Chasing Life

When Billy Joel canceled part of his tour because of a brain condition known as normal pressure hydrocephalus, a lot of you had questions. Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains what it is, how it’s diagnosed, and what you should know if someone in your life is dealing with it.

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The average American takes in about 34 gigabytes of information each day -- that's a lot for our brains to process and remember. Top memory expert Dr. Charan Ranganath sits down with Dr. Sanjay Gupta to share why the key to remembering more may be to memorize less. Plus, Ranganath weighs in on what could change for human memory in the age of AI.

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One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and President Biden’s recent diagnosis has many people asking: Am I at risk? Should I get screened? Dr. Sanjay Gupta breaks down what to know about PSA tests, family history, screening age, and how your diet might factor in. 

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Can you maintain good health into your 80s and beyond? Cardiologist Dr. Eric Topol says yes. He joins Dr. Sanjay Gupta explain why preventing the onset of major diseases is key to extending your life and health-span. And he shares the new screening tools that might help us do it.  

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Whole, skim, oat, almond, pistachio…the milk options seem endless! But which one's actually the healthiest? Dr. Sanjay Gupta breaks it down. Plus, if someone’s in the middle of a bad dream, should you wake them? The answer might surprise you.

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What actually happens in the brain during pregnancy? Cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Laura Pritschet joins Dr. Sanjay Gupta to unpack the hormonal shifts and brain changes that support new parenthood and how understanding them could reshape the way we think about women’s health. 

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Dr. Sanjay Gupta takes us to Milwaukee, where rising concerns over lead paint in public schools have parents and health officials on high alert. Plus, answers to your questions about lead in everyday life — including whether that chocolate you're eating could be a hidden source of exposure.

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Author and physician Dr. Jen Gunter has earned the title ‘the Internet’s Ob/gyn’ for her work demystifying menopause – and de-bunking some of the misinformation surrounding this stage of life. Dr. Gunter and CNN Medical Correspondent Meg Tirrell break down what’s actually going on in women’s bodies during this stage of life, and how to spot the signs. 

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Proponents of vaccines have contended with waves of skepticism and controversy in recent years, and even if you’re first in line for your booster, the doses have stacked up in a way that inspires questions. Today, Dr. Sanjay Gupta sets the record straight on whether you can ever be too vaccinated. He also answers a question related to menopause and the supplement, creatine. 

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Samantha Bee is tired of the stigma that still surrounds talking about menopause. The Emmy-winning comedian and writer sits down with CNN Medical Correspondent Meg Tirrell to share why she’s opening up about this phase of her life. Plus, how she realized her body was changing – from night sweats to an ‘emotional roller coaster’ of rage. 

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Cereals, frostings, and other snacks in the U.S. are about to get a lot less colorful with the FDA moving to phase out artificial food dyes from the nation’s food supply. Will they also get healthier? Plus, Dr. Gupta gets a page to compare whether frozen vegetables store vitamins better than fresh produce.

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Overcrowded waiting rooms. End-of-life decisions. Pandemic fatigue. These are the realities of working in emergency medicine. It’s also one of several storylines a new Max medical drama ‘The Pitt’ tackles with unflinching accuracy. Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with executive producer John Wells to talk about why the show resonates with so many. 

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The blockbuster release of GLP-1 drugs for diabetes management and weight loss have left people with a lot of unanswered questions, including this one: can you naturally boost the hormone GLP-1 without pharmaceuticals? That’s where we start today’s Paging Dr. Gupta. We’ll also cover tips on spotting bad science and finding trustworthy sources of health information.

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How does our relationship with nature affect our health, for better and worse? Dr. Sanjay Gupta explores this idea by pulling from personal experience as a physician, a journalist, and a father. First, he speaks with Dr. Melissa Lem, president of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment. And later, Britt Wray, a mental health researcher and author of Generation Dread: Finding Purpose in an Age of Climate Anxiety.

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The decades-long practice of adding fluoride to drinking water is under fire. On this week’s Paging Dr. Gupta, we're sinking our teeth into the latest science, and what that means for you or your family’s dental health. 

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Americans are protein obsessed, but should we be? Renowned nutritionist Dr. Tim Spector sits down with Dr. Sanjay Gupta to share why the focus on protein may mean we’re missing out on another crucial nutrient. Plus, Spector weighs in on other health fads, from low-fat foods to seed oils.  

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If you’ve ever found yourself at a market with questions about organic foods, you're not alone. We'll tackle that subject on today’s Paging Dr. Gupta and take another call about how to stay up to date on the measles vaccine and other shots at any age.

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We often talk about exercise in the context of cardio or strength training, but there's another pillar of fitness that is especially important as we age: mobility. Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with Dr. Kelly Starrett, physical therapist and co-author of “Built To Move: The Ten Essential Habits to Move Freely and Live Fully,” to break down what mobility is, why it's important, and how we can in fact become more mobile and live pain-free.  

