Chasing Life

Whether it’s a cultural custom or hygiene preference, many households keep a strict no-shoes policy. But, how much healthier does it really keep us? Dr. Sanjay Gupta gets to the bottom of your shoes -- literally. Plus, tips on how to manage stress and anxiety when the news cycle is overwhelming. This episode was produced by Andrea Kane and Sofia H. Sanchez Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We all know caregiving takes time, energy, and emotional bandwidth — but it may also change us for the better. Sanjay sits down with writer Elissa Strauss, author of When You Care: The Unexpected Magic of Caregiving, to explore how caregiving affects the brain, why it could be good for your health, and practical ways to care without losing yourself. Our show was produced by Jennifer Lai with assistance from Jesse Remedios. Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

US health officials have recently reduced the childhood vaccine schedule, taking cues from Denmark's leaner approach. Dr. Sanjay Gupta travels to Copenhagen to understand why some Americans think Denmark's model is worth copying. Producer & Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can modern science explain, or even define, the mystery of human consciousness? Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with writer Michael Pollan to talk about his new book, A World Appears: A Journey Into Consciousness, and explore the unmapped territory of our inner lives. They discuss where (and if) consciousness lives in the brain, whether plants and artificial intelligence can be conscious, and why we must protect our inner lives in an increasingly technological world. Our show was produced by Jesse Remedios with assistance from Jennifer Lai. Medical Writer: Andrea KaneShowrunner: Amanda SealySenior Producer: Dan BloomTechnical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Showerhead filters and LED face masks come with a lot of beauty claims...but do they deliver? Dr. Sanjay Gupta tackles two popular hair and skin trends, with insight from dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, breaking down what the science says and whether they’re worth trying at home. Producer: Kyra Dahring Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Animals can hibernate, slowing down most metabolic functions — heart rate, blood flow, brain activity, and body temperature — then waking as if nothing happened. Humans have never done this, but what if they could? Could hibernation extend life or even save it? Dr. Sanjay Gupta explores global research into the molecular mechanics of hibernation and how these abilities might one day help fight cancer, prevent heart disease, treat depression, and even enable travel to Mars. This episode was produced by Amanda Sealy Medical writer: Andrea Kane Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Colorectal cancer is rising quickly among young adults – in fact, it’s the leading cause of cancer deaths for adults under 50 in the United States. And after actor James Van Der Beek’s diagnosis and death at 48, many are wondering how to tell when everyday symptoms might actually be something more serious. On this week's Paging Dr. Gupta, we break down the red flags and tell you what to know about screening. Plus, vibration plates are popping up in gyms and living rooms — but do they actually deliver the benefits they promise? More on what’s behind the rise of colon cancer in young people with Dr. Kimmie Ng. This episode was produced by Andrea Kane, Jennifer Lai and Kyra Dahring. Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Love can be one of life’s greatest joys and heartbreak one of its deepest pains. Sanjay talks with psychiatrist and neuroscientist Yoram Yovell about how heartbreak affects the body, why emotional pain can feel physical, and what actually helps people heal. Producer: Kyra Dahring Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is it possible to have too much of a good thing? Dr. Sanjay Gupta breaks down what research says about long-distance training and neurodegenerative diseases. Plus, he reports on which type of field is safer for young athletes to play on: turf or grass. This episode was produced by Jesse Remedios. Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We all know exercise is good for our health, but have you already quit your New Year’s fitness goal? Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with psychologist Dr. Diana Hill to break down why we don’t want to move and how to find our personal motivation to exercise throughout the year. This episode was produced by Leying Tang Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

DEK CBD and THC are being used more than ever for arthritis and joint pain. But does microdosing cannabis really help with inflammation, and what should you know before trying it? We’ll dig into the science and also take a closer look at research suggesting lifestyle changes may help slow - or even improve - early Alzheimer’s. This episode was produced by Jennifer Lai Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We all know we should brush and floss our teeth. But the reason goes beyond a sparkling smile and keeping bad breath at bay. The mouth is a critical and often overlooked organ when it comes to improving overall health. Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with Dr. Kami Hoss, author of “If Your Mouth Could Talk,” to discuss the importance of oral health and the brushing routine he recommends for morning and night. For more on Dr. Hoss’ oral care recommendations, check out his e-book: https://supermouthcdn.blob.core.windows.net/website/The_Oral_Care_Revolution.pdf -- Editors’ Note: This episode was assembled from two interviews (one host-led and one producer-led) that took place on separate occasions. Our show was produced by Sofia Sanchez. Medical Writer: Andrea Kane; Showrunner: Amanda Sealy; Senior Producer: Dan Bloom; Technical Director: Dan Dzula; Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Strength training can be confusing enough on its own. But mix in what —and when— to eat, and you might just choose to sit on the couch instead. Dr. Sanjay Gupta serves up answers in this episode of Paging Dr. Gupta. Plus, getting to the root cause of hair loss in women can help narrow down treatment choice. Producer & Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Doctors have long prescribed pills and procedures. But for some people, that isn’t enough. Sanjay sits down with Julia Hotz, author of The Connection Cure, to explore the rise of social prescribing —linking patients to things like volunteering, art, or nature—and how a simple question, “What matters to you?”, can change the way people heal. Producer: Kyra Dahring Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Sanjay Gupta talks through the benefits and risks of cold plunges, and what the limited science tells us about its impacts on inflammation. Plus, the fascinating neuroscience behind why we itch. Producer: Jesse Remedios Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For centuries, humans have tried to repair and replace our body parts -- from brass noses and pig organs to today’s lab-grown tissue. So where do we stand now? Sanjay sits down with author Mary Roach to discuss her newest book, Replaceable You: Adventures in Human Anatomy, which explores the wild history and newest experiments behind human “upgrades,” from 3D‑printed muscle to the ethics of elective amputation and what these innovations mean for our aging bodies. Our show was produced by Jennifer Lai with assistance from Leying Tang. Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If it seems like everyone you know has the flu right now, you’re not that far off. The US has had a record-breaking flu season and isn’t over yet. With the help of CNN medical correspondent Meg Tirrell, Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains how it’s not too late to protect yourself. Plus, Sanjay breaks down the recent changes to the US dietary guidelines. Producer: Sofia Sanchez Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chronic disease, anxiety, ADHD, and even the shape of a person's face could be consequences of dysfunctional breathing. And most of us, it turns out, are doing it wrong – but it’s never too late to fix it. Sanjay sits down with journalist James Nestor to discuss the fifth anniversary edition of Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art, and how simple changes to the way we breathe can start improving our health right away. Our show was produced by Jesse Remedios. Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Many people lost their sense of smell and taste during the early waves of Covid-19. Is there help for those who have yet to recover? CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta sniffs out answers. Plus, a listener warning about a new malady striking some hardcore cannabis users. Producer & Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We often think of pain starting at the source of an injury, but the truth is, it’s all starts in our brain. Dr. Sanjay Gupta explores how discovering the root cause of pain not only helps us understand it but also how to find much needed relief. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices