Name: Warm showers and your stomach: The surprising connection
Uploaded: 2024-10-14T16:29:28+05:30
Duration: 1 min 29 s
Description: After a hearty meal, taking a warm shower may seem like the perfect way to unwind. But did you know that showering immediately after eating could actually harm your digestion? Watch the video for more details

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After a hearty meal, taking a warm shower may seem like the perfect way to unwind. But did you know that showering immediately after eating could actually harm your digestion? Watch the video for more details

Warm showers and your stomach: The surprising connection

warm showers and your stomach: the surprising connection

Ishita Roy

Fit And Healthy Flight Attendant Got A Life-Changing Diagnosis After He Noticed A Persistent Cough

fit and healthy flight attendant got a life-changing diagnosis after he noticed a persistent cough

RFK Jr. Overhauls And Shakes-Up The Vaccine Advisory Panel Again, Find Out The Who’s Who On This New Team

rfk jr. overhauls and shakes-up the vaccine advisory panel again, find out the who’s who on this new team

WHO Reclassifies Hepatitis D As Carcinogenic, Warns Of 2-6% Rise In Liver Cancer Risk

who reclassifies hepatitis d as carcinogenic, warns of 2–6% rise in liver cancer risk

As RFK Jr Cracks Down On 7-OH, A Washington Family Issues Warning Against Kratom As Their Son Dies After Taking The OTC Supplement

as rfk jr cracks down on 7-oh, a washington family issues warning against kratom as their son dies after taking the otc supplement

sarcoma

Sarcoma Awareness Month

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mrinal gounder

Sarcoma, often called the "forgotten cancer," and this is why it is important to talk about it. July marks the Sarcoma Awareness Month. It is a rare and complex group of cancers that can affect anyone, anywhere in the body. In an exclusive interview, Dr. Mrinal Gounder,  a globally recognized sarcoma expert and medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, who is also the Physician Ambassador to India and Asia, stresses the need for early, accurate diagnosis and specialized care. While mostly unpredictable, awareness, genetic counseling, and timely medical attention can make a life-saving difference.

Sarcoma, often called the "forgotten cancer," and this is why it is important to talk about it. July marks the Sarcoma Awareness Month. It is a rare and complex group of cancers that can affect anyone, anywhere in the body. In an exclusive interview, Dr. Mrinal Gounder,  a globally recognized sarcoma expert and medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, who is also the Physician Ambassador to India and Asia, stresses the need for early, accurate diagnosis and specialized care. While mostly unpredictable, awareness, genetic counseling, and timely medical attention can make a life-saving difference.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with MSK, New York Physician Dr Mrinal Gounder On Sarcoma Awareness Month

exclusive interview with msk, new york physician dr mrinal gounder on sarcoma awareness month

Kalpana Sharma

When The Storm Strikes The Heart: How Hurricanes Are Leaving A Lasting Impact on Cardiovascular Health

when the storm strikes the heart: how hurricanes are leaving a lasting impact on cardiovascular health

Feel Your Gut Issues Have Increased Since COVID? Science Finally Has Answers

feel your gut issues have increased since covid? science finally has answers

beyond the stethoscope

guru n reddy

doctors day 2025

national doctors day 2025

who heals the healer

From unnecessary procedures to unclear billing, Dr Guru N Reddy, MD, FACP, FACG, FASGE, AGAF, Founder &amp; Chairman, Continental Hospitals, Chief of Gastroenterology &amp; Liver Diseases, calls out the silent wrongs in the system. In the first episode of Beyond the Stethoscope, the veteran doctor holds up a mirror to medical malpractice, exposing how lack of transparency and greed are eroding trust in healthcare. This isn’t just about bad doctors, it’s about a broken mindset.

From unnecessary procedures to unclear billing, Dr Guru N Reddy, MD, FACP, FACG, FASGE, AGAF, Founder & Chairman, Continental Hospitals, Chief of Gastroenterology & Liver Diseases, calls out the silent wrongs in the system. In the first episode of Beyond the Stethoscope, the veteran doctor holds up a mirror to medical malpractice, exposing how lack of transparency and greed are eroding trust in healthcare. This isn’t just about bad doctors, it’s about a broken mindset.

