Dr Karan Explores

Microplastics are everywhere - in the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the environment around us. But how much do we actually know about what they are doing inside the human body? In this episode I speak to microplastics researcher Dr Stephanie Wright to discuss everything from the difference between micro and nanoplastics, how particles interact with cells and the immune system and how researchers even measure plastic in blood and tissues. Timestamps (0:00) Intro - Are microplastics actually harming us? (0:51) What do we actually know about the health effects? (2:00) What animal studies can - and can't - tell us (4:16) Should we be more concerned about nanoplastics? (5:52) How could microplastics cause harm inside the body? (7:50) Microplastics, the gut and the immune system (9:03) How do we measure microplastics in the body? (12:06) Microplastics in the brain - what was wrong with the research? (14:19) How much microplastic are we actually exposed to? (15:40) Can microplastics be removed from the body?…

Why does your body fight so hard to keep you at the same weight - even if it’s an unhealthy weight? In this episode I speak to Dr. Simon Cork, an expert in appetite and gut hormone physiology at Anglia Ruskin University. He explains why our hormones trick our body into weight gain and what GLP-1 medications actually do to your gut and brain. Timestamps (0:00) Intro - Why it’s so tough to shift our weight from baseline (3:14) If weight “set points” exist, why is everyone gaining weight? (5:22) What leptin is really doing for your hunger (8:31) The gut-brain axis and the role of the vagus nerve (10:31) How long does it take to know you’re full from eating? (14:01) Can you resensitise your leptin signals? (17:11) Does vagus nerve stimulation work to reduce hunger? (19:24) Can you maintain the effects of GLP-1s without taking them forever? (23:23) Can GLP-1s be used effectively outside of weight loss? (31:43) Why some people are non-responders to GLP-1s 🦠LOAM Science The world's first invisible fiber blend with…

When broadcaster Jamie East got diagnosed with leukemia, he documented his whole journey and made a podcast about it. During his search for answers he discovered a world of horrendous cancer misinformation - and it made him furious. In this episode Jamie talks about his cancer journey in a frank and honest way - the subject of his new podcast ‘Bad Blood’. Timestamps (0:00) Intro - When Jamie found out he had leukemia (2:05) The symptoms (7:00) How it feels for doctors delivering bad news (11:48) Why leukemia symptoms go unnoticed (14:04) Should you use Google to look up your diagnosis? (18:01) The misinformation Jamie discovered (23:02) The tricks grifters use to spread misinformation (26:46) The sugar and cancer myth (29:49) Why we need to stop blaming cancer patients (32:08) The “fighting” language around cancer (36:33) How some cancer drugs impact your life 🦠LOAM Science The world's first invisible fiber blend with a clinical trial! Get 10% OFF LOAM with code DRKARAN10:…

Most of us only pay attention to the fat around our bellies or our hips, but there’s a hidden fat we’re just ignoring. You can’t see visceral fat, but too much of it is dangerous - even slim people can have harmful levels without even knowing. In this episode I speak to visceral fat expert Professor Jimmy Bell to find out what it’s doing in our bodies when there’s too much - and why you shouldn’t be worrying about weight if you want to stay healthy. Timestamps (0:00) Intro - The role of fat in your body (4:16) Why fat is actually a good thing (8:18) Visceral fat vs subcutaneous fat (11:37) Thin on the outside - fat on the inside (19:43) Why you shouldn’t chase scale weight (22:28) Differences between where men and women store fat (27:25) Do genetics affect baseline levels of visceral fat? (32:25) How weight loss injections are impacting visceral fat (37:03) The role of fast food in visceral fat accumulation (42:31) Is the gut linked to fat gain? (44:18) What should you do to reduce visceral fat? 🦠LOAM…

How worried should we really be about glyphosate? There’s growing fear that the world’s most popular weed killer is causing everything from cancer to gut problems. But is the evidence clear enough? In this episode I speak to Professor Michael Antoniou, who explains what he’s discovered by studying the health effects of glyphosate exposure - particularly within commercial formulations. Timestamps (0:00) Intro - The growing fear around glyphosate (0:42) What is glyphosate and how does it work? (5:53) The link between glyphosate and GMOs (7:42) The microbiome impact (11:48) Does the fear match reality? (19:55) Why did regulators conclude it was safe? (22:07) Why we should test commercial formulations (25:34) Why microbiome work is still early stage (28:30) Do some foods carry more glyphosate? (30:00) Is glyphosate responsible for a reduction in soil quality? (34:03) Why we still need more human data 🦠LOAM Science The world's first invisible fiber blend with a clinical trial! Get 10% OFF LOAM with code…

Fatty liver disease affects a massive 1 in 3 people, yet most of us don’t even realise we have it - until it’s too late. But it is reversible. I know, because I’ve done it myself. In this episode I speak to Dr Vishal Patel, Consultant Hepatologist & Endoscopist at the Liver Unit, King's College Hospital. He breaks down the surprising impact of liver health on your whole body, warning signs that something’s wrong - and how to protect your liver. Timestamps (0:00) Intro - Why you need to rethink liver health (3:05) What impact does the liver have throughout the body? (5:37) How Dr Karan discovered he had fatty liver disease (11:09) How long do you have to address fatty liver disease? (16:25) How weight loss makes the biggest difference (19:21) How food can increase liver function (22:46) Why fibre recommendations are still not enough (25:17) Why some supplements can make liver health worse (31:15) Are there signs your liver health isn’t good? (36:06) How much can your liver actually process? (39:34) How liver…

