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/p019px0xDigital 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-79784b56Depression questionnaire: https://patient.info/doctor/mental-health/phq-9National 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.

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-surveyOA overview: https://www.healthdata.org/news-events/newsroom/news-releases/lancet-new-study-reveals-most-common-form-arthritisNeck stretches: https://www.csp.org.uk/conditions/neck-pain/video-exercises-neck-painLectins: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844024155028Ultra-processed foods and OA: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11990240/Apos Therapy (biomechanic therapy): https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/mtg76/informationforpublicGlucosamine and chondroitin: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-latest-on-glucosaminechondroitin-supplements-2016101710391Chondrocyte implants: https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/treatment/joint-surgery/preplanning/the-future-of-joint-repairOmega 3: https://fjps.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s43094-024-00667-5Save 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.

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-surveyA list of ‘superfoods’: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/true-superfoodsFibre benefits: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0261561423003631The Hadza: https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2017/08/24/545631521/is-the-secret-to-a-healthier-microbiome-hidden-in-the-hadza-dietLow fibre benefits: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9268622/Pica: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22944-picaApples: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/11/4025Flax seeds; https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/flaxseedsExtra 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-testingGremolata: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/gremolataHerbs and spices: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6532192/The Health Fix: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Health-Fix-Dr-Ayan-Panja/dp/1914239326Save 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.

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=tX8TgVR33KMHugs: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/oct/26/hugs-science-airport-minutesTalking 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/1914239296Save 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.

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-lprTietze’s syndrome (chest pain): https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23565-tietze-syndromeCostochondritis: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22167-costochondritisPanic attack symptoms: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/podcasts/health-essentials/heart-attack-vs-panic-attack-how-to-tell-the-differenceSilent pneumonia: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15744-pneumonia-atypical-walking-pneumoniaHair loss: https://www.pcds.org.uk/clinical-guidance/alopecia-male-and-female-pattern-alopeciaPhases of hair growth: https://www.healthline.com/health/stages-of-hair-growth#maintaining-hair-healthHair loss and DHT: https://www.healthline.com/health/dht#testosteroneAI and medicine - chatGPT vs GP: https://substack.com/@drayanpanja/note/p-177463006?r=2efcdx&utm_source=notes-share-action&utm_medium=webSave 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.

Sepsis can kill. It is an important public health issue that we all need to be aware of as swift action can save lives. In this episode I look at what it is, how we can prevent it and some common examples from the consulting room. Links: Survey: Your opinion matters. SURVEY here - please help me by taking this 10 minute survey -thank you!: http://bit.ly/savinglivesinslowmotion-surveyLily's story: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cr70zr51rmeoThe Sepsis Trust and the SEPSIS 6: https://sepsistrust.org/about-sepsis/Meningitis B: https://www.healthline.com/health/meningitis/meningitis-bGroups of people and vulnerability to sepsis: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sepsis/who-can-get-it/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.

Stress is an invisible killer. The longer it goes on and remains unaddressed, the more harm it causes.In this episode I look at sources of stress and some techniques I find useful beyond standard stress management advice.Links:Audience survey - thank you so much! http://bit.ly/savinglivesinslowmotion-surveyStress management techniques: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/stress/managing-stress-and-building-resilience/Circle of control: https://positivepsychology.com/circles-of-influence/Exercise and stress: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/exercise-and-stress/art-20044469Benefits of journalling: https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-journalingStressors: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/types-of-stressorsAlternate nostril breathing: https://www.healthline.com/health/alternate-nostril-breathingExpressed emotion: https://link.springer.com/rwe/10.1007/978-3-319-49425-8_415Ego: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/what-is-the-egoStress and addiction: https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/science-choice/201705/stress-and-addictionSave 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.

1 in 5 people on earth experience heartburn or reflux symptoms. It’s strikingly common, more so in the western hemisphere. In this episode I look at the causes and some treatments.Reflux in babies: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-54792702Silent reflux or LPR: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15024-laryngopharyngeal-reflux-lprPPI drugs: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/proton-pump-inhibitorsH Pylori and stomach ulcers: https://gutscharity.org.uk/2019/10/the-doctor-who-infected-himself-to-solve-a-medical-mystery/Histamine blockers - the ranitidine story: https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/zantac-heartburn-timeline-1.5330575Risks of PPI drugs: https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/proton-pump-inhibitors-ppiHiatus hernia: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hiatus-hernia/My book The Health Fix: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Health-Fix-Dr-Ayan-Panja/dp/1914239326Turmeric and PPI for dyspepsia: https://ebm.bmj.com/content/28/6/400Probiotics: https://www.healthline.com/health/gerd/probiotics-for-acid-refluxGinger: https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/ginger-for-acid-refluxLINX procedure: https://www.healthline.com/health/gerd/gerd-linx-procedureSave 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.

It’s a boon that so many people ask for on the back of feeling tired or fatigued - more energy.Here are my 5 tips which will help you feel more energetic during the day.Links:Your opinion matters. SURVEY here - please help me by taking this 10 minute survey -thank you!: http://bit.ly/savinglivesinslowmotion-surveyMind body link: https://positivepsychology.com/body-mind-integration-attention-training/Movement and mood: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-simply-moving-benefits-your-mental-health-201603289350Hydration: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-health-benefits-of-waterEnergy foods: https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/articles/energy_boosting_foodsLow GL diet: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/low-glycemic-dietSleep and energy: https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/how-sleep-boosts-your-energyGetting outdoors: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6562165/Buy THE HEALTH FIX now: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Health-Fix-Transform-Your-Weeks/dp/1914239296Save 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.

I am down with a cough and cold at the moment, and it got me thinking about immunity, seasons and people’s beliefs about illness as well as what we can do to stave off these bugs. Links: Your opinion matters. SURVEY here - please help me by taking this 10 minute survey -thank you!: http://bit.ly/savinglivesinslowmotion-surveyHippocrates and Galen: https://www.thecolourworks.com/blog/hippocrates-galen-the-four-humoursGerm theory: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK24649/The UK Biobank study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33817568/VItamin C and colds: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38082300/Vitamin D: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7551809/Zinc: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36290585/Salt water gargle: https://www.healthline.com/health/salt-water-gargleTurmeric: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/tumeric-for-bronchitisSoup: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/chicken-soup-cold-flu-symptoms-relief-b2789217.htmlSave 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.