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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232 episodes
Updated Thursday

Episodes232

Newest first

March 12 · 15 min
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/S2352250X22002573 Clay Routledge: https://www.clayroutledge.com/ Nostalgia and wellbeing: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36669249/ Man’s Search For Meaning: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4069.Man_s_Search_for_Meaning The past makes the present meaningful: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21787094/ Music and nostalgia: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/~crsi/Sedikides, My own nostalgia tips: music, photos, places, journalling and rituals. 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 5 · 17 min
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/niosh/aviation/prevention/aircrew-cancer.html Coal miners and lung disease: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/bulletin/2023/mining-lung-disease.html CTE from head injuries in rugby: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/articles/cg5d9546zzeo Jobs and personalities: https://www.ed.ac.uk/news/2024/personality-traits-that-typify-job-roles-revealed Job satisfaction: https://www.forbes.com/sites/barnabylashbrooke/2023/07/13/job-satisfaction-is-key-to-workplace-productivity-but-how-do-you-get-it/ Shift work: https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/5-long-term-health-effects-shift-work Setting boundaries at work: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/boundaries-at-work 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.
February 27 · 16 min
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-by-plants.html The evolution of ‘medicine'- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11245246/ Holism in medicine: https://www.webmd.com/balance/what-is-holistic-medicine Self care: https://www.selfcareforum.org/about-us/what-do-we-mean-by-self-care-and-why-is-good-for-people/ 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.
February 19 · 13 min
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/PMC4462044/ Caffeine and Parkinson’s Disease: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7773776/ Coffee and dementia risk: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-026-00409-y Coffee and Liver Disease: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250921/Coffee-protects-the-liver-by-blocking-inflammation-and-scarring-review-finds.aspx Caffeine as pain relief: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgr44j201rzo 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.
February 12 · 13 min
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-accuracy HRV: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21773-heart-rate-variability-hrv Continuous glucose monitoring: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2024/jun/use-glucose-monitors-people-not-living-diabetes-needs-more-regulation Blood glucose spikes: https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/articles/avoid_blood_sugar_spikes Sleep trackers: https://www.euronews.com/health/2026/01/27/sleep-tracking-using-smart-watches-and-rings-has-limits-do-they-really-work Atrial fibrillation: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/atrial-fibrillation/ EMF: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772671124000901 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.
February 5 · 16 min
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-45534133 Distillation: https://www.britannica.com/video/how-is-liquor-made/-340178 UK alcohol limits: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-advice/calculating-alcohol-units/ Hangovers: https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/health/curing-hangover Alcohol and mental health: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/alcohol-and-mental-health Sleep: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/nutrition/alcohol-and-sleep Red wine and gut microbes: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/red-wine-benefits-linked-to-better-gut-health-study-finds Relaxing without drinking alcohol: https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/news/how-to-relax-at-home-without-drinking Alcohol free drinks: https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter/2025/feb/04/best-low-alcohol-non-alcoholic-drinks Alcoholic liver disease: https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/information-and-support/liver-conditions/alcohol-related-liver-disease/#causes Alcohol and cancer risk: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/alcohol-and-cancer/how-does-alcohol-cause-cancer Alcohol consumption data: https://ourworldindata.org/alcohol-consumption 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.
January 29 · 15 min
"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-disorder Academic analysis of pyrroles (deep dive): https://academic.oup.com/labmed/article/55/3/334/7271490 Patent foramen ovale: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/patent-foramen-ovale/symptoms-causes/syc-20353487 Migraines and PFO: https://www.migrainedisorders.org/diving-into-the-connection-between-migraine-and-patent-foramen-ovale/ Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17813-ehlers-danlos-syndrome 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.
January 22 · 15 min
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/1786892804 Attention Restoration Theory: https://positivepsychology.com/attention-restoration-theory/ Nature breaks: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4039544/ Rest during demanding tasks: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6585675 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.
January 15 · 15 min
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-20373711 Advice on second opinions: https://www.patients-association.org.uk/getting-a-second-opinion Tumour Treating Fields: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/treatment-types/tumor-treating-fields.html Lithium and MND doesn’t work?: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/archive/news/ioppn/records/2013/march/lithium-shows-no-benefit-to-mnd-patients Lithium and MND works?: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/centre-for-neuromuscular-diseases/research/experimental-clinical-trials/mnd/motor-neurone-disease-closed-trials/licals-therapeutic 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.
January 9 · 15 min
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_0 Sleep and its importance: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6281147/ Phone and screen usage: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11236742/ Decluttering: https://drayanpanja.substack.com/p/decluttering-your-home-how-it-could-1fd\\ Exercise: https://www.sciencefocus.com/wellbeing/exercise-snacks Impulsivity: https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/impulsive-behavior#Impulsive-behavior-meaning Overwhelm: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002pf4w 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.
January 1 · 14 min
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/B0B2VTFFVS Med tech in 2026: https://www.forbes.com/sites/bernardmarr/2025/10/27/the-8-biggest-healthcare-technology-trends-to-watch-in-2026/ Misinformation - how to spot it: https://news.cancerresearchuk.org/2024/02/16/sorting-fact-from-fiction-a-guide-to-spotting-health-misinformation/ 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.
Dec 25, 2025 · 11 min
