Your Gut and Your Heart:

A Love-Hate Relationship... 

Cardiovascular diseases are the world’s number one killer, accounting for about three out of every ten deaths globally. But what if I told you that your gut bacteria... those invisible tenants in your digestive system... might have a hand in either protecting your heart or silently plotting against it?

Yes, the same microbes that helped digest last night’s tacos might also be influencing your risk of a heart attack. Welcome to the microbial soap opera happening inside you.... 

Let’s start with the juicy part: the chemicals your gut bacteria produce, known as metabolites. Some of these compounds are saints, like short-chain fatty acids, which are the microbial equivalent of a kale smoothie for your body. They reduce inflammation, improve mental health, and promote overall well-being.

But not all metabolites are angelic. Some are more like toxic exes... damaging your arteries, raising cholesterol, and triggering atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis, for those lucky enough not to know, is when fat builds up in your arteries, turning them into ticking time bombs. 

One particularly shady character in this microbial drama is TMAO (trimethylamine N-oxide). Your gut bacteria create TMAO when you eat foods like processed meat. 

Here’s the pathway: nutrients like choline and carnitine from these foods get converted by gut bacteria into a compound called TMA, which your liver then turns into TMAO. 

In small doses, TMAO is harmless and gets excreted through your urine. But when it builds up, it can damage the lining of your blood vessels, causing inflammation and paving the way for heart attacks and strokes.

Studies have shown that high levels of TMAO are linked to a 62% higher risk of major cardiovascular events. Think of it as a double bacon cheeseburger tax, paid directly to your arteries. 

Seventy percent of your immune cells live in your gut, which means your gut is ground zero for inflammation. If harmful bacteria or their metabolites sneak into your bloodstream, your immune system sounds the alarm, causing an inflammatory response. In theory, this is helpful—your body is trying to protect you.

But chronic inflammation? That’s when things go off the rails. 

Inflammation can cause your blood vessels to lose elasticity and narrow, making it harder for blood to flow. This increases your risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. Certain gut bacteria, like clostridium, can actively stoke this inflammatory fire. Others, like bifidobacterium, play the peacekeeper, calming things down and promoting an anti-inflammatory state. It’s basically Game of Thrones, but in your gut. 

So, can you fix this? 

Here’s the good news: your gut isn’t beyond redemption. Researchers are working on ways to manipulate the gut microbiome to improve cardiovascular health. For instance: 

1. Fiber is your friend: A high-fiber diet can work wonders for your gut. Fiber feeds the good bacteria, which then produce beneficial short-chain fatty acids. It’s like throwing a dinner party for your microbes but only inviting the ones who won’t trash your house. 

2. Probiotics might help: Certain probiotics show promise in promoting beneficial bacteria, but don’t fall for the “one-size-fits-all” myth. Not every probiotic will help everyone. Think of probiotics as a tailored suit, not a one-size tracksuit. 

3. Cut back on the salty snacks: High salt intake can mess with your gut microbiota, reducing good bacteria like lactobacillus and raising blood pressure. Basically, too many crisps don’t just make your jeans tight—they make your arteries miserable. 

4. Ease up on the meat: Reducing  processed meat consumption can lower TMAO levels. You don’t have to go full vegan, but maybe skip the double pepperoni pizza once in a while. 

5. Fermented foods: Foods like yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut can introduce beneficial bacteria to your gut. They’re like bouncers for your microbiome, keeping the riff raff out. 

Using Science to Banish Pungent Odours: Garlic & Onion Whiff... 

Garlic and onions: the culinary icons of flavour and the olfactory assassins of your social life. These pungent ingredients add depth to your dishes but linger on your fingers long after the meal is over, as if trying to haunt you for daring to mince them in the first place. Enter stainless steel... the unexpected superhero in your kitchen arsenal, claiming to banish these stubborn stenches.  

When you cut into garlic or onions, you unleash a volatile cocktail of sulfur compounds. These are the culprits behind the smell that clings to your skin like an uninvited guest who refuses to leave the party.