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Can the way you organize your space affect your mood? Dr. Sanjay Gupta answers a listener’s question about clutter and mental health. Plus, do blue light glasses really work? We break down the science behind digital eye strain and what actually helps. 

If you want to hear more from therapist KC Davis, check out our episode Is There Such a Thing as the Organized Brain? 

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Most of us try to avoid stress at all costs. But Dr. Sharon Bergquist, author of ‘The Stress Paradox,’ says too little stress can be just as bad for you. Bergquist sits down with Dr. Sanjay Gupta to explain the surprising science behind how some stress can make you healthier, and the steps you can take to harness it.

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Ever find yourself staring at cooking oils in the store, wondering which ones are actually good for you? Dr. Sanjay Gupta clears up the confusion on which oils are healthier. Plus, how much water do you really need each day?

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Research shows that kids are starting puberty earlier than ever, with the average age now beginning at 8 for girls and 9 for boys. But what does this mean for their long-term health? Sanjay sits down with Dr. Cara Natterson, a pediatrician and expert on adolescent health, to discuss the implications of early puberty, what's driving the shift, and what anyone with a young person in their life needs to know to navigate this crucial time. 

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It’s been five years since Covid-19 was declared a pandemic, but for some, the symptoms are still lingering—just how common is that? Plus, if you’ve ever wondered whether natural deodorant is really better for you, Dr. Sanjay Gupta weighs in. 

Want to learn more about personal hygiene habits? Check out our episode, 'One Doctor's Decision to Stop Showering’ or read the article, ‘How often should you shower? Advice from a doctor who bucked social norms.’ 

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The Covid-19 pandemic unleashed a new level of conspiracy theories and medical misinformation that some dubbed an ‘infodemic.’ Science influencer and infectious disease researcher Laurel Bristow made a name online de-bunking false claims. Now, five years after COVID was declared a pandemic, she joins Dr. Sanjay Gupta to talk about her new approach to spotting shoddy science.  

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Pneumonia is a serious threat; what can you do to lower your risk? Plus, for all the night owls out there, Dr. Sanjay Gupta answers a listener’s question: are your late-night habits lazy, or is there actual science behind them?

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What can a doctor learn from becoming a patient? That’s what Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, a surgeon and president-elect of the American Medical Association, set his mind on when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor last year. Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with his old friend, before and after surgery, to see what Mukkamala’s experience taught him about U.S. healthcare being on the other side of the stethoscope. 

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Have you ever been told to let hot food cool before putting it in the fridge? And what about those "microwave-safe" plastic containers—are they actually safe? Dr. Sanjay Gupta weighs in on these common kitchen debates.

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We haven’t talked much about measles since it was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000. But measles is one of the most contagious viruses on the planet, and lower vaccination rates have given it a chance to spread—just like we’re seeing in West Texas. Dr. Sanjay Gupta traveled there to find out how the outbreak started, what’s being done to contain it, and how the community is coping. 

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Measles was considered eliminated in the United States in 2000 — so why is it making a comeback? Dr. Sanjay Gupta reports from West Texas where there’s a growing outbreak to answer your pressing questions on the virus and explain how to protect yourself and your family.

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We’ve all heard that so-called “ultraprocessed” foods aren’t great for us—but why? It turns out scientists are still trying to figure that out. Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with his friend and colleague, CNN’s Meg Tirrell, to talk about her recent visit to the National Institutes of Health, where researchers are studying the effects of these foods in ways that could shape future food policy and change how we shop. 

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Big news in pain management, the FDA has approved a new opioid-free pain medication. So how is it different from what’s already out there? Plus, if you missed your flu shot in the fall, is it still worth getting one now? Dr. Sanjay Gupta answers your questions!

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No, you’re not petty for feeling jealous. Research shows humans experience this emotion even before they can crawl. CNN chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with psychologist Dr. Joli Hamilton to demystify jealousy and why the complex emotion is not only natural but could actually be beneficial. 

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Curious about intermittent fasting? Dr. Sanjay Gupta answers a listener’s question by breaking down the science and shares his own experience. Plus, with cruise season in full swing, he shares essential tips to help you avoid norovirus and stay healthy on your next vacation. 

For a deeper dive into intermittent fasting, check out our episode, “Do Diets Really Work?”

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What if staying motivated wasn’t about willpower, but strategy? ADHD coach Eric Tivers created the Dopamenu, a personalized menu of small, satisfying activities designed to boost focus, motivation, and well-being. He joins Dr. Sanjay Gupta to explain how this simple strategy helped him manage ADHD and why it might work for anyone. 