Doctors Day 2025: Beyond The Stethoscope, Episode 1

doctors day 2025: beyond the stethoscope, episode 1

The Unusual Trend Of COVID-19 Summer Spike In US, Even As RSV And Flu Infections Flatline

the unusual trend of covid-19 summer spike in us, even as rsv and flu flatlines

Air Quality Health Index Explained: Why India’s AQI Needs An Overhaul And Include Death Risk

air quality health index explained: why india’s aqi needs an overhaul and include death risk

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World Health Day

Every year on April 7, World Health Day is observed, this year, our team in an exclusive interview with Lt Gen Dr Vimal Arora spoke to him about the importance of dental health and how it can tell a lot about your overall health. As Dr Arora rightly says, your oral health is like a "mirror" to your overall health. Watch the full interview here.

World Health Day 2025: Why Your Dental Health Is Important, An Exclusive Conversation With Lt Gen Dr Vimal Arora

world health day 2025: why your dental health is important, an exclusive conversation with lt gen dr vimal arora

How To Tell Your Skin Barrier Is Damaged? Step-By-Step Guide To Rebuilding Your Skin’s Defenses

how to tell your skin barrier is damaged? step-by-step guide to rebuilding your skin’s defenses

What Happens To Your Body When You Do HIIT Workout Daily?

what happens to your body when you do hiit workout daily?

Does PCOS Makes IVF More Complicated? Fertility Experts Share Why Your Body Might Need A Different Plan

does pcos makes ivf more complicated? fertility experts share why your body might need a different plan

Breastfeeding Week: Breastfeed, Pumped Milk, Or Formula? Experts Weigh In On What Works The Best For A Mother And Her Child

breastfeeding week: breastfeed, pumped milk, or formula? experts weigh in on what works the best for a mother and her child

mawra hocane

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Mawra Hocane, the actress known for her role in Sanam Teri Kasam, has recently shared some breathtaking wedding photos on Instagram, leaving netizens in awe of her glowing skin and fit physique. Achieving this level of fitness and radiance doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of Mawra’s dedication to her fitness routine and a solid skincare regimen. But it’s not just about working out—her healthy diet and lifestyle choices play a huge role too.Watch the video for more details

Mawra Hocane's Fitness Routine: The Secrets to Her Radiant Glow

mawra hocane's fitness routine: the secrets to her radiant glow

Credits: Canva

Supriya Ramesh

"Your Gut Is Your Second Brain": Why Looking Fit Can Still Mean You Are Unhealthy

