While the number of highly processed foods have increased, the health stats have declined even further. While processed foods are to blame, there is another item that has been flying under the health raider, sodas. These fizzy drinks may not be a part of your daily life, but they are worse than you think! One of the biggest appeals of sodas and beverages is that sugary and fizzy taste of them. Because they are easier to consume and the sugary taste has an addictive effect, people buy more and more of it, without realizing that amount of sugar.

One thing that made people realize how much sugar they had been consuming was when videos of people boiling these fizzy drinks surfaced. Those videos showed that as soon as all the liquid vapored off, the residue was just burnt sugar.

Sugary drinks like sodas and, energy drinks are popular worldwide, but new research shows they're seriously harming our health. These drinks are linked to millions of new cases of diabetes and heart disease each year. Sadly, developing countries are hit the hardest. This study shows how big of a problem sugary drinks are globally and why we need to do something about it. It’s a call to action for better health worldwide.

Sugary Drinks, Diabetes, and Heart Disease

Sugary drinks are beverages with added sugars, like soda, juice drinks, and sweetened teas. While sales are down in some places, they're rising in others. Researchers studied millions of people across many countries and found a strong link between drinking these beverages and developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease. These drinks contribute to a significant number of new cases each year, especially in certain parts of the world. This means that cutting back on these drinks could greatly improve health globally.

Sugary drinks are quickly digested because they're liquid, causing a fast rise in blood sugar. They also pack a lot of calories without making you feel full, which can lead to overeating. Unlike other treats, they don't offer much nutrition besides sugar. This combination of factors can lead to weight gain, problems with how your body uses sugar (insulin resistance), and other health issues that increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease. It’s not just about the calories, but the type of calories and how our bodies process them.

Sodas have an addictive nature because the main ingredients are caffeine and sugar. The reason why people like consuming them is because they were built to trigger the release of dopamine in the brain. The hormone dopamine is a feel-good hormone that makes you feel happy and good, which makes you feel like consuming it more!

What We Can Do to Cut Back on Sugary Drinks

To protect our health, we should drink fewer sugary drinks. Healthier options include water, unsweetened tea or coffee, and sparkling water. Even diet soda is a better choice than regular soda, but it's best to limit those too. Reading labels is important to know what you’re drinking. Governments can also help by taxing sugary drinks, putting warning labels on them, and restricting their sale in places like schools. These actions can make a big difference in reducing consumption and improving public health. There are many ways you can avoid getting addicted to sugary drinks,

Avoid Using It As A Reward

When you give the position of a reward to things, you are actively making your brain think it is a good thing and that can trigger a dependence on it.

Don’t Use It To Make You Feel Happy

We all have days when you feel low and do not like how things are going, in days like those you feel like having a comfort food or drink, which can make it a crutch and is a one way street to addiction

Drink A Lot Of Water

Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to keep your addiction as bay, sometimes you may as well need some water to keep you straight and not stray from their path.

Christmas dinners could 'disappear', all thanks to the bird flu outbreak across UK. This warning has come from a poultry farmer as the cases of bird flu have gone up from North Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Devon, and East Sussex.

This warning came from farmer Andrew Goodman, who works at Goodman's Geese in Great Witley, Worcestershire, as reported in BBC. He said that the threat of bird flu infection was a "continual worry", especially when it is ahead of the festive period. He told BBC that a single outbreak of the disease could lead to 10,000 Christmas lunches to disappear.

"You're finished basically. If we got it, all the birds would be slaughtered on the farm and then, with our free-range system, you're not allowed to restock for 12 months. Which would mean no birds for Christmas next year."

What Is Bird Flu?

Bird flu spreads from bird droppings and saliva. This happens especially when they feed on birdfeed and water.

Authorities have expanded compulsory poultry housing measures—previously limited to the North, Midlands and East—to all of England starting Thursday, in an effort to curb disease transmission. A nationwide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone also remains in force, mandating stringent biosecurity and hygiene protocols.

Health and Me had earlier reported that the UK had ordered 5 million vaccines against bird flu, also dubbed as "one mutation from being the next COVID". The comparison of bird flu with COVID, comes from the mutation that has recently been seen in the avian flu, which has affected animals and humans alike. Similar to how the corona virus previously also mutated, and continues to do so.

What are the symptoms one must look out for?

• Pink eye
• fever
• fatigue
• cough
• muscle aches
• sore throat
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• study or runny nose
• shortness of breath

Birds flu in humans

The first case of the recent bird flu outbreak in the US came in September, from a Missouri resident. However, the person did not have any exposure to infected animals. This is what is also raising the concern for mutation and the possibility of other forms of spreading. This was also a rare case as the infection did not happen due to exposure. Previously, all such cases in the US involved contact with farm animals or contaminated environment.

Can bird flu come from other animals?

Bird flu primarily infected farmworkers or those in close proximity to livestock. The first human bird flu case in the US was reported in 2022, to a person who was also involved in farm-working.

While this flu is largely confined to birds in the wild and poultry, recent outbreaks have been reported in mammals too, including cattle.

While 14 cases are in the US, the CDC notes that the risk to the general public is still at low, however, this warning could change. "Although human infections are rare, circumstances may evolve as we learn more about this case," said the CDC in a statement.

