Podcast suggestion
Hi Dr Chatterjee, I am a 58, post menopausal, woman working as a senior academic and leader in a UK university. I have recently been diagnosed as autistic. We hear a lot more about menopause now (which is great) but I have become aware that there is research that shows that autistic traits can become more pronounced during times of hormonal dysregulation https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/articles/the-intersection-of-menopause-and-neurodivergent-conditions. With so many peri and post menopausal women in the workplace I think it would be great if you could do a podcast episode on this. Possible guests might include Sophie Cartledge https://hormonesontheblink.com/about-us/ and Catherine Asta author of https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rediscovered-Compassionate-Courageous-Discovered-Autistic/dp/1805011502 I think this needs a lot more publicity so people like me get the support they need earlier! Many thanks, Noel-Ann
Episode 385 enquiry
Rangan, I hope you and your family are in good health and happiness. I follow a pescatarian diet that is about 65-70% carbohydrates and I eat 3 meals between 9 am to 9 pm. I do not follow a keto diet and I do not feel comfortable fasting because I am at 18% bmi and do not want to lose any weight. I swim daily and do resistance training a few days a week. My HBA1C is 4.7 and my fasting glucose is actually really low 65-75 mg. The episode with professor Seyfried has me worried I will get cancer. Do I need to follow a keto diet or can I use my glucose levels as an indicator? I am a premium subscriber and I really like your show. Thanks, Lisa
Mouth Hygiene
I thought this would be a good area to look into - I see various information on the web but can't really work out what is myth and what is evidence based. I know mouths and teeth are usually the domain of dentists rather than doctors, but being the start of the digestive tract, surely the mouth must be interconnected with all the other systems of the body. What is good mouth hygiene? Should we be using mouthwashes? On the one hand one component of mouthwash is said to destroy coronavirus (this statement is not fact checked!!) but on the other hand surely mouthwash has a bad effect on the mouth microbiome. I recently saw mouth probiotics for sale - how do these work if they are swallowed as pills? Are some toothpastes bad for the mouth microbiome (eg titanium dioxide components)? Does coconut oil mouth rinsing have any merit? Bad breath is common and has knock on effects socially Good teeth give people confidence to smile and has positive social effects Good saliva aids digestion. Chewing is important for jaw formation. Bad bacteria in the mouth easily track to other parts of the body - leading to heart problems, pneumonia etc Does brushing 2x per day do the cleaning job? Can eating an apple at the end of a meal do as good a job? There are lots of unanswered questions in this area Thank you - have recently found your podcasts and have been mega bingeing!! Have found lots of them so helpful.
Atrial Fibrillation
Many people have atrial fibrillation. I've heard this can be helped by weight reduction. Presumably it can be prevented from happening in the first place, but can it be totally reversed by health interventions (nutrition, exercise etc) When 'heart disease' is specified with regard to lifestyle interventions - does this just mean 'cardiovascular heart conditions' or does it include conductive issues (eg atrial fibrillation)?
Demystifying cholesterol
Rangan and team, I’d love to better understand the intricacies of cholesterol. If you have a high LDL but your VLDL and triglycerides are low, is it still a problem? What exactly is APO-B and how does that influence your risk of vascular disease? If cholesterol helps in the creation of vitamin D, how can someone with high cholesterol have a vitamin d deficiency? Is there a link between cholesterol and thyroid conditions? Are statins a miracle or not really all they are touted to be, as studies don’t always seem to show them as an effective broad solution. There is a lot of conflicting info on cholesterol and would value a deep dive on it!
Fasting & Nuttients
I’m intrigued how you get enough nutrients, fibre etc in to your diet if you follow a regime of regular fasting? I like the idea of fasting from time to time and your latest podcast was inspiring for me. My dad has heart disease, my mum has dementia. The suggestion that I can influence both of these by using diet & fasting is very motivating for me. I’ve already cleared the biscuits and sweets cupboard!! Would you be able to cover this in a podcast, your weekly emails/update please? Many thanks Anita
Arthritis
Hi Rangan. Firstly I loved your session about your marathon experiences! I too ran London, my first ever marathon and had an amazing experience. I’m a very active 62 year old. Have been practicing yoga for over 40 years, took up running 6 years ago and recently started at CrossFit. Last year I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my left knee. I’m a vegetarian who sometimes eats fish and take a whole host of supplements including now athletic greens on your recommendation! Can you say what you feel would be useful supplements to take and anything else I might do to keep the arthritis at bay? Many thanks and keep up your wonderful work! Julie
Supporting clients with medical conditions
Hi im an RGN, CAMHS Nurse and more recently PT with an add on for medical conditions. Im passionate about health is your wealth, supporting middle aged, unfit, non gym bunnies into ageing greatly. My question is, barring Covid, how can i get GP’s on board, to make referrals to me 🙏
For the elderly
I am 82 years old. I would like some sugestions for people of my age although I do your kitchen exercises, breathing but not the mindset which I will incorporate. For instance, I cannot run or walk very far with 2 knee replacements and ‘scaffolding’ for 2 fracturd femurs due to accidents!
