ASMR videos have grown in popularity a lot, with different kinds of formats like make-up ASMR, food ASMR etc. People share how watching these ASMR videos bring them a sense of peace and helps them sleep at times as well. These videos are popular among all age groups, whether it is young adults, older people or even young kids!

What Is ASMR?

It stands for autonomous sensory meridian response. Basically, some people get a tingly, relaxing feeling when they see or hear certain things. These feelings, sometimes called "tingles," often start on the head and go down the neck and spine. ASMR videos try to create these feelings with things like whispering, soft talking, tapping sounds, and gentle hand motions. Lots of people enjoy ASMR, but not everyone experiences it. Scientists think only about 20% of people get the "tingles."

Can kids watch it?

But is it appropriate for a kid to watch, do they even need it?

One of the best things ASMRs are used for is it calms down sensory overload! With people being more aware and sensitized to these things, they understand and equip themselves with things that will help their kids avoid sensory overload, it is a feeling when you get overwhelmed with the things around them, whether it is sound or too many textures etc. And using ASMR usually does the trick! Whether ASMR videos are good for kids is a tricky question. Some ASMR videos are totally fine, like videos of someone cutting up colorful sand. But other videos might have stuff that's not appropriate for children. Some might have hidden sexual messages, and others might show people eating huge amounts of unhealthy food. So, it's really important for parents to check out any ASMR videos before letting their kids watch them.

Is ASMR Worrisome?

Even if the videos are okay, parents should still think about screen time. Experts say that watching ASMR videos counts as screen time, just like watching cartoons or playing video games. Kids can easily get sucked into watching lots of these videos because they often play one after another automatically. Parents should make sure kids aren't spending too much time watching ASMR videos and set limits on screen time.

Even though there are some concerns, ASMR videos can also have some good points. It is said that the gentle sounds and repeated actions in ASMR videos can help kids relax. It's like a gentle massage for their brains. Some studies suggest that ASMR can help adults feel less stressed, and it might help kids too. It can also be a way for kids to learn how to calm themselves down. Other good things might be better moods, easier sleep, and even better focus.

Research published in PeerJ 2015 showed that ASMR shows temporary relief in symptoms of depression and chronic pain, it also helps kids who have trouble falling asleep and relax. Exp Brain Res. 2022. showed that it also boosts kids cognitive performance, proving why ASMRs are good for children, but needs to be moderated.

Tips for Kids and ASMR

Parents get to decide if their kids can watch ASMR videos. Doctors say it depends on what your family believes is right and how old your child is. It's a good idea to talk to your kids about why they like ASMR. This can help you understand what they need. It's also a good idea for parents to watch the ASMR videos their kids like so they know what's in them. It's important not to let kids rely on ASMR videos for everything. Doctors also say that they need to learn other ways to deal with stress, like playing, drawing, or writing.

Staying hydrated during pregnancy is crucial, but not every beverage that quenches thirst is safe for a mom-to-be. From morning coffee to bedtime teas, the choices can get confusing. So, how do you know which drinks are actually good for you and your baby?

We spoke to Dr. Sushruta Mokadam, consultant obstetrician at Motherhood Hospital, Kharadi, Pune, who rated the most common beverages consumed during pregnancy — from best to worst — and explained what makes them safe or risky.

Water

She recommends drinking at least three litres of water daily. “If plain water feels boring, try adding slices of lemon, cucumber, or mint. Detox water can be a refreshing and healthy alternative,” she adds.

Milk

Milk is packed with calcium, protein, vitamin D, and iodine, all vital for the baby’s bone, tooth, and brain development. “Milk is one of the most wholesome drinks for expectant mothers, provided it’s pasteurized,” says Dr. Mokadam.

She advises choosing between low-fat or full-fat milk based on your dietary needs. For those who are lactose intolerant or prefer plant-based options, fortified almond or soy milk can be good substitutes — as long as they’re enriched with calcium and vitamin D.

Fresh Fruit Juices

Freshly squeezed juices provide a good dose of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. “Juices like orange, pomegranate, or apple can help boost your well-being,” explains Dr. Mokadam.

However, she cautions against overconsumption: “Juice lacks fiber and is high in natural sugars. One small glass a day is fine, but going overboard can lead to unnecessary calorie intake and affect blood sugar levels.”

Herbal Teas

Many pregnant women turn to herbal teas for relaxation or to ease nausea. “Mild herbal teas like ginger or chamomile in moderation can help with digestion or morning sickness,” says Dr. Mokadam.

But not all herbs are safe. “Avoid teas with licorice root, pennyroyal, or unknown herbal blends. Always check with your doctor before adding any herbal tea to your routine,” she advises.

Coffee and Black/Green Tea

Caffeine crosses the placenta and can affect the baby’s heart rate. “It’s best to limit caffeine to less than 200 mg per day,” warns Dr. Mokadam. That’s roughly one small cup of coffee or two cups of tea. Too much caffeine may increase the risk of miscarriage or low birth weight.