Microplastics are everywhere - in the food we eat, the water we drink, and even the air we breathe. Increasingly, we hear about the dangers of these tiny particles - but what happens when they make their way into our bodies; and what could it mean for our health, and the environment? In this episode I speak to microplastics researcher Dana Zhaxylykova, to discover what we should know about micro and nanoplastics, and their effects on the human body and world as a whole - where we’re exposed to them, how the food chain and environment is impacted, and how they may interact with our cells, organs and immune system. We explore what the science tells us so far, what remains uncertain, and whether there are practical steps we can take to reduce our exposure. Timestamps (0:00) Intro - What are microplastics? (1:22) Why are we hearing so much about microplastics now? (3:06) Environmental worries of plastic pollution (7:40) Human health impacts (8:57) The “credit card-sized” ingestion estimate (9:34) The main…

Muscle gain is an essential part of living longer and healthier - but there’s a lot of conflicting advice online. So how do you make resistance training and protein intake easy? In this episode I speak to Leigh Breen, Professor of Translational Physiology, who breaks down the simple science of optimising muscle health - and explains how muscle affects the health of your whole body. Timestamps (0:00) Intro - What muscle really does for your health (2:32) What actually happens to your body after you exercise? (4:30) How muscle and exercise improves brain health (8:37) The gut-muscle axis (12:13) Why optimising for protein may be a mistake (14:24) How much protein do we really need? (17:25) Can too much protein cause gut problems? (19:18) How effective is collagen protein? (28:46) The role of protein in the GLP-1 economy (31:48) Why plant protein is just as good as animal protein (35:45) GLP-1 impacts on muscle loss (42:20) Weight independent benefits of weight loss drugs (45:22) How age affects muscle strength…

Join Dr Karan Rajan, medical doctor, Founder of LOAM Science, Chief of Science at Throne Science, and Sunday Times bestselling author as he meets the world's foremost experts in science and medicine to cut through the BS of modern health advice. One of the most-followed medical voices online, with over 10 million followers worldwide. New episodes every week.

Food allergies are becoming increasingly common, particularly among children. But why is this happening, and what can we do about it? In this episode I speak to Professor Adam Fox, one of the UK's leading allergy experts, to discover how our gut, skin and immune system work together to determine what we're allergic to - and whether our increasingly Westernised lifestyles and changing microbiomes could be contributing to the rise in allergic disease. Timestamps (0:00) Intro - What drives allergies? (1:35) The birth order effect & clean child theory (3:08) Does culture affect rises in allergy rates? (6:36) Are there now more children with food allergies? (7:07) How does the gut microbiome affect allergies? (9:01) Exposure to allergens at a young age (10:43) How the immune system can be supported (13:42) Seeding the microbiome and the importance of doing it early (18:15) Dietary and gut intervention examples (19:47) Should allergies be viewed in isolation from inflammation? (21:44) What is driving allergy…

From stem cell clinics and longevity gurus to celebrity doctors and viral biohacks, health scams have never been more convincing. The “monetisation of lying” is big business - and Scott Carney has blown open a huge scam involving a dodgy clinic selling stem cells, which nearly cost one doctor his life. We uncover the shocking world of wellness scams and learn how to spot one yourself. Timestamps (0:00) Intro - Grifting and the “monetisation of lying” (3:59) Why can’t regulation keep up? (9:19) What’s the actual science of stem cell therapy? (15:52) Like a modern-day Walter Freeman (19:07) Why aren’t scammers called out? (23:33) When longevity science fails (30:00) Why do smart people fall for these scams? (34:33) Rapamycin and the risks of chasing longevity (39:35) How to protect yourself against wellness scams Watch Scott’s exposés on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sgcarney 🦠LOAM Science The world's first invisible fiber blend with a clinical trial! Get 10% OFF LOAM with code DRKARAN10:…

Healthy eating doesn't have to mean cutting out your favourite foods or following complicated meal plans. In this episode I speak to registered dietitian Shyla Cadogan about the simple, evidence-based habits that actually make a difference. We explore why most people aren't eating enough fibre, how to build healthier meals without obsessing over calories, the truth about ultra-processed foods, greens powders and "superfoods", plus how nutrition can help manage endometriosis symptoms. Timestamps (0:00) Intro - Are you overcomplicating your diet? (1:33) Making EASY food changes (3:13) Underrated foods for health (5:33) What a dietician actually eats (9:21) A dietician’s thoughts on ultra-processed food (14:22) What most people get wrong about fibre (19:28) Go-to foods for boosting fibre intake (22:52) Are fibre sodas a good idea? (26:08) Should you drink greens powders? (30:05) Shyla’s experience with endometriosis (34:49) Why endometriosis gets missed (37:01) Diet impact on endo (38:51) What would a dietician…

Bad habits are notoriously hard to break - and good habits are hard to make. So how can you make it easier? In this episode I speak to Professor Ben Gardner, an expert in the psychology of habitual behaviour, to discover the latest, science-backed strategies to make better habits and ditch the bad ones. Timestamps (0:00) Intro - What is a habit? (2:01) What triggers a habit? (3:35) Two thirds of habits are automatic (6:52) Is vaping really a good replacement for smoking? (9:23) Finding where habits actually originate from (11:36) Why going cold turkey often fails (16:42) The systems based approach to habit formation (20:10) Why we wait for big events to change habits (22:15) The setback effect (27:13) Does it really take 21 days to form a habit? (31:01) How to keep habits up after a break (33:42) How to stop checking your phone all the time (36:32) How technology has reshaped habit formation (39:15) Habits are just the tip of the iceberg 🦠LOAM Science The world's first invisible fiber blend with a clinical…

