TOI Health Plus

Times Of India
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A deep dive into everyday wellness These curated podcasts offer in-depth conversations with senior doctors, nutritionists, health coaches and domain experts on a variety of topics ranging from toxic lifestyle habits, skewed sleep cycles, midlife maladies and vitamin deficiency to burnout, gut health, mental health dilemmas, mindful practices and many more. We also have celebrity guests sharing their health stories, tips and tricks that keep them at the top of their game. Be sure to get answers to all the frequently asked questions. Tune in for some riveting revelations and home truths.

  1. 6d ago

    Cancer is not a death sentence: Understanding the disease beyond treatment

    Cancer does not affect only the person diagnosed. It can change the lives of entire families, bringing emotional, financial and practical challenges along with the treatment journey. In this episode, host Anuja Jaiswal, senior assistant editor with TOI, speaks to Dr Pragya Shukla, head of clinical oncology at Delhi State Cancer Institute, cancer survivor Kamaljeet Bisla, health policy expert Urvashi Prasad, and health insurance expert Abhijit Ghosh about what families need to know when cancer enters their lives. Dr Shukla explains why cancer should no longer automatically be viewed as a death sentence. With advances in oncology, the focus today is not only on curing cancer but, where a cure is not possible, on controlling the disease and helping patients live with it as a chronic condition. She also highlights the importance of making effective treatments accessible and affordable, particularly for poorer patients. Bisla shares her deeply personal journey with cervical cancer, from the shock of diagnosis when her children were young to becoming a cancer survivor two decades later. Her experience offers an important message about early detection, treatment and hope. The conversation also looks beyond medicines. Prasad discusses the gaps in cancer screening and the importance of early and accurate diagnosis, while Ghosh explains why families need to look beyond the sum insured when choosing health insurance, including room-rent restrictions, cancer-specific sub-limits, coverage for newer treatments and restoration benefits. The episode also explores the often-overlooked needs of caregivers, including emotional support, counselling and financial protection. A conversation about cancer, but also about early detection, better support, survivorship and the possibility of life beyond a diagnosis. Chapters 00:00 – Cancer affects the whole family 01:15 – What does the 92% cancer figure mean? 01:53 – The financial and emotional burden of cancer 03:02 – Can we approach cancer with hope? 03:40 – Can cancer become a chronic disease? 06:28 – A survivor remembers her cancer diagnosis 10:07 – Why early and accurate diagnosis matters 12:12 – What your cancer insurance may not cover 17:15 – Supporting patients and caregivers 18:50 – Why cancer screening must become routine 20:18 – Why people fear cancer screening 21:19 – Caregivers need support too 24:21 – Cancer is not a death sentence 24:50 – Life 20 years after cancer

    Cancer is not a death sentence: Understanding the disease beyond treatment

  2. Sep 29

    Why Young Indians Need to Listen to Their Hearts

    At 25, heart health may be the last thing on your mind. But could the lifestyle choices you make today already be shaping your heart health for the future?In this episode, host Anuja Jaiswal, a senior assistant editor with TOI, speaks to senior cardiac surgeon Dr Naresh Trehan, chairman and managing director of Medanta, about why heart disease remains a major concern in India and why younger people should not assume they are immune. Dr Trehan explains the role of genetics, diabetes, abnormal cholesterol levels, obesity, stress, sedentary lifestyles, pollution and dietary habits in cardiovascular risk. He also discusses the idea of a personalised “health horoscope”, combining genetic information, lifestyle and biomedical parameters to identify an individual’s risk and guide preventive measures. The conversation also explores what healthy living really means. Dr Trehan stresses on moderation rather than deprivation, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress and keeping track of important health numbers. He recommends 40 minutes of brisk walking five times a week as a simple form of cardiovascular exercise, and explains why people who spend long hours sitting should take regular movement breaks. Why are some apparently healthy young people collapsing suddenly? Dr Trehan explains that heart attacks are not the only concern. Undiagnosed rhythm disorders, abnormal heart muscles, valve disease and congenital heart conditions can also lead to serious events. He discusses warning signs including breathlessness, palpitations, unusual fatigue and recurring chest, jaw or back pain, and why symptoms should not simply be dismissed as acidity. The episode also touches on energy drinks, pre-workout supplements, ageing, muscle loss and GLP-1 medicines, including what is known and what still requires longer-term evidence. It wraps up with a conversation on recognising risk early, making informed lifestyle choices, and taking heart health seriously at every age. Chapters 00:01 – Why young Indians need to think about heart health 02:27 – The three major risk factors for heart disease 03:23 – Can your genes predict your heart risk? 05:15 – From treatment to prevention 07:08 – Stress, pollution and your heart 09:35 – How much does family history matter? 10:32 – What does a healthy diet really mean? 12:01 – How your health changes with age 13:44 – Why apparently healthy young people can collapse suddenly 18:00 – Why Indians face a higher heart-disease risk 20:07 – How technology is changing heart care 26:24 – The three things you must do for your heart 33:06 – Is one hour of exercise enough if you sit all day? 38:07 – Heart warning signs you should never ignore 42:24 – GLP-1 drugs and heart health

