Saving Lives In Slow Motion
This podcast explores health topics through the lens of lifestyle medicine, with host Dr Ayan Panja, a family physician and author. Each weekly episode offers a practical, candid perspective on wellbeing, disease prevention and everyday health choices. The show aims to make medical knowledge accessible, placing health in the wider context of people's lives.
Episodes
Medicine in 2100 - the end of disease?
In this episode I look t the possibility that most disease might be curable by 2100.It sounds great but there are multiple knock on effects from this possible reality. Yamanaka factors: https://iscrm.uw.edu/what-is-cell-reprogramming/Stem cells: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bone-marrow-transplant/in-depth/stem-cells/art-20048117Predictive medicine: https://www.sc
10 Lifestyle Medicine Hacks - evidence-based medicine vs biohacking and their common ground.
They are often at loggerheads but in this episode I discuss how lifestyle medicine encapsulateselements of both and how we can incorporate them into everyday life.Links to studiesWalking after meals: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36715875/Interrupting sitting for long periods: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42070794/Resistance training and weights: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Who To Trust With Your Health - Influencers, Dr Google, a doctor or AI?
This is such an important issue for us in the modern world. Where to seek health and medical advice is broader than ever these days and it’s important to know how to filter. Links:Cyberchondria: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30419526/Use of online search tools: https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/9/8/e027743WHO regulation for AI: https://www.who.int/news/item/19-10
Your Typical Day - what it says about your health
It’s so simple yet really powerful to map what you do each day and howit could secretly be affecting your health.In this episode I give you an example how this tool works and how you can use it.Links: Buy THE HEALTH FIX - now on special offer: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Health-Fix-Dr-Ayan-Panja/dp/1914239326/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0Stress and IBS: https://www.sciencedirect.com/scienc
5 ways to feel better in the morning
In this episode I give you my tips on how to set yourself up for the day by doing 5 simple things.Morning light: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-48268110Movement: https://www.vogue.in/content/i-tried-5-minutes-a-day-of-lymphatic-jumping-was-it-worth-itBreakfast: https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthy-aging-and-longevity/extra-protein-at-breakfast-helps-control-hungerOne minute rec
Doctors Questions - dementia prevention, muscle pain, bad backs, constipation and more
In this episode I cover questions that have come in the consulting roomover the last few months. Muscle pain, palpitations, dementia prevention, constipation, reflux and more.Links: Sarcopenia: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23167-sarcopeniaMagnesium: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12655508/Psoas and back pain: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/healt
Being a doctor - what it’s really like and how it has changed in the last 25 years.
I became a doctor in 1999 after many grapples with whether it was the right thing for me to do with my life.Over 27 years later In reflect in this episode about what it means to be a doctor to give you some insight into the role, its highs and lows and ultimately its essence.Links: Working time directives: https://www.bma.org.uk/pay-and-contracts/working-hours/european-working
The Arts as Medicine: the healing powers of music, dance and drama
I am a huge lover of the arts and feel they are not valued enough when it comes to their health benefits. In this episode I look at some benefits to our health and why it is important to support the arts in general.Links:Singing: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/saving-lives-in-slow-motion/id1573742958?i=1000570759791Dance for Parkinsons Disease: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/health
People can be the best medicine
In this episode I look at the power of others in the role of our health. With a move towards AI in medicine the role of human connection, the role that others play in our health and wellbeing. Back Pain book by Art Brownstein: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Healing-Back-Pain-Naturally-Mind-body/dp/0936197390Wellbeing and actitivies: https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/having-a-ho
Hot weather, climate change and our health - what can we do about it?
In this episode I look at the effects of climate change and also the recent hot weather from the level of the individual to the state of the planet.Links: Understanding climate change and its impacts: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11998295/Climate anxiety: https://mentalhealth-uk.org/news-and-insights/what-is-climate-anxiety-and-what-can-we-do-about-it/Lancet study on cli
Mindset - its importance in health
We have all heard of the word mindset but does it affect our health?In this episode I look at examples of how our thoughts and attitude affect health and well-being. Mindset and long term illness: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/chronically-me/202408/mindset-and-chronic-illnessToxic positivity: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z64yn9qListening to your body: https
Why Some Diagnoses Take Years - a challenge for both patient and doctor
Mystery symptoms can be frustrating but what if they are a sign of an actual condtion? In this episode I look at Endometriosis, Primary Biliary Cholangitis, Lupus and Parkinsons Disease as examples of conditions that can be hard to diagnose and why.Endometriosis info: https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/Endometriosis: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdj9d1pzl8noLupus (SLE): ht
Ageing Gracefully - what does it really mean?
