Amidst the constant stream of diet trends, it's really important to prioritize health over quick fixes. Many people will follow diet trends they find on social media and follow it, ignoring how it may affect their health later in life. While eliminating sugary drinks and processed foods can be beneficial, you must remember that you are cutting out a big chunk of macronutrient groups, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health problems. Then we have the carnivore diet, an extreme version of the ketogenic diet, which eliminates carbohydrates entirely, relying solely on animal products for sustenance. This approach raises significant concerns regarding heart health.

Dangers of Zero Carbs

Having a carnivore diet means complete elimination of carbohydrates, even the ones that have proven health benefits. Many animal products consumed on this diet are high in saturated fat and cholesterol and eliminating plant-based foods which are the primary source of fiber, you are hindering the body's ability to regulate cholesterol and blood pressure. This lack of fiber can also negatively impact gut health, which has broader implications for overall well-being.

Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Issues

We all know that high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity are known risk factors for heart disease. While the carnivore diet's restriction of sugar and refined carbohydrates may initially prevent blood sugar spikes, the potential for increased saturated fat and cholesterol intake poses a significant threat. Studies show that increased consumption of red meat and poultry can elevate the risk of high blood pressure in people. Similarly, diets high in saturated fat can raise LDL cholesterol levels, further increasing the risk of heart disease. Therefore, the carnivore diet, while potentially leading to short-term weight loss, may significantly compromise long-term cardiovascular health.

Protecting Your Heart Through Dietary Choices

Maintaining heart health doesn't necessitate eliminating meat entirely, but it does require mindful consumption of saturated fat, you must remember that indulging once in a while does not mean you are no longer taking care of yourself, but the end must justify the process, so try eating a controlled amount. Health organizations recommend limiting saturated fat intake to a small percentage of daily calories. This basically translates to a relatively small amount for most individuals.

Beyond Saturated Fat: Other Dietary Considerations

While saturated fat is a cause of concern, there are other dietary factors that play a crucial role in heart health. Added sugar and sodium can also negatively impact cardiovascular well-being, doctors often discourage people from consuming too much of both as they aid in unhealthy weight gain or high blood pressure. Limiting added sugar intake to a small percentage of daily calories is recommended. Similarly, reducing sodium consumption by substituting processed foods with natural alternatives can contribute significantly to heart health.

Embracing a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle

From the research and studies, we understand that having a more balanced diet, which includes fiber-rich foods like nuts, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is essential for maintaining heart health. Try aiming for a daily intake of at least 30 grams of fiber and you will see how it can significantly benefit cardiovascular function. Another thing that is equally important is incorporating regular physical activity. Finding enjoyable forms of movement, whether it is a social sports or activities you find pleasurable like dancing, can make exercise a sustainable and positive part of a heart-healthy lifestyle, people often find that dragging yourself to places you do not like does not work long term. With this holistic approach of combining a balanced diet with regular exercise, you will get the best protection for long-term cardiovascular well-being.

Few foods feel as comforting as a warm bowl of pasta. Yet, despite its popularity across the world, pasta often gets a bad reputation when people talk about healthy eating.

For years, it has been labelled as the villain of many diets. People blame it for weight gain, bloating, and that sleepy feeling that sometimes follows a heavy meal. Because pasta is rich in carbohydrates, many assume it is automatically unhealthy or something that must be avoided while trying to lose weight.

Nutrition experts say that idea is far from the truth.

In reality, pasta can absolutely fit into a balanced diet. The key lies not just in the pasta itself but in how it is cooked, served, and paired with other foods.

Understanding What Pasta Really Offers

At its core, pasta is a source of carbohydrates. These carbohydrates break down into glucose in the body, which provides energy for everyday functions. This energy fuels the brain, supports muscle activity, and keeps the nervous system running smoothly. That is one reason athletes and physically active people often include pasta in their meals.

Wholewheat pasta brings additional benefits to the table. Because it uses the entire grain, it contains more fibre than refined white pasta. Fiber helps slow digestion, keeps you feeling full for longer, and supports healthy digestion.

There are also newer alternatives now widely available. Pasta made from chickpeas, lentils, or split peas often contains higher levels of protein and fiber than traditional wheat pasta. These options can be particularly helpful for people looking to increase plant based protein in their diet.

Even regular white pasta contains nutrients that many people overlook. During production, some varieties are fortified with important vitamins and minerals such as iron and B vitamins including thiamine and folate.

Portion Size and Balance Matter

When it comes to including pasta in a healthy diet, portion size plays an important role. A typical serving is around 75 grams of dried pasta per adult, which becomes roughly 180 to 200 grams once cooked.

The bigger issue often lies in how pasta dishes are prepared. Creamy sauces, excessive cheese, butter, and processed meats can quickly push the calorie count much higher. In contrast, pairing pasta with vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats creates a far more balanced meal.

Simple additions like tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, beans, lentils, seafood, or grilled chicken can transform pasta into a nutrient rich dish. A drizzle of olive oil and a generous portion of vegetables can make the meal satisfying without making it overly heavy.

Why Some People Feel Bloated After Pasta

Bloating after eating pasta is fairly common, but the cause can vary.

For some people, gluten may be the trigger. Individuals with coeliac disease cannot tolerate gluten, a protein found in wheat, and eating wheat based pasta can cause serious digestive issues.

In other cases, the problem may be certain carbohydrates found in wheat known as FODMAPs. These compounds can be difficult for some people to digest. When they reach the large intestine, bacteria ferment them, producing gas that may lead to bloating, cramps, or discomfort.

The way pasta is cooked can also make a difference. Pasta cooked al dente, meaning slightly firm to the bite, is digested more slowly than overcooked pasta. Cooling pasta after cooking, such as in pasta salads, can also increase resistant starch. This type of starch digests more slowly and may support gut health.

In the end, pasta itself is not the problem many people believe it to be. When eaten in sensible portions and paired with nourishing ingredients, it can be a satisfying and perfectly healthy part of everyday meals.

Water Stacking trend that went viral on TikTok, with the hashtag trending #WaterTok is a creative way to ensure that you drink enough water a day. Health and Me previously reported on the trend going viral and how it was the food scientist and content creator Jeffrey Ma who tarted this.

However, is it really a healthy way to hydrate yourself? Health and Me did a fact check and spoke to doctors to know the truth behind it.

Read: What Is the Viral Water Stacking Trend?

What Do Doctors Say About Water Stacking?

As per Dr Prabhat Ranjan Sinha, senior consultant - Internal Medicine at Akash Health care, "The concept might seem helpful, the procedure might lead to issues once the supplements are taken without the appropriate understanding about the needs of the body."

The increasing popularity of the so-called stacked water is a trend, explains Dr Sinha, where people use supplements in their drinking water. The supplements include collagen, creatine, electrolytes, vitamins or herbal powder. Dr Sinha explains that "The human body needs nutrients in a certain proportion and any additional intake can have undesirable results."

Edwina Raj, who is the Head of Services - Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics at Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru pointed out that while some of these supplements may offer benefits when used correctly, "adding multiple nutrients without understanding what the body actually needs can sometimes cause harm."

Ms Raj points says, "Every person’s body has different nutritional requirements, and excessive intake of certain supplements may lead to side effects such as stomach discomfort, kidney strain, or imbalance of nutrients in the body. For example, taking high amounts of creatine without proper guidance may affect kidney health in some individuals, especially if they already have underlying health issues."

Both experts highlight that taking unnecessary supplements may not provide any extra benefits if the person is already getting it through their diet. Dr Sinha also points out that when someone consumes an excessive amount of nutrients, it could overstrain organs like the kidney or liver.

"Several interactions can also be formed when several supplements are used together which can cause imbalances in electrolytes and metabolism or the interactions can interfere with the absorption," he says.

How Can One Stay Hydrated?

Both experts say that one can stay hydrated by drinking enough water and eating a balanced diet. Dr Sinha notes: "Supplementation is preferably to be taken when the deficiency is known to be medically or there is a certain health need. Following the trends of social media without necessarily knowing the state of the personal health can result in excessive consumption of specific substances or unneeded dependence on supplements."

Stay Hydrated In A Creative Way

Dr Sinha says that maintaining a healthy drinking habit is not an additive based habit that involves the use of additives, but a simple and consistent lifestyle choice.

Ms Raj points out a simple way is by starting the day by drinking a glass of water as soon as you wake up. This helps body rehydrate after sleep. "Keeping a water bottle nearby at your desk, in your bag, or in your car can remind you to drink water regularly throughout the day." She also says that setting small goals help, for instance - drinking a glass of water every hour, or setting reminders on phones.

What to do if water feels boring? "Those who do not like plain water may use the natural alternatives of adding lemons, mint leaves, or cucumber to improve the taste without putting any extra supplement," points out Dr Sinha, and seconded by Ms Raj.

Note: Please consult your nutritionist and doctor before adding any extra supplements or nutrients to your daily water intake. Health and Me Does NOT promote a user-generated content as a substitute for medically verified hydration techniques.

Kate Middleton visited a brewery, London beer hall. The princess of Wales shared her new approach to alcohol and said, "Since my diagnosis, I haven't had much alcohol. It's something I have to be a lot more conscious of now."

In March 2024, Kate Middleton shared her cancer diagnosis. "It has been an incredibly tough couple of months for our entire family, but I’ve had a fantastic medical team who have taken great care of me, for which I’m so grateful,” her message began. “In January [2024], I underwent major abdominal surgery in London, and at the time, it was thought that my condition was noncancerous. The surgery was successful. However, tests after the operation found cancer had been present. My medical team therefore advised that I should undergo a course of preventive chemotherapy, and I am now in the early stages of that treatment.”

She said that her diagnosis was a "huge shock" for her family and that recovery form such a major surgery took a lot of time.

In January 2025, she announced that she was in remission. “It is a relief to now be in remission, and I remain focused on recovery,” she wrote on her Instagram account. “As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal. I am, however, looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.”

Alcohol And Cancer

In 1987, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning there is sufficient evidence that it causes cancer in humans. Research has linked alcohol consumption to cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, esophagus (particularly squamous cell carcinoma), and liver.

Although the level of risk varies between light, moderate, and heavy drinkers, the association between alcohol and cancer has been well documented for decades. In light of this evidence, Middleton appears to have reconsidered her relationship with alcohol following her diagnosis, remission, and recovery.

Scientific evidence continues to reinforce these concerns. According to the National Cancer Institute, alcohol consumption can increase the risk of several cancers, and the risk rises with greater intake. Even light drinking may carry some risk. For instance, studies show that women who consume one alcoholic drink a day have a higher risk of breast cancer compared with those who drink less than once a week, with the risk increasing further among heavy and binge drinkers.

Data from the United States also highlights the scale of the impact. Alcohol was estimated to be responsible for about 5% of the 1.8 million cancer cases diagnosed in 2019, as well as around 4% of cancer-related deaths that year. Research consistently shows that people who consume alcohol face higher risks of several cancers compared with those who do not drink.

The following table shows the risk of cancer and consumption of alcohol as per the National Cancer Institute data: