Latest news with #DrKaranRajan
The Independent
7 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Doctor recommends this simple three-ingredient recipe for supporting gut health and strengthening muscles
It's hard to make healthy choices nowadays. Walk into the supermarket and you're faced with an array of sweet treats; unlock your phone and there's a range of entertaining alternatives to exercise. Doctor and educator Dr Karan Rajan is on a mission to make healthier options more accessible for the masses. He uses his medical expertise to simplify the science of wellbeing, then provide low-cost, actionable advice people can benefit from – and his approach is working. Dr Rajan has amassed more than five million TikTok followers and recently released his first book, This Book May Save Your Life, which contains a collection of 'everyday health hacks to worry less and live better'. He has a theory as to why his videos and the concept for this book are so popular. 'Healthcare systems in most countries have flaws,' Dr Rajan tells The Independent. 'It's harder to see a healthcare professional in some cases, particularly for chronic diseases. It's also expensive if you are going down the private route. People are realising that prevention is a cheaper, more effective longer-term solution for health than treatment when burdened with disease.' Nutrition and gut health are areas his audience are particularly interested in, Dr Rajan adds, explaining: '[Both are] often easy to action but also poorly understood.' Perhaps as a consequence of this, one of his favourite health hacks is a remarkably simple three-ingredient recipe that can support muscle maintenance and gut health. This is how to make it. Ingredients: Raspberries, 80g Chia seeds, one tbsp Kefir yoghurt, 250g 'This is a great combo that's high in fibre, protein and the three Ps; prebiotics, probiotics and polyphenols,' says Dr Rajan. To make it, start by microwaving 80g of frozen raspberries for 30 seconds, then mashing them to your 'desired level of chunkiness'. 'A dark red colour tells you they're a rich source of the antioxidant anthocyanin,' Dr Rajan adds in the video above. 'This supports beneficial microbes in your gut, and this [amount of raspberries] also contains 5g of fibre.' Next, stir in one tablespoon of chia seeds until you achieve a consistency you're happy with. 'Just one tablespoon of chia seeds is enough to thicken the mixture to a jam-like consistency,' Dr Rajan continues. 'It also has five grams of fibre and mucilage your gut bacteria can ferment to nourish your colon.' At this point, you can add an optional dollop of honey for extra sweetness. Then the mixture is ready to use as a jam, or a topping for yoghurt – kefir yoghurt is preferred for bonus gut health perks–to enjoy an added protein hit. Why fibre should be at the forefront of your food plans We all know that protein has played a starring role in the nutrition world for the past few years, and for good reason. This macronutrient fills a wide variety of vital functions, including building and repairing bodily tissues such as muscle. But Dr Rajan says fibre should also be a key consideration in the make-up of your plate. In fact, he goes so far as to say eating more fibre is the health hack that offers the greatest return on investment for most people. 'Both protein and fibre are essential,' he says. 'There are plenty of foods and meal combos where you can get both, but if I had to over-index on one, it would be fibre. 'I'd say the average person probably consumes enough protein and nowhere near enough fiber,' Dr Rajan continues. The recommended daily allowance for dietary fibre is 30g for adults, but most people currently manage less than 20g, seeing them miss out on plenty of health benefits. 'When it comes to human physiology, there [aren't many processes] fibre isn't involved in, either directly or indirectly. Its benefits include regulating hormones, metabolism, appetite, the gut microbiome, mood, bowels and more.'
Irish Times
05-08-2025
- Health
- Irish Times
Do You Have ADHD? ‘It feels like there's always a swarm of bees in my brain'
There has been a surge in cases of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD , with much of the awareness about the condition driven by influencers on TikTok and Instagram. But has incidence of ADHD truly increased, or are we simply more alert to the symptoms than we used to be? That question is considered, though never satisfactorily answered, by Dr Karan Rajan, a British surgeon, in his enjoyable Do You Have ADHD? (Channel 4, Tuesday, 8pm). Rajan doesn't pretend to be a definitive expert on the subject, and he's upfront that the documentary is an introduction rather than a deep dive. He goes out on the street to talk to people with ADHD about their experiences. 'My brain feels as if there are all these particles firing,' one of them, Ellie, says. 'It feels like there is always a swarm of bees in my brain trying to fight each other,' another, Milly, explains. There is also a guinea pig of sorts in Dr Clare Bailey Mosley, widow of Dr Michael Mosley (a relatively obscure figure in Ireland but a national treasure in Britain), who believes that both she and her late husband had undiagnosed ADHD. READ MORE She puts that theory to the test by going for a professional diagnosis; Rajan advises those in a similar situation to first complete an ADHD screening questionnaire devised by the World Health Organisation. He is at pains to point out that the questionnaire is not itself a diagnostic tool. Still, it could indicate whether it might be helpful to seek a professional assessment. That's sufficient for Bailey Mosley, who answers 'yes' to a question about having trouble wrapping up the final details of a project. 'I do kind of fade towards the end,' she says. Is a diagnosis recommended in every case? It depends, according to the ADHD researcher Val Harpin. For children, the answer is always yes: 'There are no downsides.' For adults, the question can be more nuanced. 'Older people have different responses. The biggest is relief,' she says – ''Yeah, that explains it'' – but 'sometimes it makes them feel resentful: 'My life could have been different if I'd known.'' Rajan acknowledges that there's an element of faddishness to some of the online conversation about ADHD. He points to TikTokers who diagnose 'T-rex arm' – which is to say holding your arms close to your body, with your wrists limp – as a trait. 'Be mindful,' he warns, 'of internet diagnosis.' That said, ADHD is not at all uncommon. It seems to affect about 5 per cent of people – more than epilepsy or autism, at 1 per cent each – according to Prof Stephen Scott. But experiencing symptoms doesn't mean you need professional assistance, as Bailey Mosley discovers. She goes for an assessment but 'falls' at the final hurdle after it's concluded that she doesn't experience any 'impairment' in her day-to-day life. She sounds relieved rather than disappointed – though others believe ADHD is, in the round, a benefit. A journalist with the Ladbible website says the condition has given him the ability to 'hyperfocus' at work. The point is taken up by the daredevil George King, who was jailed after scaling the Shard skyscraper in London. He says his ADHD played a huge part in his climb. 'When I have something that means something to me, all those [out of control] thoughts get compressed,' he says. 'The universe gets out of the way.'
