Dining out is a popular pastime, but it's essential to be aware of potential food safety risks. We all have our go to foods whenever we are at a restaurant and enjoy the prospect of getting to eat their favorite meal. But even in the most high-end restaurants, the risk of getting sick always lingers. You never know when or what may cause issues for you

Food poisoning is a common problem that can lead to things like nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach upset. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 48 million people in the United States get sick from food poisoning each year. While sometimes it is unavoidable, being aware of these things can help you understand things that can go wrong and taking precautions when eating at restaurants. It's crucial to be informed to protect your health and enjoy your dining experience without worry. Here are some foods you should either avoid or be careful while eating.

Foods You Should Be Careful About While Dining Out

Eggs

Even eggs that look fine can have Salmonella bacteria. These bacteria can make you sick with stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Restaurants can cause outbreaks if they don't cook eggs to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, store them at the wrong temperature, use unpasteurized eggs, or use dirty cooking tools. These bad practices let bacteria grow and make people sick. So, it's important to cook and handle eggs the right way.

Pre-Cut Melons

Melons that are cut up ahead of time, like in fruit salads, are more likely to cause food poisoning. When you cut a melon, bacteria on the outside can get to the inside. If lots of fruit is cut in one place, it's easier for bacteria to spread. Since people eat melons raw, there's no cooking to kill the germs. These germs, like Listeria, Salmonella, or E. coli, can make you really sick. So, be careful with pre-cut melons.

Sprouts

Sprouts are healthy, but they grow in warm, wet places where bacteria like Listeria like to live. Even washing sprouts doesn't always get rid of these germs. And because people usually eat sprouts raw, there's no cooking to kill the bacteria. This makes sprouts a big cause of food poisoning. There have been lots of outbreaks linked to sprouts, with many people getting sick and even ending up in the hospital. So, it's a good idea to avoid sprouts, especially at restaurants.

Undercooked Meat

Meat that isn't cooked enough can have harmful bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter. Campylobacter is a common cause of diarrhea. Ground beef is extra risky because it's often made from meat from many different cows. If one cow is sick, all the ground beef can be contaminated. While quickly cooking the outside of a steak can kill surface germs, undercooked ground beef and other meats are still dangerous. Cooking meat all the way through is super important.

Fishes

Some fish can cause specific kinds of food poisoning. Ciguatera poisoning happens when you eat fish that ate poisonous algae, like grouper, sea bass, and red snapper. Cooking doesn't get rid of these poisons. Scombroid poisoning can happen if fish like tuna, sardines, and mahi-mahi aren't stored correctly, which lets bacteria make poisons. Cooking doesn't help with this either. It's important for restaurants to get their fish from good places and keep it stored at the right temperature.

Oyster

Oysters filter water, which means they can collect bacteria and viruses. A big risk is vibriosis, which is caused by Vibrio bacteria that live in warm ocean water where oysters grow. Eating raw or undercooked oysters is very risky. These bacteria can cause serious sickness, and sometimes even infections in the blood. Cooking oysters completely to at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit makes them much safer. So, cooked oysters are a better choice.

Leafy Greens

Greens like lettuce and spinach can get contaminated with bacteria from things like dirty water, animal poop, and not handling them correctly. Even washing them might not get rid of all the germs, especially if they're inside the leaves. Bacteria can grow fast on greens that are wilted or slimy. Restaurants need to get their greens from good farms, wash them really well, and store them correctly. Choosing fresh, crispy greens helps reduce the risk.

Steer clear of certain food items in buffets

Buffets have a higher chance of food poisoning for a few reasons. Many people use the same serving spoons, which spreads germs. Food can sit out for too long at the wrong temperature, letting bacteria grow. Also, people might cough or sneeze near the food. Common germs at buffets include bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria, and viruses like norovirus. Restaurants need to check food temperatures, change serving spoons often, and make sure everyone is washing their hands.

India is seeing a steady and worrying rise in breast cancer cases, with numbers nearly doubling over the past ten years in many urban areas. What was once considered a gradual increase has now become much more visible across the country.

Over the last two decades, breast cancer cases have been slowly increasing. But in the last decade, the rise has been sharper. At the same time, there has been a major shift in the type of cancers affecting women. Earlier, cervical cancer was the most common. Today, breast cancer has taken that position across India.

Why Breast Cancer Cases Are Rising?

