Gut Feeling with Dr. Pal

Dr. Pal Manickam

Join us in this podcast as we gather experts from around the country to unravel the secrets of staying healthy and debunk common health misconceptions. Get ready for insightful discussions, and let these conversations become your prescription for a healthier life.

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27 episodes
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Avg 1 hr 1 min
English

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Saturday · 56 min
Why Emotionally Neglected Kids Struggle as Adults
In this episode of Gut Feeling with Dr. Pal, we explore how childhood trauma can quietly shape the way we think, feel, parent, work and build relationships as adults. From emotional neglect, people-pleasing and hyper-independence to loneliness, workaholism, silent treatment and difficulty asking for help, the conversation looks at how early experiences can continue to influence adult behaviour long after childhood. Dr. Pal and his guest also unpack some less-discussed signs of unresolved childhood trauma: feeling lonely even around people, apologising just to avoid conflict, using work as an escape, struggling with vulnerability, or becoming excessively independent because relying on others once felt unsafe. 02:03 Why Men Struggle to Talk About Trauma 03:33 Why Suicide Among Young People Is a Growing Concern 05:04 What Is Peer Isolation and How Does It Affect Children? 06:55 Peer Isolation vs Social Comparison07:45 Introversion vs Loneliness: What Parents Should Understand 08:23 How Parental Comparison Affects a Child's Self-Worth 10:04 How Academic Pressure Can Lead to Anxiety and Panic Attacks 13:21 How Social Media Increases Pressure on Teenagers14:06 Talking to Children About Sex, Consent and Relationships 16:52 How to Maintain a Strong Parent-Teen Connection 18:29 The 80/20 Rule of Parenting: Choose Your Battles 21:39 Why a Child's Emotional Safety at Home Matters 22:45 How Phone Addiction Affects Parent-Child Relationships 24:46 How Overprotective Parenting Can Affect Children's Social Skills 28:49 How Parents Can Build Emotional Resilience in Children 31:29 Admitting Parenting Mistakes and Encouraging Therapy 37:29 Workaholism: Are You Using Work to Escape Your Problems? 42:02 What Hurts a Child More: Being Shouted At or Emotionally Ignored? 43:30 Why Do Some People Apologise Even When They Aren't Wrong?
September 28 · 43 min
She's 11. She has a million followers. Dr Pal Tests what she knows about health | Ft. Varenya & Dr Pal
In this episode, Dr. Pal explores the fascinating connection between the brain and the gut with 11-year-old Varenya. The conversation looks at why the gut is often called the “second brain,” how nervousness can create butterflies in your stomach, and why the gut and brain constantly communicate with each other. They discuss meal timings, digestion, fibre, fruits, whole foods, junk food, ultra-processed foods, sleep, screen time, probiotics and protein, and how everyday habits can influence gut health. Varenya also shares her understanding of a “perfect day” for Gutman, the importance of outdoor play and family meals, and her own creative poem from the perspective of the gut. Through a fun and relatable conversation, the episode explores how children can better understand their bodies, listen to their gut and build healthier everyday habits. 00:00 - 02:30 Teaser | Can Your Gut Control Your Brain? 02:30 - 08:39 Can Your Gut Control Your Brain? | Meet Gutman & Varenya 08:39 - 13:26 Your Gut Loves Timing! | Dinner, Digestion & Gut Health 13:26 - 18:00 Why Do We Get Butterflies in Our Stomach? | Brain-Gut Connection 19:09 - 22:52 Healthy Food vs Junk Food | What Does Your Gut Really Want? 22:52 - 27:11 The Secret to a Happy Gut | Fibre, Fruits & Outdoor Play 27:11 - 31:36 Family Meals, Screen Time & Your Body Clock | Gut Health 31:36 - 34:53 Gut Health Rapid Fire! | Ice Cream, Maggi, Curd & Probiotics 34:53 - 36:24 How Much Protein & Fibre Do Kids Need? | Build a Healthy Plate 36:24 - 39:51 Varenya’s Gut Health Poem | When Your Gut Could Talk 39:51 - 43:19 A Message From Your Gut | Probiotics, Fibre & Taking Care of Gutman
September 18 · 1 hr 10 min
How Childhood Trauma Shapes Your Adult Life?