In garlic, enzymes transform alliin into allicin...a reactive compound responsible for its trademark aroma. Onions, meanwhile, release sulfuric compounds that can make your eyes water and your fingers reek. 

These sulfur-based molecules bind to proteins in your skin. Washing your hands with soap and water might make a dent, but the sulfur compounds are stubborn... they’re chemically tethered to you, laughing in the face of your sudsy efforts. 

Here’s where things get weird and wonderful. Stainless steel, a mundane material used for everything from kitchen sinks to surgical instruments, has a curious knack for neutralizing sulfur odors. The exact mechanism isn’t fully understood (because who funds garlic-finger research?), but here’s the prevailing theory: 

Stainless steel acts like a chemical mediator. When you rub your fingers on steel under running water, it creates a chemical reaction between the steel’s surface and the sulfur compounds. The chromium oxide layer on stainless steel likely interacts with these volatile molecules, breaking them down or altering their structure so they can no longer cling to your skin. 

Think of it as a detox ritual for your hands. The steel doesn’t absorb the smell; it simply catalyzes a reaction that transforms the sulfur compounds into something less offensive. 

How To Be More Lucky... 

Luck is a seductive myth. It’s the lazy person’s fairy godmother, the gambler’s justification, and the dreamer’s fallback plan when the alarm clock rings too early to do something useful.

But let me ruin the magic for you: luck isn’t some cosmic alignment of the stars or a mystical reward for crossing your fingers and avoiding black cats. It’s simply opportunity dressed up in the gaudy costume of hard work, open-mindedness, and consistency. 

If you think about it, luck is just the PR-friendly face of probability. And probability? Well, that’s as mundane and unromantic as mathematics. But you can increase your chances of a so-called “lucky break” by consistently putting yourself in situations where opportunity can find you. 

The idea of luck as something random is comforting because it absolves us of responsibility. Didn’t land that promotion? Must be bad luck. Neighbor won the lottery? Must be good luck. But when you peel back the layers, you realize that most “lucky” people aren’t born under a four-leaf clover... they’ve just been hustling in ways that amplify their odds. 

Take the story of someone landing their dream job. To the outside world, it looks like serendipity: they happened to meet the right person at the right time. But behind the scenes? That person spent years honing their skills, attending tedious networking events, and remaining open to opportunities others dismissed as trivial. The “luck” was just probability finally catching up with effort. 

Imagine a fisherman casting a single line into a vast ocean once a month, grumbling about how unfair life is when he catches nothing. Now imagine another fisherman casting dozens of lines daily. Sure, they’re both fishing in the same ocean, but who’s more likely to catch something? Consistency isn’t glamorous, but it multiplies your chances of success. 

The same principle applies to life. Want to write a bestselling book? You’re going to need to write every day, even when the muse is MIA. Want to meet someone who shares your obscure passion for underwater basket weaving? You’re going to need to show up to more than one niche convention. Luck doesn’t knock on the door of the idle; it barges in on those already moving. 

Here’s the secret sauce for more luck - it often arrives in packaging you don’t expect. Opportunities don’t come with neon signs that say, “this is your big break!” They’re usually disguised as hard work, awkward conversations, or paths that seem slightly off the beaten track. 

Being open-minded doesn’t mean saying yes to everything (though it might help in the short term). It means being willing to entertain possibilities that don’t fit neatly into your current worldview. Many so-called lucky people are just those who didn’t dismiss an opportunity because it didn’t align with their five-year plan. 

If you want to attract more luck, you’ve got to increase your “surface area” for opportunity. Here’s how: 

1. Show up consistently: Whether it’s your job, your hobbies, or your relationships, being present and persistent is half the battle. The more you do, the more likely you are to stumble onto something remarkable. 

2. Embrace discomfort: Talk to strangers, try things that scare you, and take risks. Every awkward coffee meeting or failed experiment adds another layer to your “lucky” net. 