    Why Young Indians Need to Listen to Their Hearts

  3. Sep 23

    The Engineer In The Kitchen: A Food Science Masterclass With Krish Ashok

    For every viral reel warning you against gluten, seed oils or everyday foods, this man has a counter-reel explaining the science — and often, the pseudoscience — behind the claim. In this episode, host Srirupa Ray, an Assistant Editor with TOI, speaks with Krish Ashok, food science writer, techie, musician and author of ‘Masala Lab’ fame who is known for using first principles to debunk nutrition fads and give practical, evidence-based insights. Ashok demystifies fermented foods like dosa and idli, explaining that while ancient fermentation served primarily as a preservation tool, modern science highlights its role in unlocking nutrients and aiding digestion. He emphasizes that gut health relies far more on prebiotics — such as the soluble fibre in whole dals and guavas — than on probiotic trends. On gluten, Ashok clarifies that avoiding it is essential only for those with Celiac disease; for most people, cutting out wheat inadvertently reduces refined carbs. The discussion tackles the psychology of food marketing, exposing how terms like ‘free’, ‘organic’, and ‘herbal’ create false health halos. Ashok warns against social media fear-mongering, urging listeners to distinguish between viral content, peer-reviewed knowledge, and personalised medical advice. He also explores the emerging science around GLP-1 weight-loss medications, explaining how they alter reward pathways and satiety signals to rewire cravings for ultra-processed food. Finally, Ashok reflects on the multi-dimensional engineering behind traditional home cooking, celebrating how grandmothers rely on sensory feedback and muscle memory to master temperature, viscosity, and balance. The episode wraps up with a lively rapid-fire round covering under-appreciated spices, retrograded starch benefits, and the unmatched health profile of black coffee. Before you tune out, do listen to the nutrition power tip of the week by nutritionist Pooja Makhija (https://www.nourishgenie.com/) (This podcast was recorded in August 2026) Chapters 01:34 – The Science of Fermentation & Dosa 05:34 – Probiotics, Postbiotics, and Prebiotics Explained 08:18 – The Gluten Myth & Non-Celiac Sensitivity 15:23 – Deconstructing ‘Free’, ‘Organic’ & ‘Natural’ Marketing Labels 25:26 – Navigating Food Anxiety & Media Misinformation 32:51 – The Problem with Elimination Diets & Fad Diets 38:14 – Can AI Help Fact-Check Health & Nutrition Claims? 42:45 – GLP-1 Drugs & Their Impact on Food Cravings 48:24 – Why Engineers and Techies Are Drawn to Food Science 54:47 – Are Eggs Vegetarian? Defining Diets & Morality 59:18 – Why Leftover Biryani Tastes Better the Next Day 01:02:59 – The Intrinsic Wisdom & Measurement Science of Grandmothers 01:07:18 – Food Memories, Culture, and the Evolution of Cooking 01:13:33 – Rapid Fire: Unsung Spices, Food Myths, and Macros

