How Early Should You Check Your Cholesterol?

Cortisol gets blamed for everything from sleepless nights to stubborn belly fat, but the real story is far more complicated. Dr. Sanjay Gupta talks with Dr. Robert Sapolsky, a neuroscientist, biologist, and Stanford University professor, and author of Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers, about what this stress hormone actually does and why it matters. Sapolsky explains how chronic stress affects sleep, metabolism, mood, and long‑term health, and shares what we can learn from creatures who manage stress far better than we do... including how you might do the same.   Our show was produced by Jennifer Lai.   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 you thought high cholesterol was something to worry about later in life, you’re not alone. But new advice has a lot of people wondering if they should be getting checked sooner. Dr. Sanjay Gupta breaks down the new guidelines, who should pay attention, and what it actually means for you.  Want to check your risk? Try the American Heart Association’s PREVENT calculator.    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

“All About Allergies” is the new book by Dr. Zachary Rubin, a double-board certified allergist and immunologist who joins Dr. Sanjay Gupta to break down what distinguishes an allergy from an intolerance, what flags to watch out for before a reaction, and explain what to expect from a trip to the allergist’s office. Plus, Dr. Gupta shares a surprising story about a time he swelled up from eating a mango. Produced by Sofia H. Sanchez Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Producer: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Americans eat hundreds of eggs a year. But when it comes to cholesterol, how much of an impact do those eggs make We crack open the science on this week’s Paging Dr. Gupta. Plus, what really happens to your pelvic floor when you lift heavier weights? This episode was produced by Jennifer Lai Showrunner: Amanda Sealy  Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Most of us assume major brain decline and memory loss are inevitable as we age, but research shows that’s not the case. So what does it take to keep your brain healthy and even help it grow? Dr. Sanjay Gupta talks to neurologist and neuroscientist Dr. Majid Fotuhi about his new book, “The Invincible Brain.” It lays out a 12-week, science-backed program for preventing and even reversing cognitive decline by tapping into the brain’s remarkable ability to adapt, rebuild and even improve at any age. Producer: Andrea Kane Showrunner: Amanda SealySenior Producer: Dan BloomTechnical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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