Each year on my birthday I reflect on the year I have had with gratitude and think about the future. In this episode I look at ageing and what it means to people and how different people navigate it.Muscle strength as we age: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3940510/Eyesight and ageing: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/20-ways-aging-changes-your-eyesHearing los
Food - how it heals, how it harms and makes ‘noise'
In this episode I look at food, how we see it societally and how we can enjoy it to enrich our lives. Circadian rhythm and food: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11849495/Food noise: https://www.health.harvard.edu/diet-and-nutrition/understanding-food-noise-and-how-to-turn-down-the-volumeFoods that heal: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-that-help-you-heal
Too Nice vs Too Selfish — Finding the 'Healthy' Middle Ground
In this episode I look at two basic traits people often have and whetherthey impact our health.People pleasing: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/my-side-of-the-couch/202408/people-pleasing-as-a-symptom-of-childhood-traumaExhaustion from being too nice? https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-genius-of-empathy/202412/are-you-exhausted-from-being-too-niceEmotional suppression:&n
Happiness - what’s the secret?
This is one of the big eternal questions and in this episode I look at the science and culture behind what makes us happy.Dr Laurie Santos: https://www.drlauriesantos.com/Lessons in happiness: https://drayanpanja.substack.com/p/lessons-in-happinessHedonistic happiness: https://positivepsychology.com/hedonic-vs-eudaimonic-wellbeing/Eudaimonic happiness: https://www.psychologytod
Biomarkers in our blood - measuring what matters
In this episode I look at blood tests that tell us about what’s going on with our biological processes in terms of our long term metabolic health and the blood markers are relevant.Hba1c control: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4933534/Fasting insulin: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11118012/Vitamin D: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10002864/AST/ALT: https:/
Making Health Fun - could it be as important as any other aspect of health?
In this episode I look at how we can make health fun. Many people find it hard to get going with healthy habits andI look at ways we can make them easier to access without thinking of them as ‘health’.Monkey brain and bad habits: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/saving-lives-in-slow-motion/id1573742958?i=1000597803315Nushu circles: https://digitize.library.ubc.ca/2025/04/10/nushu-ch
Peptides: what’s all the fuss about?
In this episode I look at peptides - what they are, how they work and why everyone seems to talk about them these days.Links:BPC-157 research: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8504390/Musculoskeletal healing with BPC-157: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12446177/A website promoting benefits despite poor evidence in humans: https://www.hubmeded.com/blog/bpc-157-pepti
Walking - our most underrated health intervention?
In this episode I look at the myriad benefits of walking, why it is often overlooked and the benefits in terms of how it makes us feel and what It does for us.Links:Bill Bowerman’s Jogging: https://www.sneakerfreaker.com/performance/features/how-the-co-founder-of-nike-invented-jogging-bill-bowermanStephen Fry’s story: https://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/2019/aug/stephen-fry-proud-and-re
Things I get asked most as a doctor in 2026
This is an episode based on what I get asked online and in the consulting room by patients. Hopefully you will find it useful and helpful.THE HEALTH FIX: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Health-Fix-Dr-Ayan-Panja/dp/1914239326/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0Tiredness: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/saving-lives-in-slow-motion/id1573742958?i=1000714723319Vitamin D: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/p
Lung Health - an essential 101
I feel that our lungs more than other organs are taken for granted. In this episode I look at how to keep them healthy and hazards that can affect them. Air hunger: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/16942-dyspnea FVC - lung capacity: https://www.verywellhealth.com/forced-expiratory-capacity-measurement-914900Workings of the lungs - https://www.mayoclinic
5 Simple Tests To Try at Home This Week - what your body can tell you
In this episode I look at some fun free tests you can do at home to take stock of your health and improve it at the same time.VO2 max: https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthy-aging-and-longevity/vo2-max-what-is-it-and-how-can-you-improve-itQueens College Step Test - how to do it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySQ5bawZpMoSit to Stand test: https://www.bbc.co.uk/future/article/202504
Miscarriage - pregnancy loss and its impact
(TW: Sensitive topic). In this episode I look at the juxtaposition of the human and clinical side of this topic which is not talked about enough.Links: Babies drama on BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002qkqtTommy's Research and support: https://www.tommys.org/our-research/our-research-centres/tommys-national-centre-miscarriage-researchSANDS: https://www.sands.org.uk
Rare Diseases - when medicine meets the uncommon
I thought in this episode I would acknowledge people living with rare diseases as they can be hard to diagnose and live with.Links:Batten Disease: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6018-batten-diseaseLorenzo's Oil: https://www.healthline.com/health/neurological-health/lorenzos-oil-does-it-workMoya Moya Syndrome: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/moyamoya-disease
Personalised Medicine - using the codes within us to stay well and beat disease
It’s the future of medicine but how does it work, what are its origins and how can we benefit from it? In this episode I look at the way medicine can be tailored to our health.The work of Leroy Hood and P4 Medicine paper: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4204402/The Human Genome Project: https://wellcome.org/insights/articles/human-genome-project-new-era-scientific-progressNHS pe
Arrogance In Medicine - healthcare’s fine line and its costs
Most people will have come across arrogance in the workplace but medicine is not an arena that it should have a place, or should it?In this episode I look at the impact on patients, the public and the workforce.Links: Diagnostic errors and overconfidence: https://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-9343(08)00040-5/pdfCuriosity as a cure for arrogance: https://bjgplife.com/clinical-curiosit
Nostalgia - a hidden element of wellbeing?
Nostalgia is not strictly medical although it was coined a term of a condition of melancholy but in more recent years studies show that it may be a more important part of wellbeing than we thought.Links:Nostalgia as a disease: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352250X22002573Clay Routledge: https://www.clayroutledge.com/Nostalgia and wellbeing: https://pubmed.n
Is your job making you ill?
Work is such a large part of most of our lives. Most of us spend more time at work than at home if you don’t count sleep at night. And many of us work from home. But how do we know if our work might be affecting our health and what can we do about it? In this episode I look at some examples and give you a check list of what you can do.Links:Aviation and health: https://www.cdc.gov/n
Health & Wellness vs Medicine - where’s the line?
Increasingly we see different presentations to a doctors surgery and our access to knowledge and understanding of health and medicine means there are many ports of call for information and seeking help. In this episode I look at the gap between health and medicine and what we can about it.Links: Medicine powered by plants: https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/essential-medicines-powered-b
Caffeine - friend or foe?
Most of us drink caffeine and it is in many foods too such as chocolate.What are its impact on health? In this episode I look at the pros and cons of this ubiquitous every day legal drug.Links:Genetics of caffeine metabolism: https://www.sleepmattersperth.com.au/how-genetics-influence-caffeines-impact-on-sleep/Cognitive and physical performance: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4
Wearables - helpful or harmful?
We live in a data driven world and increasingly this applies to health. In this episode I look at some examples of how they can help or hinder.Body composition scales: https://www.healthline.com/health/body-fat-scale-accuracyHRV: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21773-heart-rate-variability-hrvContinuous glucose monitoring: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2024/jun/use-
Alcohol - a quiet saboteur?
