Water is essential for life. It regulates body temperature, flushes out toxins, cushions joints, aids digestion, and helps transport nutrients throughout the body. But what happens when you stop drinking water—whether due to neglect, illness, or extreme conditions? Even mild dehydration can trigger a cascade of changes that affect nearly every system in the body. Here's what goes on inside when you stop hydrating properly.

Within First 24 Hours: Subtle Signs Begin

The average adult loses about 2 to 3 litres of water daily through sweat, urine, and breathing. If you stop drinking water, your body quickly begins to feel the effects. In the first 24 hours, you might feel thirst, dry mouth, and slight fatigue. Your urine may become darker and more concentrated — a clear sign that the kidneys are trying to conserve water.

Cognitive function can also begin to decline. Even a 1–2% drop in hydration levels can affect focus, mood, and short-term memory. Headaches, lightheadedness, and a dip in physical performance may also begin to appear.

After 48 hours: Systems Start To Slow Down

The skin may lose its natural elasticity and appear dull or dry. The digestive system also suffers. Without water, the intestines struggle to move waste, leading to constipation and bloating.

By Day Three: Severe Dehydration Sets In

You may also stop sweating, which hampers the body’s ability to cool itself. This increases the risk of overheating, heat exhaustion, or even heatstroke.

Long-Term Effects And Risks

Prolonged dehydration can cause kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and in extreme cases, kidney failure. Chronic dehydration has also been linked to an increased risk of colon and bladder cancers. Over time, the lack of hydration can impact skin health, immune function, and even mental clarity.

How Much Water Is Enough?

While the “8 glasses a day” rule is a good general guideline, hydration needs vary depending on factors like age, activity level, climate, and health conditions. Experts recommend listening to your body — drink when you’re thirsty, and monitor urine color as a hydration cue. Clear or pale yellow urine usually indicates good hydration.

Water is more than just a thirst-quencher — it’s a vital part of nearly every bodily function. Going without it, even for a short time, can lead to a swift decline in health. Staying hydrated isn’t just good advice; it’s a non-negotiable necessity for survival.

From roasted almond handfuls as a snack to almond flour in gluten-free cooking, this nut has become a staple in daily diets and when discussing nutrition, almonds nearly always find their way onto the list. With their high levels of healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamins, this little nut has been touted as a superfood for a long time. But over the past decade or so, almonds have come in a new guise that has appeared in millions of kitchens across the globe—almond milk. Almond milk is creamy, dairy-free, and frequently fortified with important nutrients. It's become the first choice for those who'd rather not indulge in regular dairy.

National Nutrition Week is annually celebrated from September 1 to 7, and it acts as a reminder to take stock of how our diet contributes to our well-being. The theme for 2025, as in the past, is all about balanced diets, nutrient-dense foods, and bringing awareness to silent nutritional deficiencies. Almond milk is perfectly a part of this discussion. Whereas plant-based diets are on the rise due to environmental, ethical, and health considerations, you need to know whether substituting dairy with almond milk is boosting or detracting from your long-term health. What does actually happen when you consume it daily? Is it a good habit—or does it have some secret downsides you should find out?

Also Read: Even 'Minimal' Portion Of Ultra-processed Foods Sabotage Male Fertility And Metabolism

Smooth in texture and nutty in taste, almond milk is now being poured into lattes, blended into smoothies, and stirred into cereal bowls as a substitute for cow's milk. But with so much hype, the question is, is drinking almond milk daily really good for you, or are there unsuspected downsides to be on the lookout for?

Cow's milk has been the default choice for generations—be it for dipping cookies, stirring into oatmeal, or frothing for coffee. However, almond milk sales in the United States have continuously increased year after year, based on figures from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Although the total effect on dairy sales is still modest, the trend demonstrates shifting consumer values. Individuals are moving to almond milk for a number of reasons:

• Some prefer a vegan or eco-friendly option.
• Others are lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy.
• And some just like the lower calorie count or milder taste.

Almond milk is dairy free, vegan friendly, and is commonly fortified with calcium and vitamin D, making it a popular replacement. However, its nutritional content is not the same as cow's milk, and that difference holds weight when partaken in every day.

What Exactly Is Almond Milk?

Even though almonds are in the name, almond milk is not created through "milking" almonds. Almonds are soaked, then blended with water and strained to remove a smooth liquid from them. It can be sweetened, flavored, or fortified with vitamins and minerals based on the brand.

Its natural state is quite low in calories, protein, and sugar, but commercial fortification adds extra nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D, which are otherwise available in cow's milk.

Health Benefits of Drinking Almond Milk Every Day

A Boost of Antioxidants

One of the standout nutrients in almond milk is vitamin E, an antioxidant. One cup yields almost half of the recommended daily amount. Vitamin E protects cells from oxidative stress, maintains immune function, and has been associated with cardiovascular health.

Supports Weight Management

Unsweetened almond milk is about 37 calories per cup—far less than dairy milk. For those who want to lose or maintain weight, no need to sacrifice milk in the diet by substituting with almond milk that can help them without compromising calorie targets. Its minimal amount of healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, also contribute to satiety.

A Solution for Lactose Intolerance

For those who can't digest lactose, almond milk provides a relief-filled solution. Unlike dairy, it's lactose-free by nature, skipping the gas and bloating that go along with regular milk.

Bone Health Potential

Fortified almond milk can deliver similar levels of calcium and vitamin D as cow's milk—two nutrients that are key to bone strength and osteoporosis prevention. On its own, though, almond milk lacks in this regard.

Blood Sugar-Friendly

Unsweetened almond milk has only 1 gram of sugar per serving, so it's a great choice for diabetics. It won't trigger the same blood sugar spikes that result from sweetened versions or dairy milk occasionally.

Eye and Immune Support

Due to its vitamin A content, almond milk promotes healthy vision as well as immune system strength, so it's more than a mere coffee cup filler.

Nutrition Breakdown

A comparison reveals how almond milk compares to cow's milk per cup:

• Calories: 37 in unsweetened almond milk vs. 122 in dairy milk.
• Protein: 1 g in almond milk vs. 8 g in dairy milk.
• Calcium: Up to 422 mg in fortified almond milk vs. 309 mg in dairy milk.
• Vitamin E: 8 mg in almond milk vs. negligible in dairy.

The most significant distinction is protein. Milk is much more nutrient-dense in this area, which has a primary function in muscle building, endocrine function, and overall energy state.

Possible Risks of Drinking Almond Milk Daily

Consuming almond milk every day is perfectly safe for the average adult, but it comes with some provisos.

Added Sugars: Sweet almond milk is high in sugar, which can increase obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes risk. Opting for unsweetened is crucial.

Low Protein: Even fortified almond milk is a lot lower in protein than dairy. People living only on almond milk will have to get protein elsewhere.

Additives: Some products include carrageenan, an additive associated in some research with inflammation of the digestive tract. Most individuals can tolerate it, but those who are sensitive must be careful.

Infants and Toddlers: Almond milk is not safe for children under one year old because it does not have the fat, protein, and nutrients needed for growth. Pediatricians advise using only breast milk or formula until age one.

Nut Allergies: For almond-allergic individuals, even small quantities are potentially fatal.

Who Should and Shouldn't Consume Almond Milk Daily?

Almond milk can be a good option for lactose-intolerant adults, vegans, or those watching their calories. But it's not suitable for babies, individuals with nut allergies, or those who are constantly dependent on milk as an important source of protein without making up for it elsewhere.

Creative Ways to Drink Almond Milk Everyday

Aside from pouring it into breakfast cereal, almond milk can quite easily become a staple in a daily diet:

• Blended into smoothies and protein shakes.
• Substituted into recipes for baked goods such as cakes or muffins.
• Mixed into soups or sauces for added creaminess.
• Used as a base for overnight oats or chia puddings.

Homemade almond milk, prepared by soaking and blending almonds with water, can also be a fresher, additive-free alternative though it will not contain the same fortified nutrients as store-bought options.

Should You Have Almond Milk Every Day?

Almond milk is not an ideal replacement for dairy milk, but it provides distinct advantages. Having unsweetened, fortified almond milk daily may complement antioxidant consumption, bone density, and calorie control and is also a good choice for lactose intolerant or vegan diets. Its principal disadvantages are its poor protein content and potential risks associated with added sugars in flavored types.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider before making changes to your diet or nutrition habits.

Walk down any supermarket aisle, and it can feel like decoding a chemistry experiment just to buy dinner. "High-protein" cereal bars, "plant-based" ready meals, labels yell health, but many of them fall in the ultra-processed foods (UPFs) category. Recent studies show that even moderate intakes of these foods can play havoc with male reproductive systems and metabolic functions, raising serious questions about the unknown danger lurking in our contemporary diets.

In the last 50 years, obesity and type-2 diabetes prevalence have increased globally, whereas sperm quality has plummeted. This synchronous trend has led researchers to examine dietary drivers of these changes. Ultra-processed foods, containing high levels of refined carbohydrates, saturated fat, and additives, have been identified as a key culprit. In contrast to unprocessed foods, such foods are industrially processed, frequently low in fiber, and liable to impart concealed chemical contaminants, such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

"Even when eaten in moderation, ultra-processed foods are damaging to reproductive and metabolic health," explains Jessica Preston, lead author of a groundbreaking study at the University of Copenhagen's NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research (CBMR). "It is not overeating them but their processed nature that makes them risky."

Why Same Calorie Consumption Have Different Consequences?

To understand the true impact of UPFs, researchers conducted a rigorous randomized controlled trial. Forty-three men, aged 20 to 35, participated in a crossover study comparing ultra-processed and minimally processed diets. Each diet was carefully matched for calories, protein, carbohydrates, and fats, and participants were unaware of which diet they were on.

The results were surprising, men added around 1 kilogram of fat mass on the ultra-processed diet, even when calorie consumption was similar. Cardiovascular indicators such as LDL cholesterol and diastolic blood pressure also deteriorated with UPF intake, emphasizing that these foods influence metabolism more than just calorie content.

Pollutants in Your Plate

UPFs not only are nutritionally poorer but also usually contaminated with chemical substances such as phthalates, which have a disrupting effect on hormones. The research established high concentrations of cxMINP, a metabolite of phthalates, among subjects eating ultra-processed foods. The substances associated with reduced testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone, both important in the production of sperm.

Professor Romain Barrès, senior author of the study, underscores the broader implications, “We were shocked by how many body functions were disrupted, even in healthy young men. These results signal a need to revisit dietary guidelines to protect long-term reproductive and metabolic health.”

How is UPFs and Male Fertility Connected?

Dropping sperm counts are a worldwide concern, with research indicating around a 60% decline since the 1970s. Obesity and suboptimal dietary intake of fats play a role, but UPFs introduce a chemical element. The recent trial validated hormonal changes related to reproduction, such as reduced follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and trends toward reducing testosterone. Sperm motility also tended to decline, although change was not statistically significant in the short-term study.

These results are echoed in larger epidemiological studies correlating the consumption of UPFs with obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even mental illness. The combination of chemical exposure, diets poor in nutrients, and metabolically disrupted metabolism makes UPFs especially pernicious.

How To Recognize Ultra-Processed Foods?

In spite of all this danger, UPFs own the shelves in supermarkets, camouflaged as health foods. Some telltale signs include:

Emulsifiers: Employed to mix ingredients together and produce creamy textures. Research indicates they can interfere with gut microbiota and the intestinal mucus barrier.