The conversation also explores Gen Z parenting, emotional resilience, healthy boundaries, trauma responses, and breaking generational patterns. Watch the full conversation to understand how your childhood may still be influencing who you are today and how greater awareness can help change what gets passed on to the next generation. In this episode, Dr. Pal and Dr. Riri explores the hidden impact of childhood trauma, adverse childhood experiences, emotional neglect, parenting styles, family conflicts, bullying, people pleasing, emotional triggers, anxiety, depression and relationship problems. They discuss how experiences from childhood can influence adult behaviour, emotional regulation, attachment, marriage, and the way we respond to stressful situations. Chapter Timestamps: 1:52 - Introduction 3:06 - Can Childhood Trauma Affect Your Gut & Mental Health? 5:02 - What Actually Counts as Childhood Trauma? 9:30 - How Childhood Trauma Shapes Adult Behaviour 13:03 - Why Childhood Trauma Affects Relationships 18:18 - Emotional Unavailability in Relationships 20:47 - The 80/20 Parenting Rule 25:28 - People Pleasing & Fear of Saying No 27:49 - Are Gen Z Boundaries Becoming Too Rigid? 30:31 - 4 Parenting Styles Explained 34:01 - How to Regulate Your Nervous System 38:24 - When Do You Actually Need Therapy? 41:14 - How Trauma Memories Get Stored 46:16 - Mother-Daughter & Mother-in-Law Conflicts 51:46 - How to Build Emotional Resilience 58:30 - What Fighting in Front of Kids Does 1:03:36 - Books Written by Dr. Riri
September 5 · 1 hr 23 min
The Dark Reality Behind Meat & Dairy Products | Arvind Animal Activist
Is going vegan actually healthy or harmful? In this episode Dr. Pal explores the health, nutrition and ethical debates surrounding veganism and plant-based diets. From protein, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D and Omega-3 to gut health and supplements, the conversation breaks down what people should consider before going vegan. They discuss the realities of the meat, dairy and slaughterhouse industries, animal welfare, farming practices and whether choosing a vegan lifestyle can truly reduce animal suffering.Can you get everything your body needs without meat and dairy? Is every vegan diet automatically healthy? And what should you know before making the switch? This conversation explores both the benefits and challenges of veganism to help you understand the bigger picture. vegan diet, veganism, is vegan healthy, vegan diet benefits, vegan diet risks, plant based diet, should you go vegan, vegan nutrition, vegan protein, vitamin B12 vegan, B12 deficiency vegan, vitamin D vegan, omega 3 vegan, vegan supplements, gut health, plant based nutrition, dairy industry, meat industry, slaughterhouse reality, animal cruelty, animal welfare, vegan lifestyle, healthy vegan diet, Dr Pal, Dr Pal podcast
September 1 · 50 min
Why You Can’t Afford to Ignore Health Insurance | ft. Ditto Insurance
Health insurance in India can be confusing—how much coverage do you actually need, why do claims get rejected, and what should you check before buying a policy? In this episode, Dr. Pal sits down with the co-founder of Ditto Insurance to break down health insurance from A to Z.They discuss claim settlement ratios, cashless hospital networks, room-rent limits, disease-specific sub-limits, restoration benefits, pre-existing disease waiting periods, and why medical disclosure matters. The conversation also covers insurance for diabetes, hypertension and obesity, health insurance for parents, family floater plans, employer insurance, medical inflation, and how much coverage a family may need. If you’re planning to buy health insurance in India, this conversation can help you understand what to look for before choosing a policy. health insurance India, best health insurance India, Ditto Insurance, Dr Pal podcast, health insurance podcast, medical insurance India, health insurance explained, health insurance for family, family floater insurance, health insurance for parents, health insurance for diabetes, pre existing disease insurance, health insurance claim, insurance claim rejected, claim settlement ratio, cashless health insurance, health insurance waiting period, room rent limit, restoration benefit, medical inflation India, health insurance coverage, insurance policy India, health insurance tips, health insurance for NRI, OCI health insurance, employer health insurance 06:42 - Hidden Limits in Your Insurance Policy 12:27 - Pre-Existing Diseases & Waiting Periods 15:32 - Do You Really Need Health Insurance? 16:48 - The Reality of Medical Inflation in India 17:58 - What’s the Right Age to Buy Insurance? 21:35 - Why Healthy Young People Need Insurance 28:00 - Insurance for Diabetes & Existing Conditions 30:20 - Health Insurance: India vs USA 35:19 - Buying Health Insurance for Your Parents 38:77 - CM Vijay's Rs 25 Lakh Health Insurance. Is it beneficial? 40:48 - Does Insurance Cover Obesity Treatment? 49:04 - Rapid Fire 02:46 - Why Health Insurance Claims Get Rejected
