Stock market today: The Indian stock market posted sharp declines on Wednesday, 23 April, snapping a three-day gaining streak. The Sensex plunged 756.84 points, or 0.95%, to close at 78,516.49, while the Nifty 50 dropped 198.50 points, or 0.81%, to settle at 24,378.10
It took just five minutes for chants of "we are top of the league" to ring out around Turf Moor from the visiting supporters. Manchester City beat Burnley 1-0 to hit the summit of the Premier League for the first time in eight months, when they led the way after thrashing Wolves in the opening week
Rising temperatures can worsen migraines and chronic pain. A neurologist explains how heatwaves affect the nervous system, warning signs to watch, and how to prevent flare-ups. “As a neurologist, I’ve seen a noticeable rise in patients reporting worsening migraines and chronic pain during
This article was originally published in Rest of World, which covers technology’s impact outside the West. The drone strikes on Amazon Web Services data centres in the Persian Gulf, and Iran’s threats to target tech firms for their involvement in US attacks
Congress MP TN Prathapan has moved the Supreme Court against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s national address on April 18 which was aired by public service broadcaster Doordarshan, Bar and Bench reported on Wednesday. The petition has alleged misuse of government-controlled television channels to
New Year Detox Myths: Why Extreme Fasting Can Do More Harm Than Good To Your Gut
New Year Detox Myths: Why Extreme Fasting Can Do More Harm Than Good To Your Gut
Every January brings a familiar wave of detox promises with extended fasts, juice cleanses, one-meal-a-day routines, and multi-day water fasts marketed as quick fixes for weight loss and renewal. While these trends are often framed as a way to reset the body after indulgence, extreme fasting rarely delivers lasting health benefits. From a gut health and longevity perspective, extremes tend to create more imbalance than repair, quietly compromising digestion, metabolism, and overall well-being.
According to gut cancer surgeon and longevity consultant Dr. Arpit Bansal, the idea that fasting replaces the body's detox systems is fundamentally flawed. “The human body already has a highly efficient detox system – the liver, kidneys, gut lining and immune system," he explains.
He adds, “Fasting does not replace these systems. In fact, prolonged or aggressive fasting can stress the gut, especially when done repeatedly without proper refeeding." The gut microbiome thrives on consistency, particularly dietary fibre. Dr. Bansal notes that beneficial microbes rely on fibre to produce short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, which protect the gut lining, regulate inflammation, and support immune balance. During extreme fasting, fibre intake drops sharply, disrupting this critical process.
Prolonged food restriction forces the gut microbiome to adapt, and not always in a healthy way. “When food intake is severely restricted, some bacteria begin feeding on the gut's protective mucus layer. Over time, this weakens the intestinal barrier and increases the risk of leaky gut, inflammation, bloating, acidity and food intolerances," Dr. Bansal says.
Dietitian and certified diabetes educator Dr. Archana Batra echoes this concern, adding that the gut is not designed to ‘rest' from food. “One common myth is that the gut needs a break to cleanse itself. In reality, the digestive system functions best with regular nourishment. Prolonged fasting deprives gut cells of fuel, especially short-chain fatty acids produced when fibre is consumed," she explains.
Beyond digestion, extreme fasting places significant stress on metabolic and hormonal systems. Dr. Bansal points out that very low calorie intake can disrupt cortisol rhythms, worsen sleep, and increase irritability and fatigue. Rapid weight loss associated with extreme fasting is also linked to gallstone formation, as the gall bladder does not contract normally when dietary fat intake is too low.
Dr. Batra highlights another overlooked effect: gut motility. “Skipping meals for long periods can slow digestion, increasing the risk of constipation and digestive discomfort," she says. For individuals already dealing with stress, hormonal imbalances, or metabolic concerns, extreme fasting may further aggravate inflammation and cortisol levels.
From a longevity standpoint, sustainability matters more than intensity. Dr. Bansal explains that intermittent fasting can be beneficial when done gently. “For most people, a fasting window of 12–14 hours, achieved by early dinners and slightly delayed breakfasts, is sufficient to support metabolic health without stressing the gut."
While some individuals may tolerate 14–16 hours comfortably, fasting should always be personalised. If it disrupts sleep, digestion, mood, or performance, it stops being therapeutic.
Swipe Left For Next Video
Both experts caution that extreme fasting is particularly risky for individuals with chronic acidity, IBS, a history of eating disorders, uncontrolled diabetes, gallstone risk, underweight individuals, pregnant women, or those recovering from illness or surgery.
Detox does not mean starvation. True gut health is built through stable blood sugar, adequate protein, sufficient fibre, hydration, electrolyte balance, and a resilient microbiome. Instead of chasing short-term detox trends, a gentle reset rooted in consistency supports digestion, metabolism, and long-term health far more effectively. In wellness and longevity, balance always outperforms extremes.
Source: News18
Related Posts: N Chandrasekaran’s Tenure Extended As Tata Eyes Next Growth Wave In Semiconductors Spain deploys 500 more troops to battle wildfires during extended heat wave Barun Sobti, Mona Singh Are Top-Notch In This Familiar Thriller That Lingers But Doesn't Land Nari Shakti' defines Indian sports in 2025 but familiar doping and administrative woes persist The Boys' Love at the heart of Heated Rivalry is a familiar tale in Asia A familiar refrain as China and Japan An old fuel, a familiar risk Prefer Your Cocktails To Have Familiar Indian Flavours Tejashwi Yadav promises one government job for every family CUET PG 2025 Registration Deadline Extended Till January 20
Love Horoscope Today for April 23, 2026: The love life of these zodiacs may improve through cooperation and effortLove Horoscope Today: Find daily astrological predictions for all sun signs. Published on: Apr 23, 2026 7:34 AM IST By Kishori Sud Share via Copy link Aries Love Energy: Honest
3 hours ago
Third language papers in SSLC 2026 in Karnataka will be marked, not gradedKarnataka students will receive marks for third language subjects in SSLC exams, following a court ruling against the government's grading policy change. Published on: Apr 23, 2026 7:36 AM IST By Arun Dev
3 hours ago
Rajasthan Royals achieved a significant 40-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants. Rajasthan Royals batted first and scored 159 for 6. Lucknow Super Giants struggled in their chase and were all out for 119. Jofra Archer was the standout performer with the ball for Rajasthan Royals
3 hours ago
NASA has revealed the Roman space telescope. This new instrument will search the universe for planets beyond our solar system. It will also investigate the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy. The telescope is set to launch in September
3 hours ago
NEET MDS 2026: Final selective edit window closes today at natboard.edu.inNEET MDS 2026 final selective edit window closes today, April 22. The steps to make changes is given here. Published on: Apr 22, 2026 3:04 PM IST By HT Education Desk | Edited by Papri Chanda Share via Copy link National
3 hours ago
Artificial intelligence (AI) is flattening the jobs market for young people and governments should eliminate National Insurance to make hiring workers more attractive, former prime minister Rishi Sunak has told the BBC. Sunak, now an adviser to AI firm Anthropic and Microsoft
3 hours ago
Editorial independence is core to our work. Some links may earn us a commission, without influencing our opinions.OnePlus Nord 6 vs Nothing 4a Pro: Don’t buy before reading this comparisonWhile the OnePlus Nord 6 targets performance hungry gamers
3 hours ago
Voting for Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal Phase 1 is underway. Polling concludes today at 6 PM. Over 5.73 crore voters are participating in Tamil Nadu. West Bengal sees a contest between TMC and BJP. By-elections in Gujarat and Maharashtra are also happening
3 hours ago
After months of speculation and delays, officials have announced that the teen girl found in the trunk of singer D4vd's car died from "multiple penetrating injuries". The Los Angeles County medical examiner's office on Wednesday announced that they'd ruled Celeste Rivas Hernandez's death a homicide
3 hours ago
India's government has confirmed that Indian ships have not paid any tolls to Iran or other groups for passage through the Strait of Hormuz. This statement addresses claims about the captain of the Sanmar Herald making a payment. The captain reportedly fell victim to cyber criminals after an
3 hours ago
More than 20 years on from the release of the first The Devil Wears Prada film, the stars reunited on a remarkably sunny evening in London to celebrate the release of its sequel. The original cast members Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci all reprise their roles in the film
3 hours ago
75% of all new code at Google is AI-generated, Sundar Pichai saysWe're now shifting to truly agentic workflows, Google CEO Sundar Pichai says in a post on ‘The Keyword’. Published on: Apr 22, 2026 8:54 PM IST By Tushar Deep Singh Share via Copy link Google is doubling down for the agentic era
3 hours ago
Kane and Diaz send Bayern past Leverkusen into German Cup finalKane and Diaz send Bayern past Leverkusen into German Cup final Published on: Apr 23, 2026 2:46 AM IST AFP Share via Copy link Harry Kane and Luis Diaz scored as Bayern Munich won 2-0 at Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday to reach the German
3 hours ago
Tesla has expanded the lineup of the Model Y with the introduction of the new L variant. It is a long-wheelbase version of the standard Model Y and gets a six-seater configuration. There are also other changes that have been made to the electric vehicle to make it more comfortable
3 hours ago
SoftBank Group is seeking a substantial $10 billion loan. This loan is backed by its shares in ChatGPT-maker OpenAI. The move signals SoftBank's aggressive push into artificial intelligence. This follows previous significant investments and loans for the AI firm
3 hours ago
Iran war news: The White House states President Donald Trump will decide the West Asia conflict's end. This decision hinges on American national interests. No fixed timeline exists for the conflict or the Strait of Hormuz blockade. President Trump is satisfied with the ongoing naval blockade
3 hours ago
Jason Holder achieved a record 97 wickets in global T20 cricket last year. He is now with Gujarat Titans in the IPL but yet to play. Holder discusses his T20 success, adapting his game, and managing his body. He emphasizes mental preparation and his role supporting the team from the bench
3 hours ago
New Delhi, Apr 22 (PTI) Commuters trapped inside elevators at Namo Bharat stations may soon get faster assistance, with the NCRTC introducing an AI-powered system that can detect entrapment within 60 seconds and trigger an emergency response
3 hours ago
Haryanvi actor Divyanka Sirohi dies of heart attack at 29, film workers' body expresses shock: ‘Gone far too soon’On Wednesday, it was reported that Divyanka Sirohi died on April 21 at her home in Ghaziabad. However, the cause of her death is not known yet. Apr 23, 2026
3 hours ago
Less than four months after he signed a five-and-a-half-year deal with Chelsea, Liam Rosenior's stint at Stamford Bridge has come to an abrupt end. The 41-year-old replaced Enzo Maresca in January. Ten defeats in 23 matches later, he has gone
3 hours ago
West Bengal politics remains a high-stakes battle between the long-standing dominance of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) under Mamata Banerjee and the rising challenge from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Despite BJP’s rapid growth and strong national presence
3 hours ago
Nepal’s Home Minister Sudan Gurung resigned on Wednesday, less than a month after taking charge, following questions about his financial conduct. “I have resigned from the post of home minister, effective from today, to ensure an impartial investigation into matters related to me and to ensure
3 hours ago
It's a sombre gathering in the backstreets of one of China's biggest manufacturing hubs, where workers are smoking under a tree in front of storefronts advertising temporary factory jobs. "No-one understands what our life is like," says one man who is unwilling to be named
3 hours ago
The Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad (UPMSP) is all set to announce UP Board Class 10 and 12 results 2026 today, 23 April. In a press release issued on 22 April, the education board said that the results will be announced in a press conference from Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad office in
3 hours ago
Tesla plans to introduce its humanoid robot, Optimus, to India when the time is right, according to a senior company official. The electric carmaker also intends to bring its integrated energy solutions business to the country in the future. This announcement was made during the launch of Tesla's
3 hours ago
Indian student in US considers return after failing to secure permanent job: ‘I have a loan to pay off’The student moved to the US less than two years ago for a master’s degree. Published on: Apr 23, 2026 6:49 AM IST By Sakshi Sah Share via Copy link An Indian student in the United States has
3 hours ago
HR rejects candidate for asking about WFH, wants employees with ‘CEO-level attitude’In an Instagram video, a job seeker claimed that her request for Saturday flexibility was met with a lecture on corporate devotion from HR. Published on: Apr 23
3 hours ago
