Do you believe that food can be medicine? Most of us would agree that a healthy diet – whatever that means to the individual – is vital to our wellbeing. But can the right foods actually prevent and even cure illness? I know what I think, and my guest today not only agrees, he provides living proof! Dr Rupy Aujla was just 24 when he was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, a heart condition rare in someone of that age. But it wasn’t Rupy’s years of medical training or even his consultant’s advice that turned his life around. It was only when he listened to his mother, looked to his diet, and transformed his eating that he was able to defy medical expectations and reverse his condition.
This experience led Rupy to do a deep dive into how this ‘impossible’ feat was achieved and in this conversation, he shares some of the explanations he’s uncovered, including a reduction in inflammation and an improvement in the health of his gut.
Back in 2015, he founded The Doctor’s Kitchen, a movement to inspire and educate people about nutritional medicine and help them eat well every day. He not only shares recipes but also explains the clinical research behind them and how they can help you with your health. And he does this via his bestselling books, podcasts and social media posts. Recently, Rupy has taken the decision to pause his NHS career and focus on making healthy eating more accessible by launching the Doctor’s Kitchen app, which is set to become a must-have resource for finding research-backed recipes tailored to your personal likes and health goals. It is available now on the App store.
Rupy is a great friend and our lives have followed a similar path in many ways. We talk in-depth about the concept of food as medicine, as well as the polarising nature of discussions around diet. We also consider identity when it comes to career choice, and what it really means to be a doctor in the modern world. If you can help hundreds of thousands of people live better through your public platforms, is that any less meaningful than helping patients in a surgery or hospital each day? There’s lots to think about in this conversation and I hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed chatting.
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Order Dr Chatterjee's new book Happy Mind, Happy Life: UK version: https://amzn.to/304opgJ, US & Canada version: https://amzn.to/3DRxjgp
Show notes available at https://drchatterjee.com/269
DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified health care provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.