3. Be curious: Ask questions, read widely, and remain open to learning. The more you know, the more dots you can connect when something unexpected crosses your path. 

Luck is a lot like love. Everyone romanticizes it, but most people have no idea what to do with it when it arrives. Luck, like love, isn’t an endgame... it’s a tool. It’s what you do with the opportunities that defines whether you’re truly lucky or just temporarily fortunate. 

Luck isn’t a supernatural phenomenon...it’s math with a marketing problem. And while you can’t guarantee it, you can tilt the odds by being consistent, curious, and willing to embrace the unexpected. So stop waiting for luck to find you. Cast more lines, open more doors, and trust that somewhere out there, your efforts are adding up. Because, as any seasoned “lucky” person will tell you, the harder you work, the luckier you get. 

The World of Weight Loss Injections:

Beyond Weight Loss.... 

GLP-1 agonists are the new celebrities of the pharmaceutical world, strutting onto the scene with promises of weight loss, improved metabolic health, and a dazzling array of other benefits. But like any A-list drug, they come with their entourage of nuance, side effects, and cautionary tales. And just as you wouldn’t hand a chainsaw to someone who’s never chopped wood, you shouldn’t treat these medications as casual, over-the-counter quick fixes. 

GLP-1 agonists, like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and liraglutide (Saxenda), were originally designed for managing type 2 diabetes. These drugs mimic a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is naturally produced in your gut. GLP-1 slows gastric emptying, reduces appetite, and improves insulin sensitivity.

Translation? It tells your body, “maybe don’t eat that entire pizza” while gently nudging your pancreas to play nice with your blood sugar levels. 

The unexpected bonus? Weight loss. Clinical trials showed that people on these drugs dropped significant pounds, enough to make the diet industry quake in its pseudo-scientific boots. Suddenly, GLP-1 agonists weren’t just about managing diabetes; they became game-changers for obesity; a condition that medicine has historically treated with all the compassion of a Victorian workhouse. 

These drugs are like the Swiss Army knife of metabolic health: 

• Cardiovascular benefits: GLP-1 agonists have been shown to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in people with type 2 diabetes. They help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol profiles, and may even have anti-inflammatory effects. 

• Fatty liver disease: Early studies suggest GLP-1 drugs might help reduce liver fat, offering hope for people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). 

• Brain health: There’s emerging evidence that GLP-1 agonists could play a role in neuroprotection, with potential applications in diseases like Alzheimer’s. Imagine a drug that not only trims your waistline but sharpens your mind; science fiction meets pharmacology. 

Whilst most of the world might be aware of Ozempic... few have been exposed to the new kids on the block: GLP-1/GIP dual agonists like tirzepatide (Mounjaro), and triple agonists targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon, such as retatrutide. These drugs are the metabolic equivalent of adding nitrous oxide to an already powerful engine. 

• Tirzepatide: Combines GLP-1 with glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), another gut hormone. This dual action leads to even greater weight loss and improved glucose control. It’s like GLP-1 on steroids...except, ironically, it might help you lose the kind of weight that steroids can make you gain. 

• Retatrutide: A triple agonist currently in trials that adds glucagon into the mix. Glucagon helps mobilize fat stores and may enhance energy expenditure. Preliminary data suggest it could lead to unparalleled weight loss and metabolic improvements. 

These drugs aren’t just knocking on the door of weight loss and diabetes management; they’re kicking it down, bringing potential benefits for a host of conditions, from cardiovascular disease to inflammatory disorders. 

Here’s the thing: these drugs are powerful hormonal modulators. They’re not Tic Tacs or a TikTok trend... 

1. Off-target effects: GLP-1 agonists can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea...basically, they remind you of your worst hangover but without the tequila. There’s also concern about long-term risks like pancreatitis or thyroid tumors, though these are rare. 

2. Lifestyle still matters: No drug, no matter how advanced, can outpace a bad lifestyle. These medications can help people sustain healthier habits by reducing cravings and improving energy levels, but they’re not a hall pass to binge on doughnuts. 