Weight gain is not a moral issue, it’s a biological one. Willpower and calorie counting alone won’t help you drop those unwanted pounds - so what does it really take? In this episode I speak to weight loss surgeon Dr Andrew Jenkinson, author of How to Eat (And Still Lose Weight) and Why We Eat (Too Much). He explains the best habits for weight loss, how to shift your body weight “set point”, and how the conversation is changing now we have weight loss jabs. Timestamps (0:00) Introduction - Weight loss is not a moral issue (2:11) Why weight loss isn’t enough for weight loss (5:47) Body weight “set points” (10:45) The hormones that drive appetite (14:31) How to change your body weight set point (18:56) Good habits for sustained weight loss (22:21) Weight loss myth busting (27:05) How GLP-1s are changing the conversation (33:00) When is weight loss surgery needed? (36:19) The next 10 years of weight loss treatment (39:09) One habit everyone should adopt 🦠LOAM Science The world's first invisible fiber blend with…

Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women, yet it still takes years to diagnose. Learn why it's so often missed, what the symptoms really look like, and the latest science on treating this misunderstood disease. In this episode I speak to Dr Lora Liu, an endometriosis excision surgeon and educator dedicated to raising awareness of one of women's health's most misunderstood conditions. Timestamps (0:00) Intro - Why you should trust what you feel (1:43) What causes endometriosis (9:14) Common symptoms to look out for (12:07) Does endometriosis get worse? (16:02) Is endometriosis a disability? (19:23) Why it's such a complex disease (22:52) Can GLP-1 medications soften endometriosis symptoms? (24:41) The gut microbiome and endometriosis (28:42) Why endometriosis gets missed, even during surgery (37:15) Does endometriosis come back after surgery? (41:15) New diagnostic tools on the horizon (44:02) Is hormonal suppression harmful to manage symptoms? 🦠LOAM Science The world's first invisible fiber blend with a clinical…

If you're struggling with back pain, neck pain or unexplained body aches, the answer might not be where it hurts. Learn how your brain, stress, sleep and movement all shape pain. Dr Anisha Joshi is an osteopath and author of Heal Your Back. She joins Dr Karan to debunk the biggest myths about body pain. Timestamps (0:00) Intro - What you don’t realise about the pain in your body (1:57) What is an osteopath? (3:42) The daily mistakes making your pain worse (5:25) Does pain equal damage? (8:58) What causes back pain? (13:17) The link between poor sleep and back pain (14:38) What is sciatica? (17:15) How breathing can reduce pain (20:26) Is running bad for your knees and joints? (23:05) What causes neck pains? (24:35) Can you “fix” a neck hump? (27:39) Are you hurting yourself when cracking your neck or back? (31:27) Do massage guns and foam rollers work? (33:40) Can ancestral movements help? (35:28) Daily exercises to improve mobility and reduce pain (37:54) A bedtime routine for a healthier back 🦠LOAM Science…

💬 If you want to live longer, stay independent and have more energy, you don't need another fitness hack - you need to move more. ⚡️ Walking, building strong legs, improving grip strength and simply moving more every day could have a bigger impact on your health than the perfect workout routine. In this episode Dr Karan is joined by Dan Go, a high-performance health coach who helps busy people get fit, build sustainable habits, and stay healthy for the long run. 🎧 Stay tuned to find out: ➡︎ Why daily movement matters more than a perfect gym routine ➡ Why you need to try The Japanese Method of interval walking training ➡︎ Why strong legs are one of the biggest predictors of healthy ageing ➡︎ How farmer’s carries can reshape your body and extend your lifespan ➡︎ Why showing up is the only habit you need to learn #DrKaran, #Walking, #Longevity, #HealthyAging, #StrengthTraining, #ExerciseScience, #FitnessTips, #HealthPodcast Don't miss an episode! Subscribe NOW:…

💬 Skin conditions affect a massive proportion of the population. Most people reach for creams and retinoids first - but the solution is often much simpler. So what should you do to protect your skin microbiome and reduce signs of aging? ⚡️ Dr Thivi Maruthappu is a consultant dermatologist, nutrition researcher, and author of Skin Food: Your 4-Step Solution to Healthy, Happy Skin. ⚡️ In this episode, Thivi and I discuss what your skin can reveal about your overall health, the science behind specific skin conditions, why a good skincare routine isn't always enough, and the growing evidence linking skin conditions to your gut microbiome. 🎧 Stay tuned to find out: ➡︎ Whether skin issues are a sign of a deeper health issue ➡ If supplements like collagen are actually effective ➡︎ What might be causing your rosacea or eczema ➡︎ Whether putting food on your face actually works ➡︎ Why your nails may reveal more about your health than you realise #DrKaran, #MedicalScience, #HealthEducation, #HealthTips,…

💬 If you improve your foot health and strength, you’ll not only fix back pain and bunions - you’ll increase your lifespan and improve your brain health! ⚡Most of us ignore our feet, squishing them into tight, cushioned shoes. But weak feet can cause problems throughout the body - and fixing them is easier than you think. Dr Courtney Conley and Dr Jenifer Perez are the founders of Gait Happens - and experts in foot health. They join Dr Karan to share the top things you should start doing now. 🎧 Stay tuned to find out: ➡ Why back, hip and knee pain so often starts at the feet ➡︎ How to undo the damage of bunions and plantar fasciitis ➡︎ Why flat feet aren’t a death sentence ➡︎ Whether barefoot shoes are really worth your money ➡︎ Simple things parents can do to protect their kid’s feet ➡︎ Training and gadgets you can use for strong feet #DrKaran, #MedicalScience, #HealthEducation, #HealthTips, #FootHealth, #BarefootShoes, #ToeStrength, #PlantarFasciitis Don't miss an episode! Subscribe NOW:…

