The Doctor's Kitchen Podcast6 Aug 2025

#309 5 Ancient Practices to Help You Feel & Function Better | Dr Rupy Aujla

Could modern life be a little too comfortable for our ancient bodies? This week, I’m exploring the idea that our 21st-century lifestyle might be mismatched with what our biology evolved for and how reintroducing a few ancient challenges could help you feel sharper, calmer, and more resilient.

Without going full caveman, there are a few mild and ‘natural’ stressors that may have benefits to our bodies and considering how comfortable our lives are today, would require us to purposely reintroduce.

I dive into:

🍽️ Why mild hunger and thirst may be benefit; Not every craving needs a snack—your stress hormones might thank you.
🌿 How plant “toxins” are misunderstood heroes;From broccoli to turmeric, these phytochemicals can trigger powerful cell protection pathways.
🔥❄️ Whether saunas & cold plunges are worth the hype; How short exposures to heat or cold, separately, might boost metabolism, improve circulation, and even support brain health.

Today’s episode was influenced by the conversation I had with Dr Leo Pruimboom about the science of ‘intermittent living’. The benefit of these challenges isn’t in the challenge itself, it’s in the recovery. And fasting, movement, temperature, and more mirror the environments we evolved in.

To enjoy the benefits of these, I don’t think it requires a complete lifestyle overhaul, I see these as gentle nudges to remind your body what it was built for. The key is dose. Not too much, not too little.

Remember, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula. It’s a curious invitation to explore how mild, short-term stressors can unlock long-term health. These aren’t replacements for healthy habits, just small extras that might make a big difference.

This area of research is still evolving. Not all ancient humans lived the same way. There wasn’t one perfect lifestyle. And while the theory behind intermittent living is fascinating, it’s not a prescription.

Think of it as adding a few evolutionary ingredients back into your modern life!

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