3. Ethics of casual use: The rise of “cosmetic” use of GLP-1 agonists by people who don’t have obesity or diabetes raises ethical questions. These aren’t sugar pills...they’re life-changing drugs for people who genuinely need them. Treating them as casual tools for fitting into your skinny jeans diminishes their significance and could limit access for those who need them most. 

Think of GLP-1 agonists as power tools. Used wisely, they can rebuild lives; used recklessly, they can cause harm. Here’s how to approach them: 

• Medical supervision is non-negotiable: These drugs should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional who understands your health history and can monitor for side effects. 

• Focus on the basics: A balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management are still the foundation of health. Medications can enhance these efforts, but they can’t replace them. 

• Embrace the nuance: Using a GLP-1 agonist isn’t “cheating,” just like using insulin for diabetes isn’t cheating. It’s a tool; one that should be used thoughtfully, not as a shortcut. 

GLP-1 agonists and their next-gen cousins are game-changers, but they come with a reminder: health isn’t about finding a single magic bullet. It’s about building a toolkit, combining science, effort, and self-compassion. These drugs are part of that toolkit, not the entire toolbox. 

So, if you’re considering these medications, do so with eyes wide open. They’re not a free ride but a vehicle that requires responsible driving. And remember, the road to health isn’t about reaching perfection; it’s about moving in the right direction, one step at a time. 

Stress & The Skin... 

Stress is the arch-nemesis of good skin. It’s the sneaky saboteur lurking in your bloodstream, armed with fight-or-flight hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These stress chemicals are great if you’re being chased by a tiger or stuck in traffic with an impending deadline, but they’re less helpful when it comes to your epidermis. In fact, chronic stress wreaks havoc on your skin’s ability to do its actual job: being a protective barrier against the world. 

When stress takes over, your body diverts resources away from "non-essential" functions like skin repair. Cortisol weakens your skin’s protective upper layer, the stratum corneum, leaving it as defenseless as a paper umbrella in a thunderstorm.

The result? Dryness, inflammation, slower healing, and a revolving door for infections. Basically, stress doesn’t just mess with your mood... it’s out to ruin your face too (which in turn may exacerbate your low mood..) 

Often people turn to Botox... the “freeze frame” of the beauty world... to turn back the ravages of father time. Let’s clear something up: Botox doesn’t stop aging; it just temporarily paralyzes your muscles, preventing them from forming expression lines.

Wrinkles aren’t just about scrunching your forehead or laughing too much. They’re the result of collagen and elastin—the proteins that keep your skin firm and stretchy—packing up and leaving town as you age. Botox doesn’t stop this protein exodus; it just freezes your face so you don’t look like you’re worried about it. 

If Botox is the beauty equivalent of a screensaver, treatments like lasers, radiofrequency, and intense pulsed light (IPL) devices are the promises of deep tech. These methods heat the skin from within, triggering a wounding response. The idea is to trick your body into thinking it’s been injured, so it floods the area with healing factors like collagen. While this sounds science-y, let’s be real—these treatments are more hype than health for most people. They can help in specific cases, but they’re no panacea. 

What actually works: science-backed skin rejuvenation 

Before you spend a fortune on treatments with names that sound like sci-fi weapons, let’s focus on what really works. Spoiler: it’s not glamorous, but it’s effective. 

1. Sun protection: your skin’s best friend 

   • If you’re not slathering on sunscreen like it’s your daily anti-aging serum, you’re basically letting UV rays wreck your collagen and elastin. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), and yes, even when it’s cloudy. UV damage is the original villain in the skin aging saga. 

2. Hydration: for inside and out 

   • Dehydrated skin is unhappy skin. Drink water, but also lock in moisture with a good moisturizer containing ceramides or hyaluronic acid. Think of it as giving your skin a tall drink of water and then sealing the glass. 

