Health Hacktivators with Dr Alka Patel

This season I have had the most amazing and insightful guest on this show. They've shared such valuable insights and information that I know will improve your health and better your lifespan. For the final episode of Health Hacktivators for this year I've put together the best bits from this season discussing biohacking practices, supplementation, personalised healthcare, sleep importance, and car...

Are you ready to rethink how you view ageing? During this fascinating conversation with Carl Honore, Dr. Alka Patel uncovers the profound impact that language and societal expectations have on how we experience getting older.   Learn how to overcome ageism by embracing every age and designing a life full of variety and meaning. Carl shares his insights on cultivating vitality through creativity, r...

Are you ready to optimise your organisation's health and well-being - and boost productivity?   Dr. Alka Patel reveals how implementing lifestyle strategies and biohacking practices can help you create a strategic self-care approach tailored for your unique workforce. Discover how integrating interventions for sleep, movement, nutrition and mindfulness seamlessly into the workday can result in a c...

In this episode of Health Hacktivators Dr. Alka Patel speaks to Steven Rawlingson, CEO of Samuel Knight International.   They discuss how Steven made a drastic lifestyle change after being warned by his doctor that his unhealthy habits would lead to serious health issues if not addressed. Steven shares how he lost over 5 stone by changing his diet, exercising regularly, and removing toxic influenc...

Today I discuss how to use your adrenaline. I go over how adrenaline is created, the experiences which trigger an adrenaline rush, and whether adrenaline is good for you.   I also go over the physical and mental effects adrenaline can have on your body, and how these traits evolved in humans.   It is worth noting that overuse of adrenaline can lead to serious health risks, but in moderation there...

Shelley Jory-Leigh is a world record powerboat champion and sports presenter and national speed record breaker. Shelley discusses how she got into powerboat racing almost 30 years ago and worked her way up from smaller boats to compete internationally.   Shelley also works as a presenter for Sky Sports, CBS America and hosts her own radio show on BBC radio. Despite facing challenges as a woman in...

Why is it so hard to lose weight? In my practice I’ve found that there are five common hidden obstacles to weight loss.   I explain how inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, food sensitivities, hormone imbalances, and psychological factors can all negatively impact your weight loss efforts.   You need to take a holistic, personalised approach to address the complex interplay between metabolic,...

Today I speak to Mikyla Dodd about her weight loss journey and struggles with weight over the years.   Mikyla discusses her experience losing a significant amount of weight in her early 20s and how she was treated differently by others. Mikyla also talks about the challenges of maintaining a healthy weight while being a mother of two, and trying to educate her children about making good choices ar...

Discover the secret language holding you back from true health and happiness. Today I dive into how the subtle words we use to describe eating can be silently sabotaging our health, happiness and relationships.   I discuss the hidden ways "diet culture" has seeped into our daily conversations and how a few simple swaps to your food vocabulary could transform your enjoyment, satisfaction and connec...

Today I speak to Kelly Mathieson, a talented actress and singer best known for her role as Christine Daae in Phantom of the Opera.   We discussed how Kelly's career in the performing arts impacted her relationship with food and body image.   Kelly shares her personal struggles with disordered eating and the pressures she faced in her industry to look a certain way. She also talks about seeking hel...

In this episode of Health Hacktivators, Dr. Alka Patel speaks about the benefits of being near or around blue spaces like oceans, lakes, and water features and how proximity to water can positively influence our emotional state and well-being.   She discusses research that shows people who live near coastal areas are happier and those who live in homes with even just views of water report lower le...

After becoming quadriplegic at 18 in a swimming accident, Geoff went on to become the first disabled person to sail around Great Britain single-handedly. Still looking to push the limits of his potential, he then went on to sail unassisted across the Atlantic Ocean.   Inspired by his love of sailing, Geoff has also founded Wet Wheels, a charity that provides life-changing sailing experiences for d...

We all know we need water, but not many of us know why we need water. In this episode Dr. Alka Patel breaks down the importance of water and gives 10 interesting water facts.   She discusses how water impacts the brain, gut, joints, muscles, blood pressure, skin, kidneys and more. Dr. Patel also talks about different types of water including alkaline water and its potential benefits.   Additionall...