This episode is about alcohol, an ever popular topic when it comes to health and harm. In this episode I look at its history and some of the ways in which it affects us and our health as well as why we drink alcohol in the first place.Links:Oldest brewery: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-45534133Distillation: https://www.britannica.com/video/how-is-liquor-made/-340178UK alco
"Could it be something else doctor?" - Pyrroles, PFOs and EDS
In this episode look at some rarer diagnoses, how they come to light and how they can be hard to live with and diagnose.Links: Pyrrole Disorder (not recognised in conventional medicine): https://www.healthline.com/health/pyrrole-disorderAcademic analysis of pyrroles (deep dive): https://academic.oup.com/labmed/article/55/3/334/7271490Patent foramen ovale: https://www.mayoclinic.org/
Rest - why it’s essential to health (and not laziness)
Rest is often seen as a guilty pleasure but in this episode I cover the reasons behind why rest is essential to our lives and examples that work.Links: Deep rest: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11003855/Rest Quiz: https://www.restquiz.com/quiz/rest-quiz-test/The Art of Rest: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Art-Rest-Find-Respite-Modern/dp/1786892804Attention Restoration Theor
Second Opinions: why people seek them, the risks and the benefits
Second opinions are an increasingly common request in healthcare and in this episode I look at reasons why people seek them and their pros and cons Links:Martha’s rule: https://www.england.nhs.uk/patient-safety/marthas-rule/Hyponatraemia (low sodium): https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyponatremia/symptoms-causes/syc-20373711Advice on second opinions: https://www.p
Invisible Habits that can sabotage our health - some reflections
In this episode I look at things that can hamper our health journey by looking at our own life in an easy and compassionate way.Links:The Health Fix on Kindle offer January 2026: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Health-Fix-Dr-Ayan-Panja-ebook/dp/B0B2VTFFVS/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0Sleep and its importance: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6281147/Phone and screen usage: https://pmc.ncbi.
2026 - the year of discernment and choices
It’s a new year and that can feel overwhelming.In this episode I look at what the year is likely to bring in terms of health and medical trends, our own personal goals and how to generate ideas for them if you are feeling a bit stuck.Links: The Health Fix: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Health-Fix-Dr-Ayan-Panja-ebook/dp/B0B2VTFFVSMed tech in 2026: https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/
Christmas time reflection 2025
Links:AI in medicine: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/guidance-on-the-use-of-ai-enabled-ambient-scribing-products-in-health-and-care-settings/Various wearables: https://uk.wellnesspulse.com/lp/best-fitness-trackers/?campaignId=23304304009&adgroupId=&adId=&targetId=&device=c&gunique=CjwKCAiAmKnKBhBrEiwAaqAnZ4MBo1x_tOV7RB1FPjSEqiYWae8AyeixJJsGEVTlbapiaEWJL7D8cBoCYs
Episode 200: reflections, precision medicine and the one thing we should all be doing.
This is my 200th episode and I reflect on where medicine is at in terms of precision medicine and what it means for us.Links:Please take this 10 minute survey to help keep this podcast going: http://bit.ly/savinglivesinslowmotion-surveyGenome sequencing: https://www.genomicsengland.co.uk/blog/what-happens-when-i-go-for-whole-genome-sequencingMepan Syndrome: https://umdf.org/mepan/Ke
Traditional Medicine: ancient global healing knowledge in today’s world
Traditional medicine has been around for thousands of years. In this episode I look at what we can learn from it and how it compares to modern allopathic medicine in its approach. Please take this 10 minute survey to help keep this podcast going: http://bit.ly/savinglivesinslowmotion-surveyLinks: WHO TCIM summit: https://www.who.int/teams/who-global-traditional-medici
Anti-ageing - what really works
Anti-ageing means different things to different people. In this episode I look at what it means and what works to slow down the ageing process.Reactive oxygen species: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circresaha.117.311401Mitochondria and ageing: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41574-021-00626-7Inflammation (inflammaging): https://www.nature.com/articles/s41574-018-0059
Self diagnosis - the perils and marvels of searching for health and illness
80% of us go online to look up health related content. Many of us look up symptoms which is natural but how do we know we are doing it safely? Here I look at the pros and pitfalls of doing this and how to decide when to see a medical professional. Links: Peripheral neuropathy: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/Internet vs GP 2013 (me on BBC1): https://www.bbc.
