What started as a means to express my observations when riding the Delhi Metro is now about maintaining a not-so-personal diary about the "everyday" Life! Expect a lot of opinions, a love for the unusual, and the tendency to blog about things that don't seem to matter much...on-the-go, unfiltered, and with bias and ALWAYS with a cup of chai...[and some AI]
Crunchy Wafers, Clunky Cluttered Coffee Mugs, Tearing Package Tapes - How are Food Noises & Visuals Stimulating Unwarranted Hunger Pangs?
Make a Dog’s Day “The Rescue Reflex: Why Saving a Dog Feels Like Saving Ourselves”
Wombat Day “The Animal That Forgot to Rush: Lessons from Australia’s Slowest Philosopher”
National Boston Cream Pie Day “Calories and Class: Why Boston Cream Pie Was the First Socially Acceptable Luxury”
Is There Something Called “Nocturnal Tourism”? A Long Read on Noctourism, Vampires, and the Politics of After-Dark Travel
7 Reasons Why a Protein Shake-Only Breakfast Is Not Good Enough
1. It Trains Your Body to Expect Nothing Real
Liquid breakfasts reduce eating to function — calories in, task out. But food is also mechanical education: chewing stimulates saliva, primes digestion, and activates hormones like ghrelin and leptin that regulate hunger cues. When you skip texture, your gut-brain axis never gets the signal that a real meal occurred. Over time, this can dull your hunger awareness — what psychologists call interoceptive sensitivity. Studies from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2023) found that participants consuming liquid-only breakfasts reported delayed satiety and increased afternoon snacking by 23%. Translation: your “efficient” start is metabolically expensive later.
For the Karwa Chauth Enthusiasts: There Is No Real Karwa Maa/Maata, Right?
The Goddess Who Wasn’t There
In classical Hindu texts, every fast has a presiding deity. Ekadashi bows to Vishnu. Shivratri to Shiva. Karwa Chauth, on paper, bows to nothing specific. The word “Karwa” itself simply means a clay vessel — karva, the same pot used to store water or grains. The “Chauth” marks the fourth day after Purnima in the month of Kartik. Combine them, and what you get is a pot and a date — not a goddess. The ritual was originally a symbolic gesture of abundance and community sharing among women — wives of soldiers, they say, who would send these pots filled with food or water to their husbands stationed far away. Over time, a vacuum emerged. Humans dislike ritual without personality. So the imagination supplied one — Karwa Maa, the invisible guardian of faith, fasting, and fragile husbands. She was never canonized, but she didn’t need to be. Devotion gave her birth, and insecurity gave her purpose.
Why is referring to all folks from southern India as ‘Madraasi’ still unacceptable — despite the growing wave of resentment down under
How to Look Gastronomically Educated When You Don’t Know How to Use Chopsticks in a Dumpling House
Have You Seen Dog Meat Market Videos – Why Do These Dogs Usually Look So Docile?
Are They Helpless or Hustling? The Uncomfortable Truth of Urban Begging in India
Air-conditioned air holds differently at a red light. From behind tempered glass, the city appears in slow motion: a child with a box of tissues; a man with a gauze-wrapped stump; a woman carrying a sleeping toddler whose head lolls with a suspicious stillness you don’t want to believe; a knock on the window—polite first, then insistent. You look ahead, counting down the signal, bargaining with your conscience. Maybe this person is gaming you. Maybe there’s a “racket.” Maybe it’s safer to do nothing. Yet the hand on the glass is a mirror; it reflects the unease of a country where modern prosperity idles inches from profound precarity. This essay traces the fault line that runs between the driver’s doubt and the beggar’s plea: the law that criminalised and then partly decriminalised begging; the religious traditions that sanctified alms; the economics of India’s informal city; and the psychology that makes strangers’ suffering feel negotiable. What emerges is neither a defense of every outstretched palm nor a condemnation of every refusal, but an attempt to look squarely at how a society chooses to see—or not see—its poor.