One of the biggest reasons behind this rise is that lifestyles have changed, especially among urban dwellers. Diets are now richer in fats, with physical activities taking a backseat, leading to obesity becoming normal. These factors, along with hormonal changes, delayed pregnancies, and genetic risks, all contribute to a higher chance of developing breast cancer.

At the same time, there is also a more encouraging side to this story. More women today are getting diagnosed earlier than before. A decade ago, many patients would come in with advanced stages of the disease. Now, a larger number are being detected in Stage 1 and Stage 2. This shift is important because early detection significantly improves survival.

Better awareness and easier access to screening have played a big role in this change. Campaigns during Breast Cancer Awareness Month have helped bring conversations around breast cancer into the mainstream. More women are now opting for regular check-ups and mammograms, which means cancers are being caught earlier.

However, the overall numbers still remain a concern. It is estimated that one in every 25 to 28 women in India will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives. When this is applied to the country’s population, it translates into a very large number of women being affected.

The important thing to understand is that this rise is not due to one single reason. It is a mix of lifestyle changes, increased awareness, better detection, and possibly hormonal and environmental factors that are still being studied.

Importance Of Early Screening

The way forward is clear. Regular screening is one of the most effective tools available today. Women above the age of 40 should ideally undergo a mammogram every year, even if there are no symptoms. Early-stage breast cancer can be treated very effectively, with cure rates going up to nearly 99% when detected at the earliest stage.

While the numbers may seem alarming, there is also a sense of progress. More awareness, better screening, and earlier diagnosis mean that outcomes are improving. The focus now needs to be on making screening a routine habit and encouraging healthier lifestyles.

Breast cancer is on the rise in India, but with the right approach, it is also one of the cancers where early action can make the biggest difference.

Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body. From regulating muscle and nerve function, to supporting a healthy immune system, to building protein, maintaining blood sugar and blood pressure levels, and aiding in energy production, magnesium plays an important role in our health.

Importantly, it helps in getting a good night’s sleep by promoting relaxation, calming the nervous system, and helping your body produce melatonin, the so-called sleep hormone. Magnesium supplements are among the most popular dietary supplements in America, the Washington Post reported.

“There’s a lot of interest in magnesium right now — all of my patients are asking me about it,” Bethany Marie Doerfler, a clinical research dietitian at the Northwestern Digestive Health Center, was quoted as saying.

“There’s a lot of insomnia in the United States, and many of my patients are saying, ‘Can I use magnesium, can it be helpful?’”

Studies have proven that high levels of magnesium in the diet can lower the risk of heart disease and strokes. It also increases bone mineral density, protecting against fractures and osteoporosis.

Yet despite its well-documented benefits, researchers have found that a majority of people consume less magnesium than the recommended amounts.

How Much Magnesium Do You Need?

According to the American health officials, women aged between 19 and 30 should consume 310 milligrams of magnesium daily (350 milligrams if they’re pregnant), and 320 milligrams if they are 31 or older.

For men, the recommendation is that they consume 400 milligrams if they’re 19 to 30 years old, and 420 milligrams if they’re 31 or older.

Doerfler noted that one can get plenty of magnesium simply by eating a few daily servings of the right plant foods.

According to the National Institutes of Health some top dietary sources of magnesium, include

• Pumpkin seeds
• Chia seeds
• Almonds
• Spinach,
• Cashews
• Peanuts
• Shredded wheat cereal
• Soymilk
• Black beans

Who Is At Risk Of Magnesium Deficiency?

Most people get enough magnesium from food, but certain groups are more vulnerable to deficiency. These include people with gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn’s disease or coeliac disease, those with type 2 diabetes, people who consume excessive alcohol, and older adults.

If you’re low on magnesium, you might notice symptoms such as muscle twitches, spasms, fatigue, low appetite, nausea, or an irregular heartbeat. However, the only way to confirm a deficiency is through a blood test prescribed by your doctor.

Can Magnesium Supplements Really Help?

While magnesium deficiency can lead to cramps, most cases of muscle cramps are not due to low magnesium. Research shows limited evidence that supplements prevent cramps, especially in older adults.

The link between magnesium and better sleep is also unclear. Some studies found it helped people fall asleep faster, while others found no significant difference.

When it comes to migraines, evidence is stronger. Studies suggest that taking 122–600 mg of magnesium daily for 4–24 weeks may reduce the frequency and severity of migraines in some people.

Are Magnesium Supplements Safe?

In general, magnesium supplements are safe when taken in the recommended amounts. However, too much can lead to nausea, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea, because magnesium draws water into the intestines.

