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A Quora user asked recently, “What are some of the risks associated with taking high-dose Vitamin D supplements over a long period of time?” It is a valid question, particularly in India, where vitamin deficiency and self-supplementation are common. We spoke with Dr Vyankatesh Shivne, Consultant Endocrinologist and Metabolic Doctor, Department of Endocrinology at Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre in Mumbai, and Dr Vimal Phuja, Assistant Director, Internal Medicine and Metabolic physician, Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital in Powai, to clear up the confusion. DISCLAIMER : This article was based on public information and/or experts we spoke to. What is a “high dosage” and what is toxic? Vitamin D is often called the Sunshine Vitamin because it is abundant in sunlight. “India, despite being a sunny nation, is a country where most people are either Vitamin D deficient or insufficient,” says Dr Pahuja. “Normally, a Vitamin D level more than 30ng/mL would be considered a sufficient amount, as this level stabilizes the Parathyroid hormone without harming the bones.” He explains that Vitamin D levels above 100-150ng/mL can be harmful to the body. At these levels, more calcium will be excreted into the urine and this can lead to kidney stones. “Vitamin D supplements exceeding 50,000 IU daily for several weeks are toxic,” he says. According to Dr Shivane: “In India, vitamin D deficiencies are widespread, but excessive supplementation is a new concern.” The optimal serum 25(OHD)D range for bone and muscle health is 20-40ng/mL. Testing is recommended before starting supplements. Since vitamin D is fat soluble, toxicity can develop slowly and manifest as nausea, thirst and confusion. It is not always the situation, but some patients continue to take daily supplements instead of weekly. ‘How can someone differentiate between normal dehydration and the excessive thirst associated with diabetes?’How long can one safely take high-dose vitamin D?”One should take Vitamin D supplements only as per their Doctor’s advice. “Do not take these supplements longer than prescribed,” says Dr Pahuja. “One should check and confirm these levels at the earliest. In some cases, concomitant tests of Blood Calcium and Phosphorous are required to detect excess calcium in the blood.”Story continues below this adHow often should vitamin D levels be tested? It is important to confirm these levels as soon as possible. In some cases, concomitant blood tests for calcium and phosphorus are needed to detect excess calcium in the body. The sun should be able to reach the maximum surface area of the body, such as both hands below elbows and both legs below knees. It is advised not to apply sunscreen or lotions on these parts to get maximum benefit of sunlight.”DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

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Aerial roots on an Amazonian River. There is something deeply humbling about entering a forest that predates the human civilisation. These are not just a few trees, but ecosystems that have survived ice age, tectonic changes, and the rise and falls of empires. There are a few ancient forests that still stand on different continents. They offer travellers the chance to walk back in time. Daintree RainforestThis is the oldest rainforest on Earth, estimated to be 180 million years old. Its biodiversity is astounding, with primitive plants dating back to dinosaur age. Borneo Lowland Rainforest

This forest, which spans Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei, is approximately 130 million years old. Orangutans, pygmy elephans and other animals live in this ecosystem. Taman Negara

Visitors can explore canopy walks and dense jungle trails in this pristine ecosystem. Visitors can explore dense jungle trails and canopy walks in this pristine eco-system. A farm on an island within the Ganges Delta, Sunderban area)a (Photo by Freepik4) Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon rainforest is the oldest on the list, but it is also the most biodiverse. Yakushima Forest

This magical forest is home to ancient cedars, some of which are over 7,000-years-old, and they’re covered in moss, mist, and a mystical atmosphere that inspired films such as Princess Mononoke. Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

This rugged forest, which is home to some of the oldest trees on Earth (over 5,000 years), is a testament to its resilience in extreme climates. Story continues below this advertisement7. Caspian Hyrcanian Forests

These ancient forests are ecological relics. They date back to 25-50 million years ago and once covered most of the Northern Hemisphere. Reunion National Park

The Western Ghats are a unique ancient eco-system. Western Ghats

Dense evergreen stretches of Kerala and Karnataka are among the richest eco-zones, with rare wildlife, medicinal plant species, and unique flora that is found nowhere else on Earth.

What is forest bathing?Story continues below this ad10. Sundarbans Mangrove Forest

The mangrove ecosystem, while younger in geological terms, is older in evolutionary terms. The Sunderbans, one of the oldest mangrove forest in the world is a rare, living, shifting forest that has been shaped by the tides.