💬 Should you be taking peptides? From anti-aging promises to superhuman healing - peptides are massively hyped right now, and are being aggressively marketed online. But here’s why you should think twice before giving in to the marketing. ⚡While there are many FDA-approved peptides that you can get your hands on, most of the hype right now is focussed on grey-market, unregulated drugs. Things like BPC-157, TB-500 and the “Wolverine stack”. In this AMA, Dr Karan answers your top questions about peptides and breaks down the real science behind the online claims. 🎧 Stay tuned to find out: ➡ What a peptide actually is - explained as simply as possible ➡︎ Whether peptides in skincare actually work - and how they differ from injectables ➡︎ If peptides can slow down aging - or help with autoimmune diseases ➡︎ Why marketing is drawing comparisons between peptides and GLP-1s ➡︎ If BPC-157 actually helps with healing and recovery - and the possible dangers ➡︎ The side effects of injecting peptides your body doesn't…

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, but it often has no obvious symptoms. In this episode, Dr Karan Rajan speaks with Professor Prabhakar Rajan, a urologist and prostate cancer specialist, about prostate cancer risk, PSA testing, MRI scans, treatment choices, testicular cancer, and why men often delay asking for help. They discuss when urinary symptoms, blood in urine, persistent back pain, testicular lumps, and changes in sexual or urinary function should be checked. While also unpacking the controversy around PSA screening, overdiagnosis, active surveillance, robotic prostatectomy, focal therapy, radiotherapy, and the future of AI in prostate cancer diagnosis. This is a practical, evidence-led conversation about men’s health, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, screening, stigma, and the questions men should feel able to ask their doctor. 💩 Head to https://loamscience.com/products/loam-prebiotic-fiber-formula?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=drkaranexplores to try LOAM - and…

Gut health is about much more than what you eat. In this episode, Dr Karan Rajan speaks with Kaitlin Colucci about the gut-brain connection, IBS, bloating, stress, sleep, meal timing, yoga, and the nervous system. They discuss why diet may only be one part of the gut health puzzle, how stress can affect digestion, why eating on the go may worsen symptoms, and how simple habits like breathwork, better sleep, mindful eating, fibre, and movement can support a healthier gut. Kaitlin explains how the gut and brain communicate through the nervous system, why IBS is often misunderstood, and why gut symptoms are not always “just a food problem”. This conversation also explores ultra-processed foods, caffeine, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, protein bars, fizzy drinks, meal timing, the migrating motor complex, yoga for IBS, and the role of social connection in digestion. In this episode: -Why gut health is not just about diet - How stress affects digestion and gut motility - What the gut-brain axis actually means -…

Male fertility is declining, but sperm count is only part of the story. Dr Karan Rajan chats with Professor Sheryl Homa about male infertility, sperm DNA damage, lifestyle, heat exposure, environmental toxins, microbiome health, and why men’s fertility is often overlooked. Professor Homa explains why infertility should be treated as a health issue for both partners, what semen analysis can and cannot tell you, and why sperm health may reflect wider problems such as diabetes, inflammation, kidney disease, hemochromatosis, stress and metabolic health. In this conversation, we cover: • Why global sperm counts appear to be falling 00:00 Sperm Counts Are Falling Globally Head to https://loamscience.com/products/loam-prebiotic-fiber-formula?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=drkaranexplores to try LOAM - and get an additional 10% with code POD10. Get my free weekly newsletter filled with easy to action health tips, interesting facts and science to fill your curiosity:…

Your gut microbiome affects far more than digestion. In this episode, Dr Karan Rajan sits down with gut health expert Jordan Haworth to break down the science of gut health, probiotics, fibre, acid reflux, oral microbiome health, fermented foods, GLP-1, bloating, sleep, fasting, and the everyday habits that actually improve your microbiome. Here is a link to preorder Jordan's new book out June 18th: How to Gut Health: Science-backed hacks for immunity, metabolism and better sleep https://lnk.to/howtoguthealth We speak about: The connection between oral health and gut health Why chewing food properly changes digestion The truth about probiotics and fermented foods Best foods for beneficial gut bacteria Gut-friendly habits that improve digestion naturally Acid reflux hacks backed by science Whether greens powders and fibre gummies are worth it The role of fasting, sleep, exercise and stress on the microbiome Why gut health affects metabolism, immunity, mood and more 00:00 Gut Health Starts In The Mouth 01:15…

Your phone is not just distracting you, it may be changing what your brain finds rewarding. In this episode of Dr Karan Explores, Dr Karan Rajan speaks with neuroscientist TJ Power, founder of DOSE Lab, about dopamine, phone addiction, AI, “brain rot,” digital anhedonia, and why modern technology can make ordinary life feel less pleasurable. TJ’s DOSE framework focuses on dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins, the four brain chemicals he says are being disrupted by the way modern humans live. This conversation explores why so many of us feel stuck in loops of scrolling, distraction, apathy, and low motivation, and what it takes to reset our relationship with stimulation without pretending technology is “bad.” TJ shares why he believes 72 hours without screens can feel transformative, why boredom is harder than it sounds, and why becoming a “professional unplugger” may be one of the most important skills for the next generation. In this episode, we cover: What dopamine actually does beyond the online…

💬 Protecting first time parents from the realities of childbirth comes at a price. Not knowing how difficult it can be often leaves them unprepared - feeling guilty if it doesn’t go “perfectly”. ⚡With all the misinformation around - and shockingly high maternal mortality rates in the US - Dr Jennifer Lincoln has decided to take childbirth into her own hands. The social media educator has just released The Birth Book: An OB-GYN’s Guide to Demystifying Labor and Delivery. 🎧 Stay tuned to find out: ➡ What a “normal” labour really looks like ➡︎ What you can say “no” to during labour (Hint: anything) ➡︎ The truth about epidurals, C-sections and natural birth ➡︎ That children can be healthy no matter how childbirth goes ➡︎ Why the US is the highest rich nation for maternal mortality ➡︎ How 1 in 3 births cause psychological trauma for the mum #DrKaran, #Pregnancy, #BirthScience, #Labour, #BirthTrauma, #ChildbirthMyths #WomensHealth, #MedicalScience, #HealthEducation, #MythBusting Don't miss an episode! Subscribe…