Journalling
I have, at time of great sadness and anger with close members of my family including my husband, written down how I was feeling and how I felt about them. The process was helpful but I find it very difficult to revisit and read the pages and I would never want any of those concerned to read them either. So as I have now reached my 60’s , I wonder is after writing such an intense and potentially hurtful record, I should consider destroying them to protect those after I have gone?
Journalling
Hi Rangan, Love the podcast - been listening to it since the start... I want to ask about Journalling. I have started Journalling first thing in the morning literally before I get out of bed - I set the alarm 30 minutes earlier and write 3 full pages of A4 on a 'stream of consciousness' basis. I understand that this is the best time to be creative and to work through issues which might be bothering me. I have been doing this now for a month. How should I feel? I am not sure I feel any benefit from this. I know you are an advocate of journalling, as are others (also listen to RichRoll and know he is a fan). Should i expect some sort of thunderbolt or are the effects more subtle. I have been dealing with shifts in my life over the last couple of years... retired with loads of plans after 35 years of non-stop work 6 days before the first lockdown; parents getting very old and infirm very quickly it seems, trying to start out as an artist in a small way. I am hoping journalling may help me with finding some sort of balance and dealing with all the changes without getting overwhelmed. Not expecting a direct answer, just generally relating to journalling would be really useful. Thank you and take care Linda
Ways to Inspire Positive Change
Hey Rangan, Thank you so much for all hat you do in order to help us find happiness and betterment with real, practical tips rather than quick and easy fixes that don't address core issues. I appreciate the variety of voices and how research based a lot of what you share is. As an educator looking to move into educational leadership, I am wondering what would your words of wisdom be to someone like me that is looking to inspire systems changes so our children and communities can feel better and live more? Are there experiences you've had as a medical doctor where you've been able to create impact at the systems level, or do you find it best to share your voice in the form of these podcasts and your literature. Thank you so much!
Functional Medicine Doctor - what is the best path?
Hi Dr. Chatterjee, You inspired me to do a career switch from Computer Science/IT and Team Coaching to researching how to become a functional medicine doctor and help your mission for treating with more lifestyle changes and fewer pills. Why? If interested see the end of this message, not going to bore you here. My question is, what is the best way to start this career switch and start working towards becoming a Functional Medicine Doctor? If you are to start all over again now, what would be your first step into education? Med School or some other path? According to my research to call yourself a Functional Medicine Doctor, you need a minimum of 9 years (GP qualification). But you and Dr. Mark Hyman mention that you didn't learn the things you preach in Med School, so is this investment worth it at all? Is there a more efficient way to get this knoweldge in 2021? If you are to start all over again now, what would be your first step into education? I guess this will be useful advice for anybody, thinking of applying for medicine, wishing to contribute towards YOUR mission of transforming medicine being a more about lifestyle rather than pills. My inspiration: I have multiple autoimmune diseases (Hashimoto, Alopecia areata), Food intolerances (resulting in hives). I would like to heal myself and more people like me, but with lifestyle changes, as you suggest, since that is what helped me. Best wishes, Veselin Kirev
Food allergies
I love your show and all the nutritional advice. I am allergic (since childhood) to all seafood (not just shellfish), all nuts (especially peanuts), soy, and peas. All the advice about Omega 3's and how important they are for brain health makes me question whether I can take fish oil. How would I know if it was doing good or harm?
Your marathon experience
Hi Rangan, thank you so much for all the great work you are doing. Since I found your podcast (and your books - they've been a constant help in keeping myself inspired and accountable), I've been implementing many of your suggestions (and those of your inspiring guests). Recently, I was so impressed by you running the London Marathon that I put my name down for next year's ballot. Would you share your experience, please? In particular: How much of a runner were you before you got challenged to do a marathon? How did you train? Did you do all your training on your own or did you have somebody to do it with? How did your race day go? How did your body feel the day after? Any tips any marathon first-timer should heed? Thank you again. Looking forward to listening to the AMA episodes.