    The Engineer In The Kitchen: A Food Science Masterclass With Krish Ashok

  4. Sep 16

    Unmasking The Secrets to a Good Night’s Sleep

    Does your body get used to lack of sleep? Can napping fill in for night-time shut-eye? If you think these are true, then this podcast is for you. For, sleeping is something we all do but know so very little about. In this episode, host Himanshi Dhawan, a Senior Editor with TOI, sits in with Dr Sanjay Manchanda, a pioneering sleep specialist who established Delhi’s first sleep clinic at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in the 1990s. With over three decades of experience and 27,000 sleep studies conducted, Dr Manchanda dispels the common misconception that sleep is merely a passive state. Instead, he explains its vital evolutionary role in memory consolidation, tissue repair, and neuronal rejuvenation. The conversation walks us through the vast landscape of sleep medicine — which encompasses nearly 80 distinct conditions — highlighting major disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and restless leg syndrome. Dr Manchanda shares fascinating case studies, illustrating how multiple sleep disorders can coexist and heavily impact physical safety, emotional stability, and long-term heart health. Listeners will also learn the truth behind viral health trends. Dr Manchanda challenges the efficacy of over-the-counter melatonin and magnesium supplements, warns against the accuracy of commercial wearable trackers, and explains how the ‘blue light’ from digital devices disrupts the brain’s natural sleep rhythms. Finally, the episode concludes with practical sleep hygiene advice, from fixing wake-up times to proper evening wind-down routines. Don’t miss the nutrition power tip of the week by nutritionist Pooja Makhija (https://www.nourishgenie.com/) Chapters: 00:38 - The Evolutionary Importance of Sleep 01:42 - The 80+ Types of Sleep Disorders 02:43 - Debunking 'Insomnia' vs. 'Dysomnia' 03:34 - The Four Pillars of Dysomnia & Sleep Studies 04:43 - Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Risks 05:48 - Restless Leg Syndrome: The Sleep Thief 06:52 - Unpacking Narcolepsy & Cataplexy 08:28 - Parasomnias: Violent and Complex Sleep Behaviors 09:48 - The Daily Physical Toll of Disrupted Sleep 11:19 - Cognitive Impact, Irritability, and the Role of REM 13:20 - The Tripod Stand of Perfect Sleep 14:53 - The Modern 24-Hour Cycle and Shift Work Fatigue 16:41 - Dangers of Microsleeps & The Myth of the Nightcap 18:54 - The Truth About Melatonin and Over-the-Counter Supplements 20:31 - The Trend of Magnesium and Gadget Over-Reliance 22:01 - The Reality of Wearable Sleep Trackers 23:40 - The 20-Year Swiss Watch Dealer Problem 29:21 - Unconscious Night Eating (30:12-32:59) Sleepwalking Crime and Legal Precedents (32:59-34:14) Blue Light and Digital Fatigue 36:03 - Masterclass in Sleep Hygiene

    Unmasking The Secrets to a Good Night’s Sleep

  5. Sep 9

    How contaminated food and water can harm your brain

    When we think of unsafe food or water, we usually expect stomach infections, vomiting, or diarrhea. But can what we eat or drink directly impact our brain and nervous system? In this episode, host Anuja Jaiswal, a senior assistant editor with TOI, speaks with Dr Manjari Tripathi, professor and head of neurology at AIIMS, Delhi, to explore the surprising and serious ways unsafe food, water, and environmental hazards can trigger severe neurological conditions. One such infection is neurocysticercosis, which can occur when food contaminated with tapeworm eggs is consumed. The infection can cause seizures, headaches, brain swelling, vision problems and, in severe cases, cognitive decline. Dr Tripathi stresses the importance of thoroughly washing raw vegetables under running water and avoiding uncooked food from unhygienic sources. Stagnant water poses another set of risks, particularly during the monsoon. Water contaminated with rat urine can cause leptospirosis, which can lead to encephalopathy and seizures. Stagnant water also allows mosquitoes to breed, increasing the risk of dengue and Japanese encephalitis, both of which can affect the brain. Dr Tripathi says Japanese encephalitis can leave children with lasting neurological problems, including movement disorders and cognitive impairment. She also discusses rare but potentially fatal amoebic infections that can enter the brain through the nose after exposure to contaminated stagnant water. Severe headache, fever and vomiting, particularly when accompanied by seizures or altered consciousness, should not be ignored and warrant prompt medical evaluation. The episode also focuses on prevention. Keeping surroundings free of stagnant water, using mosquito nets and repellents, wearing protective clothing, ensuring safe drinking water and thoroughly washing or cooking food can reduce the risk. During dengue season, Dr Tripathi advises avoiding ibuprofen and using paracetamol for fever. She also stresses on preventive neurology, including precautions to prevent falls and head injuries among older people during the monsoon. And last but not the least, do listen to the nutrition power tip of the week by nutritionist Pooja Makhija (https://www.nourishgenie.com/) Chapters: 00:01 – Can food and water affect the brain? 01:28 – How contaminated food can reach the brain 03:59 – Neurocysticercosis: When a parasite gets to the brain 05:36 – Raw meat, food hygiene and prevention 06:51 – Is boiled water safe? 09:07 – Juices, ice and the hidden risks of eating outside 10:17 – Stagnant water: A threat to the brain 12:17 – Mosquitoes, dengue and brain complications 14:14 – Japanese encephalitis: How stagnant water plays a role 16:50 – Vaccines and preventing mosquito-borne infections 18:36 – Deadly amoeba infections from stagnant water 20:39 – Warning signs: When fever and headache need urgent care 23:14 – Long-term effects of brain infections 25:38 – Monsoon brain health: Prevention is key

