The Dirty Truth About Showering and Handwashing

Diffusers, with their different scents, are meant to create a mood and relax you. But is it healthy to breathe in mist enhanced by essential oils? Dr Sanjay Gupta digs into that issue on this episode of Paging Dr Gupta. Also, how do you know if you are bathing frequently enough? What about washing your hands? This episode was produced by Kyra Dahring and Andrea Kane. 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

You may feel pain in the body, but it really begins in the brain. To explain, Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down at 92nd Street Y in New York to talk about his new book “It Doesn’t Have to Hurt” with his friend and ultra-marathoner Rich Roll. They also discuss how our brains can create pain proactively and protectively. Plus, how memories might have something to do with your chronic pain – and how to move through, with, and past those painful reminders.    Our show was produced by Jennifer Lai, with assistance from Sofia Sanchez.   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

An estimated 51 million Americans live with chronic pain. But our understanding of pain has evolved and so has the ways we can treat and reduce pain. Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains how both diet and meditation can affect the way we experience pain. Our show is produced by Eryn Mathewson, Jennifer Lai, Grace Walker, Lori Galarreta, Jesse Remedios, Sofia Sanchez, Kyra Dahring, and Madeleine Thompson.    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

Voices are powerful. They can signal that we’re feeling sick, show our age, and reveal our secrets. One day, with the help of artificial intelligence, they might even be able to help doctors diagnose us. Dr. Yaël Bensoussan is an assistant professor of otolaryngology at the University of South Florida, and the director of the USF Health Voice Center. She talks to Dr. Sanjay Gupta about what kind of medical information our voices contain, and how she’s using AI to listen for diseases like Parkinson’s and cancer.  This episode was produced by Madeleine Thompson and Lauren Kim.   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

Can years teaching in a classroom make you less likely to get sick? Dr. Sanjay Gupta answers a listener’s question about immunity and shares smart strategies for supporting your immune system as cold and flu season kicks off. Plus, how you can get better sleep – and more of it – this fall.   Our show is produced by Eryn Mathewson, Jennifer Lai, Grace Walker, Lori Galaretta, Jesse Remedios, Sofia Sanchez, Kyra Dahring, and Madeleine Thompson.    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

1,800 lives lost and hundreds of thousands displaced. But the storm left behind more than physical damage. It exposed the lasting psychological toll disasters can take. Nearly 20 years later, catastrophic weather events have only become more common. Dr. Stefan Schulenberg, a leading expert on disaster mental health, explains how trauma lingers, what resilience really looks like, and what Katrina can teach us about facing the crises ahead.  This episode was produced by Lori Galarreta Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Not all belly fat is created equal. Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains what makes some belly fat “toxic,” how to know if you have it, and what you can do to reduce it. Then, he tackles a follow-up question on the new blood pressure guidelines, including what lifestyle changes really work. Our show is produced by Eryn Mathewson, Jennifer Lai, Grace Walker, Lori Galaretta, Jesse Remedios, Sofia Sanchez, Kyra Dahring, and Madeleine Thompson. 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

At 10 years old, brainiac Sean the Science Kid already has plenty in common with Dr. Sanjay Gupta: He loves to learn and explain science to his million-plus Instagram followers. He's an advocate for positivity. And when he grows up, he wants to be a ("neuro-cardio") surgeon. So, Dr. Gupta passes the mic and lets Sean interview him about the things on his heart and brain. Our show is produced by Eryn Mathewson, Jennifer Lai, Grace Walker, Lori Galaretta, Jesse Remedios, Sofia Sanchez, Kyra Dahring, and Madeleine Thompson. 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

Nearly half of Americans have high blood pressure — and the guidelines for managing it just changed. Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains the new rules, including surprising advice on alcohol. Plus, he answers a listener’s follow-up: does the recommended daily dose of “morning sunlight” change when it’s cloudy, rainy, or even snowing? New blood pressure guidelines recommend an earlier start to treatment and skipping alcohol, CNN, August 14, 2025 Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults, The American College of Cardiology/ American Heart Association, August 14, 2025 Our show is produced by Eryn Mathewson, Jennifer Lai, Grace Walker, Lori Galaretta, Jesse Remedios, Sofia Sanchez, Kyra Dahring, and Madeleine Thompson. 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

Feeling overwhelmed as a new parent? Sleep-deprived and drowning in advice? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Parenting can have many different approaches and let’s face it, has changed a lot since you were an infant. Dr. David Hill, pediatrician, author, and AAP spokesperson, breaks down the new baby basics on sleep, feeding, car seats—and answers rapid-fire questions about what’s different now.  Our show is produced by Eryn Mathewson, Jennifer Lai, Grace Walker, Lori Galaretta, Jesse Remedios, Sofia Sanchez, Kyra Dahring, and Madeleine Thompson.   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