South Asians develop heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction at dramatically higher rates than almost any other population—but why?
In this episode, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj is joined by functional medicine practitioner Shefaly Ravula to unpack the unique biology behind South Asian metabolic health. Together they explore the "thrifty gene" hypothesis, insulin resistance, muscle loss, continuous glucose monitoring (CGMs), gut health, personalized nutrition, cholesterol testing, and why traditional risk factors often miss the bigger picture.
They also discuss practical strategies for improving metabolic health, including building muscle, optimizing protein intake, improving blood sugar regulation, interpreting advanced lipid testing, and adapting traditional Indian foods without abandoning cultural identity.
Whether you're South Asian or simply interested in longevity, prevention, and precision medicine, this conversation offers actionable insights into one of today's biggest health challenges.
Together they discuss:
- Why South Asians have unique metabolic risks
- The truth about insulin resistance
- Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)
- Muscle, longevity, and blood sugar
- Advanced cholesterol testing
- Functional medicine vs conventional medicine
- Gut health and inflammation
- Traditional Indian diets
- Protein myths
- Precision nutrition
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
01:00 Meet Shefaly Ravula
02:15 From Gastroenterology to Functional Medicine
05:30 Why Lifestyle Medicine Comes First
07:00 Precision Medicine vs Traditional Medicine
08:20 Why South Asians Develop Heart Disease Earlier
10:30 The Thrifty Gene Hypothesis
13:00 Why "Skinny" Doesn't Mean Healthy
15:15 The Muscle Deficit in South Asians
17:00 Continuous Glucose Monitors Explained
21:00 Why HbA1c Isn't Enough
23:30 Should Healthy People Wear CGMs?
26:30 The Functional Medicine Lab Panel
31:00 The Indian Diet Problem
38:00 Protein, Muscle & Longevity
41:00 White Rice vs Brown Rice
45:00 Cooking Oils: Seed Oils, Ghee & Olive Oil
50:00 Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science
What is The Curious Cardiologist?
Rethinking heart health, one question at a time.
I’m Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj—interventional cardiologist, functional medicine expert, and lifelong student of what really keeps us well. In this podcast, we go beyond prescriptions and procedures to explore the deeper drivers of health, disease, and healing.
From inflammation to intuition, cholesterol to consciousness, I sit down with doctors, researchers, and changemakers who are reshaping how we think about the heart—and the whole human behind it.
Whether you're a fellow clinician, a health seeker, or someone navigating your own transformation, this show will challenge what you thought you knew—and invite you to stay curious.