Osteoarthritis - its scale, future treatments and prevention
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease affecting our cartilage and joints causing pain and debility. In this episode I look at what it is, prevention strategies and the latest treatments. Please take this 10 minute survey to help keep this podcast going: http://bit.ly/savinglivesinslowmotion-surveyOA overview: https://www.healthdata.org/news-events/newsroom/news-release
Superfoods: the lowdown
Do superfoods exist? What makes a food a superfood and how does it relate to everyday life? In this episode I take a broader look at this ever popular topic.Links: Survey about this podcast: http://bit.ly/savinglivesinslowmotion-surveyA list of ‘superfoods’: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/true-superfoodsFibre benefits: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti
The Mental Health Crisis: revisiting it with a broader look + 3 daily mind-friendly habits
It seems that the mental health crisis is never ending and although awareness is much better, spotting the signs can be hard as there are so many factors. In this episode I look at how we approach mental health. This information does not replace professional advice and if you feel you need support then please reach out to a qualified health care practitioner.Depression as
Chat GPT, chest pain, hair loss, odd tastes (and the NHS) - recent themes
In this episode I cover a range of symptoms that I have seen recently, what they may mean, how to handle them as well as what I am noticing in primary care.Links:Silent reflux: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15024-laryngopharyngeal-reflux-lprTietze’s syndrome (chest pain): https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23565-tietze-syndromeCostochondri
Sepsis - know the signs, save a life
Sepsis can kill. It is an important public health issue that we all need to be aware of as swift action can save lives. In this episode I look at what it is, how we can prevent it and some common examples from the consulting room. Links: Survey: Your opinion matters. SURVEY here - please help me by taking this 10 minute survey -thank you!: http://bit.ly/savinglivesins
Stress - my personal take on the invisible epidemic and novel ways to handle it
Stress is an invisible killer. The longer it goes on and remains unaddressed, the more harm it causes.In this episode I look at sources of stress and some techniques I find useful beyond standard stress management advice.Links:Audience survey - thank you so much! http://bit.ly/savinglivesinslowmotion-surveyStress management techniques: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/typ
Heartburn and Reflux: what it really means and how to manage it
1 in 5 people on earth experience heartburn or reflux symptoms. It’s strikingly common, more so in the western hemisphere. In this episode I look at the causes and some treatments.Reflux in babies: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-54792702Silent reflux or LPR: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15024-laryngopharyngeal-reflux-lprPPI drugs: https://my.clevelandclinic.or
5 Ways To Boost Your Energy Quickly
It’s a boon that so many people ask for on the back of feeling tired or fatigued - more energy.Here are my 5 tips which will help you feel more energetic during the day.Links:Your opinion matters. SURVEY here - please help me by taking this 10 minute survey -thank you!: http://bit.ly/savinglivesinslowmotion-surveyMind body link: https://positivepsychology.com/body-mind-integration-attent
Winter illness, our body clock and immunity, ancient beliefs, (and some tips)
I am down with a cough and cold at the moment, and it got me thinking about immunity, seasons and people’s beliefs about illness as well as what we can do to stave off these bugs. Links: Your opinion matters. SURVEY here - please help me by taking this 10 minute survey -thank you!: http://bit.ly/savinglivesinslowmotion-surveyHippocrates and Galen: https://www.thecolourworks.com
Parkinson’s Disease: can we prevent a slowly evolving pandemic?
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) affects more people every year with a global increase in ageing populations. There is no cure for the condition but medication can alleviate symptoms. In this episode I look at the causes of the disease and what we can do to prevent it. Your opinion matters. SURVEY here - please help me by taking this 10 minute survey -thank you!: http://bit.ly/savinglivesin
Vaccines - an overview
Vaccines are often the subject of heated discussion. In this episode I share some thoughts on the topics as it affects us all and needs handling sensitively.Your opinion matters. SURVEY here - thank you!: http://bit.ly/savinglivesinslowmotion-surveyEdward Jenner and vaccine discovery: https://www.jenner.ac.uk/about/edward-jennerA broad overview: https://www.who.int/news-room/sp
What’s the point? (A question we have all heard many times).