    How contaminated food and water can harm your brain

  6. Sep 2

    Understanding Monsoon Flu Surges, Vaccines, and Lingering Coughs in India

    Flu season in India doesn't follow the calendar the way it does in the West — cases are spiking right now in Delhi, Bengaluru and beyond, even as Tamil Nadu's H1N1 wave was reported to have peaked between March and August. In this episode, host Pushpa Narayan, senior editor (health) with TOI, speaks with Dr V Ramasubramaniam, infectious diseases expert with Apollo Hospitals, about why India sees flu round the year and how to tell it apart from other respiratory illnesses. Dr Ramasubramaniam explains why monsoon timing — not winter — drives flu surges across different Indian states, breaks down the difference between H1N1, H3N2 and other strains, and describes why a "simple flu" cough can linger for six to eight weeks after the fever is gone. He also flags who is most at risk of severe complications — children under five, adults over 65, pregnant women and those with diabetes, heart, lung, kidney or liver disease — and why the flu vaccine, though underused by Indian adults, remains one of the safest and most effective ways to prevent serious illness. The conversation also covers the confusing world of flu testing — why bills for the same test can range from ₹1,000 to ₹30,000 — the truth about antibiotic overuse in viral infections, and why doctors recommend two doses of the flu vaccine a year for high-risk adults in India. Whether you've had a lingering cough, are wondering if you need a flu shot, or just want to separate fact from fear around vaccines, this episode brings clear, expert-backed answers from one of India's leading infectious disease specialists. And last but not the least, do listen to the nutrition power tip of the week by nutritionist Pooja Makhija (https://www.nourishgenie.com/) Chapters: 00:01 — Flu: More Than a Bad Cold 02:10 – Monsoon, not season, drives regional flu waves 02:38 – Decoding H1N1, H3N2 and the alphabet soup of strains 05:03 – Fever, body ache, cough: spotting flu early 06:05 – When "just a cold" turns into pneumonia 06:58 – The mystery cough that lasts six to eight weeks 09:03 – Children, elders, pregnant women: who's most at risk 10:01 – Vaccines work, but Indian adults still skip them 11:36 – Debunking the post-Covid vaccine fear 13:38 – Sore arm or serious risk? Sorting vaccine side effects 14:38 – Four shots every adult over 50 should get 17:22 – Arm, not the buttock: getting the shot right 18:22 – No national flu-shot date: timing it to your monsoon 20:31 – Trivalent or quadrivalent: choosing your flu shot 21:37 – Why high-risk adults need two flu shots a year 22:32 – Masks, hand rubs and the travel-and-weddings risk 23:13 – Inside the hospital: how doctors triage flu cases 26:01 – Why one flu test costs ₹1,000 and another ₹30,000 27:33 – The real reason doctors want to know your exact virus 29:03 – India's antibiotic overuse problem, explained