GLP-1 weight loss drugs are changing medicine, but are we talking about them in the right way? In this episode, Dr Karan Rajan speaks with Dr Federica Amati about GLP-1s, food noise, metabolic health, appetite, gut health, muscle loss, side effects and why nutrition support matters. Dr Federica Amati explains why these medications should not be seen as simple “weight loss drugs”, how food noise differs from real hunger, and what people should know before, during and after GLP-1 treatment. 📗 Pre-order Dr Federica's book 'The Appetite Reset' here: https://shor.by/fP5H In this conversation, we cover: * Why diet remains one of the biggest drivers of chronic disease * What GLP-1s actually do beyond weight loss * The difference between homeostatic hunger, hedonic hunger and microbiome-driven hunger * Why food noise can dominate appetite and eating behaviour * How protein and resistance training can help protect muscle * Why micronutrients, fibre and hydration matter on GLP-1s * The risks of black market or poorly…

💬 How can you tell if a supplement actually does what it promises to do? There are so many on the market that are underdosed, understudied and not backed up by science. So before you choose your next supplement - this is the data that should inform your decision. ⚡When Dr Karan created LOAM, his aim was to create a fibre supplement backed up by clinically robust data. In this special episode, he outlines the lengthy process that went into making sure it actually delivers results. 🎧 Stay tuned to find out: ➡ What a preclinical study is - and why they are essential ➡︎ How a study can actually show you what’s going on inside someone’s gut ➡︎ Why propionate is so important for gut health - and how LOAM boosts it ➡︎ Why LOAM produces less gas and bloating than other fibre supplements ➡︎ What trials are coming in the future for LOAM #DrKaran, #LOAM, #Supplements, #Microbiome, #Butyrate, #GutHealth, #MedicalScience, #HealthEducation, #MythBusting Don't miss an episode! Subscribe NOW:…

Sleepwalking into arthritis isn’t inevitable. And some changes can show up faster than most people expect. In this episode, Dr Karan Rajan speaks with Professor Tamiko Katsumoto about why arthritis rates are rising, the differences between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, and what the best evidence says about reducing joint inflammation, including a lifestyle medicine intervention where benefits were seen as early as 8 weeks (with the primary endpoint at 16 weeks). This isn’t about “miracle cures.” It’s about stacking the odds in your favour: Diet quality, fibre, fermented foods, weight and metabolic health, sleep, stress, movement. And how these interact with inflammation, the gut, and joint symptoms. In this episode, we cover: ∙ RA vs OA: Classic symptom patterns and why they’re treated differently ∙ Why treatments for osteoarthritis can feel limited (and why lifestyle is still worth discussing) ∙ “Food as medicine” and why joints are a symptom you can actually feel change ∙ The “Plants for Joints”…

💬 One majorly overlooked part of health is your pelvic floor. You may think it’s just a worry for women - but men need to train their pelvic muscles too. The question is, how? If you’re the type of person who spends a lot of time sitting all day, have ever experienced gut problems or back pain - or you just want to improve your physique - this one’s for you. ⚡Dr Kelly Peterson is the master of pelvic floor exercises - and shares all her best techniques in this episode. 🎧 Stay tuned to find out: ➡ The 3 types of people who need to work on their pelvic floor ➡︎ What the pelvic floor is actually doing day-to-day ➡︎ The difference between a weak and an overactive pelvic floor ➡︎ Why holding in your pee - and forcing out your poop - are big no-nos ➡︎ The exercises you can do - anywhere! - to strengthen your pelvic floor daily #DrKaran, #PelvicFloor, #PoopHealth, #GutHealth, #BackPain, #BreathingTechniques, #WomensHealth, #MensHealth, #MedicalScience, #HealthEducation, #MythBusting Don't miss an episode! Subscribe…

Most people can’t name five menopause symptoms beyond hot flushes and the biggest problem might start with the word itself. In this episode, Dr Karan Rajan speaks with Dr Louise Newson, a hormone and menopause specialist, about what’s actually happening biologically, why symptoms get missed or mislabelled, and how evidence, guidelines, and real-world prescribing shape care. In this conversation, we cover: Why “menopause” as a label can obscure the underlying hormone biology The three-hormone framework: Oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone Why symptoms like brain fog, mood changes, and gut symptoms can be misattributed Bioidentical vs synthetic hormones (and why molecular structure matters) Osteoporosis risk, prevention, and what “healthy ageing” should include Dosing and absorption: Patches vs gels, and why some people need higher doses Why “guidelines” are a guide and where personalisation matters most 🎬 Chapters 01:22 – Most people can’t name five symptoms beyond hot flushes 01:56 – The definition…

💬 All your GLP-1 weight loss questions answered in this AMA with Dr Karan. Should you take them if you’re not overweight? Can you stay on them forever? How can you eat better when your appetite is gone? ⚡ Answering the questions sent in by you, Dr Karan explains the science, benefits, risks and ethics of using drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy Mounjaro and Tirzepatide. 🎧 Stay tuned to find out: ➡ Whether BMI matters when you’re thinking about going on GLP-1s ➡︎ If it’s safe to stay on GLP-1s forever - and how to come off safely ➡︎ Are maintenance doses and microdosing effective? ➡︎ How weight loss drugs affect the gut microbiome ➡︎ What to eat to hit fibre, protein and calorie targets when you have no appetite ➡︎ How hormones and women’s health conditions are impacted ➡︎ Why GLP-1s benefits extend way beyond weight loss #DrKaran, #WeightLoss, #Ozempic, #Tirzepatide, #GutHealth, #GLP1, #AMA, #MedicalScience, #HealthEducation, #MythBusting Don't miss an episode! Subscribe NOW:…