3. Retinoids: the golden ticket 

   • Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) are one of the few ingredients with actual science behind them. They boost collagen production, improve skin turnover, and reduce fine lines. Start slow because your skin needs time to adjust. Overdo it, and you’ll end up looking like a sunburned lizard. 

4. Diet: eat your way to better skin 

   • What you eat shows up on your skin, like a culinary confession. Antioxidant-rich foods (think berries, nuts, and leafy greens) combat oxidative stress, while omega-3s from fish or flaxseeds help maintain your skin’s lipid barrier.  

5. Sleep: nature’s Botox 

   • Your skin repairs itself while you sleep. Chronic sleep deprivation leads to dullness, puffiness, and—you guessed it—more wrinkles. Prioritize 7-9 hours of quality sleep, even if it means skipping that late-night Netflix binge. 

6. Stress management: your skin’s secret weapon 

   • Yoga, mindfulness, therapy, screaming into a pillow—whatever it takes to lower your stress levels. Cortisol is a skin assassin, and managing stress can help keep it in check. 

7. Gentle exfoliation: because your skin doesn’t need sandpaper 

   • Exfoliate with mild chemical exfoliants like AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) or BHAs (beta-hydroxy acids). This helps remove dead skin cells, promoting a smoother texture without causing micro-tears. 

Your skin isn’t a project to be perfected; it’s a dynamic, living organ that reflects what’s happening inside and out. Wrinkles, dryness, and the occasional breakout are part of the human experience. Chasing the fountain of youth with every new gadget or miracle cream won’t change that. What you can do is respect your skin—feed it, protect it, and give it time to do what it does best: shield you from the chaos of the world. 

In the end, no cream or injection will stop time. But with a little science-backed care and a lot less stress, you can make your skin a little happier—and maybe even a little glowier—while you’re here. Because life’s too short to obsess over wrinkles. Unless, of course, you’re a raisin. Then it’s your whole brand. 

3 books for your reading list in 2025... 

I’ve been a science fiction binge recently...specifically with a focus on space, aliens, black holes and the cosmos (this was after bingeing The Martian, Interstellar and Arrival over the Xmas period). After these three movies and more random sci-fi B movies I wanted to learn more about the vast, incomprehensible abyss of existence and thought maybe if I understood astrophysics, I’d feel less like a cosmic accident and more like a purposeful speck of stardust. Or maybe it’s because I want to impress someone at a dinner party. 

1. Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson 

Let’s start with the title. It’s like a promise from the cosmos: “I’ll explain the universe, but I respect your time.” This book appeals to the part of me that wants to unlock the secrets of space but can’t commit to a PhD or 600-page textbook.  

2. Parallel Worlds by Michio Kaku 

If Neil deGrasse Tyson is the friendly professor, Michio Kaku is the slightly eccentric genius who makes you question everything. Parallel Worlds dives into multiverses, alternate realities, and the very real possibility that somewhere out there, another version of you is doing something far cooler than reading this sentence. It’s both thrilling and mildly insulting. 

I picked this book because nothing screams late-night philosophical crisis like pondering whether there’s a universe where you’re a billionaire astronaut or one where you never sent that embarrassing drunk text when you were 18.  

3. Black Holes and Time Warps by Kip Thorne 

This book is the heavyweight of the trio, both intellectually and probably physically—it’s a tome. But Kip Thorne is the real deal, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist who helped conceptualize Interstellar and makes black holes sound less like terrifying cosmic vacuum cleaners and more like mysterious portals to other realms. 

A final note.... 

If you enjoy reading my newsletter every week and think a friend or enemy could use a dose of curiosity and interesting information then feel free to forward this to them! 

Also, if you want more of this kind of writing then I’ll point you in the direction of my book (the paperback has just come out!)

and if you fancy apparently it’s available for UK residents for 99p on the kindle store! : 

If you’ve read it already, I’d love a cheeky review on Amazon (every little helps). 

If your soul is craving further deep dives into juicy health and science topics...head over to my podcast “Dr Karan Explores” and binge to your heart’s content! :