    Understanding Monsoon Flu Surges, Vaccines, and Lingering Coughs in India

  7. Aug 26

    Pop or Pass? The Real Truth About Your Daily Supplements

    Vitamins and mineral supplements have become a routine part of many people’s lives. From vitamin D and B12 to iron, calcium, magnesium and multivitamins, it can be difficult to know what we actually need — and what we may simply be taking because everyone else is. In this episode, host Jahnavi, a senior digital content creator with TOI, speaks to two experts from Bengaluru — nutritionist Prachi Chandra from Sakra World Hospital and gastroenterologist Dr Sreedhara V from Apollo Hospitals — to explore whether healthy adults really need daily vitamin and mineral supplements, who may genuinely benefit from them, and whether taking too many can do more harm than good. Together, they discuss how our diet, lifestyle, age and health conditions influence nutritional requirements. They also look at common deficiencies, when supplementation may be necessary, whether tests are needed before starting supplements, and the risks of self-prescribing or combining multiple products. From multivitamins and vitamin D to iron and B12, this episode separates genuine nutritional needs from wellness trends — and answers a simple question: Do you really need that handful of supplements every day? And last but not the least, do listen to the nutrition power tip of the week by nutritionist Pooja Makhija (https://www.nourishgenie.com/) Chapters 00:00 - Are We Really Deficient? 02:50 - Can Food Give You All the Nutrients You Need? 07:15 - Who Actually Needs Supplements? 10:35 - Don’t Let Instagram Prescribe Your Vitamins 14:15 - Food First: Can Diet Correct Deficiencies? 19:06 - Can You Take Too Many Vitamins? 21:17 - When Supplements Clash 23:21 - Gummies, Wellness Shots & Green Powders: Do They Work? 25:53 - How to Choose a Supplement 27:41 - Build a Better Plate 30:35 - The Takeaway: Supplement, Don’t Replace

    Pop or Pass? The Real Truth About Your Daily Supplements

  8. Aug 19

    Sarcopenia in India: Why Muscle Loss Isn't Just an Old-Age Problem Anymore

    Muscle loss, or sarcopenia, was once considered a condition affecting only the elderly — but new research shows it's now showing up in adults as young as their 30s and 40s. In this episode, host Kamini Mathai, coordinating editor with TOI, speaks with Dr Nitin Kapoor, Professor and Head of the Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at Christian Medical College and Hospital Vellore, about why sarcopenia is on the rise in India and what can be done about it. Dr Kapoor shares findings from a decade-long Kerala cohort study showing sarcopenia prevalence jumping from 4% to nearly 35% in younger adults, explains the surprising link between diabetes, insulin resistance and muscle breakdown, and discusses how weight-loss drugs like GLP-1s can accelerate muscle loss. The conversation covers practical, at-home ways to assess your muscle health (calf circumference, grip strength, walk speed), the three pillars of sarcopenia prevention (nutrition, exercise, and calcium/vitamin D), and why 10,000 steps a day isn't enough to protect your muscles as you age. Whether you're managing diabetes, considering weight-loss medication, or simply want to age with strength and independence, this episode offers science-backed, actionable guidance from one of India's leading experts in metabolic health. Before you tune out, do listen to the nutrition power tip of the week by nutritionist Pooja Makhija (https://www.nourishgenie.com/) Chapters: 01:20 – What Is Sarcopenia? Defining Muscle Weakness, Mass & Function 02:23 – The Kerala Cohort Study: Sarcopenia Jumps from 4% to 35% 04:35 – Is Sarcopenia Rising Globally or Just in India? 05:02 – The Diabetes–Muscle Loss Connection Explained 07:57 – GLP-1 & Anti-Obesity Drugs: The Hidden Muscle Loss Risk 09:36 – Why Women Lose More Muscle Than Men on These Drugs 11:02 – The 3 Pillars of Sarcopenia Prevention 14:31 – Managing Lactose Intolerance & Calcium Supplementation 15:56 – Secondary Causes of Sarcopenia & Emerging Medications 16:23 – Dr. Kapoor's Personal Routine: Swimming for Muscle Health 17:47 – "But I Walk 10,000 Steps a Day!" — Why Aerobic Isn't Enough 20:34 – How Much Muscle Do We Lose Per Decade? 21:34 – Starting Strength Training Safely in Your 50s & 60s 23:19 – At-Home Tests: Grip Strength, Body Composition, Walk Speed 25:35 – Closing Thoughts: "A Stitch in Time Saves Nine"

    Sarcopenia in India: Why Muscle Loss Isn't Just an Old-Age Problem Anymore
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About

A deep dive into everyday wellness These curated podcasts offer in-depth conversations with senior doctors, nutritionists, health coaches and domain experts on a variety of topics ranging from toxic lifestyle habits, skewed sleep cycles, midlife maladies and vitamin deficiency to burnout, gut health, mental health dilemmas, mindful practices and many more. We also have celebrity guests sharing their health stories, tips and tricks that keep them at the top of their game. Be sure to get answers to all the frequently asked questions. Tune in for some riveting revelations and home truths.

Information

  • Creator
    Times Of India
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Times Of India
  • Show Website
    TOI Health Plus

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