Is Navratri also about Intermittent Fasting & Rebooting Your Metabolism or is it just deep-level religious faith?
Texts of Devotion: How Ancient Literature Framed the Fast
When we look back to older texts — Puranas, medieval devotional works, and Bhakti poetry — fasting is described as a gateway, not merely deprivation. The fast is a vow, a surrender, a sacred contract between mortal and divine. In that framing, Navratri’s fast carries no secular logic. It is devotion incarnate. Yet, devotion doesn’t mean the body and metabolism stand outside its influence. As we will see, these ancient practices often turned out to have physiological consequences — accidental or intentional.
Medical Marijuana and How Might It Affect IBS?
What research says so far:
- Mixed results: A few studies suggest cannabis or cannabis-based medicines may reduce gut contractions, ease pain, and help with symptoms like nausea or diarrhea. But the evidence is not strong or consistent.
- CBD vs THC: CBD-rich options may give some relief without making you feel “high,” while THC-heavy strains may cause more side effects.
- Not officially approved: Most places don’t recognize IBS as a condition eligible for medical marijuana.
Risks to consider:
- Side effects can include dizziness, confusion, or even heart issues.
- Long-term use may cause dependency or worsen stomach issues in some cases.
- Laws vary widely, so access is limited.
- You might take a liking to the relaxation effects of marijuana, using it for non-IBS reasons
Digging Deeper
Medical marijuana refers to cannabis—or its active components like THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol)—used to manage symptoms of various medical conditions. It interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which consists of cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) and endogenous cannabinoids. These are found throughout the nervous, immune, and gastrointestinal systems. In 2003, Ethan B. Russo proposed the concept of clinical endocannabinoid deficiency (CECD)—an idea that low levels of endogenous cannabinoids may contribute to IBS and related disorders such as migraines and fibromyalgia. Animal studies support this by showing regulatory effects of endocannabinoids on gut motility, visceral hypersensitivity, and protective anti-inflammatory actions in the digestive tract.
Summarizing Research:
- Smoked marijuana: Few controlled studies exist, and its effects on IBS remain largely unexplored.
- Synthetic cannabinoids like Marinol (dronabinol): These have been tested more. Some evidence suggests it can reduce large intestine contractions, though results on pain relief are mixed and not definitively positive.
- CBD-rich, THC-poor strains: These may offer symptom relief without psychoactive effects, yet risks still include serious side effects such as seizures, cardiovascular issues, and hallucinations.
- Legal limitations: Most jurisdictions do not list IBS as an approved condition for medical marijuana, further complicating access.
Broader Perspectives: Additional Evidence & Expert Views
Several other reputable sources reinforce and expand upon the Verywell Health findings:
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Symptom management potential: Other reviews note that cannabinoids—particularly THC and CBD—may help with abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, and bloating by modulating motility and inflammation. VerihealWeedmapsBiology Insights.
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Quality of life improvements without altering disease: Some clinical reviews suggest cannabinoids may improve life quality and reduce medication use among IBS/IBD patients, even if they don’t induce remission or alter disease markers. WeedmapsTIME.
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Administration methods: Delivery options include smoking, vaporizing, edibles, tinctures, and pharmaceutical preparations. Vaporizing is often preferred over smoking to minimize lung harm; however, any method carries variability in dosing and bioavailability. WikipediaAcibadem Health Point.
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Risks and side effects: Potential downsides include psychoactive effects, dependency, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, cardiovascular effects, and reduced motility leading to other GI discomforts.
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Need for clinical trials and regulatory approval: As highlighted in the Verywell Health piece, more data are essential to understand dosing, efficacy, safety, and to foster the development of targeted cannabinoid-based medications. Verywell HealthWikipedia.