In this episode I look at this big question which I often hear in the consulting room, the reasons that lie behind it and what the point to life might be.Your opinion matters. SURVEY here - thank you!: http://bit.ly/savinglivesinslowmotion-surveyNihilism in philosophy: https://www.learnreligions.com/what-is-nihilism-history-250581Cosmic Insignificance: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/a
My doctor or any doctor? How continuity of care could save your life
Continuity of care saves lives. There is evidence that outcomes are improved and itused to be a core part of medicine. In recent years for many reasons continuity has been slightly eroded. In this episode I make the case for it and give examples of why it can beof critical importance.Links:Please help me improve my content for you by taking this audience survey which takes 10 m
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a growing global issue. Its prevalence has increased in recent years and the reasons behind it are complex.In this episode I look at its roots, causes and impact plus what we can do about it in terms of lifestyle and treatments.Links: Depression and PCOS: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10607337/LH (luteinziing hormone): https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/bo
Metabolic Health - what it is and why it is so important
In this episode I look at metabolic health which is one of the most important aspects of our long term health. I look at the mechanisms and measures of metabolic health and what we can do to improve ours.Continuous Glucose Monitoring: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/continuous-glucose-monitoring-cgmHba1c: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-diabetes/looking-after-diabetes/hb
5 top tips for gut health (and they’re not what you might think)
In this episode I cover my own personal tips from the view point of a GP and lifestyle medicine doctor. Gut symptoms Around 86% of us in the UK have experienced gut symptoms at some point. My tips are simple, for everyone and hopefully make sense.Parasympathetic drive for digestion: https://www.livescience.com/parasympathetic-nervous-system-rest-and-digestDigestive enzymes: https://www.w
Inflammation - the ‘fire’ within that leads to chronic disease and how we can manage it
Chronic inflammation is a key process which is linked to almost all non-communicable disease. In this episode I look at how it arises and why it is so harmful.Links: Age-related end glycation products: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/advanced-glycation-end-products#what-they-are'Leaky gut’ syndrome: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8305009/Depression as an inflammatory
Psychiatry and Surgery - essential specialties which may appear worlds apart but in some ways are similar and deserve more recognition.
What do surgery and psychiatry have in common? They are both demanding specialties, occasionally of last resort, that save lives acutely and help people back to better health.LinksAntipsychotic drug discovery: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.903156/fullPyrrole Disorder: https://www.healthline.com/health/pyrrole-disorder#diagnosisRationing
The Vagus Nerve - what’s all the fuss about and could it be the key to battling chronic disease?
There are so many posts, papers and publications about the vagus nerve.In this episode I look at why it’s so popular and whether it really can be a key to future treatments with advances vagus nerve stimulation.Links: Quick overview: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/vagus-nerve-stimulation/about/pac-20384565Polyvagal Theory: https://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/whatispolyva
Curious cases and mystery symptoms - a swollen knee, pins and needles, an unexplained allergy and the enlarged liver.
Medicine is an inexact science. My patients who are engineers find it frustrating that there is so much conjecture and educated guess work in medicine. But this episode highlights why diagnoses can take time. It’s a mix of detective work, bias and listening to the patient story.Links:Chilblains: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chilblains/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351103STI and
Collapses, faints, fits and dizziness - a quick 101
Not a week goes by in practice where I don’t see a patient who hasn’t collapsed or had a dizzy spell.There are so many reasons for this, some preventable, some not. I look at some of the syndromes that lead to these issues.Links:Fainting: https://www.healthline.com/health/fainting#causesPseudoseizures (non-eplieptic seizures): https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24517-psychoge
Tired all the time? Some causes and solutions
5-15% of GP consultations are linked to tiredness. And the number is growing. In this episode I look at common and rarer reasons for tiredness. Hydration - if you’re feeling thirsty you’re partly dehydrated: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/nutritional/dehydration/Sleep apnoea: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sleep-apnea/symptoms-causes/sy
Teenage and Adolescent Health - can we avert a looming crisis?
Teenage and adolescent health offers us a glimpse into the future health of the world. The Lancet Commission wrote a report in 2016 and have recently written a follow up which paints a slightly concerning picture.In this episode I look at health in this group of people, the challenges they face and what, if anything, can be done about it.Links:The Lancet Commission report summary: https:
HEALTHY HABITS - 1925 vs 2025: same but different
In this episode I look at our health compared to 100 years ago. I was pleasantly surprised at some similarities having stumbled across something online but then also appreciate that we live in a different world now. Links: Donald Moore’s health habits in 1925: https://archive.org/details/health.habits.moore.1925/page/n1/mode/2upAdventist health: https://www.bluezones.com/e
Assisted Dying - what it is, what it's not and why it’s so hard to get consensus
In the UK, there is much discussion around assisted dying with a bill that is being voted on in government at the moment.In this episode I look at the ethics around it and what it might mean on an individual and societal level.Palliative Care: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/end-of-life-care/what-it-involves-and-when-it-starts/Dr Florian Willett’s death: https://www.independent.co.uk/
Fasting - how it works and what you need to know if you are considering it
Fasting is a hot but contentious topic. It has been practised for thousands of years and is now purported to be a way of tackling or preventing certain metabolic diseases. In this episode I look at the pros, cons and mechanisms of fasting. Links: Historical perspectives of fasting: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8838777/Time restricted feeding in mice (Sachi
Health fads and trends - cold plunges, IR saunas, hyperbaric oxygen, vagus nerve stimulation and more - do they work?