August 31 · 35 min
Is Your RO Water Really Healthy? | ft. Mr Kaleeswaran Arunachalam
In this episode Dr. Pal explores a question most of us rarely ask, Is the water we drink actually healthy? He speaks with a senior leader from Crompton about water quality, RO water purifiers, TDS, essential minerals, contaminants, heavy metals, microplastics, water wastage, and CDI water purification technology. The conversation explains how RO purification removes contaminants but may also remove naturally available minerals such as calcium and magnesium, why lower TDS isn’t always better, and how CDI technology aims to retain essential minerals while reducing water wastage. They also discuss mineral cartridges, bottled and canned water safety in India, hydration, water scarcity, sustainable purification and how to understand what is actually present in your drinking water. If you use an RO water purifier every day, this conversation may change how you think about your water.Timestamps:-00:00 - 06:23 Intro, how to purify, sources of water, Gastroentitus, what does RO do, Remineralization 17:44 - 18:55 TDS explanation (first half)14:52 - 17:44 CDI introduction, function, water wastage20:40 - 21:19 Visualize water wastage22:39 - 25:31 Experiment11:19 - 13:15 Biofier6:24 - 8:48 Apartment18:55 - 20:40 TDS (second half)8:48 - 11:19 Cane water13:15 - 14:52 Labels21:19 - 22:39 Bottled water
August 28 · 40 min
What Should Kids Actually Eat? | Dr Pal & Agniv
In this special episode 7-year-old Agniv joins Dr. Pal for a fun, insightful and surprisingly smart conversation about gut health, food and healthy habits.From understanding good and bad gut bacteria to learning why fiber is so important, Agniv and Dr. Pal break down complex gut health concepts in a way that kids and parents can easily understand. They talk about fermented foods, curd, fruits, vegetables, processed foods, probiotics, the digestive system and why eating a colourful 'rainbow diet' can support a healthier gut. Dr. Pal also explains how everyday food choices can affect the bacteria living inside our gut, why too much junk food can create problems, and why children should start building better eating habits from an early age.If you’re a parent wondering what your child should eat, how much fiber they need, or how to make healthy eating more interesting, this episode is packed with simple lessons you can start using at home. Agniv Chapter Timestamps: 03:32 - What Exactly Is Your Gut? 04:24 - Why Agniv Doesn’t Want to Be a Doctor 04:53 - Can Food Really Be Medicine? 06:14 - Meet Gutman & His Superpower 08:52 - Longest par of your intestine 11:51 - Endoscopy Explained to a 7-Year-Old 14:11 - Good vs Bad Gut Bacteria 15:10 - Curd, Probiotics and Good Bacteria 18:49- Why is Rajnikanth Curd? 20:56 - Dr. Pal’s Favourite Gut-Friendly Foods 25:57 - How Much Fibre Do You Need Daily? 27:20 - Fermented Foods & What Kids Are Eating 32:03 - Why Your Gut Needs a Rainbow Plate 36:57 - Agniv’s Advice for a Healthy Gut
August 20 · 49 min
5 Myths About IVF You Should Stop Believing | Dr. Sulbha Arora x Dr. Pal
In this episode, Dr. Pal sits down with fertility and IVF expert Dr. Sulbha Arora to break down what couples should really know before beginning fertility treatment. From understanding the difference between natural conception, IUI and IVF to how age, ovarian reserve and embryo quality can affect success.Dr. Sulbha also explains IVF success rates, IVF after 35 and 40, donor eggs, embryo selection, AI in IVF, advanced incubators and the role of an experienced embryologist. The conversation also explores how couples can choose the right fertility clinic, what questions they should ask, why financial transparency matters and what an IVF cycle may actually cost.Dr. Pal and Dr. Sulbha also bust common myths around IVF pain, twins, laptops affecting sperm count and whether IVF babies are different from naturally conceived babies.If you are considering IVF, undergoing fertility treatment or simply want to understand reproductive health better, this conversation offers a clear and practical look at the IVF journey. Time stamps-02:10 - Does Every Couple Need IVF?02:55 - Natural Conception, IUI & IVF Explained07:45 - How IUI Works & Who It Helps08:57 - IVF Process: Stimulation to Embryo Transfer12:02 - Blastocyst & Embryo Selection Explained15:13 - PGT-A, Embryo Grading & AI in IVF17:27 - Self Cycle vs Donor Eggs21:21 - IVF Lab Technology & Advanced Incubators27:08 - How IVF Labs Prevent Embryo Mix-Ups29:22 - How to Choose the Right IVF Clinic34:09 - IVF Cost & Financial Transparency43:19 - IVF Myth and Success Rates
August 11 · 38 min
Why Are Indians Facing More Fertility Problems Than Ever? | Dr. Sulbha Arora x Dr. Pal
Why are more couples struggling with infertility today? What is the best age to plan a pregnancy, and does IVF really work? In this episode of Gut Feeling with Dr. Pal, fertility specialist Dr. Sulbha Arora explains the science behind fertility, pregnancy, IVF and egg freezing.The conversation explores how fertility changes with age, why ovarian reserve may decline earlier in Indian women, and how tests such as AMH and antral follicle count can help assess reproductive health. Dr. Sulbha also explains when women should consider egg freezing and what couples should know before starting IVF.The episode also highlights that infertility is not only a female issue. Male factors are involved in nearly 50% of infertility cases. The doctors discuss semen testing, declining sperm quality, obesity, smoking, poor sleep, stress, lack of exercise, plastics and environmental toxins that may affect fertility.Whether you are planning a baby, considering IVF or simply want to understand your reproductive health better, this conversation offers essential information every couple should know. Watch the full episode and share it with someone who may benefit from it.
August 1 · 55 min
Why Healthy Indians Are Getting Heart Attacks | Dr Varun Bansal x Dr Pal
Heart disease is affecting younger Indians like never before. But is cooking oil really the biggest reason? Can someone who exercises every day still have three blocked arteries? And are olive oil, palm oil, ghee and seed oils as dangerous as social media makes them seem? In this episode of Gut Feeling with Dr. Pal, Dr. Pal sits down with Dr. Varun Bansal, a leading cardiac surgeon, to separate facts from myths around heart disease, cholesterol, cooking oils, lifestyle, genetics and sudden cardiac deaths in young Indians. Through real patient stories and evidence-based research, this conversation explains what actually matters when it comes to protecting your heart. Whether you're worried about cholesterol, confused about which oil to use, or simply want to understand why heart attacks are becoming more common in younger people, this episode is packed with practical insights backed by science.
July 23 · 1 hr 8 min
Why You Shouldn't Ignore Bloating | Gut Health, Acidity & Cancer Red Flags । Dr Shubham Vatsya
Struggling with bloating, constipation, IBS, acid reflux, fatty liver, gluten sensitivity or frequent digestive issues? This episode of Gut Feeling with Dr. Pal breaks down the science of gut health in a simple, practical way. Dr. Pal is joined by gastroenterologist Dr. Shubham Vatsya to discuss why gut problems are increasing, how stress, poor sleep and night shifts affect digestion, and the warning signs that may point to serious conditions like colon or stomach cancer. They also cover celiac disease, gluten-free diets, low FODMAP diets, Isabgol, GERD, PPI medicines, Vitamin B12 deficiency, iron deficiency, eggs, protein myths, fatty liver and gut microbiome health. Packed with evidence-based insights, this podcast will help you improve digestion, understand food intolerances, manage common gut symptoms and separate medical facts from popular myths. Subscribe for more expert health conversations.
July 3 · 35 min
The Blood Clot Symptoms You Should Never Ignore | Vascular Surgeon Explains
Most people think blocked blood vessels only cause heart attacks. In this episode, Dr. Raja Gopala explains how blood clots form, what causes poor circulation, and why symptoms like leg pain, swelling, varicose veins, and skin colour changes should never be ignored. We also discuss how diabetes, smoking, prolonged sitting, and long flights affect your blood flow, along with the latest minimally invasive treatments that can help prevent serious complications. If you want to understand blood clots, vascular health, and the warning signs your legs may be giving you, this conversation is for you.
June 27 · 1 hr 7 min
Why your skin ages faster? (How to slow it down?)