Most people are missing one of the most important nutrients for long-term health: fibre.In this solo episode, Dr Karan breaks down everything you need to know about fibre. From the cheapest ways to get more, to when you should eat it, and how it impacts your gut, cholesterol, metabolism, and long-term disease risk.What You’ll Learn:The cheapest high-fibre foods (and why beans dominate)When to eat fibre for maximum benefitHow fibre affects your gut microbiomeWhether fibre supplements are worth itHow much fibre you actually needWhy most people are under-consuming fibreThe science behind bloating and fibre adaptationHow fibre supports long-term health and disease preventionKey Insights from the Episode:“Your gut health and your microbiome health should not be compromised by your budget.”“If the goal is maximum fibre for the least amount of money, you're not going to find better than beans and legumes.”“The best time to take your fibre is basically whenever you remember to take your fibre.”“Only 5% of us are…

💬 Exercise during pregnancy is surrounded by myths, fear, and outdated advice. But the truth is staying active can be one of the most powerful things you can do for both you and your baby. ⚡To unpack what safe, effective exercise really looks like during pregnancy and why misinformation is still so widespread - Dr Karan is joined by Dr Margie Davenport, professor and leading researcher in exercise during pregnancy. Whether you’re expecting, planning a pregnancy, or supporting someone who is, this conversation is essential listening. 🎧 Stay tuned to find out: ➡ Why there’s so much confusion and misinformation around exercise in pregnancy ➡︎ The science behind common myths about exercising while pregnant ➡︎ What “safe” exercise really looks like at each stage of pregnancy ➡︎ How physical activity benefits your baby’s health and development ➡︎ The role exercise plays in reducing the risk of serious complications ➡︎ Why outdated advice still persists in medical and public spaces ➡︎ How to approach exercise with…

Cooking isn’t just about flavour, it directly impacts your brain, gut, and heart health. In this special episode, Dr Karan teams up with The Brain Docs, Drs. Ayesha & Dean Sherzai, to cook a nutrient-dense curry while breaking down the real science behind food and its impact on your body. From fibre and omega-3s to anti-inflammatory ingredients and the gut-brain connection. Discussed in the episode: “the basic everyday food you eat literally makes your brain.” “what happens in your gut determines everything.” This is not about “superfoods”, it’s about dietary patterns, real ingredients, and how what you eat daily shapes your long-term health. What You’ll Learn: How food impacts brain function and mental health Why fibre is critical for your gut and brain The truth about tofu, coffee, and mushrooms Why “anti-inflammatory diets” actually matter The gut-brain connection explained simply How cooking methods affect nutrition Anti-inflammatory curry paste Tofu (high-protein, low saturated fat) Fibre-rich…

Endometriosis red flags are often missed, especially when symptoms look like IBS, bladder issues, or “normal” test results.In this episode of Dr Karan Explores, Dr Karan Rajan speaks with Carla Cressy about her lived experience of endometriosis, the long road to diagnosis, what severe disease can look like, and how to advocate for yourself when you’re being dismissed.In this conversation, we cover:Warning signs doctors often miss (bowel/rectal pain, bladder/UTI-like symptoms, bleeding after sex, severe fatigue)Why endometriosis can be mislabelled as IBS/IBDWhy normal blood tests/scans don’t necessarily rule endometriosis out — and what to do nextThe impact on mental health, work, relationships, and quality of lifeFertility and access: egg freezing, NHS gaps, and why pathways matterPractical advocacy: symptom diaries, bringing someone to appointments, asking for documentation, and next-step questions to move care forwardAbout Dr Karan: Dr. Karan Rajan is a doctor, author, and educator dedicated to making…

💬 Vision and eyesight are two totally different things. And most of us are ignoring both! But improving your eye health is really easy when you know how. Not only can simple techniques help you stave off myopia, they can even improve your whole experience of the world. ⚡To discuss the art of vision training - and why it’s so crucial for all of us - Dr Karan is joined by Dr Bryce Appelbaum, Neuro-optometrist and CEO of MyVisionFirst. Whether you want to optimise your vision, or correct annoying issues, this conversation is for you. 🎧 Stay tuned to find out: ➡ The difference between eyesight and vision - and why it’s important to separate them ➡︎ How even “perfect” eyesight can be optimised ➡︎ What screens are actually doing to our eyes ➡︎ Simple exercises to reduce common eye problems ➡︎ What happens when eye problems go unnoticed or are misdiagnosed ➡︎ How vision problems can mimic symptoms of ADHD and dyslexia #DrKaran, #MedicalScience, #HealthEducation, #HealthTips, #MedicalScience, #EyeSight, #EyeCare,…

Can psilocybin treat depression within a day? In this episode, Dr Karan Rajan sits down with psychedelic researcher Dr Rayyan Zafar to break down the science of psilocybin, treatment-resistant depression, brain scans, microdosing, and whether psychedelic therapy could become a real part of mainstream mental health care. They explore why current antidepressants do not work for everyone, how psychedelics may affect the brain differently, what researchers are seeing on scans after a single dose, and why the conversation around psychedelic therapy is far more nuanced than internet hype suggests. In this episode: Why psychiatry needs new tools for depression Why SSRIs do not work for everyone How psilocybin interacts with serotonin receptors The idea of a “plastic window” after psychedelic therapy Whether psychedelics could help healthy people, not just patients What the evidence says about microdosing The real safety questions around psychedelic treatment DMT, short-acting psychedelics, and where the field may…