Taking extremely large doses (around 5,000 mg daily) can cause magnesium toxicity, which is dangerous. Always check with your doctor before starting supplements, especially if you take other medications.

The doors of the Char Dham temples have opened for pilgrims, marking the beginning of India’s most spiritual journey. The 2026 Char Dham Yatra has officially started in Uttarakhand, with Gangotri and Yamunotri opening on Akshaya Tritiya after a six-month winter break. Vedic hymns, breathtaking views, and an immersive religious experience invite thousands of pilgrims every year. However, despite being sacred and special, this trip is a strenuous one as well. Char Dham Yatra 2026, too, may attract lakhs of pilgrims, but the strenuous trek may not be best suited for everyone. On this special occasion, experts interacted with Health and Me to share some precautions that pilgrims must take.

Who should avoid going for Char Dham Yatra?

Dr Basavaraj S Kumbar, Consultant – Internal Medicine, Aster Whitefield Hospital, said, “Char Dham Yatra is a spiritually uplifting experience. From a medical standpoint, it is also physically challenging due to changes in altitude, long hours of travel, and adverse weather conditions. That is why some people may not be physically ready to perform the journey without training.”

Dr Manjusha Agarwal, Consultant – Internal Medicine, Gleneagles Hospital Mumbai, spoke about the group of people who must avoid going for the yatra. “Many people tend to go on the Char Dham Yatra covering Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. It is a spiritually significant pilgrimage, but it also demands good physical fitness due to high altitude, steep climbs, and unpredictable weather. Hence, understand that the yatra is suitable for individuals with stable health, especially those without heart disease, severe asthma, advanced kidney disease, arthritis, stroke, or uncontrolled blood pressure. Even older people or those with chronic illnesses like cancer, osteoarthritis, emphysema, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should avoid the yatra. Pregnant women in later stages are also generally advised to avoid the yatra.”

Generally, the yatra is well within reach of persons who are in good health and have quite a good fitness level, that is, if they carry out proper preparation. On the contrary, persons suffering from uncontrolled long-term illnesses such as heart diseases, severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, or uncontrolled diabetes or those who have recently had surgeries may have to reconsider or, for the time being if not permanently, altogether refrain from the trip unless, of course, a doctor has given them the green light. Ageing people can travel, but only after being medically checked and with medical assistance.

What are the risks of being at higher altitudes?

Altitudes are the greatest danger during the yatra, as they are the primary cause of breathlessness, weariness, or even altitude sickness. In fact, this makes pre-travel preparation very important. The best scenario would be that individuals should start their preparation at least 4 to 6 weeks before their departure by engaging in walks, light aerobics, and breathing exercises that will help them improve their stamina and the capacity of their lungs. Increasing daily steps and practising walking on slopes will bring about the most considerable effect.

Precautions to take

Dr Kumbar said that water intake and diet are important too when going for a strenuous trip like the Char Dham Yatra.. It is always easy to overlook the significance of staying hydrated throughout your trip. Taking necessary medications, having a first aid kit with you, and getting yourself a health assessment from a doctor before your trip is highly advisable.

It is an easy concept to remember. Not only is it a pilgrimage, but it is also an extremely strenuous physical activity. With proper preparation, this pilgrimage can easily be undertaken. However, without any preparation, the journey becomes unnecessarily challenging, particularly in the higher regions.

Preparing for Char Dham Yatra

Dr Agarwal shared some simple pro tips for people going for Char Dham Yatra. The expert listed the following tips for pilgrims:

1. Those who are going should prepare 4–6 weeks in advance
2. Regular walking, light cardio, breathing exercises, and stair climbing help build stamina and core strength
3. Staying hydrated, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and gradually increasing endurance are key to having a good yatra
4. Acclimatisation days should be included during travel to adjust to altitude and avoid any problems like breathlessness
5. Carrying essential medications and prescriptions and pacing oneself during the trek can ensure a safer and more comfortable pilgrimage experience
6. Make sure to do yoga and pranayama, keep painkillers, anti-nausea medication, antacids, anti-diarrheal, and cough/cold medicine handy.
7. Stay hydrated by drinking enough water, don’t overexert, and take frequent breaks

What is Char Dham Yatra?

The Char Dham Yatra is a pilgrimage across four sacred shrines: Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri. Each of the temples is surrounded by mountain roads, rivers, and snow-clad peaks. The temples will be open for a short window before closing again ahead of winter. During this narrow window, travellers must plan their trip wisely and in advance. The Char Dham journey begins from Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun.