An Expert Warns: Too Much Time Indoors May Be Raising Your Risk of Heart Attack & Stroke — Here’s How to Overcome Our Indoor Epidemic with Dr. John La Puma
Dhru Purohit Show
Light as Antidepressant and Sleep Aid
John explains morning light reduces depression symptoms up to 50% and combined light strategies rapidly improve sleep.
This episode is brought to you by BiOptimizers, Puori, Branch Basics, and LMNT.
Most people are doing their best to stay healthy in a world their biology doesn’t recognize. They’re following modern advice, stacking routines, and trying to keep up, while their body is quietly asking for something much more basic.
Today on The Dhru Purohit Show, Dhru sits down with physician and author Dr. John La Puma to unpack the hidden health consequences of modern indoor living and why he calls it an “Indoor Epidemic.” Dr. La Puma explains how spending the majority of our time indoors disrupts our circadian rhythm, accelerates aging, and increases the risk of chronic disease. He also breaks down the powerful role of light as a biological signal influencing mood, energy, and sleep, and explains why even small doses can significantly impact our health.
Dr. John La Puma is a two-time New York Times bestselling author, board-certified internist, and professionally trained chef who pioneered Culinary Medicine. He now pioneers EcoMedicine from his small regenerative teaching farm. His upcoming book, Indoor Epidemic, reveals a clinically validated intervention, presenting nature as foundational medicine, an essential component of health, and the missing pillar in optimizing longevity and healthspan.
In this episode, Dhru and Dr. La Puma dive into:
(0:00) Intro
(00:10) How indoor living impacts our health
(01:29) More time indoors increases chronic disease risk
(04:30) What the data really reveals
(08:20) “Digital obesity” and resetting brain signals
(10:58) The benefits of spending time outdoors
(22:48) Light as a natural antidepressant
(27:48) Indoor living and accelerated aging
(36:30) Dr. La Puma’s origin story and mission
(47:27) Small habits that drive long-term change
(59:22) Simple ways to improve your diet
(1:00:49) How gardening supports overall health
(1:14:22) Staying productive in a busy world
(1:21:45) How schools can support children’s health
(1:28:37) Social connection and community
(1:36:17) The health benefits of nature
(1:40:33) Where to find Dr. La Puma’s work
Also mentioned in this episode:
For more on Dr. La Puma, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, or visit his Website.
This episode is brought to you by BiOptimizers, Puori, Branch Basics, and LMNT.
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