gut microbiome

metabolically unhealthy

systemic inflammation

overtraining syndrome

microbial balance

hidden obesity

dietary diversity

fermented foods

metabolic screenings

second brain

In today’s fitness-obsessed world, being in good shape is often equated with being healthy. But that assumption is increasingly being challenged. You might clock your daily steps, hit the gym, and look lean in the mirror, yet your body may still be signalling distress from the inside. And the problem usually lies in the gut.<br /><br />The growing evidence shows how a well-sculpted exterior does not always reflect internal well-being. Fitness is not enough to ensure health. The gut microbiome may be the silent disruptor behind many metabolic issues, even in those who appear outwardly fit.<br /><br />In fact, a review by the Indian Council of Medical Research found that more than 71 per cent of Indian adults are metabolically unhealthy despite looking lean. This startling figure highlights a crucial gap in our understanding of what it really means to be healthy.<br /><br /><h3>What Does “Fit but Not Healthy” Mean? Expert Explains </h3>The idea that fitness and health are not always aligned is not new, but it is only recently gaining widespread attention. Scientist and Author Dr. Debojyoti Dhar points to exercise physiologist Dr. Phil Maffetone’s distinction: fitness is about performance; health is about how well your internal systems are functioning. You can be an elite athlete and still be metabolically compromised.<br /><br />“Even top-level athletes can develop overtraining syndrome,” Dr. Dhar explains, describing this as a condition marked by systemic inflammation, hormonal imbalance, and metabolic dysfunction. And at the heart of it, he notes, is often a disrupted gut microbiome.<br /><br />He warns that a dysfunctional gut flora does not just impact digestion; it can lead to inflammation, reduce insulin sensitivity, interfere with lipid metabolism, and elevate the risk of chronic conditions. “Even world-class athletes are not immune,” he adds.<br /><br /><h3>The Gut-Fitness Connection</h3>According to Dr. Dhar, exercise certainly has an influence on gut health. Moderate workouts tend to promote a more diverse microbiome and boost beneficial short-chain fatty acids, which help with inflammation and immunity.<br /><br />But, he cautions, “Overtraining or intense workout regimens can backfire.” When pushed too far, physical activity can damage the gut lining, increase inflammation, and throw off microbial balance, a state known as dysbiosis.<br /><br />“So, while exercise is crucial, it has to be done in a way that complements gut health,” he advises.<br /><br /><h3>Gut Microbiome Plays A Crucial Role </h3>The gut is not just about digestion. Dr. Dhar says that the gut microbiome, a rich ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, plays a central role in immune function, mental clarity, skin condition, and metabolic regulation.<br /><br />“When this balance is disturbed, we see the emergence of conditions like chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and even obesity,” he says. This microbial imbalance often remains hidden, as most people rely on weight or BMI as their main health markers.<br /><br />He points out how even something seemingly harmless, like eating a few cookies a day, can slowly tip the scales of gut balance and trigger low-grade inflammation. “This kind of hidden obesity often flies under the radar,” says Dr. Dhar.<br /><br /><h3>Moving Toward True Health</h3>Dr. Dhar shares a more holistic roadmap for anyone looking to bridge the gap between looking fit and being healthy.<br /><br /><ul><li>Focus on dietary diversity: Eating a wide variety of plant-based foods supports microbial diversity and resilience. </li><li>Include prebiotics and probiotics: He recommends incorporating fermented foods and fibre-rich legumes, noting their benefits for mood, weight, and metabolic health.</li><li>Balance exercise intensity: Moderate exercise enhances gut health, but too much intensity can be harmful.</li><li>Monitor metabolic health: He urges people not to rely solely on weigh-ins. Regular metabolic screenings and, where possible, microbiome testing can uncover hidden health risks early.</li></ul> <br />Being in shape is not a guarantee of being healthy. Without good gut health, even disciplined exercise and a lean appearance can mask deeper problems like inflammation or insulin resistance. Dr. Dhar calls the gut our “second brain” and insists it deserves more attention than it typically receives. It is time to stop obsessing over what we see in the mirror and start listening to the internal cues. <br /><br />True health, he concludes, lies in nurturing the gut through balanced movement, diverse diets, quality sleep, and stress management. <br /><meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

"your gut is your second brain": why looking fit can still mean you are unhealthy

As China Revives COVID-Era Measures To Beat Chikungunya Virus, Here&#39;s All You Should Know About This Mosquito-borne Disease

As China Revives COVID-Era Measures To Beat Chikungunya Virus, Here's All You Should Know About This Mosquito-borne Disease