Every week or so you will see and article about one or more of these topics.Maybe you have tried them or do them regularly. In the episode I look at the science and thinking behind them all.Links: Cold water exposure - a paper: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9518606/Vagus nerve stimulation: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17598-vagus-nerve-stimulationHyper
Prescribing Lifestyle Medicine - an evolution, from past, present to the future
Prescribing Lifestyle Medicine is a course I run with Dr Rangan Chatterjee that has been going for 8 years now.It was the first course of its kind in the UK and in this episode I look at a recap of our recent conference, what has changed in lifestyle medicine over the years and the latest science.Links:Dr Emily Leeming: https://www.emilyleeming.com/Dr Rob Lustig: https://robertlustig.com
Ayurvedic Medicine - ahead of it’s time?
Ayurvedic Medicine is thousands of years old. It has a systems based approach which can be personalised and its methods are based on careful observation and the interconnectedness of human beings and our relation to our environment. There has also been caution around some treatments which can cause harm which I cover in this episode.A quick summary of Ayurvedic Medicine: https://www.ncci
Inner child work - an intrinsic part of true wellbeing
It’s easy to race through life without thinking that we need to do some inner work on ourselves but more often than not it catches up with us at some point.In this episode I look at why it’s important and go through a basic inner child exercise to get you started.Links:A beginner’s guide to inner child work: https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/inner-child-healing#listenSome books
5 signs of hidden illnesses you need to know
Symptoms are often hard to interpret with the amount of data and tools that are out there these days. In this episode I look at innocuous symptoms that can creep up on us over a long time but could be harbinger of an underlying condition.COMT genes: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/click-here-for-happiness/202001/what-is-the-comt-gene-and-how-does-it-affect-your-healthRaynaud’s Phenome
Work-life balance - the ultimate hot topic and how to get it right
There isn’t a week that I don’t hear the phrase ‘work-life balance’. In this episode I look at what it means, how it has changed over the years and what we can do to try to get it right.What is work-life balance?: https://www.forbes.com/sites/maurathomas/2022/07/26/what-does-work-life-balance-even-mean/Severance: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11280740/Womens Liberation and WLB:
Your questions answered! - DNA analyses, bad habits, chronic fatigue, dietary fibre and more
In this episode I have saved up questions from the last 6 months and decided to tackle them head on. From whether you should get a DNA analysis to why some people think fibre is bad for you - it’s in this ep!DNA analyses - a view point https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/jul/23/what-i-learned-from-home-dna-test-kits-are-they-accurate-or-worthwhileSNPs: https://medlineplus.gov/g
Vitamin D - everything you need to know
Vitamin D is often regarded as the doyen of vitamins. It’s structure differs to other vitamins and in this episode I look at it’s benefits, it’s risks and potential in terms of it’s role in human health.Structure of vitamin D: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916523241039UVA and UVB light: https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/uv-radiation/Vitamin D deficienc
Coeliac Disease and gluten sensitivity - what it is and why it’s on the rise.
Coeliac Disease rates are rising across the globe. In this episode I look at what it is, why it occurs and the multitude of guises that gluten-related symptoms can take on. So many foods contain gluten (not just grains) so it is an important issue.The genetics of coeliac disease (HLAs - human leukocyte antigens): https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/is-celiac-disease-hereditaryVilli
The end of life - how can we prepare for it?
In this episode I look at something that comes to us all, not death itself, but the run up towards it. How can we prepare for the inevitable in the best possible way? Is it even possible?Longevity as an obsession: https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/2024/sep/13/rich-men-longevity-historyUrgency culture, burnout and modern life: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/articl
Migraines (and headaches) - the forgotten epidemic?
Migraines are common cause of debility worldwide. In this episode I look at the causes of migraines and other types of headaches, what we can do about them and how to detect and manage them better.Links: The theories behind migraine and its mechanism: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/headache/how-a-migraine-happensTriptan drugs: https://migrainetru
