Saving Lives In Slow Motion

Dr Ayan Panja

Dr Ayan Panja puts health into context. A lifestyle medicine expert, author and family physician with over 25 years of experience, his unique blend of candour, perspective and knowledge make for a mind-expanding essential weekly bite-sized listen.

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20 episodes
Updated Thursday

Episodes20

Newest first

Thursday · 14 min
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=1000570759791 Dance for Parkinsons Disease: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/health-21767149 Study on Dance and Parkinsons: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33038925/ Music for Dementia: https://www.musicfordementia.org.uk/ Melodic Intonation Therapy: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2780359/ Music and depression: https://www.cochrane.org/evidence/CD004517_music-therapy-depression?utm_source=chatgpt.com Social connections: https://www.who.int/news/item/30-06-2025-social-connection-linked-to-improved-heath-and-reduced-risk-of-early-death Campaign for the arts: https://www.campaignforthearts.org/ More from me: https://drayan.co.uk/ Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 23 · 14 min
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/0936197390 Wellbeing and actitivies: https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/having-a-hobby-tied-to-happiness-and-well-being Loneliness: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10121112/ Group medical care - the evidence: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8657170/ Eating together: https://www.bbc.co.uk/future/article/20241126-why-humans-feel-the-need-to-feast-together Neal Shah and carers: https://www.instagram.com/nealkshah/?hl=en Harvard Study of adult development: https://www.adultdevelopmentstudy.org/ Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 16 · 15 min
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 climate anxiety: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3918955 Hope in the climate crisis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZQMVYSD9EM Thirst and dehydration: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dehydration/ Mosquitoes: https://www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/about/where-mosquitoes-live_1.html Climate summits: https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/un-climate-conferences Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 9 · 15 min
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-illness Toxic positivity: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z64yn9q Listening to your body: https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/articles/why-your-body-speaks-and-how-to-listen Carol Dweck and growth mindsets: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiiEeMN7vbQ Mindset and mortality: https://en.azvision.az/news/84635/how-your-mindset-determines-your-health.html Ellen Langer - chambermaid study: https://health.yahoo.com/wellness/fitness/exercise/articles/harvard-study-suggests-mindset-boosts-213051697.html Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 2 · 14 min
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/cdj9d1pzl8no Lupus (SLE): https://lupusuk.org.uk/ Lupus in Africa: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772829324000845 PBC: https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/information-and-support/liver-conditions/primary-biliary-cholangitis/ Parkinsons body vs brain first: https://parkinsonsnewstoday.com/news/researchers-parkinsons-origin-explained-brain-first-body-first-model/ Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 25 · 15 min
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-eyes Hearing loss: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5840-age-related-hearing-loss Personality and health: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/longer-life-personality-traits-experts-study-b2834833.html Blue zones: https://www.bluezones.com/ Pesticides: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11664077/ Microplastics: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/microplastics-salad-pollution-particles-study-b2829790.html Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 18 · 18 min
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-volume Foods that heal: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-that-help-you-heal Lectins: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11535980/ Social eating: https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2017-03-16-social-eating-connects-communities Big food industry: https://lsa.umich.edu/psych/news-events/all-news/faculty-news/many-of-today-s-unhealthy-foods-were-brought-to-you-by-big-tobac.html Emotional eating: https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/articles/emotional_eating Savouring: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/click-here-happiness/201807/what-is-savoring-and-why-is-it-the-key-happiness Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 11 · 16 min
Too Nice vs Too Selfish — Finding the 'Healthy' Middle Ground
In this episode I look at two basic traits people often have and whether they impact our health. People pleasing: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/my-side-of-the-couch/202408/people-pleasing-as-a-symptom-of-childhood-trauma Exhaustion from being too nice? https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-genius-of-empathy/202412/are-you-exhausted-from-being-too-nice Emotional suppression: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24119947/ Selfishness of different kinds? https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7265883/ Jungian masculine/ feminine archetypes: https://scottjeffrey.com/king-warrior-magician-lover-masculine-archetypes/ Healthy selfishness? https://andrewwilkowilkinson.medium.com/10-reasons-why-being-selfish-is-important-for-you-e5a28bf22b13 Amandaland: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m0024pyy/amandaland Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 4 · 16 min
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-happiness Hedonistic happiness: https://positivepsychology.com/hedonic-vs-eudaimonic-wellbeing/ Eudaimonic happiness: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/what-doesnt-kill-us/201901/what-is-eudaimonic-happiness Time wealth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilRNAQ76Vsg Toxic positivity: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/z64yn9q Screens and happiness (mixed evidence): https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cn9p412ern7o Core values exercise: https://brenebrown.com/resources/dare-to-lead-list-of-values/ Gratitude: https://positivepsychology.com/neuroscience-of-gratitude/ Action for Happiness: https://actionforhappiness.org/ Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 28 · 16 min
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://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10346959/ Triglycerides and HDL ratio: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11493158/ ApoB: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11219008/ HDL cholesterol: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6077683/ Hs-CRP: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9650935/ Homocysteine: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12564181/ Uric Acid: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8624633/ Do Health: https://dohealth.co/what-we-measure#wwm-step-1 Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 21 · 15 min
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 and I 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=1000597803315 Nushu circles: https://digitize.library.ubc.ca/2025/04/10/nushu-chinas-secret-language-of-women-in-our-open-collection/ Padel benefits: https://www.ltapadel.org.uk/play/benefits-of-playing-padel/ Queens College Step Test: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySQ5bawZpMo Dancing benefits: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/1Hpr6R1f4M7f8Qc6fPGH2hg/why-dancing-is-the-best-way-to-enhance-your-brain-and-fitness Keep dancing: https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/keep-dancing-preserve-memory The IDEAL framework from my book: https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/the-health-fix-dr-ayan-panja-new-years-resolutions Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 14 · 13 min
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-peptide-benefits WADA: https://www.wada-ama.org/en/news/wadas-2022-prohibited-list-now-force GLP-1 drugs - evidence: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12303005/ Healthy High Protein book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Doctors-Kitchen-Healthy-Supercharge-stronger/dp/1529148847 Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 7 · 15 min
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-bowerman Stephen Fry’s story: https://www.diabetes.co.uk/news/2019/aug/stephen-fry-proud-and-relieved-over-five-stone-weight-loss-92021820.html#google_vignette Walking and mental health: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6064756/ The leg power and brain health link: https://www.frontiersin.org/news/2018/06/07/neuroscience-leg-exercise-brain-nervous-system-health Zone 2 training: https://www.healthline.com/health/heart-health/heart-rate-zones-workout Recovery: https://www.healthline.com/health/active-recovery Ramblers: https://www.ramblers.org.uk/ 10000 steps: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-42864061 Walking speed: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/walking-speed-survival/ 23 and a half hours: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUaInS6HIGo Walk Yourself Happy: https://amzn.eu/d/0ifCGKpV Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 30 · 15 min
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_0 Tiredness: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/saving-lives-in-slow-motion/id1573742958?i=1000714723319 Vitamin D: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/saving-lives-in-slow-motion/id1573742958?i=1000702121829 Kidney cysts: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-cysts/symptoms-causes/syc-20374134 Cholesterol: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/saving-lives-in-slow-motion/id1573742958?i=1000649268967 Supplements: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/saving-lives-in-slow-motion/id1573742958?i=1000562693449 Magnesium: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/saving-lives-in-slow-motion/id1573742958?i=1000689788093 Food intolerances: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/saving-lives-in-slow-motion/id1573742958?i=1000650788957 Elimination diets: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/elimination-diet Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 23 · 17 min
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-914900 Workings of the lungs - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bronchiolitis/multimedia/bronchioles-and-alveoli/img-20008702 Muttley’s wheezy laugh: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KuxDBX1ogms Asthma and Lung UK Charity: https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/ Quit Smoking now: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/ Royal Castle Foundation: https://roycastle.org/ Yul Brynner advert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNjunlWUJJI Air pollution: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41416-025-02999-2 Dr Louise Oliver: https://www.drlouiseolivertherapeuticlifecoaching.com/ Douglas Heel activation therapy: https://douglasheel.com/ My book THE HEALTH FIX: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Health-Fix-Dr-Ayan-Panja/dp/1914239326/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0 Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 16 · 15 min
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-it Queens College Step Test - how to do it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySQ5bawZpMo Sit to Stand test: https://www.bbc.co.uk/future/article/20250404-sit-to-stand-the-simple-test-that-reveals-how-youre-ageing Buteyko breathing test (control pause): https://buteykoclinic.com/blogs/start-your-breathing-test/start-your-breathing-test Reaction time test: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zpkhcj6/revision/3 Stand on one leg with eyes closed: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/35QytBYmkXJ4JnDYl9zYngb/why-you-should-stand-on-one-leg Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 9 · 15 min
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/m002qkqt Tommy's Research and support: https://www.tommys.org/our-research/our-research-centres/tommys-national-centre-miscarriage-research SANDS: https://www.sands.org.uk/ Early Pregnancy Units: https://aepu.org.uk/units/ Hughes Syndrome: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/antiphospholipid-syndrome/ NHS miscarriage information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/miscarriage/ Folic acid in pregnancy and MTHFR genes: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7776832/ Short and basic explanation of methylation: https://www.nutritionist-resource.org.uk/articles/what-is-methylation-and-why-does-it-matter Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 2 · 14 min
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-disease Lorenzo's Oil: https://www.healthline.com/health/neurological-health/lorenzos-oil-does-it-work Moya Moya Syndrome: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/moyamoya-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20355586 CRISPR gene technology: https://www.broadinstitute.org/what-broad/areas-focus/project-spotlight/questions-and-answers-about-crispr Huntington’s Disease therapy: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cevz13xkxpro Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 26 · 16 min
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-progress NHS personalised medicine page: https://www.england.nhs.uk/healthcare-science/personalisedmedicine/ ApoB as a biomarker: https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-024-05887-2 Gut-skin links (systems biology): https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2018.01459/full Leukaemia mutations: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6142505/ AI for healthcare: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/stories/healthcare-ai/ Methylation (MTHFR gene): https://www.healthline.com/health/mthfr-gene ApoE genes and Alzheimer’s risk: https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/news/apoe4-and-apoe3-gene-variants-linked-to-at-least-7-in-10-alzheimers-cases-study-suggests/ Statins and their effect on inflammation: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circresaha.116.308537 My book THE HEALTH FIX: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Health-Fix-Dr-Ayan-Panja/dp/1914239326/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0 Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 19 · 16 min
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/pdf Curiosity as a cure for arrogance: https://bjgplife.com/clinical-curiosity-an-antidote-to-medical-arrogance/ Women and sexual assault in surgery: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-66775015 Missed heart attacks: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/news/heart-attacks-in-women Medical errors: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10896093/ Models for feedback: https://www.ausmed.co.uk/learn/articles/giving-feedback Data on NHS complaints: https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/data-on-written-complaints-in-the-nhs Save your life in slow motion and those of others by subscribing now and sharing. Thank you for listening and for your support. It means a lot to me. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.