💬 Health isn’t just about what you eat - it’s about when. Meal timing matters much more than you might realise. The same food eaten at different times can have wildly different effects on your body. ⚡To discuss the emerging field of chrononutrition, Dr Karan is joined by Adriano dos Santos - known as The Circadian Nutritionist. Together they explain how your organs and even your gut microbiome keep time - operating on a circadian clock! 🎧 Stay tuned to find out: ➡ How clock genes throughout our entire body impact our health ➡︎ Why poor meal timing can create a lack of energy, sleep struggles and even IBS ➡︎ How late nate phone scrolling isn’t as bad as you think ➡︎ Why late night snacking and evening exercise confuses your body clock ➡︎ Why not all fasting is created equal ➡︎ Which foods and habits will improve your health and body clock the fastest #DrKaran, #MedicalScience, #HealthEducation, #HealthTips, #MedicalScience, #MealTiming, #ChronoNutrition, #CircadianNutrition, #DietTips, #GutHealth, Don't miss…

The best sleep schedule (according to science) isn’t just “8 hours”, it’s timing + consistency. In this episode, Dr Karan Rajan speaks with Professor Gina R. Poe about how to build a sleep schedule that supports deep sleep, REM sleep, memory, and long-term performance, using the levers that actually move the needle: consistent timing, light exposure, temperature, naps, and meal timing. In this conversation, we cover: Why sleep consistency is repeatedly linked with performance and healthier ageing outcomes A practical “best schedule” window (and why earlier sleep helps catch key deep-sleep biology) How light at night disrupts circadian timing (and why dim red light matters) Naps: when they help, and when they can backfire on night sleep Temperature and why overheating can reduce REM sleep Meal timing (“chrononutrition”) and why late meals can fragment sleep Plus: REM sleep, sleep spindles, memory, alcohol, and why some sedatives alter sleep architecture 🎬 Chapters 01:03 – Introducing Professor Gina R. Poe…

💬 GLP-1 pizzas and ready meals are now on the menu. Telehealth pharmacies are selling dodgy versions of the drugs to the masses. And new, more powerful drugs are about to arrive. ⚡The weight loss economy is booming - and it’s reshaping society. GLP-1 and weight loss expert Dr. Spencer Nadolsky is back on the podcast to fill us in on the latest. From myth busting and unearthing telehealth scams - to showing the genuinely amazing things these drugs are capable of. 🎧 Stay tuned to find out: ➡ Whether you should spend money on GLP-1 pizzas and ready meals ➡︎ Why telehealth companies and their compounded drugs are so dangerous ➡︎ Whether GLP-1 “drops” and supplements actually work ➡︎ Why alcohol isn’t a big problem for people on GLP-1s ➡︎ Whether GLP-1s really increase fat cells in the body ➡︎ How GLP-1s can help with PCOS and other diseases #DrKaran, #MedicalScience, #HealthEducation, #HealthTips, #MedicalScience, #GLP1, #Ozempic, #Wegovy, #Semaglutide, #Retatrutide, #WeightLossDrugs Don't miss an episode!…

Family meals aren’t just a “nice-to-have”. They’re a longevity habit hiding in plain sight.In this episode, Dr Karan Rajan and Shawn Stevenson unpack why eating together can improve kids’ nutrition, reduce ultra-processed food reliance, support healthier eating behaviours, and strengthen the social bonds that consistently show up in long-term health and longevity conversations.You’ll hear about:Why routines (sleep + meals) matter more than perfectionHow tech and modern “kitchen culture” has changed how we eatThe evidence linking shared meals to kids’ nutrition and health outcomesThe “minimum effective dose” of family meals (and what studies associate with it)How to guide kids around food without fear-mongering or rigid restrictionUltra-processed food trends in children and how to build a healthier micro-culture at home🎬 Chapters:01:07 – Why this “hidden longevity habit” matters04:25 – Childhood responsibilities & early parenting perspective05:01 – “Kids want to sleep”: Meeting needs, not chasing…

💬 Are your supplements helping you… or are you just paying for sawdust? The supplement industry is booming, but it’s also one of the easiest industries to fake. In this episode, Dr Karan is joined by Dr Darshan Shah (surgeon and longevity expert) to break down what actually works, what’s likely a waste of money, and how to avoid supplements that can genuinely cause harm. ⚡We cover contamination, Amazon “ratings”, the creatine gummy scandal, drug interactions, GLP-1 supplement marketing, and the simple blood tests that help you figure out what YOU actually need. 🎧 Stay tuned to find out: ➡ Why so many supplements don’t contain what the label says ➡ The “essentials” most people are missing (and how to test for them) ➡ Why gummies are often just expensive sweets ➡ The supplement mistake that can mess with blood tests, surgery and medications ➡ How to spot quality: third-party testing, COAs and real dosing ➡ Why GLP-1 “supplements” are mostly marketing ➡ The simplest framework to stop wasting money #DrKaran…

We track our steps, sleep, calories… even glucose. So why are we STILL getting sicker? In this episode, Dr Karan sits down with Josh Clemente (former SpaceX engineer and founder of Levels) to explore a big question: Are health wearables actually helping us, or are we just collecting data with no real direction? Josh explains why aerospace treats “health” totally differently to medicine, why we should measure when we’re healthy (not just when things go wrong), and what “biological observability” could mean for the future of healthcare. 🎧 Stay tuned to find out: ➡ Why “if you’re healthy, there’s no reason to measure” is backwards ➡ What SpaceX taught Josh about monitoring systems vs monitoring humans ➡ Why data is neutral (and why interpretation is everything) ➡ The biggest risks of wearables: anxiety, obsession, disordered habits ➡ Why CGMs can be powerful, but easy to misuse without context ➡ What a real “health operating system” might look like in 3–10 years ➡ The uncomfortable truth about health inequality…