A doctor has issued a warning that a widely used winter supplement could pose health risks if taken in excess. The expert explained that consuming too much of this vitamin may damage your bones. Many people turn to supplements to make sure they meet their daily vitamin and mineral requirements. While a balanced diet should cover most of your needs, supplements can be helpful to prevent deficiencies.

Why Vitamin D Matters?

Vitamin D is essential for the body and is naturally obtained through sunlight exposure. Because sunlight is limited during autumn and winter, the NHS recommends taking vitamin D supplements during these months. This vitamin helps regulate calcium and phosphate levels, which are crucial for healthy bones, teeth, and muscles. A deficiency can lead to bone deformities such as rickets in children and bone pain in adults caused by a condition known as osteomalacia.

The Risks of Taking Too Much Vitamin D

As with any supplement, vitamin D must be taken carefully. In a TikTok video, Dr. Suraj Kukadia, also known as Dr. Sooj, warned against taking “high doses” of vitamin D. He said, “Taking a really high dose of vitamin D for a prolonged period can make your bones more brittle.” His caution aligns with NHS guidance.

According to the NHS: “Taking too many vitamin D supplements over a long period can cause excessive calcium to build up in the body (hypercalcaemia). This can weaken bones and damage the kidneys and heart.”

Vitamin D Recommended Dosage

The standard recommended dose of vitamin D is 10 micrograms (mcg) or 400 IU per day. Consuming more than 100 mcg (4,000 IU) daily could be harmful.

The NHS advises: “For most people, 10 micrograms a day is sufficient. Do not take more than 100 micrograms a day as it could be dangerous. This applies to adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, the elderly, and children aged 11 to 17. Children aged 1–10 should not exceed 50 micrograms (2,000 IU) daily. Infants under 12 months should not take more than 25 micrograms (1,000 IU) daily.”

People with certain medical conditions may need to adjust their intake, so it’s important to consult a doctor if unsure. Always follow your doctor’s guidance if they recommend a different dosage.

It’s not possible to overdose on vitamin D from sunlight alone. However, prolonged sun exposure carries risks of skin damage and skin cancer, so it’s important to protect your skin while outdoors.

Food Sources of Vitamin D

Certain foods can help you maintain healthy vitamin D levels, including:

Oily fish – salmon, sardines, trout, herring, mackerel

Red meat

Egg yolks

Fortified foods – such as some spreads and breakfast cereals

Liver – avoid liver if pregnant; check pregnancy food guidance

By sticking to recommended doses and combining supplements with a balanced diet, you can safely maintain your vitamin D levels while protecting your bones and overall health.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication. Individual needs may vary based on age, health conditions, and medical history.

New research is suggesting a significant connection between drinking instant coffee and a higher chance of getting age-related eye disorder.

Instant coffee may seem like a great way to start your day if you are in a hurry, however, a study has pointed out a major health consequence of drinking it. Published in the Food Science & Nutrition journal, this study showed that instant coffee could increase your risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Think of AMD as a common eye disease that can hurt your central vision and may even cause permanent blindness, especially for people over the age of 50.

Scientists did a study to look closely at how different types of coffee, ground, decaf, and instant, affect eye health. What they found was surprising. Earlier studies had actually hinted that coffee might be helpful for your eyes, possibly lowering the risk of AMD. However, this new research found the opposite was true for one type:

They discovered that only drinking instant coffee was clearly and strongly linked to an increased risk of getting dry AMD. In short, the study concluded that instant coffee "significantly increases the risk of AMD."

What is Macular Degeneration (AMD)?

The macula is a small spot right in the center of your retina (the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye). It's crucial because it gives you your central vision, which you use for reading and seeing fine details. There are two main types of AMD:

Dry AMD

This is the most common type. It happens when tiny yellow protein deposits form under your macula, slowly making your central vision blurry.

Wet AMD

This is less common but more serious. It happens when abnormal, fragile blood vessels grow under the macula and leak fluid and blood, causing quick damage.

You are more likely to develop AMD if you smoke, are overweight, have high blood pressure, or if someone in your immediate family has the disease.

How Does Instant Coffee Affect Eye Sight?

Since ground and decaf coffee didn't show this same risk, the researchers believe the difference has something to do with how instant coffee is made.

They suggest that the manufacturing process, which is different from brewing regular coffee, might be creating certain "potentially harmful substances" or involves additives that are not present in other types of coffee. Because of these findings, the researchers give a clear warning: if you are already at high risk for AMD, it's a good idea to avoid drinking instant coffee.

How Is Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treated?

The National Health Services UK explain that there is no cure for AMD right now. However, there are treatments and support available to help slow down vision loss and ensure you can maintain the best possible quality of life.

Your treatment plan will depend on the type of AMD you have, wet or dry. You will work with eye doctors, such as an optometrist, who checks eyes and an ophthalmologist who treats eye diseases.

Treatments for Wet AMD

Wet AMD happens when abnormal, fragile blood vessels start leaking fluid and damaging the eye. The main goal of treatment is to stop these leaks. Doctors use eye injections (called anti-VEGF) of medicine directly into the eye to block the growth of the bad blood vessels, or sometimes use light treatment to destroy them.

Treatments for Dry AMD

Unfortunately, there's currently no medical cure to reverse or stop dry AMD with medicine or surgery. Treatment focuses on supporting your remaining vision. Specialists offer low vision help by teaching you to use tools like bright lights and magnifiers. They also recommend lifestyle changes like specific diets and habits to protect your eye health.