Amidst the ongoing holiday season, it is common to get indulged in sweets and a sugary diet. But more often than not, it leads to guilt, which many people try to overcompensate for by skipping breakfast. While this might seem like a magic bullet, health experts warn that this practice could be detrimental to your health. What Is The Solution? A well-balanced breakfast.

The best food to have in the morning after consuming excess sugar should be full of fibre and protein, as per dieticians. Both these nutrients help steady your blood sugar and insulin levels. Another advantage of such a breakfast is that it will keep you full, preventing you from indulging in sweet snacks due to cravings. It is also a good idea to keep the rest of your meals balanced throughout the day, regardless of whatever diet you might be following.

Other Ways to Keep Your Body Balanced

Besides consuming a protein-and fibre-rich diet, you should also stay away from soft drinks, packaged juices, and all sorts of aerated beverages. Your mood will get a nice boost after moving your body for about 30 minutes, especially if you exercise outdoors. Remember, exercise is not a punishment for eating too much sugar the day before. Instead, it is a better way to hit the reset button rather than starving yourself or attempting a detox.

How Does Sugar Affect Your Body?

Glucose is what fuels and refuels itself. Carbohydrates and sugar are the two sources of glucose. When you consume sugar or carbohydrates, the pancreas releases insulin to help the body effectively use the glucose for energy. In simple words, when you eat food, it breaks down into glucose which is taken to the cells (where is it used to produce energy) by insulin. But when you consistently overeat sugar and carbohydrates, that’s when problems can occur.

At this point, the insulin is ‘overwhelmed’ and cannot do its job effectively. This is called insulin resistance. When you have insulin resistance, the cells are starved of energy, so they will send a signal to the body that you need to eat, which leads to hunger and cravings. It can also lead to irritability, poor sleep and excess belly fat.

Why Should You Stay Away From Sugar?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body can't regulate blood sugar levels. Therefore, it is pivotal for even those without the condition to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Earlier research suggested that people who have a "sweet tooth" may be at an increased risk of developing certain health conditions, including depression, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular issues. On the other hand, health-conscious individuals may face lower health risks and gain additional metabolic advantages from their overall diet and lifestyle decisions.

For many people, eczema is more than dry, itchy skin; it’s an ongoing struggle that affects overall well-being, including mood, social life, and sleep. Parents of children with eczema often spend nights trying to stop persistent scratching, while adults frequently feel self-conscious at work or in public when flare-ups are visible.

The condition also brings financial strain from treatments, frequent doctor visits, and emotional stress. In India, eczema is worsened by the climate, pollution, and regular use of harsh or fragranced skincare products, making sensitive skin even more prone to irritation. Gentle, science-backed care is essential, not just helpful, to manage skin conditions that affect over 30–40% of Indians.

We spoke to Dr Preethi Nagaraj, Medical Director and Senior Dermatologist at Twacha Skin and Hair Clinic, Kochi, to learn more.

What Is Eczema and Its Ripple Effects?

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, typically appears as dry, itchy, and red patches on the skin. While some people may experience mild irritation, others face severe flare-ups that disrupt daily life. But eczema is more than a skin condition, it can affect concentration, mental health, and sleep. Dr Nagaraj explained that this can make it harder for children to focus at school and cause adults to miss work or social events. Recognizing these broader effects shifts the focus from simply treating the skin to supporting the individual as a whole.

Why the Skin Barrier Matters

The main reason eczema develops is a compromised skin barrier. A healthy barrier relies on ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol to retain moisture and block irritants. When ceramides are low, skin loses water quickly and becomes highly sensitive, even with regular moisturization. Genetics also play a role—about one-third of Indian children with hand eczema have filaggrin mutations, weakening their protective layer. That’s why consistent, barrier-focused skincare is essential to keep flare-ups under control.

What Is Colloidal Oatmeal?

Colloidal oatmeal is a fine powder made from whole oat kernels and is used as a skin protectant to soothe itching and irritation. It’s a recognized ingredient that hydrates skin, protects against irritants, and provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. It can be used in bathwater or in creams and lotions, according to Healthline.

How Can Colloidal Oatmeal Help Treating Eczema

Colloidal oatmeal isn’t just a breakfast ingredient, it’s been a long-standing skin soother. It contains compounds called avenanthramides that calm inflammation and reduce itchiness. Beta-glucans form a protective layer to lock in moisture, and oat lipids help repair the skin’s barrier. Research supports these benefits: a study of over 54,000 patients found that not using oatmeal-based emollients increased the likelihood of being prescribed steroid creams by more than 21%. Another analysis showed that infants who regularly used oatmeal-based products were less likely to develop eczema. Gentle, effective, science-backed oats remain a staple for sensitive skin care.

Ceramides: Repairing What Eczema Steals

Dr Nagaraj explained that ceramides are natural skin fats that hold cells together and maintain hydration. Low ceramide levels make eczema-prone skin prone to cracking, roughness, and sensitivity to triggers. The good news? Oat oil can boost ceramide production in the skin by up to 70%. Combining ceramides with colloidal oatmeal in a moisturizer creates a powerful duo: one soothes and hydrates, while the other strengthens the skin’s protective layer.

Making Science-Backed Skincare Work Every Day

For sensitive or eczema-prone skin, Indian dermatologists often recommend gentle, fragrance-free products enriched with colloidal oatmeal. Using these regularly is preventive, not a luxury. Consistent care can mean fewer sleepless nights for families, while adults regain confidence at work and in social settings. The key to preventing flare-ups is a steady, regular routine.