💬 What does it actually take to rebuild your life after addiction? Ken Rideout has lived multiple lives: Former prison guard, Wall Street trader, opioid addict… and now the fastest marathoner in the world over 50. ⚡In this episode, Ken opens up about the darkest moment that forced him to change, what opioid withdrawal REALLY feels like, and the identity shift that helped him go from rock bottom to elite endurance athlete. 🎧 Stay tuned to find out: ➡ The “rock bottom” moment that finally flipped the switch ➡ What opioid withdrawal is actually like ➡ How Ken used discipline, discomfort and running to rebuild his identity ➡ The truth about hiding addiction inside a “normal” life ➡ Why ambition can quietly steal your presence (especially as a parent) ➡ The uncomfortable reality of CPR, end-of-life decisions and quality of life #DrKaran #HealthPodcast #MedicalScience #HealthEducation #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #Fitness #Running #Longevity Don't miss an episode! Subscribe NOW:…

💬 The GLP-1 weight loss movement is blowing up. On the one hand, we now have a drug that tackles the obesity epidemic like never before. On the other, we’re seeing the rise of food anxiety and the return of thin-at-all-costs culture. Drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are reshaping medicine, culture and the economy. ⚡So to get the latest on these rapid advancements, we speak to endocrinology and metabolism specialist Dr Rekha Kumar. She takes us through the growing list of benefits provided by GLP-1 drugs - and the dangers. As well as tackling the wider field of “gray market” peptide use. ⚡Today’s guest is Dr Rekha Kumar, an expert in metabolic and hormone health. Together we dig deep into GLP-1 use - the latest science on the benefits and the dangers. 🎧 Stay tuned to find out: ➡ Why GLP-1 reliance is leading some to ignore good health practices ➡︎ Are we seeing the return of 80s diet culture and the “Almond mom”? ➡︎ How GLP-1s impact overall health - including menopause care ➡︎ Why long-term use may be needed to…

💬 We’re getting so much wrong about fertility. What causes infertility, how long does the fertile window stay open, how important is the man in the equation? Fortunately, we have a world-leading expert to clear everything up. ⚡ Dr Lucky Sekhon is a board certified OBGYN and fertility expert - and has benefitted from IVF herself. She’s also the author of a new book called Lucky Egg - a guide to help people struggling with their fertility. ⚡ Together they debunk fertility myths, explore a better way to track ovulation, how to prepare for treatments like IVF, whether you should consider freezing your eggs or sperm - and more! 🎧 Stay tuned to find out: ➡ How to track ovulation effectively (and how much sex to have) ➡︎ If fitness trackers and ovulation strips are worth your money ➡︎ At what age you should be freezing your eggs and sperm ➡︎ How a man’s health impacts pregancy and the health of the baby ➡︎ Why IVF is so misunderstood - and how to actually approach it #DrKaran, #MedicalScience, #HealthEducation,…

💬Your oral microbiome is directly tied to your gut and overall health. You can fix many health problems by starting in the mouth - and this episode is a guide on how to do exactly that. ⚡Dr. Karan speaks to Dr Victoria Sampson, an award winning functional dentist and founder of THS Labs. Together they explore the science of the oral microbiome, and how you can better look after your teeth and oral health. 🎧 Stay tuned to find out: ➡ How poor oral health is linked to diabetes, heart disease, dementia and more! ➡︎ Why you should avoid high strength mouthwash at all costs ➡︎ Why xylitol gum might be your new favourite hack for mouth health ➡︎ Whether techniques like tongue scraping and oil pulling are worth your time ➡︎ The impact of dental work, from fillings to whitening, on oral health #DrKaran, #MedicalScience, #HealthEducation, #HealthTips, #MedicalScience, #OralHealth ,#OralMicrobiome, #MouthHealth, Don't miss an episode! Subscribe NOW: https://www.youtube.com/@DrKaran?sub_confirmation=1 📕 Chapters (0:00)…

⚡In this episode, Dr. Karan sits down with IBS dietitian Kirsten Jackson to break down the complexities of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Kirsten, who has firsthand experience with IBS, explains the gut-brain connection, the role of the microbiome, and why IBS is often misunderstood. 💬 They dive into different IBS types, dietary interventions like the low FODMAP diet, and practical tips for managing symptoms. Learn how stress, sleep, and mental health impact IBS, and get actionable advice to take control of your gut health. 🎧 Stay tuned to find out: ➡ What exactly IBS is and why it's not just a gut problem ➡︎ How the gut-brain connection impacts IBS symptoms ➡︎ The role of the microbiome in IBS and how it can affect your health ➡︎ The truth behind the low FODMAP diet and how it can help manage IBS ➡︎ Practical tips for managing IBS with diet, lifestyle, and mental health strategies #DrKaran #MedicalScience #HealthEducation #HealthTips #MedicalScience #IBS #guthealth #irritablebowelsyndrome Don't miss an…

⚡Join Dr. Karan as he dives deep into the science of the vaginal microbiome with Valentina Milanova, the founder and CEO of Daye. Learn why understanding and caring for your vaginal health is more important than ever. 💬 In this episode, Valentina breaks down the critical role the vaginal microbiome plays in overall health, fertility, and even pregnancy outcomes. From the dangers of douching to the science of probiotics and screenings, get a fresh perspective on how you can protect and enhance your intimate well-being. Don’t miss this enlightening conversation on women’s health! Check out Daye's website: https://www.yourdaye.com/ 🎧 Stay tuned to find out: ➡ The crucial role the vaginal microbiome plays in your overall health ➡︎ Why douching and certain hygiene practices can disrupt vaginal health ➡︎ How sexual health impacts your vaginal microbiome and fertility ➡︎ The connection between your gut health and vaginal well-being ➡︎ The future of vaginal microbiome screenings and personalized treatments #DrKaran…