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Manoj Bajipayee talks about balancing his professional commitment with his personal relationships (Source: Manoj Bajipayee/Instagram)Balancing your professional commitment with your personal relationships can be a difficult task. In a previous interview, Manoj Bajpayee gave a candid look into this daily tug-of-war. “I am a normal family person. I try to be a good husband and father. In a conversation with ETimes, he admitted that he was scolded by his wife and daughter for being so focused on his work. I listen to them with humility. I try to obey the rules as much as I can. They are my lifelines. They dictate my life completely. When someone is passionate about their work, the line between life and work can easily blur. The constant presence of technology such as watches, phones, and emails makes it difficult for the mind to rest. Baruah says that creating boundaries begins with awareness. You can start by noticing how your attention is often drawn back to work even at dinner. It’s important to have small rituals to help you: putting away your phone during meals, setting aside a time at home where you don’t talk about work, or a mental “switch zone” before entering the home. These are all tiny acts of mindfulness to signal that you’re home. Work is often a source of identity, purpose and self-worth for many people, so criticism can seem personal. It’s better to listen and pause before reacting. If work is taking over everything else in your life, it may be time to re-align, not because of guilt, but out of balance. Honest conversations in which both sides express what they need – time, support, and understanding – can help shift the focus from blame to repair. Baruah says that balance doesn’t mean less ambitious; it means equal regard for your personal and relationship worlds. Story continues below this advertisementIn relationships, where one partner takes the lead on domestic matters, how can couples maintain a balanced power dynamic? Baruah says, “Even if said in a joking manner, it’s true that homes also have hierarchies.” Balance is not achieved by keeping score, but rather through mutual respect – knowing when to take the lead and when it’s time to listen. Shared decisions regarding family routines and chores as well as leisure time help to prevent silent resentment. These moments help to reestablish connections.

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Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine. “It was brought to the attention of FSSAI by certain manufacturers that they were using ashwagandha extract and leaves in their products.” It is clarified that using ashwagandha in any form, whether it is in extract or crude form, is not allowed under the regulations. It has been used by people for centuries to improve sleep, reduce anxiety and increase energy. In classical practice, it was the root that was used as the primary therapeutic part. It is usually consumed in the form of a powder, decoction or standardised extract, which can be taken in capsules. Modern supplements also largely rely on root extracts, as these are better studied and considered safer when used in appropriate doses,” said Malhotra.Here’s what you should consider (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)Ashwagandha leaves contain higher levels of reactive withanolides, particularly withaferin-A, that pose safety risks including liver toxicity, gastrointestinal distress, and potential neurotoxic effects, the advisory noted.Story continues below this adFSSAI has instructed state authorities to maintain “strict vigilance and initiate legal action against food business operators found using non-permitted plant parts”. The FSSAI also instructed companies to clearly state the plant part used in the product on its labelling for greater transparency. Goyal stated that manufacturers have been instructed to clearly state the specific plant parts in the product’s labeling. This is a win for the consumers, who deserve to know what they are putting in their bodies. If the label specifies root extract, then the supplement falls within the allowed category. It is more of a regulation for a specific plant part. The leaf is prohibited for safety reasons. The root is acceptable and in line with traditional use. Consult your doctor before beginning any new routine.

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Rahul Vaidya and Disha Parmar perform Griha Pravesh at their new Mumbai home (Image source: @dishaparmar/Instagram)Singer Rahul Vaidya and TV actor Disha Parmar continue to woo their fans years after the couple confessed their love for each other on Bigg Boss season 14. They held on, got married in 2020, and welcomed their child in 2023. The couple bought a house in Mumbai and have begun a new chapter of their lives. They shared a series wholesome photos showing them performing the traditional Griha Pravesh on the auspicious Gudi Padwa. Disha wore a mustard-yellow suit with a sleek ponytail, statement earrings, and a sleek ponytail. Rahul chose a classic look with a white shirt and blue jeans. While the couple kept the majority of their house under wraps the photos revealed some gorgeous details: from a living room with a pastel theme to traditional touches. The apartment has large floor-to ceiling glass windows with excellent views of the outdoors. The front door opens into an expansive, pastel-themed space with ample ambient and overhead lighting. This space connects with a bright hallway that has rooms on either side. The interior design of the home is still in progress, as unpanelled cabinetry can be seen in the background.

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Experts say that light, space and colour palette are important elements in creating a warm, welcoming home. They also influence moods. Dr Murali Krishna of Aster RV Hospital in Bangalore explained that these elements are fundamental to the emotional atmosphere and visual appeal of a house. Story continues below this ad. Warm, layered lighting that combines ambient, task and accent sources can make a room feel welcoming and comfortable. However, harsh or overly bright light can create a feeling of sterility. Inside Sanya Malhotra’s new sea-facing Mumbai home: ‘Har Har Mahadev. Iss Ghar ki Har Deewar Mujhe …’ While space planning helps to make the house look and feel uncluttered, choosing a colour palette is equally important. The colour palette can influence how a space will be perceived and experienced. He said that colours should be matched to the function of each space. A well-planned layout will promote comfort, interaction, and ease of movement. When furniture placement, flow and proportions are carefully considered, the home feels more inviting and lived in. “The process requires partners to express their preferences, negotiate differences and reach shared decisions. It doesn’t matter if it’s about aesthetics, functionality, or layout. These conversations reveal more about each other’s personalities and habits,” he said. “More importantly though, co-creating an interior space fosters a shared ownership and emotional commitment,” he added.