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China chikungunya virus

<strong>China Chikungunya Virus:</strong> More than 7,000 cases of Chikungunya have been reported from China's Foshan, confirmed the government report. The Chinese authorities, as a result, have taken measures to curb the spread of chikungunya, a virus known for causing fever and joint pain. The Health and Me has <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/mosquitoes-deployed-to-kill-virus-carrying-mosquito-larvae-how-china-is-using-biological-weapons-to-wage-war-against-chikungunya-article-152416485" data-type="tilCustomLink">reported </a>on the methods, including the use of biological weapons as the different breed of mosquitoes, namely, the elephant mosquitoes to combat the larvae carrying the chikungunya virus. Other health measures like tests, complying by the government orders, and fines if not, have been taken too, which has resulted it into being called the 'COVID-era' measure.<br /><br /><h4>How Did China Combat COVID-19? <br /></h4><br />A 2022 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, notes that during the COVID-19 pandemic, criminal acts that seriously violated pandemic prevention and control provisions were subjected to criminal punishment. <br /><br />For instance, acts casing the spread of coronavirus, or posing a serious risk of spreading would constitute as a crime under the Article 330 of the Criminal Law of the People's Republic of China. <br /><br />If one obstructs the state functionaries from carrying out pandemic investigation to the law by means of violence or threat would be considered a crime under Article 277.<br /><br />Driving up prices or seeking exorbitant profits or making illegal income would be considered a crime under Article 225.<br /><br />For those who spread false information online would also be considered criminals under the Article 291.<br /><br />Chinese courts have tried criminal cases involving pandemic prevention and control in accordance with the law, punished criminal acts that harmed the public interest and the quality of health and life, and demonstrated the important role of judicial bodies in ensuring the quality of public health and life.<br /><br />During the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to control the situation and ensure public order, Chinese government departments at all levels gained more administrative law enforcement authority, notes the study.<br /><br /><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/mosquitoes-deployed-to-kill-virus-carrying-mosquito-larvae-how-china-is-using-biological-weapons-to-wage-war-against-chikungunya-article-152416485" data-type="tilCustomLink">Mosquitoes Deployed To Kill Virus-Carrying Mosquito Larvae: How China Is Using Biological Weapons To Wage War Against Chikungunya</a></strong><br /><br /><h4>How Has China 'Revived' Covid-Era Measures For Chikungunya Outbreak?<br /></h4><br />Foshan has asked pharmacies to report identities of people who buy any of the 47 drugs to relieve chikungunya symptoms such as fever, rash, and join pain. The notice was issued by the city's Market Supervision Bureau. This is a similar policy adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic, where pharmacies would trigger a pop-up on an individual's health code, for the government to track. This will also limit their movement and subject them for a mandatory test. <br /><br />Like COVID-19 measures, a campaign for disinfecting areas has been launched in Foshan, for seven days, which will also include community mobilization to clear stagnant water and promoting use of window screens and mosquito nets. <br /><br />In pandemic, those who failed to comply by the government rules were expected to submit a fine, or were punished. In a similar manner, hotels, restaurants and companies that failed to clean up stagnant water would face a fine up to 1,000 yuan, which is roughly $139. As per an illustrated government explainer, those who do not cooperate could be fined, or face criminal charges for "obstructing the prevention of infectious diseases". In fact, five households had their electricity cut for not cooperating.<br /><br />Travellers directories are also being maintained, especially of those who have symptoms such as fever, headache, and joint pain.<br /><br /><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/us-weighs-china-travel-warning-as-chikungunya-cases-near-5000-report-article-152393518" data-type="tilCustomLink">US Weighs China Travel Warning As Chikungunya Cases Near 5,000: Report</a></strong><br /><br /><h4>What Is Chikungunya?<br /></h4><br />As per the World Health Organization (WHO), chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral illness that causes fever and intense joint pain, often leaving patients debilitated for days or even weeks. Though it shares symptoms with dengue and Zika, chikungunya is a distinct disease caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV), primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. These mosquitoes bite mostly during daylight and breed in stagnant water.<br /><br /><h4>Global Distribution and Outbreaks<br /></h4><br />CHIKV was first identified in Tanzania in 1952, notes WHO. Initially seen in Africa and Asia, the virus has since spread rapidly. Since 2004, it has caused outbreaks in over 110 countries, including those in the Americas and Europe. The increase in cases is partly due to viral mutations that make it easier for Aedes albopictus to transmit the virus, and partly due to the virus entering populations with no prior immunity. In places where most of the population gets infected and recovers, transmission often slows down. However, in regions with low infection rates, the virus continues to circulate.<br /><br /><h4>How It Spreads<br /></h4><br />CHIKV spreads through the bite of an infected female mosquito. When a mosquito bites a person who has the virus in their bloodstream, the virus replicates in the mosquito and gets passed on when it bites someone else. The cycle continues as long as mosquitoes and infected humans are present in the same environment.<br /><br /><h4>Symptoms and Risks<br /></h4><br />Symptoms usually appear 4–8 days after being bitten. The illness begins with sudden fever and severe joint pain, especially in the hands and feet, which may last from days to months. Other symptoms include muscle pain, fatigue, rash, nausea, and headache. Because these overlap with dengue and Zika, misdiagnosis is common.<br /><br />While most patients recover fully, some develop eye, heart, or neurological complications. Infants and older adults, especially those with existing health conditions, are more prone to severe illness and may need hospitalization. Thankfully, fatalities are rare. Once recovered, individuals are believed to have lifelong immunity.<br /><br /><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/medical-memoir-how-chikungunya-a-tanzinian-virus-affected-millions-throughout-the-world-article-152420730" data-type="tilCustomLink">Medical Memoir: How Chikungunya, A Tanzinian Virus Affected Millions Throughout The World</a></strong><br /><br /><h4>Diagnosis and Treatment<br /></h4><br />CHIKV can be confirmed using RT-PCR tests in the first week of illness. Antibody tests can also detect past infections within the first two months after symptoms begin. There is no specific antiviral treatment. Supportive care includes paracetamol for pain and fever, rest, and plenty of fluids. NSAIDs should be avoided until dengue is ruled out, due to bleeding risks.<br /><br /><h4>Vaccines and Prevention<br /></h4><br />Two vaccines have received regulatory approvals in some countries but are not yet in widespread use. WHO is reviewing data to decide on future vaccine recommendations. Until then, the best protection is prevention.<br /><br />Key steps include:<br /><br /><ul><li>Eliminating mosquito breeding sites by emptying water containers weekly</li><li>Wearing long clothing</li><li>Using window screens and insect repellents containing DEET, IR3535 or icaridin</li><li>Using insecticide-treated nets, especially for those sleeping during the day</li><li>Avoiding mosquito bites during the first week of illness to stop further spread</li></ul><br /><meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

as china revives covid-era measures to beat chikungunya virus, here's all you should know about this mosquito-borne disease