1. Artificial sweeteners: Contained in low-calorie beverages and foods, these substances can quietly affect appetite and gut microbiota.
2. Modified starches: Digested speedily and containing low amounts of fiber, they cause peaks in blood glucose with minimal nutrition.
3. Protein isolates: Typical of shakes and meat alternatives, these isolate protein from its native environment and indicate intensive processing.
4. Stabilizers and gums: Added to enhance texture, these are unknown in home kitchens and lead to gastrointestinal distress.

A useful rule is the "five-ingredient test": if you do not know five or more ingredients, it is probably ultra-processed. Or ask yourself whether you would normally stock these products in your pantry. Ingredients such as invert syrup, carboxymethylcellulose, and artificial flavorings are obvious warning signs.

How to Make Smarter Swaps To Make At The Grocery Store

Cutting UPF intake doesn't need drastic lifestyle adjustment. Minimally processed, simple alternatives can offer the same convenience without toxic additives:

1. Packed legumes and fish: Canned beans, chickpeas, lentils, and plain fish are healthy and shelf-stable.
2. Frozen vegetables and fruits: Often as nutrient-dense as fresh counterparts.
3. Whole grains: Opt for plain brown rice or quinoa pouches in lieu of flavored instant packets.
4. Additive-free sauces: Passata, tahini, pesto, and coconut milk present wholesome, ready-to-use meal bases.

Ultra-processed foods are not simply "empty calories." They are designed foods that disrupt metabolic well-being, hormonal balance, and reproductive health, even when consumed in moderate quantities. For males, the effects can be weight gain, changed cholesterol, and diminished fertility.

Although UPFs are not going away from world diets anytime in the near future, knowledge and wise food choices can help counteract them. Making whole and minimally processed foods a priority is not merely a plan for improved health, it is a protection for ongoing reproductive and metabolic health.

Intermittent fasting is a very popular way of eating that focuses on when you eat, not necessarily what you eat. The most common method involves eating all of your food for the day within a short time frame, often an eight-hour window, and then not eating anything for the other 16 hours. People like it because it seems like an easy way to get healthier without having to count calories or cut out carbs.

However, is this healthy diet the reason for your declining health? Although it is said to be a good habit for your gut health and digestive health, could it slowly be chipping away at your heart health? A new study published in the Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews looked into the same and found that it does more than slowly decline your health, it could also raise your mortality rate.

Is Intermittent Fasting Risky?

In the study, more than 19,000 adults has raised some serious concerns. It found that people who ate all their food in less than eight hours a day had a 135% higher risk of dying from heart and blood vessel disease than people who ate over a period of 12 to 14 hours.

This higher risk was found in all kinds of people, but it was strongest for smokers and people who already had health problems like diabetes or heart disease. While the study doesn't prove that intermittent fasting is the direct cause, it's a strong warning sign that it might not be a completely safe and easy way to get healthy.

Pros And Cons of Intermittent Fasting

Some smaller, short-term studies have shown that intermittent fasting can help you lose weight and improve your heart health. However, this new study brings a big concern to the table. An expert said that while this diet might help you lose weight and lower blood pressure, it can also lead to problems like not getting enough nutrients, feeling cranky, having headaches, and even losing muscle.

The main message from this research is that it's important to personalize your diet based on your own health. For now, experts say it's probably more important to focus on what you're eating rather than just when you're eating it. People with heart disease or diabetes should be especially careful about following a strict, short eating window for a long time.

How To Intermittent Fast Like A Pro: Beginner’s Guide

Intermittent fasting can be hard to follow, and it's not recommended for certain people, including those with advanced diabetes, pregnant women, and anyone who has had an eating disorder. Before you start, you should talk to your doctor to make sure it's a safe option for you.

According to the University of Michigan School of Public Health Some of the fasting styles can be very tough for beginners. A good way to start is with a daily fasting plan. You can begin by fasting for just 12 hours a day, which is easy because most of that time you'll be sleeping. As you get used to it, you can slowly make your fasting window longer.

Remember, the key to success is choosing a style that you can realistically stick with. And no matter which style you choose, the quality of your food is still very important. Eating healthy food is just as crucial as following the fasting schedule.