Neurosurgeon warns ‘we’re harming our health with these 3 small habits’. We are sure you are guilty of it too

Neurosurgeon Dr Prashant emphasises the negative effects of 3 small everyday habits we follow, like drinking tea or coffee post lunch or snacking between meals.
Small changes can create long-term health, energy, and peace of mind, according to Dr Prashant Katakol, a neurosurgeon and yoga teacher. In an Instagram post shared on September 8, he shared three things that he avoids doing at all costs as a doctor, and hoped others would follow, too.
Sharing the video, the neurologist said, “Most of us are unknowingly harming our health with small everyday habits.” Here are the three things that he warned against practising:
1. Tea or coffee post-lunch
According to the neurosurgeon, he never has tea or coffee post lunch. According to him, caffeine and tannins stay in your system for hours. He explained, “If consumed within 8 hours of sleep, they suppress melatonin – the hormone responsible for deep rest and healing. Morning coffee? Fine. Evening coffee? A recipe for poor sleep and fatigue.”
According to the doctor, the melatonin disruption is caused by tannin and caffeine. This affects the quality of sleep and healing.
2. Snacking between meals
Explaining why he never snacks between his meals, Dr Prashant said, “Every time you snack, your blood sugar rises, and insulin follows. This constant spike-crash cycle stresses your hormonal system, making you more prone to weight gain, mood swings, and even insulin resistance. Allow your body to complete the digestion cycle before your next meal.”
3. Packaged or processed foods
Warning against the consumption of packaged or processed foods, Dr Prashant said, “I will never have processed, packaged, ready-to-eat food. They may be convenient, but hidden inside are refined oils, excess sodium, and chemical preservatives. These harm your gut, heart, and even your brain over time. The best medicine is still simple: eat fresh, home-cooked meals.”
Which of these habits is hardest for you to give up?
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
ABOUT THE AUTHORKrishna Pallavi PriyaKrishna Priya Pallavi is a journalist with over 9 years of experience, covering health, fashion, pop culture, travel, wellness, entertainment, festivals, mental health, art, decor, fitness, and sex and relationships. She is an alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dhenkanal, and holds an undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi. Her strong academic foundation informs her analytical and detail-oriented approach to storytelling, helping her uncover stories where none seem to exist. Before joining Hindustan Times, Pallavi worked with some of India’s leading media organisations. She spent close to three years at India Today, where she honed her newsroom skills and developed a sharp editorial sensibility. She also worked for over a year and a half at Vagabomb, ScoopWhoop’s feminist digital platform, where she explored stories through a gender-sensitive, socially aware lens. Pallavi has a deep interest in global fashion trends and international fashion seasons, and enjoys interviewing celebrities and tracking pop culture movements—interests that frequently translate into engaging, reader-friendly stories. Alongside lifestyle and entertainment, she has a keen eye for impactful health and wellness journalism, regularly interacting with doctors, designers, and digital content creators to bring nuance and credibility to her work. Born and raised in Haryana, Pallavi remains deeply connected to her ancestral roots in Odisha. Her ability to spot fresh angles brings curiosity and depth to stories she pursues. When not chasing deadlines, she enjoys spending time with her dog, planning her next vacation, reading, running new trails, and discovering new destinations.Read More
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