We spend thousands on skincare products, supplements, and treatments, but how much of it is backed by science? In this episode, dermatologist Dr. Geoffrey Vaz and I separate facts from myths. We discuss what really causes skin aging, whether collagen supplements actually work, the truth about Botox and fillers, Ozempic face, face yoga, sunscreen, retinol, and the biggest skincare mistakes people make. We also explore how lifestyle, diet, stress, and weight loss affect your skin. If you want healthier, younger-looking skin and evidence-based advice instead of social media trends, this episode is for you.
June 10 · 34 min
The Exercise That Feels Like Meditation
Most people think health is just about exercise. But what if movement could also train your focus, calm your mind, and improve your connection with your body? In this episode, I sit with Shifu Avinash, an internationally recognized Tai Chi Grandmaster, to explore the philosophy, science, and practice of Tai Chi. We discuss focus, stress, healthy aging, mind-body integration, gut-brain connection, and why Tai Chi is often called “meditation in motion.” Whether you're curious about Tai Chi, looking for a new way to stay active, or interested in combining movement with mindfulness, this conversation will give you plenty to think about.
May 15 · 1 hr 35 min
How Gaming Is Affecting Human Behavior
In this episode, I discuss with psychologist Dr. Saranya about something silently affecting modern life, screens, gaming, social media, validation, attention spans, emotional trauma and the way constant stimulation is changing our minds and behaviour. From childhood emotional wounds to dopamine addiction and modern parenting struggles, this is a deeply important conversation about mental health, relationships and the digital world we now live in. A conversation every parent, adult and teenager should hear.
May 8 · 1 hr 30 min
The Emotional Problems Inside Modern Families Nobody Talks About | Dr. Saranya
In this episode, Dr. Saranya and I speak about modern family life honestly, screen time during meals, emotionally stressful homes, parenting conflicts, teenage struggles, emotional distance between couples, and how family fights quietly affect us growing up. We also discuss parenting in the US vs India, emotional intelligence in children, relationships, boundaries, sex education, and why peaceful homes matter more than “perfect parenting.” I think many people will see their own family experiences in this conversation.
May 1 · 1 hr 43 min
Burnt Roti Causes Cancer? You’re Worried About The Wrong Thing
In this episode, I sit with Krish Ashok author of Masala labs, to break down the biggest food myths Indians still believe, from burnt roti and cancer to dal as “protein” and the fear around oil, Teflon, and microplastics. We go beyond viral claims and look at what actually matters for your health: habits, quantity, and real risk. If you’ve ever felt confused by conflicting nutrition advice, this conversation will help you think clearly about food again, using science, not fear.
April 29 · 45 min
How Millets Transform Your Gut, Body & Health
In this episode,I speak with Padma Shri Dr. Khader Valli, the “Millet Man of India,” about how to improve gut health, digestion, and the right way to start a millet-based diet. Learn about fermented millet drinks like ambali, soaking grains, gut microbiome, fiber digestion, and why rice vs millets matters. We also discuss hunger control, processed foods, and how traditional diets support better health, energy, and disease prevention. Watch this completely to know about millets and if you found this helpful, like, share it with someone who needs this, and subscribe for more.
April 28 · 59 min
From White Rice to Ghee: What’s Hurting Your Health
In this episode, I speak with Dr. B. Sesikeran former Director of National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), about why modern Indian diets are making us unhealthy.We break down low-protein diets, carb-heavy plates, low fiber intake, anemia, vitamin deficiencies, and the myths around millets, milk, ghee, and ‘healthy’ packaged foods.Dr. B. Sesikeran also shares how refined foods, poor food choices, and low physical activity are silently driving diabetes and other lifestyle diseases in India.We also touch upon how everyday staples like the atta we use, fit into our diets, and what actually makes a meal balanced or harmful.Most importantly, he explains simple, practical food choices that can genuinely improve your health without overcomplicating your plate.This conversation will completely change the way you look at your daily meals.
April 28 · 1 hr 22 min
What You’re Missing About Protein & Real Nutrition (Doctor Explains)
In this podcast, I speak with Dr. Lakshmi Sundar on gut health, plant-based diet, protein myths, rice, and ultra-processed foods. We break down how your daily diet impacts diabetes, weight loss, inflammation, and chronic disease. From whole foods vs processed foods to red meat risks, B12 deficiency, and microbiome health, this episode clears common nutrition myths with science. If you struggle with bloating, gut issues, or confusing diet advice, this is for you. Learn how to eat better without extreme dieting and improve your long-term health naturally.

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