Eczema can take a physical and mental toll, but it doesn’t have to control life. Colloidal oatmeal, supported by tradition and science, provides gentle, effective relief, while ceramides maintain the skin’s strength. Together, they reduce sensitivity to daily triggers and help break the cycle of flare-ups. The takeaway is simple: small, consistent steps in skincare can have a major impact. With the right approach, patients and families can reclaim comfort, confidence, and quality of life, making colloidal oatmeal a trusted ally on the path to healthier skin.

A trendy drink that’s become a social media favorite may now have fans thinking twice, after questions were raised about one key ingredient.

Bubble tea, also called boba or pearl milk tea, first appeared in Taiwan in the 1980s. It’s usually made with tea, milk or creamer, a sweetener, and, of course, the signature chewy tapioca pearls.

While its colorful, Instagram-worthy appeal has made it popular around the world, recent safety tests from Consumer Reports suggest there could be reason for concern.

Also Read: mRNA COVID Vaccines Found To Help Cancer Patients Live Longer: Can This Be The Ultimate Cancer Cure?

Boba Tea Contains Lead?

Bubble tea, the Taiwanese drink made of black tea, milk, sugar, and chewy tapioca pearls, has won fans worldwide since its debut in the 1980s. But recent findings suggest it may deserve a closer look.

A Consumer Reports investigation in the US found high lead levels in some bubble tea products, echoing earlier concerns about cassava-based foods. The tapioca pearls, the drink’s signature “bubbles,” are made from cassava starch, which can absorb lead and other heavy metals from the soil as the plant grows.

Why Are Tapioca Pearls Harmful?

Lead is naturally present in the Earth’s crust, and much of the world’s soil contains significant contamination. Many fruits and vegetables, including cassava, can absorb heavy metals during growth.

Consumer Reports tested tapioca pearls from popular bubble tea chains, Gong Cha and Kung Fu Tea, as well as packaged boba products from Trader Joe’s and WuFuYuan. Every sample contained some lead. Thankfully, none exceeded the levels that Consumer Reports considers concerning, and none had dangerous levels of arsenic, cadmium, or mercury in a single serving.

Also Read: World Polio Day: How the Polio Vaccine Became a Lifesaving Shield Against a Global Disease

“These levels weren’t high enough for us to advise people to completely avoid bubble tea,” said James E. Rogers, PhD, director of food safety research and testing at Consumer Reports.

“However, this wasn’t a comprehensive survey of the boba and bubble tea market. The fact that three out of four samples contained more than half of our level of concern for lead in a single serving is a strong reminder that bubble tea should be enjoyed occasionally, rather than as an everyday drink.”

Beyond heavy metals, the starchy composition of tapioca pearls can pose other risks. Eating large amounts may slow stomach emptying, a condition called gastroparesis, or even cause blockages. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, and people with already slow digestion may be particularly affected.

Bubble Tea and Kidney Health

Bubble tea can also impact kidney health. In 2023, Taiwanese doctors removed more than 300 kidney stones from a 20-year-old woman who reportedly drank bubble tea in place of water. Ingredients such as oxalate and high phosphate levels can contribute to stone formation, though this extreme case likely reflects unusually high consumption.

Jason Tsou, General Manager at WuFuYuan’s parent company, Shanghai ZhouShi Foodstuffs, said the company routinely tests its products for lead through an accredited laboratory. Following these recent findings, they have introduced stricter standards to ensure safety, as per New York Post.

If you often struggle with stress or restless nights, a warm cup of tea is likely your go-to for calming down. Tea’s comforting reputation isn’t just tradition, studies suggest it can support heart health, aid digestion, and more. One key component behind these benefits is L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea leaves. Available as a supplement, L-theanine is thought to help reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and even enhance focus.

It is gaining popularity as a supplement for enhancing focus and relaxation. But does it live up to the hype? Here's what recent research reveals about its effects on attention, reaction time, and cognitive performance.

What Is L-Theanine?

L-theanine is an amino acid naturally found in tea leaves, especially in green tea and loose-leaf varieties, and is believed to offer several health benefits. But first, it helps to understand what amino acids are and why they matter.

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and, ultimately, life itself, as per Healthline. They are molecules used by all living organisms to make proteins. Humans need 20 different amino acids to function properly, 11 of which are essential and must come from food.

Although L-theanine is not essential for survival, research has explored its effects on brain function and cognitive performance.

You can consume L-theanine by drinking teas such as green tea, white tea, or matcha, or by taking it in supplement form, including tablets and capsules.

Can L-Theanine Really Make You Focus Better?

Yes, several studies suggest that L-Theanine can enhance focus and attention. For instance, a 2011 study published in ScienceDirect found that L-Theanine improved attention performance and reaction time in individuals prone to high anxiety.

Additionally, a 2021 study in PubMed Central reported that a single dose of L-Theanine reduced reaction time to attention tasks and increased the number of correct answers in working memory tasks among middle-aged adults.

PMC

L-Theanine appears to have a positive impact on reaction time. A 2025 study published in PubMed found that a 200 mg dose of L-Theanine reduced hit reaction time by 38.65 milliseconds in sleep-deprived individuals during a traffic-related visual recognition task.

PubMed

L-Theanine Effect with Caffeine

When combined with caffeine, L-Theanine may offer enhanced cognitive benefits. A 2010 study in PubMed indicated that the combination of 97 mg of L-Theanine and 40 mg of caffeine improved accuracy during task switching and reduced self-reported tiredness in young adults.

PubMed

L-Theanine: Is It Safe to Use?

L-Theanine is generally considered safe when consumed in moderate amounts, such as those found in tea or supplements. However, as with any supplement, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before starting, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

L-Theanine shows promise as a natural supplement to enhance focus and reaction time, particularly when combined with caffeine. While more research is needed to fully understand its long-term effects, current studies suggest it can be a useful tool for those seeking improved cognitive performance without the jitteriness associated with other stimulants.

Disclaimer: The information provided is based on current research and should not replace professional medical advice.