Summary Table: Key Insights
| Area | Insights |
|---|---|
| Mechanism | Marijuana interacts with the ECS in the gut; possible therapeutic target. |
| Research Status | Limited and mixed: some benefit in motility and sensitivity, but inconclusive. |
| Clinical Use | Synthetic or CBD-rich options may help, though IBS isn’t an approved use. |
| Safety & Risks | Includes psychoactivity, serious side effects, and legal constraints. |
| Regulatory Context | Mostly forbidden for IBS; approval and guidelines are lacking. |
| Future Directions | More rigorous, targeted research is needed to validate and guide use. |
Final Thoughts
Medical marijuana currently remains an unproven, experimental option for IBS relief. While mechanistic rationale and anecdotal reports hint at potential benefits—particularly for symptoms like pain, bloating, and motility irregularities—the lack of robust, IBS-specific clinical trials means it's not medically endorsed as standard care.
If considering this route:
- Consult your healthcare provider to weigh potential benefits and risks.
- Ensure legal compliance, as IBS is rarely a qualifying condition for medical cannabis programs.
- Approach cautiously, starting with low doses and non-smoking routes if using legally.
As research progresses, we may see the emergence of more precise cannabinoid-based medications offering safer and more effective relief for IBS symptoms.
LATEST: SCIENCE SIDE OF IBS
Perceptions of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Inflammatory Bowel Disease
This study evaluates the level of awareness and attitudes among pediatric residents in Saudi Arabia’s western region regarding irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Using a cross-sectional survey methodology, the research examines how prepared these residents feel in diagnosing and managing these conditions, and whether gaps exist in their training or perceptions.
Samosa Triggered Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): How Stress Management, Sleep, and Diet Hacks Got Him Back on Course
A case profile details how a man began experiencing recurring bloating, cramping, and irregular bowel habits after consuming spicy, fried foods such as samosas. This culminated in a diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a functional gastrointestinal disorder linked to disturbances in the gut-brain axis. He was found to have a low gut-microbiome diversity score and was subsequently treated with prebiotics, probiotics, and behavioural therapies. Clinicians emphasise that IBS is not a structural disease and thus requires modulation of diet, stress, and sleep rather than standard pharmacotherapy alone. The subject was instructed to reduce screen time, improve sleep hygiene, practice slow breathing, and adopt smaller, more frequent meals. Emerging guidance from research supports the use of gut-directed cognitive behavioural therapy and hypnotherapy as tolerated adjuncts. This account underscores the importance of lifestyle factors—particularly food triggers, stress management, and sleep regularity—in managing IBS symptoms. It illustrates how integrating behavioural techniques with microbiome modulation can offer meaningful improvement even in a condition that remains without a definitive cure.
Gastroenterologist Reveals 3 Triggers Behind Most IBS Cases: Untreated Food Poisoning, Chronic Stress, and Chronic Antibiotic Use
A recent consultation with leading gastroenterologist Dr. Kumkum Patel identifies three under-recognized drivers behind the onset of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)—namely, untreated food poisoning, persistent stress, and long-term antibiotic use. According to Dr. Patel, approximately 80 percent of her patients trace their IBS back to one or more of these root factors rather than simple diet alone. First, episodes of food poisoning can leave a lasting mark by disrupting the gut microbiome and altering intestinal nerve signalling. Second, chronic stress aggravates the gut-brain axis, elevates visceral sensitivity, and triggers persistent gastrointestinal symptoms. Third, prolonged antibiotic exposure undermines microbial diversity and sets the stage for dysbiosis, which contributes to IBS pathways. Dr. Patel argues that conventional diet-centric management overlooks these foundational issues. She recommends a more holistic strategy: evaluate past gastrointestinal infections, address stress with behavioural tools, and rebuild microbiome resilience through targeted therapies. This multifactorial approach aims to shift patients from symptomatic relief to root-cause resolution.