West Nile Virus Detected In Mosquito Samples From Chatham-Kent

west nile virus

health news

Zika Virus Infection

west nile

west nile fever

us news

Chatham-Kent, a single-tier municipality in the Southwestern Ontario, Canada collected and trapped mosquitoes on July 30 from a trap in Ridgetown have been tested. The results are confirmed by the CK Public Health, confirming the mosquitoes positive for West Nile Virus. <br /><br /><h4>What Is West Nile Virus?<br /></h4><br />As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), West Nile virus is the leafing cause of mosquito-borne diseases. It is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Cases of West Nile occur during the mosquito season, which starts in the summer and continues through fall. <br /><br />As of now, there are no vaccines to prevent or medicines to treat West Nile in people, notes CDC. The good thing? Most people infected with West Nile virus do not feel sick. About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About 1 in 150 infected people develop a serious, or fatal illness. The best way to deal with this is by preventing mosquito bites.<br /><br />The virus belongs to a group of viruses called flaviviruses. St Louis encephalitis virus and Powassan virus are the two other flavivirus that are also circulated in the Americas.<br /><br /><h4>How Does It Spread?<br /></h4><br />West Nile virus circulates in the environment between mosquitoes, and the species is called Culex. It also circulates via birds. People become infected when the mosquitoes feed on infected birds and then bite people. The CDC says that people are dead-end hosts, because unlike birds, they do not develop high enough levels of virus in their bloodstream and cannot pass the virus on to other biting mosquitoes.<br /><br />The virus is rarely transmitted from person-to-person by blood transfusion, organ transplantation, and mother to baby, during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding. Because the virus can be transmitted through blood and organ transplantation, persons who were recently diagnosed with West Nile virus infection should not donate blood or bone marrow for 120 days following infection.<br /><br /><h4>Birds And West Nile<br /></h4><br />The virus is transmitted to birds through the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquitoes who become infected are through biting infected birds. Some birds that are predators like hawks and owls or scavengers like crows may become infected after eating sick or dead birds that were already infected by the virus. If birds eat infected mosquitoes then they too could become infected. Although some infected birds, especially crows and jays, frequently die of infection, most birds survive. <br /><br />The CDC notes that there is no evidence that a person can get infected from handling live or dead infected birds. However, you should avoid bare-handed contact when handling any dead animal. If you must pick up a dead bird, use gloves or an inverted plastic bag to place the bird in a garbage bag.<br /><br /><h4>What Happens If A Person Is Infected By West Nile Virus?<br /></h4><br />While most people have no symptoms, some may develop the following symptoms:<br /><br /><ul><li>Fever</li><li>Headache</li><li>Body Ache</li><li>Fatigue</li><li>Stiff Neck</li><li>Nausea</li><li>Difficulty Swallowing</li><li>Vomiting</li><li>Paralysis</li></ul><br />Anyone with such severe symptoms must seek medical attention. For infants and older individuals, the risk is even more, as their immune systems are compromised. <br /><br />The CK Publik health has urged residents to protect themselves from the virus by: <br /><br /><ul><li>Wearing light-coloured clothing, including long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks.</li><li>Using insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin.</li><li>Staying indoors from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.</li><li>Ensuring that all door and window screens are tight and free of holes.</li><li>Eliminating sources of standing water to prevent mosquito breeding.</li></ul><meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />

west nile virus detected in mosquito samples from chatham-kent

Kratom

kratom addiction

RFK Jr

RFK Jr Kratom

addiction

In a tragic case that has reignited scrutiny over unregulated herbal supplements, a family from Washington state is sounding the alarm on kratom, a substance often sold as a natural alternative to pharmaceuticals, after their 37-year-old son, Jordan McKibban, died from using it. <br /><br />Their warning comes just as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr announces a federal crackdown on a powerful compound derived from kratom known as 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH.<br /><br /><h4>What is Kratom?<br /></h4><br />Kratom is a plant-based product derived from the Mitragyna speciosa tree, native to Southeast Asia. Traditionally used in countries like Thailand and Malaysia for pain relief and energy boosts, it has in recent years gained popularity in the U.S. as an over-the-counter supplement. It's sold in gas stations, smoke shops, and online in various forms, powders, pills, teas, and even gummies.<br /><br />At low doses, kratom acts as a stimulant, while at higher doses it behaves like a sedative. However, experts warn that kratom has addictive properties, and its effects can mirror those of opioids. It is not regulated by the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), and while it is legal in many parts of the U.S., the agency has described it as a “drug of concern.”<br /><br /><h4>What is 7-OH and How Is It Related?<br /></h4><br />7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) is a naturally occurring compound found in kratom, and it is far more potent. While kratom itself contains a mixture of alkaloids, 7-OH is an isolated extract or concentrated form that interacts with the body’s opioid receptors much more strongly.<br /><br />Medical experts say 7-OH can be more potent than morphine. “7-OH is an opioid that can be more potent than morphine,” FDA Commissioner Martin Makary recently stated. The FDA has proposed that 7-OH be classified as an illicit substance, citing rising concerns over its addictive potential and opioid-like effects.<br /><br /><h4>A Family’s Grief and Warning<br /></h4><br />Jordan McKibban, according to his mother Pam Mauldin, was cautious about pharmaceutical medications and sought alternative solutions for managing anxiety and other health concerns. On the day of his death in 2022, he mixed kratom into his lemonade, a routine he had reportedly followed before.<br /><br />Mauldin found her son unconscious and was unable to revive him. An autopsy later confirmed that his death was linked to mitragynine, one of kratom’s primary alkaloids.<br /><br />“There have been hundreds of people killed from this, and they don’t pull it. The government doesn’t step in,” Mauldin told The New York Post. “I’ve lost my son. I’ve lost the grandchildren I could have had. I’ve lost watching him walk down the aisle.”<br /><br />She added that the kratom packages in her son’s possession had no dosage instructions or warning labels, a dangerous loophole that remains common due to the lack of FDA regulation.<br /><br /><h4>RFK Jr’s Crackdown on 7-OH<br /></h4><br />Speaking at a July 29 press conference, Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr shared his personal experience with addiction, stating that the easy availability of kratom products, many sold at gas stations and marketed in child-friendly formats like gummy bears, is “a sinister, sinister industry.”<br /><br />Kennedy and FDA Commissioner Makary announced they were beginning the process to classify 7-OH as an illicit drug. The move, if approved by the DEA, would restrict sales and manufacturing of 7-OH-based products.<br /><br />“I became an addict because heroin was so available, but I had to go to the South Bronx or the Lower East Side,” Kennedy said. “Now, you can go to any gas station. They’re marketing them to children.”<br /><br />While the FDA crackdown currently targets 7-OH, not kratom in its entirety, the announcement has sparked broader concern about the regulation, or lack thereof, of over-the-counter supplements that claim to be “natural” but may carry serious health risks.<br /><br /><h4>The Regulatory Grey Zone<br /></h4><br />Despite kratom’s accessibility, the FDA has not approved it for any medical uses and continues to warn consumers about potential health risks, including addiction, liver damage, and even death. Between 2011 and 2017, national poison control centers received 1,807 calls related to kratom exposure.<br /><br />Dr. Robert Levy, a family and addiction physician, pointed out that many people don’t realize the distinction between traditional kratom and 7-OH. “There’s always been concern around kratom because if you take enough of it, kratom does act like an opioid. People can become addicted and have withdrawal or overdose,” he said.<br /><br />He added that the 7-OH version is “much more addicting and much more problematic” and often sold without consumers’ awareness of what they’re ingesting.<br /><br /><h4>A Growing National Concern<br /></h4><br />Public interest in kratom exploded recently after a viral TikTok video recounted a teenage boy attempting to steal a Feel Free tonic, a kratom-infused drink, from a stranger outside a gas station. Though the company behind the drink insists it contains only trace levels of 7-OH and now restricts sales to adults over 21, the case has highlighted the growing concern around how these products are marketed and accessed by young people.<br /><br />Some companies, like Botanic Tonics, have supported the FDA’s move against synthetic derivatives like 7-OH while continuing to advocate for access to traditional kratom products with a long history of use. Still, experts argue that even natural kratom carries risk.<br /><meta content="cms.next" name="cmsei" />