India, Feb. 7 -- In an era of convenience-first living, a Chennai-based surgeon is urging a return to basics. Dr Preethi Mrinalini, a consultant laparoscopic and bariatric surgeon at Apollo Hospitals and Marinas Clinic, took to Instagram to reveal the five household staples she has strictly banned from her own home. Also read | How dangerous is plastic for your heart? Doctor reveals the truth

Her December 8, 2025 Instagram post, titled 'Things I have banned in my house as a doctor', sparked a conversation about the hidden health costs of modern pantry and kitchen essentials. Dr Mrinalini said that her choices weren't based on fleeting trends but on clinical observation: "As a doctor, here are 5 things I would personally ban at home - and...