LATEST: MEDICAL MARIJUANA APPLICATIONS
Snapshot of Medical Marijuana Sales in Florida
[US Medical Marijuana Trends]
Florida’s medical marijuana market sold over 141,000 ounces of smokable cannabis across 734 dispensaries during the week of October 31 to November 6. The leading operator: Trulieve, with nearly 48,800 ounces sold. The next largest sellers were MÜV (15,603), Curaleaf Florida (13,336), Ayr Cannabis Dispensary (9,006), and others. This surge in volume underscores the strength of the flower segment within Florida’s medical-only regime and highlights how certain firms are dominating market share. While patient-growth rates are moderating, the increase in raw units sold suggests that usage intensity and product availability remain high. The data also hint at consolidation among operators and greater concentration of sales among the top players. For stakeholders, the key takeaway is this: despite slower patient-base expansion, real-time demand for flowers is robust and dominant players are reinforcing their leading positions. Investors and policy makers should note that supply-driven market dynamics—rather than patient-growth alone—are now shaping revenue outcomes in the state’s medical-cannabis sector.
Cannabis Dispensary Access Linked to Significant Drop in Opioid Prescriptions
[Is medical marijuana linked to the opioid pandemic in the US?]
New research reveals that legal access to medical and recreational cannabis through dispensaries is associated with a meaningful reduction in opioid prescriptions across multiple U.S. states. In states where medical cannabis became law, opioid prescribing rates fell by an average of 16 percent; in the subset of patients diagnosed with cancer, the presence of dispensaries led to roughly a 24 percent reduction in opioid prescriptions. Key findings include decreases across demographic groups, a reduction in days-supply per prescription, and fewer prescriptions per patient. Interestingly, the opening of dispensaries had a larger effect than legalization alone, indicating that accessibility plays a critical role in substitution. These outcomes suggest that for some pain-management patients, cannabis may serve as a less risky alternative to opioids. The research underscores, however, that cannabis is not a universal substitute for opioids and that clinical guidance remains essential. For policymakers and health systems, the implications are substantial: implementing regulated cannabis access and integrating it into pain-management strategies could form part of a comprehensive response to the opioid crisis.
Is It Time for Medical Marijuana to Be Allowed on Cruise Ships?
[normalizing usage and access to medical marijuana]
Cruise passenger industry commentary explores whether medical cannabis should be permitted aboard cruise ships despite current prohibitions by major operators. The piece highlights that although some jurisdictions within the United States and beyond legalise medical and recreational cannabis, cruise lines continue to enforce bans to comply with federal maritime law and the regulatory frameworks of the flag state. These restrictions mean even documented medical marijuana patients risk confiscation or disembarkation if cannabis is discovered on board. The article argues that the status quo creates a policy inconsistency: patients with legitimate prescriptions may travel without effective access to essential medicine for the duration of their voyage. It suggests that change might arrive through regulatory reform, insurance frameworks or industry-led policy shifts that allow controlled medical use while accommodating international jurisdiction complexity. For stakeholders across healthcare, hospitality, and travel, the debate underscores how evolving cannabis laws intersect with international regulation, patient rights, and service industry liability.
Prozac works but why not try the un-chemical way to feel good?
This discussion is not about whether Prozac helps with anxiety. Yes, medicines like Prozac can help you control your anxiety levels but here, I am discussing some DIY methods that are not equally chemical, and don't make you chase around for a prescription. I have had issues with restoring my mental energy levels every time they get depleted with a few hectic days. Ever since I turned 25, a pattern emerged where after a couple of days of sustained physical and psychological work, my mind would go into a caffeinated mode, unable to wind down and as a result, my anxiety levels and the associated digestive symptoms would surface. The medicines I tried over the years to control this habit and its root cause helped to some extent but there is a catch to using them. No matter what the pharmaceutical world says, there is a downside to every drug out there, prescription or over-the-counter. Once you get into the habit of using mood boosters, or in my case, mood-sustaining salts, there is a big chance your body and mind stop evolving to help you navigate and manage different phases of your life, and some need you to be alert and calm. My continuous run-ins with these meds also helped me uncover some things that could boost the overall mood and energy levels. These mental health tips are not stolen from the web or blatantly rewritten to engage the search engines. This is from my cup of psychological wellness and I am sharing some of it with you:
















