Breaking Barriers, An Exclusive Interview with Dr Pallavi Aga
Dr Pallavi, can you share your journey as an MD senior radiologist and how you transitioned into preventive health and lifestyle medicine?
I was a topper of my batch and did MD from SGPGI Lucknow, which required rigorous hard work. After my MD, I led a sedentary lifestyle.
I was blessed with two beautiful daughters but kept gaining weight till I got diagnosed with hypertension and borderline diabetes when I was about 45 years old.
I got depressed due to my health issues. That led to the start of my journey into preventive and lifestyle medicine.
What inspired you to establish the Mind and Body Wellness Centre, and what services do you offer there?
I deeply felt the need to help others, especially women, in their struggle to build better health. Although I am still a practising radiologist, I have turned my passion into a side profession to serve society in the diagnostic and preventive realms.
Only when the body is healthy can the mind also be vigilant.
Could you elaborate on preventive health and its importance in addressing lifestyle diseases?
We are currently facing an epidemic of lifestyle diseases, primarily obesity, diabetes, PCOD, Fatty liver and even childhood obesity.
This is causing a considerable health burden and leading to a lack of productivity as well as mental health issues. Preventive health believes in addressing the problem at the root level by targeting and prompting lifestyle changes.
How do running, strength training, and yoga contribute to your holistic approach to health and wellness?
A holistic approach to health triangulates cardiovascular fitness through running, swimming, or walking, with muscle building, mobility, and flexibility through yoga.
What are the benefits and challenges of intermittent fasting and a low-carb diet?
Intermittent fasting and a low-carb diet are the keys to prevention and treatment protocol for all lifestyle diseases.
Intermittent fasting allows the body to heal and reduces insulin spikes. I do not advocate a low-calorie diet as that leads to hunger pangs and hormonal and metabolic imbalances. The key is going low on carbs and optimizing protein and good-quality fats.
How do you tailor treatment protocols for lifestyle diseases based on individual needs and preferences?
The most crucial aspect is understanding that each individual has underlying health issues, and we must work according to their comfort zone.
This must be done by building trust in the client, letting them participate in the treatment plan, and educating them.
Could you discuss the significance of protein and other essential supplements in disease prevention?
Protein is the body’s building block, and the average Indian diet is deficient in protein. Without protein, the body experiences breakdown, low immunity, and fatigue. We tend to overeat carbohydrates, which worsens the issues by causing insulin spikes.
The other important food supplement is salt. Salt is essential, especially in a low-carb diet.
Magnesium in the form of glycinate and threonate is another vital supplement.
What strategies do you employ to raise awareness about the holistic lifestyle approach you advocate?
My strategy is a triple-pronged approach – MNM – that is movement, nutrition and muscle. If we follow this holistic lifestyle approach, then we will slow ageing and build a healthy life.
In what ways can individuals successfully transition to a medicine-free and hospital-free lifestyle?
The most crucial aspect is nutrition- prioritize protein, eat clean sources of carbs, and avoid grains and refined oil. Build muscle.
Hydrate with water and salt. Walk as much as possible. Stay happy. Have like-minded friends and keep pets. Mobility and flexibility sessions should be done regularly. Mental health should be optimized.
How do you address common misconceptions about using food and fitness as medicine?
I use social media to build awareness about myths and misconceptions surrounding health.