Soft Drinks, Energy Drinks, and Sugary Beverages

These are high in sugar, artificial additives, and caffeine, with no nutritional value. “They can increase the risk of gestational diabetes, excessive weight gain, or even affect fetal growth,” says Dr. Mokadam.

She advises cutting them out completely for better overall well-being.

Pregnancy is a time when woman need to be extra careful with what they consume. There are always endless recommendations, and thus sometimes it could be difficult to separate fact from fiction, especially when it comes to protein intake. While protein is essential for everyone, however, during pregnancy, it plays a critical role in maternal health and fetal development.

Why Does It Matter?

A recent study has shown that lead has been found in popular protein powder, and the highest found in whey protein powder, or the plant-based protein powders. This is concerning, as protein are essential during pregnant as they contribute directly to the growth and development of the baby.

Proteins are made up of amino acids- body's building blocks. These amino acids help build and repair muscle and create hormones and produce enzymes.

A study published in Advances in Nutrition highlights that pregnancy is an “exceptional stage of life defined by rapid growth and development.” From just weeks after conception, the body adjusts protein metabolism to support fetal growth. Most protein deposits occur in the third trimester, reinforcing the importance of consistent protein intake throughout pregnancy.

Read: High Levels Of Lead Found In Protein Powders And Shakes, Reveals Consumer Reports

How Much Protein Do You Need?

Recommended protein intake usually varies by country, for instance in Australia, the RDI for pregnant women s around 60 grams per day, whereas 46 grams for non-pregnant women.

Are Protein Powder Safe During Pregnancy?

Yes, they are safe, unless they contain lead and other contaminants, which must be checked by the list published by the Consumer Reports and your local physician, gynaecologist and nutritionist.

There are several plant-based proteins that have the highest lead content in them, they are:

• Whey protein: Derived from milk; contains all essential amino acids. Not ideal for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Hemp protein: Plant-based, safe for vegetarians and vegans.
• Pea protein: Plant-based, rich in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs).
• Rice protein: Vegan-friendly, made from brown rice.

What Is An Alternative?

The RDI could be achieved with a manageable and balanced diet that includes:

Complete proteins: Lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy

Combined plant proteins: Legumes with grains or nuts (e.g., peanut butter on whole-grain toast)

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and moderate protein sources, whether plant-based or animal, supports both maternal and fetal health. Weight gain is expected during pregnancy, and incorporating protein helps ensure that gain is nutrient-dense. For individual guidance, consulting a GP or dietitian is recommended.

Other alternatives like protein bars, or homemade bars, which use dates, nut butter, and seeds could be a healthier option as they do not contain added sugar.

Scientists have found that kids' social media use might be slowing down their brain power. A new study says that spending time on these apps could be hurting how well a tween's mind develops. This research shows that the more time kids spend on platforms like Instagram or TikTok, the worse they might do on school-related tasks later on.

How Does Social Media Affect Our Health?

The researchers found that children aged 9 to 13 who used social media more often did worse on tests that measured skills like reading, memory, and language. They were tested on these abilities two years after the study began. The results were published in a major medical journal called the Journal of the American Medical Association.

The lead scientist, Dr. Jason Nagata, explained that even using social media for a short time each day was connected to poorer results on these brain-power tests. He suggested that the brains of young tweens might be extra sensitive to social media. This means parents need to be careful about when they let their kids start using these apps and how much time they spend on them.

How Did Social Media Affect Kid’s Academics?

To figure this out, the researchers looked at information from over 6,500 children across the country. These kids were all part of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, which is the biggest study ever done in the U.S. to track how children's brains grow over time. They sorted the kids into groups based on their social media use:

• Over half (58%) of the kids barely used social media at all.
• More than a third (37%) were using social media for about one extra hour every day by the time they turned 13.
• A small group (6%) were using social media for up to three extra hours a day by age 13.

The children's brain power was measured using special tests created by the National Institutes of Health, which tested things like how well they remember information and understand language. The study found a clear, but small, drop in the test scores for kids who used social media.

• Kids who used social media for just one extra hour a day scored about 1 to 2 points lower on their memory and reading tests.
• Kids who used social media for up to three extra hours a day saw a bigger drop, scoring as much as 4 points lower.

Why Is Important To Restrict Your Child’s Social Media Usage?

Dr. Nagata explained that even though these differences seem small, they are very important because they were seen again and again across the children. Since reading and memory are the most important skills for learning, even these small dips in scores, when seen across thousands of kids, could be a problem for education as a whole.

The scientists think the problem is that social media is so fun and engaging that kids might choose to scroll instead of doing homework or reading. This time shift could be hurting their learning. The researchers stress that creating good screen habits early on can help protect a child’s learning and brain growth.

The results of this study support actions already being taken, such as schools trying to limit student phone use during the day. The findings also provide backing for bigger changes, like making the age limits for social media access even stricter than they are now.

However, the researchers want to be clear about one thing: because they were only watching the kids' behavior (it was an observational study), they can't say for sure that social media causes the lower test scores. They can only say that there is a clear association between the two.