestedt pointed out that U.S. dietary habits differ from Sweden’s, where cheese is often eaten uncooked, while in the U.S., it’s frequently heated or paired with meat. “A person’s overall dietary context matters,” she said. “Cheese eaten on a hamburger or with processed meat is very different from cheese eaten with healthier foods. We are not suggesting people switch to high-fat cheese as a strategy.”
Cheese could still be a healthier alternative in some cases. “Choosing cheese instead of a hotdog may be a step in the right direction,” said Yeh, “but the broader body of evidence suggests there are even better options for supporting cognitive health.”
The findings arrive as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again commission pushes to reintroduce whole milk in schools, despite ongoing questions about the health impact of saturated fats in milk.
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Energy drink is linked with stroke risk was found out when a fit 54-year-old man suffered stroke. Previously Health and Me also reported about the man, a non-smoker and non-drinker, who suffered stroke, thanks to his habit of consuming energy drinks. The doctors found his blood pressure to be sky rocketing. His left side of the body was weak, he lost balance, had trouble walking and speaking.
Another similar case comes from Canada, where a 10-year-old also suffered a seizure, consuming just two energy drinks in the week.
Experts are now weighing in if it is at all safe for anyone to consume energy drink.
Read: How Energy Drinks Nearly Killed a Healthy 54-Year-Old Runner
As per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), energy drinks are "pure and highly concentrated caffeine products can have serious health consequences, including death."
A BMJ study from 2025, Energy drinks, hypertension and stroke, found high morbidity and mortality rates associated with stroke and cardiovascular disease linked to high-sugar drink consumption.
Speaking to wmur.com, Dr Raj Dasgupta, a board-certified physical who specializes in internal medicine, pulmonology critical care, and sleep medicine said, "Caffeine is a stimulant, which means it increases activity in your brain and nervous system."
Caffeine keeps us awake by blocking adenosine, the brain chemical responsible for making us feel drowsy. Energy drinks boost alertness and focus partly by increasing adrenaline levels, though how strong the effects feel and how long they last can vary based on the person and the amount of caffeine consumed.
The short answer is that it depends. The energy drink market is huge, and there is no one-size-fits-all comparison. That said, many energy drinks do contain more caffeine per serving than a regular cup of coffee.
An average 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee has about 95 to 100 mg of caffeine. Energy drinks, on the other hand, can range widely, often providing anywhere between 70 and 200 mg per serving. The actual impact depends on how much you drink and how your body responds to caffeine.
Not all caffeine is created equal. The source can influence the drink’s overall nutritional value.
Some natural sources, like green tea, come with added benefits such as antioxidants and trace minerals. Ingredients like guarana and yerba mate also contain natural compounds that may support mood and energy levels. In contrast, highly processed or artificial caffeine sources usually do not offer these extra benefits.
One of the biggest differences between coffee and energy drinks is sugar. Coffee can be customized, so you control how much sugar goes in. Many energy drinks, however, are loaded with added sugar.
For example, a single 16-ounce can of some popular energy drinks can contain over 60 grams of sugar, well above the recommended daily limit. Some brands use artificial sweeteners instead, which research has linked to a higher risk of heart disease and stroke over time.
Health experts agree that moderation is key, regardless of your caffeine source. Most healthy adults can safely consume up to 400 mg of caffeine per day.
Too much caffeine can cause shakiness, poor sleep, a racing heartbeat, headaches, or stomach issues. Over time, excessive intake can also lead to dependence, meaning you need more caffeine to feel the same effect.
Certain people should be more cautious with energy drinks. Caffeine can worsen anxiety and interfere with sleep, especially for those already struggling with these issues. People with heart conditions may also need to limit or avoid caffeine since it can raise heart rate and blood pressure.
While labels may highlight antioxidants or added supplements, the high sugar, caffeine, and preservatives often cancel out these benefits. The same nutrients can be found more reliably in whole foods like fruits and vegetables.
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As the use of anti-obesity medicines like Ozempic continues to grow, more people are trying to understand what daily life looks like on these injections. Beyond weight loss results, concerns often centre on side effects, especially those linked to digestion. Many users of GLP-1 agonist medicines report gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and heartburn. In recent months, another pattern has caught attention. Several people say they feel sick after eating greasy or oily food.
To understand why this happens, we spoke to Dr Pratayksha Bhardwaj, World Record Holder Dietician and Weight Management Specialist, who explains that this reaction is more common than people realise.
Ozempic, medically known as semaglutide, was originally developed to help manage Type 2 diabetes. It is now widely prescribed for weight management because of how it influences appetite and digestion.
According to Dr Bhardwaj, Ozempic works by slowing down gastric emptying and acting on appetite-regulating centres in the brain. “Food stays in the stomach longer, and the feeling of fullness comes earlier than usual,” he explains. This change helps people eat less but also alters how the body handles certain foods.
Fatty and oily foods naturally take longer to digest. When this process is further slowed by Ozempic, the stomach can struggle to cope with heavy meals.
Dr Bhardwaj says that eating large portions, especially foods high in fat, can overwhelm the digestive system. “When fatty foods sit in the stomach for too long, they can trigger nausea, vomiting, or even diarrhoea,” he notes. This is why some people feel unwell shortly after eating fried snacks, fast food, or rich gravied dishes.
Many patients worry that vomiting after eating greasy food might be a sign of an allergic reaction. Dr Bhardwaj clarifies that this is not the case. “This response is physiological, not allergic,” he says. It reflects how the body adapts to the medication rather than an intolerance to the drug itself.
Clinically, doctors observe that tolerance for oily foods drops sharply after starting Ozempic. Vomiting is more commonly reported during the early stages of treatment or when the dose is being gradually increased.
Interestingly, this reaction can support healthier eating habits. Dr Bhardwaj points out that the discomfort acts as a natural reminder to change food choices. Patients are often advised to eat smaller portions, reduce fat intake, and include more fibre-rich vegetables in their meals.
Lower-fat foods are easier to digest and less likely to cause nausea. Over time, many people find that their preferences shift away from heavy, greasy meals.
While occasional nausea can be expected, persistent vomiting should not be ignored. Dr Bhardwaj advises consulting a doctor if symptoms continue. In some cases, a dose adjustment or personalised nutrition plan may be needed to reduce discomfort while continuing treatment safely.
Ozempic can be effective, but understanding how it interacts with food is key to managing side effects and maintaining long-term health.
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