Are you ready to take your health to new heights? In this episode of Health Activators, Dr. Alka Patel interviews two former airline executives who have discovered the secrets to high-flying health.   Natasa Kazmer and Jim Callaghan share their stories of burning out while climbing the corporate ladder and how they found a new path focused on wellness. Together they have written “Ready For Takeoff...

Have you ever wondered about the small things that truly motivate you in life and how understanding your unique drivers can help you make the most of each day?   Today I recount my harrowing experience of being awoken by a powerful earthquake during a recent trip to Morocco. In those frightening moments where I felt my life was at risk, I had profound reflections on the fragility of life and my un...

Terri Trespicio blew the lid off society's definitions of passion and success, leaving you questioning what's really fueling your daily decisions. In this powerful episode, Terri and I pull back the curtain on human drivers - the unconscious motivations shaping your choices.   You'll learn the 3 "doing" drivers secretly pushing you to chase achievements over inner peace, why listening to society's...

Curious about bio-hacking and how it can transform your well-being? I break bio-hacking down into four key components that can truly enhance your health.   I explore the power of testing—think genetics and hormones, the foundations of our body. I introduce you to wearables that track everything from sleep patterns to daily activities.   I also reveal training techniques like HIIT and breathwork, w...

Ed van Harmelen is the founder of Youth and Earth, a leading supplement company focused on longevity.   He developed an interest in health and ageing after living in different parts of the world and seeing varying approaches. Ed discovered research on the blue zones and hallmarks of ageing, which sparked his passion for learning about extending healthspan.   Through his own experimentation with su...

High blood pressure is a serious health condition that affects millions and in this episode, Dr. Alka Patel shares how you can take control of your numbers naturally.   She stresses the importance of comprehensive testing to uncover the root causes driving your hypertension. This includes metabolic panels to check nutrients like magnesium and vitamin D, as well as testing for heavy metals, insulin...

How often do you check your blood pressure? Hypertension affects 1.4 billion of us globally, and this number is only increasing. It is the world’s most common chronic condition and the most common modifiable cause of death. Today’s guest explains what high-blood pressure is and how you can prevent its development.   Dr. Jay Shah is a renowned cardiac specialist in the US. Dr. Shah's expertise shin...

In this episode of Health Hacktivators, Dr. Alka Patel speaks about the multifaceted nature of creativity and its significance in your life.   She defines creativity as the ability to generate original ideas, solve problems, and think beyond conventional norms. Dr. Patel explains the science of creativity and explores neurotransmitters like dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins, which play...

TRIGGER WARNING - SEXUAL ABUSE   In this episode of Health Hacktivators, Dr. Alka Patel speaks to Perry Power, a truly inspirational man who survived childhood abuse and has since become an advocate for supporting survivors of sexual abuse.   As the writer of the best-selling book "Breaking the Silence", a TEDx speaker, and founder of the self-publishing company "Powerful Books". Perry empowers tr...

In this episode of Health Hacktivators, Dr. Alka Patel talks about the transformative power of embracing discomfort through running.   Drawing inspiration from her conversation with Emon Choudhury in the last episode, Dr. Patel shares six life lessons she has learned while running, highlighting the importance of overcoming discomfort. Running the London marathon taught her adaptability and the imp...

In this episode of Health Hacktivators, Dr. Alka Patel speaks to Emon Choudhury, a passionate runner and advocate for charitable causes.   Emon shares his deep connection to charity work, particularly raising awareness for motor neuron disease (MND) and supporting epilepsy causes. They explore the power of kindness and collective action, Emon challenging himself during Ramadan by running a maratho...

In this episode of Health Hacktivators, Dr. Alka Patel speaks about heart health.   She explains what foods are good for heart health, and emphasises the importance of omega-3 fatty acids in reducing inflammation and promoting heart health. She also highlights the anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties of omega-9 fatty acids.   Dr. Patel emphasises the role of magnesium in maintaining a heal...