The Guardian
05-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
TV tonight: are you one of the 2.6 million in UK with ADHD?
8pm, Channel 4Conversations around attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) feel more prevalent, as awareness and diagnoses have both increased in recent years. This programme says, in fact, that an estimated 2.6 million people in the UK have the condition. Dr Karan Rajan and Dr Clare Bailey Mosley take a deep dive into the subject, answering the most common questions and separating fact from fiction. Bailey Mosley even undergoes assessment herself. Hollie Richardson 8pm, BBC OneDavid was a dedicated beekeeper whose daughter, Ruth, from Nottinghamshire, commissioned a portrait of him with his bees, painted on concrete. He has since died and the painting is a little weather-worn. Can conservator Lucia Scalisi restore it for Ruth? It's just one of the tasks in this week's roundup of visits to the repair shop. HR 9pm, BBC OneA nice change of pace this week as a celebration of the textile traditions of Korea brings with it a guest judge, designer Eudon Choi. Along with taekwondo outfits in the transformation challenge, there's the chance to be inspired by two historical garments revived by modern Korean style: the jeogori and the cheollik. Jack Seale 9pm, Channel 5Dan Snow discovers graffiti of gladiators drawn by children 2,000 years ago as he continues to explore a current excavation at Pompeii. Co-tour guide Dr Kate Lister, meanwhile, finds a luxury villa, boasting three gardens and a private bath house. HR 9pm, Sky DocumentariesThe gripping series revealing how an ex-Gestapo officer helped to shape Bolivia into being the world's first narco-state continues. In 1980, undercover DEA agent Michael Levine is working to prevent the influential Suárez family from running cocaine into the US. But the Bolivian political landscape is about to violently change. Might a rival agency be involved? Graeme Virtue 10pm, Sky MaxJames Gunn's oddball adult cartoon continues, with the origin story of Dr Phosphorus (Alan Tudyk) kicking off the penultimate episode. When that tale of bloody revenge is done with, the gang gather to prepare for a final showdown with Rostovic (Maria Bakalova). The snark and the story are artfully balanced. JS The Hundred Cricket, London Spirit v Oval Invincibles 2.30pm, BBC Two. The women's game is followed by the men's teams playing at 6pm.
The Independent
26-07-2025
- Health
- The Independent
NHS surgeon recommends this simple three-ingredient recipe for supporting gut health and strengthening muscles
It's hard to make healthy choices nowadays. Walk into the supermarket and you're faced with an array of sweet treats; unlock your phone and there's a range of entertaining alternatives to exercise. Anything good for us seems usually seems less appealing than the prospect of sugary snacks and doomscrolling. But there are a few experts hoping to change that. NHS surgeon Dr Karan Rajan is on a mission to make healthier options more accessible for the masses. He uses his medical expertise to simplify the science of wellbeing, then provide low-cost, actionable advice people can benefit from – and his approach is working. Dr Rajan has amassed more than five million Tiktok followers and recently released his first book, This Book May Save Your Life, which contains a collection of 'everyday health hacks to worry less and live better'. He has a theory as to why his videos and the concept for this book are so popular. 'Healthcare systems in most countries have flaws,' Dr Rajan tells The Independent. 'It's harder to see a healthcare professional in some cases, particularly for chronic diseases. It's also expensive if you are going down the private route. People are realising that prevention is a cheaper, more effective longer-term solution for health than treatment when burdened with disease.' Nutrition and gut health are areas his audience are particularly interested in, Dr Rajan adds, explaining: '[Both are] often easy to action but also poorly understood.' Perhaps as a consequence of this, one of his favourite health hacks is a remarkably simple three-ingredient recipe that can support muscle maintenance and gut health. This is how to make it. How to make Dr Karan Rajan's three-ingredient gut health snack Ingredients: Raspberries, 80g Chia seeds, one tbsp Kefir yoghurt, 250g 'This is a great combo that's high in fibre, protein and the three Ps; prebiotics, probiotics and polyphenols,' says Dr Rajan. To make it, start by microwaving 80g of frozen raspberries for 30 seconds, then mashing them to your 'desired level of chunkiness'. 'A dark red colour tells you they're a rich source of the antioxidant anthocyanin,' Dr Rajan adds in the video above. 'This supports beneficial microbes in your gut, and this [amount of raspberries] also contains 5g of fibre.' Next, stir in one tablespoon of chia seeds until you achieve a consistency you're happy with. 'Just one tablespoon of chia seeds is enough to thicken the mixture to a jam-like consistency,' Dr Rajan continues. 'It also has five grams of fibre and mucilage your gut bacteria can ferment to nourish your colon.' At this point, you can add an optional dollop of honey for extra sweetness. Then the mixture is ready to use as a jam, or a topping for yoghurt – kefir yoghurt is preferred for bonus gut health perks–to enjoy an added protein hit. Why fibre should be at the forefront of your food plans We all know that protein has played a starring role in the nutrition world for the past few years, and for good reason. This macronutrient fills a wide variety of vital functions, including building and repairing bodily tissues such as muscle. But Dr Rajan says fibre should also be a key consideration in the make-up of your plate. In fact, he goes so far as to say eating more fibre is the health hack that offers the greatest return on investment for most people. 'Both protein and fibre are essential,' he says. 'There are plenty of foods and meal combos where you can get both, but if I had to over-index on one, it would be fibre. 'I'd say the average person probably consumes enough protein and nowhere near enough fiber,' Dr Rajan continues. The recommended daily allowance for dietary fibre is 30g for adults, but most people currently manage less than 20g, seeing them miss out on plenty of health benefits. 'When it comes to human physiology, there [aren't many processes] fibre isn't involved in, either directly or indirectly. Its benefits include regulating hormones, metabolism, appetite, the gut microbiome, mood, bowels and more.'
Daily Mail
21-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Top doctor reveals life-saving trio of daily foods that could ward off bowel cancer
A top doctor has detailed the cheap store cupboard essentials that can dramatically boost fibre intake—a key way to beat bowel cancer, according to experts. In an Instagram video, viewed 1.1 million times, Dr Karan Rajan, a surgeon working in NHS hospitals, dubbed his simple method 'fibermaxxing'. He said: 'If you want easy ways to fibermaxx with stuff you already have in your kitchen, I am going to show you just how simple it is.' Research shows that fibre—the indigestible parts of plants that aid digestion—plays a key role in preventing bowel cancer. Bowel Cancer UK estimates that a lack of the nutrient is behind 28 per cent of all cases in the UK—yet just nine per cent of adults eat the recommended 30g a day. The doctor suggests eating a combination of ingredients that are each five grams worth of fibre. The list he provides includes: 50g of pistachios or almonds, 80g of raspberries, 100g of frozen peas, 100g of hummus, 50g of dark chocolate and 75 grams of lentils. He also recommends fruits like an apple, avocado or a pear a day to boost fibre intake, adding: 'Combining any three for a fibre rich meal would be 15g of fibre.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dr Karan Rajan (MRCS MBBS BSc) (@drkaranrajan) He continues: 'When you stack fibre like this you are [also] getting it from three different sources all of which provide different phytonutrients, polyphenols and prebiotic fibres. 'These all have different impacts on your gut microbiome and their own special skill set.' Fibre is a type of carbohydrate in plants, but unlike sugar and starch it isn't absorbed by the body. Instead, it keeps the gut healthy and functioning properly. The nutrient is found in wholegrain cereals, beans, pulses, nuts, seeds, and fruit and vegetables. Research published earlier this year by experts at the University of California San Diego suggested that E-coli infections—a foodborne infection that damages the gut— is behind the rise in bowel cancer cases. Experts have previously told the Mail on Sunday that fibre could help protect against the infection blamed for the rise in cases. Dr Alasdair Scott, a gut specialist and science director at Selph—a health-testing firm —says high fibre intake is one of the few ways to counteract harmful in the gut. 'There's not much people can do if the bacteria does contribute to early onset colon cancer,' he says. 'But we do know that a high-fibre diet can protect against the type of mutation that causes tumours to develop.' Bowel cancer is on the rise in younger adults, even as rates fall among older generations. People born in 1990 are three times more likely to develop bowel cancer than those born in the 1950s, according to global research. In the UK, the disease kills nearly 17,000 people a year. While the vast majority of cases still occur in over-50s, around five per cent now affect adults aged 25 to 49—and that figure is steadily climbing. The main symptoms include changes in toilet habits, such as softer stools, diarrhoea or constipation. Going more or less often than usual, blood in the stool, or a feeling that you still need to go even after just going, can also be warning signs. Cancer Research UK estimates that more than half—54 per cent—of bowel cancer cases are preventable. Known risk factors include a diet low in fibre, eating too much red or processed meat, and obesity.