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You can find mocktails on just about any menu these days, but can you enjoy the trend without the sugar overload? Dr. Sanjay Gupta answers a listener’s question and shares tips from a mixologist on crafting healthier zero-proof drinks.

Want to learn more about alcohol's health impacts? Check out our episode, 'Your Shame-Free Guide to Cutting Back on Booze.’ 

Need inspiration? Discover 32 of the best nonalcoholic drinks for Dry January and beyond. 

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Trauma has become a buzzword in the zeitgeist over the years, but do we really understand what it means and how it impacts the body? Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with psychiatrist Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score, to explore what both psychologists and the public often get wrong about trauma—and why he believes our bodies hold the key to healing.

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Dr. James Hamblin stopped taking regular showers. And no, he didn’t stink. The doctor and journalist joins Dr. Sanjay Gupta to explain why he set out to challenge this social norm and the science behind doing less to stay clean. 

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Boredom – it’s a state many of us try to avoid. But, in a world full of distractions, maybe it’s time to embrace boredom as a way to spark creativity and reclaim our attention. Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with cognitive neuroscientist James Danckert to explore how boredom affects our health and why it can actually be the motivational jumpstart you need.  

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It’s the new year, a time when so many of us set out to do more, be better. It can feel overwhelming, and most resolutions end up broken. So what if this year, you tried something different? Dr. Sanjay Gupta sets out to explore surprising ways we can all let go in the new year and still live healthier and happier lives. He kicks this journey off with a conversation about letting go of perfectionism, without lowering your standards. 

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Yes, drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro can help people lose weight, but at what cost? Dr. Sanjay Gupta explores why these drugs may not be the right fit for everyone.

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Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, are being called “miracle drugs” with users boasting about their fast results. Dr. Sanjay Gupta takes a deep dive into how they disrupted the entire weight loss industry and changed the conversation about obesity. 

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Faith and science may often seem at odds with one another, but renowned geneticist and former NIH director, Dr. Francis Collins, says that he sees science as a form of worship. He talks with Dr. Sanjay Gupta about how he’s interrogated his own beliefs around religion and what he says science can’t measure.

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Holiday party season is upon us. But before you reach for that second cocktail (or third), let’s take a look at the science behind what alcohol actually does to our bodies with Dr. Jason Kilmer, Associate Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Washington. Plus, we'll unpack the rise of the mocktail movement and whether ‘Dry January’ actually works.

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Microplastics are everywhere — from the ocean to our bloodstream — raising urgent questions about their impact on human health. How concerned should we really be? Sanjay sits down with Dr. Leonardo Trasande, the Director of Environmental Pediatrics at NYU School of Medicine, to talk about how to realistically reduce our exposure and the future of combating microplastics.

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Conspiracy theories can take many forms, from misgivings about the first moon landing to false claims that the 2020 election was stolen. These kinds of beliefs are nothing new, but social media has helped make many of them more mainstream. As anyone who’s tried to reason with a conspiracy theorist knows, it’s hard to debunk such deeply held beliefs – and arguing with a loved one about them can be emotionally taxing. What if an AI chatbot could help? A recent study, published in Science, asked that very question — and the results were surprising. Thomas Costello, an assistant professor of psychology at American University and co-author of the study, breaks down the findings.

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Food recalls seem to be making headlines more than ever. This summer, a major recall of roughly 7.2 million pounds of Boar's Head deli meats due to listeria raised serious concerns and sent 59 people to the hospital and resulted in 10 deaths. More recently, E. coli outbreaks linked to organic carrots and slivered onions in McDonald's quarter pounders brought the issue back into focus, Sanjay sits down with food safety expert Dr. Don Schaffner to explore why recalls happen and the steps you can take to keep your family safe.

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In this intimate finale of a two-part special, Dr. Sanjay Gupta decides to find out his own risk of Alzheimer’s disease. As he confronts his own genetic markers and lifestyle factors, Sanjay breaks down the science behind Alzheimer’s risk and explores what steps might slow down the disease.

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For the nearly 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s, progress on treatments has felt painfully slow and incremental at best…until now. Dr. Sanjay Gupta traveled the country meeting people who have slowed, prevented, and in some cases even reversed the spread of Alzheimer’s. These are their stories.

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In a world marked by war and political polarization, it can certainly feel at times like we have all lost touch with the art of compromise – the wisdom to recognize that real progress demands sacrifice. Except, that’s not entirely true. Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with social psychologist Peter T. Coleman, author of “The Way Out: How to Overcome Toxic Polarization,” to discuss the fundamentals of navigating difficult conversations, how our brains evolved to handle conflict, and why reaching a compromise is not always the best solution.

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Americans are sugar obsessed. Can we cut back without making life feel less sweet? This Halloween, sugar studies expert Laura Schmidt shares tips for taming your sweet tooth. Plus, why she says we need to stop debating if sugar is addictive.

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