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_tOV7RB1FPjSEqiYWae8AyeixJJsGEVTlbapiaEWJL7D8cBoCYs8QAvD_BwE&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23300097782&gbraid=0AAAAAqKJRpkXwMKHsYb3EhuFeRzIdPUV2 Health Check on BBC World Service: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/w3ct6vk0 Elinzanetant for menopause: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mhra-approves-elinzanetant-to-treat-moderate-to-severe-vasomotor-symptoms-hot-flushes-caused-by-menopause The new weight loss drugs (GLP-1 agonists): https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/13901-glp-1-agonists Experimental Alzheimer’s Drug: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/12/251222080119.htm 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.
Dec 18, 2025 · 15 min
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-survey Genome sequencing: https://www.genomicsengland.co.uk/blog/what-happens-when-i-go-for-whole-genome-sequencing Mepan Syndrome: https://umdf.org/mepan/ Ketones in dementia: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8734638/ London Bus study: https://cardiachealth.org.uk/the-london-busmen-study/ Drumming - physical and mental therapy?: https://melodics.com/blog/mental-health-benefits-of-drumming 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.
Dec 12, 2025 · 15 min
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-survey Links: WHO TCIM summit: https://www.who.int/teams/who-global-traditional-medicine-centre/global-summit-and-collaborations/second-traditional-medicine-global-summit WHO — Global strategies and WHO TCIM topic pages (authoritative overview of WHO’s stance and the Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034). World Health Organization+1 WHO feature: World Health Organization NIH/NCCIH pages on Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine. NCCIH+1 African medicinal plants - a review: PMC Prunus africana: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5327751/ Four sacred medicines: https://aihschgo.org/four-sacred-medicines/ Ayahuasca: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ayahuasca Icaros: https://www.nimeakaya.org/how-icaros-help-heal-participants-in-ayahuasca-ceremonies/ 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.
Dec 4, 2025 · 16 min
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.117.311401 Mitochondria and ageing: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41574-021-00626-7 Inflammation (inflammaging): https://www.nature.com/articles/s41574-018-0059-4 Epigenetic drift: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12487821/ Protein misaggregation: https://www.buckinstitute.org/blog/unraveling-aging-how-protein-misfolding-relates-to-aging-and-disease/ Dietary patterns: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/fasting-like-diet-may-help-reverse-biological-aging-2-5-years Gut microbes: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41575-022-00605-x Rapamycin - an experimental drug for anti-ageing: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhl/article/PIIS2666-7568(23)00258-1/fulltext Senolytics: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7405395/ Stem cells: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10276889/ NAD / NAD+: https://www.today.com/health/aging/nad-benefits-rcna180800 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.
Nov 28, 2025 · 15 min
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.co.uk/programmes/p019px0x Digital triage: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/digitally-enabled-triage/ Trust in doctors: https://www.wsj.com/health/wellness/why-we-dont-trust-doctors-like-we-used-to-79784b56 Depression questionnaire: https://patient.info/doctor/mental-health/phq-9 National Back Pain pathway: https://www.southtees.nhs.uk/services/back-pain/national-low-back-and-radicular-pain-pathway/ Ada Health - on of the leaders in symptom checking: https://ada.com/ 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.
Nov 21, 2025 · 14 min
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-survey OA overview: https://www.healthdata.org/news-events/newsroom/news-releases/lancet-new-study-reveals-most-common-form-arthritis Neck stretches: https://www.csp.org.uk/conditions/neck-pain/video-exercises-neck-pain Lectins: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844024155028 Ultra-processed foods and OA: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11990240/ Apos Therapy (biomechanic therapy): https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/mtg76/informationforpublic Glucosamine and chondroitin: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-latest-on-glucosaminechondroitin-supplements-2016101710391 Chondrocyte implants: https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/treatment/joint-surgery/preplanning/the-future-of-joint-repair Omega 3: https://fjps.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s43094-024-00667-5 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.
Nov 13, 2025 · 17 min
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-survey A list of ‘superfoods’: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/true-superfoods Fibre benefits: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0261561423003631 The Hadza: https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2017/08/24/545631521/is-the-secret-to-a-healthier-microbiome-hidden-in-the-hadza-diet Low fibre benefits: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9268622/ Pica: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22944-pica Apples: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/11/4025 Flax seeds; https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/flaxseeds Extra Virgin Olive Oil: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11430205/ Lectins: https://www.next-health.com/post/what-are-lectins-are-they-bad-for-everyone-do-i-need-lectin-sensitivity-testing Gremolata: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/gremolata Herbs and spices: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6532192/ The Health Fix: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Health-Fix-Dr-Ayan-Panja/dp/1914239326 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.
Nov 6, 2025 · 22 min
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 an inflammatory condition: https://www.maudsleybrc.nihr.ac.uk/posts/2021/may/inflammation-is-a-core-feature-of-depression-new-evidence-from-large-scale-study/ Methylation and mental health: https://foodforthebrain.org/methylation-why-is-it-important-for-mental-health/ Talking and checking-in campaign: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tX8TgVR33KM Hugs: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/oct/26/hugs-science-airport-minutes Talking to yourself and inner child work for beginners: https://www.innermelbpsychology.com.au/what-is-inner-child-work-and-how-to-get-started/ Circle of control: https://positivepsychology.com/circles-of-influence/ Help and stats: https://www.mind.org.uk/ My book, The Health Fix: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Health-Fix-Transform-Your-Weeks/dp/1914239296 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.
Oct 30, 2025 · 15 min
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-lpr Tietze’s syndrome (chest pain): https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23565-tietze-syndrome Costochondritis: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22167-costochondritis Panic attack symptoms: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/podcasts/health-essentials/heart-attack-vs-panic-attack-how-to-tell-the-difference Silent pneumonia: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15744-pneumonia-atypical-walking-pneumonia Hair loss: https://www.pcds.org.uk/clinical-guidance/alopecia-male-and-female-pattern-alopecia Phases of hair growth: https://www.healthline.com/health/stages-of-hair-growth#maintaining-hair-health Hair loss and DHT: https://www.healthline.com/health/dht#testosterone AI and medicine - chatGPT vs GP: https://substack.com/@drayanpanja/note/p-177463006?r=2efcdx&utm_source=notes-share-action&utm_medium=web 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.