The belly button marks the exact spot where your umbilical cord was once attached—the vital connection that provided oxygen and nutrients in the womb. Once you started breathing, eating, and discharging waste on your own, this cord was no longer needed. What remains is a mark, a reminder of your months in your mother’s womb. However, it often gets ignored as you grow up. And there is nothing wrong with that. Your belly button does not require a special skincare routine, but neglecting its hygiene can lead to a buildup of bacteria, potentially causing a smelly discharge.

But generally, a discharge from your belly button is normal and colourless. According to experts, normal discharge is typically clear or light-coloured, has a slight odor (similar to sweat), and has no pain or redness around the navel.

What happens when you get a Bacterial or yeast infection in the belly button?

Experts say that the most common funk you might encounter in your belly button is a bacterial or fungal infection. A study titled

A Jungle in There: Bacteria in Belly Buttons are Highly Diverse, but Predictable published in 2012 in PLOS One Journal states that once rarefied to four hundred reads per sample, bacterial communities from belly buttons proved to be at least as diverse as communities known from other skin studies (on average 67 bacterial phylotypes per belly button).

This occurs due to poor hygiene, excessive sweating, or trapped moisture. Other conditions include navel piercings, cysts, and skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. People with diabetes are particularly susceptible to fungal infections such as candidiasis if their blood sugar isn't under control, according to a 2019 review in the Journal of Clinical Medicine.

Bacteria and fungi love the dark environment of your belly button. If your belly button is infected, you might notice some redness or swelling. The discharge might look like pus, making your belly button smell bad. If it's a yeast infection, your belly button might also itch.

What happens when your navel piercing gets wrong?

Belly button or naval piercing, if infected, can lead to severe pain, discolouration, swelling, discharge and pus. It can also cause the skin to appear red, causing delayed or failed healing.

Other common signs include:

Chills or fever

Persistent pain or inflammation

Sensitivity or discomfort when moving

Swelling or tenderness to touch

When Should You See A Doctor?

Often called the stress hormone, cortisol is produced by your adrenal glands, located on top of the kidneys. The hormone plays a critical role in keeping you healthy and maintaining your energy as well cardiovascular health.

Cortisol is a necessary tool for survival and naturally peaks in the morning to help you wake up and drop at night to help you sleep. While the body has a system in place to maintain hormone levels, issues arise when cortisol levels stay chronically high, meaning your body is constantly in "fight-or-flight" mode.

This can happen due to long-term stress, certain medical conditions (like Cushing’s Syndrome), or the prolonged use of steroid medications.

However, Dr Suman Agrawal, a renowned Oxford University certified nutritionist and qualified fitness expert has shared how "Shin-Kokyu”, a technique used by Japanese samurais before a battle exercise can help reduce cortisol by 80 percent

Step One: Box breathing method:

• Inhale for four seconds through the nose while the tongue touches the palate
• Hold for four seconds with abdominal muscle tension
• Exhale for four seconds through the mouth, lips pursed
• Pause for four seconds with complete relaxation

Place three fingers below the navel with medium force & hold throughout the breathing. There’s a cluster of vagus nerve endings there. It’s like a button in the body.

Step Three: Gaze into nowhere

Look straight ahead and defocus your gaze as if you are looking through a wall for three minutes. This time span is equal to 12 breathing cycles which is the minimum time needed to reboot the nervous system.

Symptoms Of High Cortisol Levels

• Physical Changes: Rapid weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, face (moon face) and the back of the neck (buffalo hump).
• Skin Issues: Thinning skin, easy bruising, and pink or purple stretch marks on the abdomen or thighs.
• Muscle & Bone: Weakness in the arms and thighs, muscle loss and an increased risk of bone fractures (osteoporosis).
• Metabolic Signs: High blood pressure, high blood sugar and a strong craving for sugary or fatty foods.
• Emotional & Cognitive: Persistent anxiety, irritability, mood swings, depression, brain fog and difficulty concentrating.
• Sleep & Energy: Chronic fatigue, feeling tired even after a full night's sleep and insomnia.

Health Risks of Chronic High Levels

If high cortisol levels are left un-addressed for an extended period, they can lead to serious health complications, including:

• Cardiovascular Disease: Chronic hypertension and damage to blood vessels increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Type 2 Diabetes: Persistent spikes in blood sugar make it difficult for the body to manage insulin effectively.
• Suppressed Immune System: Chronic cortisol elevation can weaken immune response, making the body more susceptible to infections and slowing down wound healing.
• Mental Health Disorders: Long-term exposure is strongly linked to chronic anxiety and major depressive disorders.
• Digestive Issues: It can disrupt gut health, exacerbating conditions like IBS, bloating, and indigestion.

In a world fascinated by trendy superfoods, many traditional and nutrient-rich foods have been overlooked despite offering remarkable health benefits. From ancient grains, pulses to sprouts, these foods provide essential vitamins, minerals, protein and bioactive compounds that support digestion, immunity, bone health, and overall wellbeing.

However while many are aware of the benefits of fruits such as blueberries and grains such as oats, here are some important superfoods you need to incorporate in your diet:

1. Quark/ Curd

The milk-based item is also low in calories and fat, providing nutrients without excess energy which also helps with weight management.

Apart from this, quark aids in gut health as it has same digestive bacteria as yogurt also known as probiotics. Probiotics are beneficial as they increase good bacteria in the intestine while keeping check on harmful bacteria. Moreover, they also helps absorb vitamins and minerals better.

Another benefit of consuming quark regularly is its high calcium content that is essential for supporting bone and teeth health such as preventing conditions like osteoporosis.

2. Prunes

They are also packed with protective plant compounds called polyphenols which function as antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress, lower inflammation and support overall cellular health.

Regular prune consumption can also help maintain bone mineral density, particularly in postmenopausal women by reducing the risk of osteoporosis. In addition, prunes provide important vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, copper, and Vitamin K, all of which support heart function, strengthen bones and assist enzymatic processes in the body.

Despite their sweetness, prunes are known to have a low glycemic effect due to sorbitol. This allows them to lower glycemic sugar levels in the body and increases overall blood sugar at a lower rate than other fruits, making it a safe option for diabetic patients to consume.

3. Blackcurrants

They are also rich in antioxidants called anthocyanins, which help neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative stress and potentially lower the risk of chronic heart as well as gut-related diseases. The polyphenols in blackcurrants contribute to vascular health by improving blood vessel function and maintain healthy blood pressure.

In addition, blackcurrants are a good source of potassium, which is essential for heart muscle contraction and maintaining fluid balance. Additionally, the whole fruit provides fiber, which aids digestion, blood sugar control and cholesterol management.

4. Sprouts

Moreover, broccoli sprouts are rich in glucoraphanin, which the body converts to sulforaphane, a sulfur-containing compound that supports the liver's process of detoxification and has anti-inflammatory properties

Sprouts also provide a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in a small, versatile form, making them easy to incorporate into meals. They can be eaten raw for full nutrient absorption or cooked thoroughly to minimize the risk of food-borne illnesses such as salmonella or E. coli.

While the vegetable is beneficial for most people, pregnant women, elderly and immuno-compromised individuals should avoid raw sprouts due to higher infection risk.

5. Liver

Called “nature’s multivitamin,” liver is known to be packed with high-quality protein, iron, and B Vitamins, making it a valuable source of essential nutrients.

It is also rich in Vitamin A and iron, which supports vision, immune function and cell growth and prevents iron deficiency, a common issue among menstruating women.

Liver also provides a concentrated source of other nutrients, especially B12, B6, riboflavin, folate which are important for energy metabolism, red blood cell production and nervous system health. Experts recommend consuming chicken liver to maximize on its benefits.

However, due to its very high Vitamin A content and purine levels, it should be consumed in moderation to avoid toxicity and prevent triggering conditions like gout.

6. Emmer

Emmer, an ancient form of wheat that retains its seed coat, is rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants as well as carbohydrates.

This allows it to support digestion, heart health and sustainable energy release, making it a valuable component of a balanced diet. Given its nutty flavor, emmer can be used as a substitute for rice or couscous, helping to diversify meals and supporting overall health and metabolic balance.

7. Peas

Carlin peas are rich in fiber and a good source of plant-based protein, supporting healthy digestion, blood sugar regulation, and muscle maintenance. They are also known to be versatile enough to include in snacks or meals.

On the other hand, marrowfat peas provide similar nutritional value and can be enjoyed in ways similar to avocado, a nutrient-dense superfood, adding both protein and fiber to the diet.

Rebecca Pinto, physiotherapist and nutritionist shared a video on her Instagram account where she cites a case of a man who used hair loss treatment and was admitted to hospital on complain of chest pain. She points out that not everything that is available over the counter is safe to use. She says the key ingredients in many easily available hair loss treatment is minoxidil, which could trigger chest pain or angina as it can lower blood pressure.

Health and Me spoke to Dr Sanjay Bhat, Sr Consultant, Interventional Cardiology at Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru to fact check this claim and here is what we found out.

Also Read: AIIMS And ISRO Sign MoU To Advance Research In Space Medicine

Fact Check: Can Minoxidil Cause Severe Chest Pain?

Health and Me asked Dr Bhat if this easily available ingredient could actually cause someone’s life. To this, Dr Bhat explained that it is a commonly used medicine for treating hair loss and is easily available in many pharmacies as a topical solution or form. He said it works by improving blood flow to the hair follicles and helping hair grow. “When used on the scalp as recommended, it is generally safe for most people. However, long-term or excessive use may sometimes cause side effects. Some people may absorb a small amount of the medicine into the bloodstream, which can affect the heart and blood vessels,” he explains.

This could lead to symptoms such as chest pain, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, swelling of the hands or feet, or low blood pressure. “In rare cases, people may go to the emergency room if they feel severe chest discomfort or palpitations. Long-term use without medical advice may also cause scalp irritation or unwanted hair growth on other parts of the body. Therefore, it is important to use minoxidil only as directed and consult a doctor if unusual symptoms appear,” he said.

What To Do If You Feel Chest Pain While Using Minoxidil?

Doctor explains, “If a person develops chest pain after using Minoxidil, the first step is to stop using the medicine and seek medical attention immediately. Doctors will first evaluate the patient to make sure the chest pain is not due to a serious heart problem. This usually includes checking blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen levels, and performing tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood tests.”

If minoxidil is suspected to be the cause, treatment mainly focuses on managing the symptoms. Doctors could also give medicines to control heart rate, reduce palpitations, or stabilize blood pressure. Depending on the reports, if the patient has fluid retention or swelling, diuretics may be prescribed to remove excess fluid from the body. Patients may also be monitored in the hospital for a short time if symptoms are severe. Once the symptoms settle, doctors usually advise avoiding minoxidil and may suggest safer alternative treatments for hair loss.

Are There Any Alternative Hair Loss Treatment Without Minoxidil?

The answer is yes. Dr Bhat points out Finasteride, an oral medicine to be one of the common alternatives to minoxidil for hair loss treatments. This medicine works by reducing the hormone DHT, which is linked to male pattern baldness. This also helps in slowing down the hair loss and promoting regrowth.

Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy: This is another alternative available points out Dr Bhat. This is when blood is processed and injected into the scalp to stimulate hair follicles and improve hair thickness.

He also pointed out that doctors often recommend Low Level Laser Therapy, which is a painless treatment using red light lasers to improve blood flow to hair follicles and encourage hair growth.

Lastly, Hair Transplant Surgery is another option for people facing significant hair loss, where follicles from one part of the scalp are moved to bald areas.

“In addition, treatments such as microneedling, nutritional supplements, and treatment of underlying medical conditions may also help improve hair growth,” points out Dr Bhat.