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Barkha Mathur

Barkha Mathur

Barkha Mathur

Barkha Mathur leads health coverage for the Business Standard website. She reports on the intersection of medicine, policy, and health science, with a focus on stories that impact readers’ physical and mental well-being. When not tracking the latest developments in health, she’s often reading medical research or listening to hip-hop.

Barkha Mathur leads health coverage for the Business Standard website. She reports on the intersection of medicine, policy, and health science, with a focus on stories that impact readers’ physical and mental well-being. When not tracking the latest developments in health, she’s often reading medical research or listening to hip-hop.

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Infertility is not just her problem: Experts bust common myths for couples

From sperm count and irregular periods to IVF and birth control pills, fertility doctors explain the misconceptions that add stigma, delay treatment, and fuel anxiety for couples trying to conceive

Infertility is not just her problem: Experts bust common myths for couples
Updated On : 21 Nov 2025 | 8:01 AM IST

Why so many men avoid therapy even when struggling, according to doctors

Across age groups, men continue to avoid mental health support even when they are struggling. Experts explain why this happens and what needs to change to make help accessible

Why so many men avoid therapy even when struggling, according to doctors
Updated On : 20 Nov 2025 | 10:51 AM IST

The early prostate symptoms men ignore, and why they matter for health

Doctors say subtle shifts in bladder habits and pelvic comfort can reveal early prostate issues long before complications arise, making awareness crucial for men of all ages

The early prostate symptoms men ignore, and why they matter for health
Updated On : 20 Nov 2025 | 10:22 AM IST

Can weight-loss drugs like Ozempic help reduce alcohol and drug cravings?

Research suggests GLP-1 injections like Ozempic and Zepbound may dampen alcohol and drug cravings by lowering dopamine reward responses, but larger human trials are still underway

Can weight-loss drugs like Ozempic help reduce alcohol and drug cravings?
Updated On : 19 Nov 2025 | 1:22 PM IST

Brain-eating amoeba: Why Karnataka has warned pilgrims visiting Sabarimala

Kerala's sharp rise in Naegleria fowleri infections has led Karnataka to caution Sabarimala pilgrims, urging awareness of symptoms, risks, water-safety measures to prevent the highly fatal infection

Brain-eating amoeba: Why Karnataka has warned pilgrims visiting Sabarimala
Updated On : 19 Nov 2025 | 1:03 PM IST

Why alcohol may hit harder for people on GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy

A Yale study suggests GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide slow alcohol breakdown in the liver, raising blood alcohol levels even as they reduce toxic byproducts linked to inflammation and liver damage

Why alcohol may hit harder for people on GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy
Updated On : 19 Nov 2025 | 12:56 PM IST

International Men's Day: Can men have hormonal issues too? Doctors explain

Men face hormonal shifts that influence mood, libido, fertility, metabolism and energy, yet these imbalances often go unnoticed. Doctors explain the signs, risks, and why awareness matters

International Men's Day: Can men have hormonal issues too? Doctors explain
Updated On : 19 Nov 2025 | 11:24 AM IST

Can drinking more water really protect your kidneys or is it a health myth?

From kidney stones to chronic kidney disease, hydration helps-but only to a point. Doctors explain when water protects kidney health, when it doesn't, and why 'more' isn't always better

Can drinking more water really protect your kidneys or is it a health myth?
Updated On : 18 Nov 2025 | 4:02 PM IST

Why Nayanthara trusts seasonal South Indian food for glowing skin at 41

As Nayanthara turns 41, she reminds fans that her glow comes not from beauty trends but from a simple rule rooted in South Indian tradition: eating local, seasonal foods for skin and hair health

Why Nayanthara trusts seasonal South Indian food for glowing skin at 41
Updated On : 18 Nov 2025 | 1:38 PM IST

Can low vitamin D increase depression risk? Global evidence says yes

A global review of 66 studies across 31 countries finds adults with very low vitamin D levels face a higher risk of depression, especially when levels drop below 30 nmol/L

Can low vitamin D increase depression risk? Global evidence says yes
Updated On : 18 Nov 2025 | 10:25 AM IST

Can jaggery really protect the lungs from pollution, or is it just a myth?

As air quality dips and jaggery resurfaces as a "lung cleanser", experts say the belief rests on nostalgia and old animal studies, not human science, and explain what actually helps

Can jaggery really protect the lungs from pollution, or is it just a myth?
Updated On : 17 Nov 2025 | 3:52 PM IST

30,000 brain scans show junk foods alter brain regions that regulate eating

Using data from 30,000 adults, researchers say ultra-processed foods may alter key brain regions linked to hunger, reward and overeating, raising new questions about long-term health risks

30,000 brain scans show junk foods alter brain regions that regulate eating
Updated On : 17 Nov 2025 | 12:49 PM IST

How long sitting spikes your blood sugar, even if you work out daily

Doctors warn that long, uninterrupted sitting may worsen blood sugar, raise inflammation and weaken diabetes management, particularly among desk-based professionals

How long sitting spikes your blood sugar, even if you work out daily
Updated On : 17 Nov 2025 | 12:41 PM IST

One in six Indians now has diabetes, shows new ICICI Lombard wellness study

As diabetes rises to one in six Indians and Gen Z struggles across all wellness pillars, a new study highlights how stress, inactivity and sugar-heavy diets are reshaping the nation's health

One in six Indians now has diabetes, shows new ICICI Lombard wellness study
Updated On : 14 Nov 2025 | 5:43 PM IST

WHO issues new guidelines to improve care for diabetes in pregnancy

With diabetes complicating millions of pregnancies each year, the WHO outlines new global guidance on diet, monitoring and treatment to improve safety for mothers and babies

WHO issues new guidelines to improve care for diabetes in pregnancy
Updated On : 14 Nov 2025 | 5:32 PM IST

Childhood high blood sugar is rising fast. Here's how to stop it early

Paediatric experts say childhood high blood sugar is driven more by lifestyle than genes, sharing early signs and simple daily habits families can use to prevent long-term glucose problems

Childhood high blood sugar is rising fast. Here's how to stop it early
Updated On : 14 Nov 2025 | 2:57 PM IST

How to talk to kids about food without creating guilt, fear or anxiety

Children's Day: With social media, school messages and family comments shaping their attitudes, doctors explain how positive language can help kids build a calm, confident and guilt-free relationship

How to talk to kids about food without creating guilt, fear or anxiety
Updated On : 14 Nov 2025 | 2:20 PM IST

TB still kills 1.23 million a year as WHO warns progress may slip away

The WHO's Global Tuberculosis Report 2025 shows the first decline in cases since Covid, but warns that shrinking funding and persistent risks could undo gains against the world's deadliest infection

TB still kills 1.23 million a year as WHO warns progress may slip away
Updated On : 14 Nov 2025 | 11:37 AM IST

Is air pollution just a winter issue? These myths put your health at risk

From masks and plants to Diwali and ACs, pulmonologists break down the myths standing in the way of clean air and better health

Is air pollution just a winter issue? These myths put your health at risk
Updated On : 14 Nov 2025 | 8:33 AM IST

Childhood hypertension has doubled globally in 20 years, Lancet warns

A Lancet review of global data shows childhood hypertension has doubled in 20 years, driven by rising obesity, inactivity and poor sleep, raising urgent concerns for parents and schools

Childhood hypertension has doubled globally in 20 years, Lancet warns
Updated On : 13 Nov 2025 | 7:15 PM IST