To be a well-rounded healthy person, you must pay attention to all the different aspects of your life, whether it is fitness, food or sleep. All of them go hand-in-hand so you cannot neglect one or the other.

Many people often neglect their sleep in order to finish other important work. Losing sleep can be detrimental for your health, and if you are unable to sleep, you may be causing other issues for your health. When you are facing these issues, it is easy to get medication, but there are many side effects to them. There are many foods that can help you feel better and aid in your sleep. Although eating before you sleep is discouraged by healthcare professionals. These foods boost the serotonin in your body and help you fall asleep.

Role of Serotonin and Tryptophan

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps control your sleep. When you don't have enough serotonin, you might find it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep. This is called insomnia. You can't get serotonin directly from food, but you can eat foods that have tryptophan. Tryptophan is a special building block that your body uses to make serotonin. It also helps make melatonin, another chemical that helps you sleep. So, eating foods with tryptophan can help your body make the sleep chemicals it needs. These chemicals help your brain and body know it's time to rest.

Foods That Boost Serotonin In Your Body

Banana & Almond Butter

This snack combines carbs, protein, and healthy fats for steady energy and sleep hormones. Almond butter stabilizes blood sugar, preventing waking up at odd hours, while bananas and almond butter relax muscles with magnesium and potassium, promoting calm and restful sleep.

Greek Yogurt with Sprouted Pumpkin Seeds

Yogurt improves sleep quality and supports gut health, which influences sleep. Tart cherries provide melatonin, and pumpkin seeds offer tryptophan and magnesium, working together to induce sleep and maintain it throughout the night.

Eggs

Eggs, especially yolks, boost tryptophan for serotonin production, aiding sleep. They are nutrient-packed with tyrosine, choline, biotin, and omega-3s, and their versatility makes them a convenient, healthy bedtime snack.

Cheese

Cheese is a tryptophan source, promoting relaxation and sleep. Mac and cheese combines cheese, eggs, and milk for a tasty sleep-friendly snack. Cheese also provides calcium, benefiting both sleep and bone health.

Edamame

Edamame offers tryptophan and isoflavones, improving sleep, especially for women. It's versatile, eaten plain or seasoned, and adding it to a snack mix enhances gut health, contributing to improved sleep quality.

Popcorn & Cashews

This high-fiber snack improves sleep; cashews provide tryptophan, and popcorn fights inflammation. The mix of carbs, fiber, healthy fats, and protein creates a well-rounded snack that supports both health and restful sleep.

Chia Pudding

Chia pudding's fiber supports gut health, aiding sleep. Chia seeds' magnesium and calcium help convert tryptophan to serotonin. Milk enhances calcium, further assisting sleep. Adding fruit and nuts boosts carbs and tryptophan for an even better sleep-promoting snack.

Salmon

Salmon provides tryptophan and omega-3s, aiding sleep and heart health. A frittata combines salmon, eggs, and milk for a nutrient-rich sleep snack. Salmon also balances cholesterol and lowers blood pressure, contributing to overall well-being and better sleep.

Energy drink is linked with stroke risk was found out when a fit 54-year-old man suffered stroke. Previously Health and Me also reported about the man, a non-smoker and non-drinker, who suffered stroke, thanks to his habit of consuming energy drinks. The doctors found his blood pressure to be sky rocketing. His left side of the body was weak, he lost balance, had trouble walking and speaking.

Another similar case comes from Canada, where a 10-year-old also suffered a seizure, consuming just two energy drinks in the week.

Experts are now weighing in if it is at all safe for anyone to consume energy drink.

Read: How Energy Drinks Nearly Killed a Healthy 54-Year-Old Runner

Energy Drink: Are They Safe To Consume?

As per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), energy drinks are "pure and highly concentrated caffeine products can have serious health consequences, including death."

A BMJ study from 2025, Energy drinks, hypertension and stroke, found high morbidity and mortality rates associated with stroke and cardiovascular disease linked to high-sugar drink consumption.

Energy Drink: What Do experts Think Of Its Safety?

Speaking to wmur.com, Dr Raj Dasgupta, a board-certified physical who specializes in internal medicine, pulmonology critical care, and sleep medicine said, "Caffeine is a stimulant, which means it increases activity in your brain and nervous system."

Caffeine keeps us awake by blocking adenosine, the brain chemical responsible for making us feel drowsy. Energy drinks boost alertness and focus partly by increasing adrenaline levels, though how strong the effects feel and how long they last can vary based on the person and the amount of caffeine consumed.

What Makes Energy Drinks Different From Coffee?

The short answer is that it depends. The energy drink market is huge, and there is no one-size-fits-all comparison. That said, many energy drinks do contain more caffeine per serving than a regular cup of coffee.

An average 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee has about 95 to 100 mg of caffeine. Energy drinks, on the other hand, can range widely, often providing anywhere between 70 and 200 mg per serving. The actual impact depends on how much you drink and how your body responds to caffeine.

Where The Caffeine In The Energy Drink Comes From Matters

Not all caffeine is created equal. The source can influence the drink’s overall nutritional value.

Some natural sources, like green tea, come with added benefits such as antioxidants and trace minerals. Ingredients like guarana and yerba mate also contain natural compounds that may support mood and energy levels. In contrast, highly processed or artificial caffeine sources usually do not offer these extra benefits.

The Sugar Problem Of Energy Drinks

One of the biggest differences between coffee and energy drinks is sugar. Coffee can be customized, so you control how much sugar goes in. Many energy drinks, however, are loaded with added sugar.

For example, a single 16-ounce can of some popular energy drinks can contain over 60 grams of sugar, well above the recommended daily limit. Some brands use artificial sweeteners instead, which research has linked to a higher risk of heart disease and stroke over time.

How Safe Are Energy Drinks?

Health experts agree that moderation is key, regardless of your caffeine source. Most healthy adults can safely consume up to 400 mg of caffeine per day.

Too much caffeine can cause shakiness, poor sleep, a racing heartbeat, headaches, or stomach issues. Over time, excessive intake can also lead to dependence, meaning you need more caffeine to feel the same effect.

Who Should Be Extra Careful Before Consuming Energy Drinks?

Certain people should be more cautious with energy drinks. Caffeine can worsen anxiety and interfere with sleep, especially for those already struggling with these issues. People with heart conditions may also need to limit or avoid caffeine since it can raise heart rate and blood pressure.

While labels may highlight antioxidants or added supplements, the high sugar, caffeine, and preservatives often cancel out these benefits. The same nutrients can be found more reliably in whole foods like fruits and vegetables.

As the use of anti-obesity medicines like Ozempic continues to grow, more people are trying to understand what daily life looks like on these injections. Beyond weight loss results, concerns often centre on side effects, especially those linked to digestion. Many users of GLP-1 agonist medicines report gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and heartburn. In recent months, another pattern has caught attention. Several people say they feel sick after eating greasy or oily food.

To understand why this happens, we spoke to Dr Pratayksha Bhardwaj, World Record Holder Dietician and Weight Management Specialist, who explains that this reaction is more common than people realise.

What Ozempic Does Inside the Body

Ozempic, medically known as semaglutide, was originally developed to help manage Type 2 diabetes. It is now widely prescribed for weight management because of how it influences appetite and digestion.

According to Dr Bhardwaj, Ozempic works by slowing down gastric emptying and acting on appetite-regulating centres in the brain. “Food stays in the stomach longer, and the feeling of fullness comes earlier than usual,” he explains. This change helps people eat less but also alters how the body handles certain foods.

Why Greasy Food Can Trigger Nausea On Ozempic

Fatty and oily foods naturally take longer to digest. When this process is further slowed by Ozempic, the stomach can struggle to cope with heavy meals.

Dr Bhardwaj says that eating large portions, especially foods high in fat, can overwhelm the digestive system. “When fatty foods sit in the stomach for too long, they can trigger nausea, vomiting, or even diarrhoea,” he notes. This is why some people feel unwell shortly after eating fried snacks, fast food, or rich gravied dishes.

Is This an Allergy or Something Else?

Many patients worry that vomiting after eating greasy food might be a sign of an allergic reaction. Dr Bhardwaj clarifies that this is not the case. “This response is physiological, not allergic,” he says. It reflects how the body adapts to the medication rather than an intolerance to the drug itself.

Clinically, doctors observe that tolerance for oily foods drops sharply after starting Ozempic. Vomiting is more commonly reported during the early stages of treatment or when the dose is being gradually increased.

Can This Side Effect Be Beneficial?

Interestingly, this reaction can support healthier eating habits. Dr Bhardwaj points out that the discomfort acts as a natural reminder to change food choices. Patients are often advised to eat smaller portions, reduce fat intake, and include more fibre-rich vegetables in their meals.

Lower-fat foods are easier to digest and less likely to cause nausea. Over time, many people find that their preferences shift away from heavy, greasy meals.

When to Seek Medical Advice?

While occasional nausea can be expected, persistent vomiting should not be ignored. Dr Bhardwaj advises consulting a doctor if symptoms continue. In some cases, a dose adjustment or personalised nutrition plan may be needed to reduce discomfort while continuing treatment safely.

Ozempic can be effective, but understanding how it interacts with food is key to managing side effects and maintaining long-term health.

Lionel Messi is here in India and is ready for his touch down in Delhi on December 15 as part of his GOAT (Greatest of All Time) Tour's India visit. Argentina's World Cup-winning captain is also set to visit Hyderabad after his visit in Delhi, for now, he has met his fans in Mumbai and Kolkata. All things said and done, what every one is always curious about is a sports person's fitness regime. The 38-year-old football star undergoes a strict fitness regime, which includes consistency, but it is not based on heavy lifting, but agility training, and a simple not-too-fancy diet.

However, his fitness journey was not traditional in any manner. In fact, during his early years, he was known for eating without much of a thought. So, what changed him? What is his secret to a fit life?

How Messi Changed His Eating Habits To Stay Fit

In 2013-14 World Cup, which was disappointing for Messi, ESPN India reported that Messi improved his performance by adapting a new diet. Charly Rexach, the then FC Barcelona's sporting director, who signed the then 13-year-old Messi to the club in 2000 on a napkin, said that Messi had previously "eaten too many pizzas".

In an interview to America TV's La Cornisa, Messi admitted about his eating habits and poor diet, which had even led to bouts of vomiting, nausea, and even lethargy. The footballer said, "I don't know what I ate, but I ate badly for many years. At 22, 23...[it was] chocolate, alfajores [South American sandwich cookies], fizzy drinks."

It was nutritionist Giuliano Poser who helped Messi make changes in 2014. His diet was nothing fancy, nothing too difficult, but it was controlled.

Five Pillars Of Messi's New Diet

Messi's new diet was based on five pillars:

• Water
• Olive oil
• Whole grains
• Fruits
• Vegetables

Messi also shared in an interview, "Now I eat well: fish, meat, vegetables, salads. Everything is organized and taken care of. Sometimes a bit of wine, but that's not a problem."

This diet helped him reduce inflammation and recover his muscles faster. When it came to avoiding certain foods Poser stressed the importance of eating little sugar and refined flour. Poser called these two "the worst thing for the muscles". "The farther he stays away from sugars, the better. Refined flours are also a big problem as these days, it’s difficult to find uncontaminated wheat.”

Water

Studies published in the Journal of Athletic Training and Journal of Physical Therapy Science, show that dehydration increases markers of muscle damage and inflammation after exercise. Research also notes that adequate hydration supports blood flow and nutrient delivery, which are essential for muscle repair.

Olive oil

Research in Nature and the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry highlights that extra virgin olive oil contains oleocanthal and polyphenols, compounds shown to have anti-inflammatory effects similar to mild anti-inflammatory drugs, helping reduce muscle soreness and inflammation.

Whole grains

According to studies in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, whole-grain intake is associated with lower levels of C-reactive protein, a key marker of inflammation. Their complex carbohydrates and magnesium content support muscle function and recovery after physical activity.

Fruits

Research published in Nutrients and Sports Medicine shows that antioxidant-rich fruits like berries and citrus help reduce oxidative stress caused by exercise, which can otherwise delay muscle recovery and increase inflammation.

Vegetables

Large observational studies, including reports in The BMJ, link high vegetable intake with reduced systemic inflammation. Their vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals support immune response and tissue repair, aiding post-exercise muscle recovery.

What Does Messi's Workout Regime Look Like? 3s Of Messi's Fitness

As per reports, Messi's training is not as rigorous as players like Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo, but it does not mean that there is not consistency. In fact, his primary training focuses on three factors:

• Speed
• Strength
• Stretching

The footballer’s fitness does not come from heavy weightlifting. Instead, it is built on a balanced routine that focuses on strength training, agility, speed, extensive stretching, and overall muscle health. His workouts include short, explosive sprints, bounding drills like hurdle hops and pillar skips, all aimed at keeping his body sharp, responsive, and match-ready.