MY Articles

*By Dr. Devan Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains the leading cause of death across the globe, despite decades of research, advanced stenting technology, and refined surgical techniques. Yet, the underlying cause of coronary blockages is far simpler and more correctable than it is often presented to be. While cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, and sedentary lifestyle are frequently blamed as culprits, mounting evidence suggests that a far more fundamental biochemical deficiency underlies most coronary blocks — a deficiency of folate (vitamin B9). The Biochemical Truth Behind Arterial Blockage At the heart of this issue lies a small but powerful molecule — homocysteine. This sulfur-containing amino acid is produced naturally in the body as a by-product of methionine metabolism. In a healthy state, homocysteine is efficiently recycled back into methionine or converted into cysteine, processes that require vitamin B9 (folate), vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. When folate levels are inadequate,...

*By Dr. Devan There are moments in daily life that reveal more about human nature than any textbook on psychology or biology ever could. One such moment occurs on a busy road — a driver overtakes recklessly, honks incessantly, and blocks your path with a sense of triumph. You glance over, expecting a rough, impatient man behind the wheel, but to your surprise, it’s a woman, expression fierce, eyes flashing with dominance. It is in that instant that an intriguing thought arises: is she exhibiting the same aggressive instinct that once propelled millions of sperm to battle for survival, to fight, and to win the right to life itself? The idea sounds outlandish — even humorous — but beneath the metaphor lies a profound evolutionary truth. Every human being, male or female, is a descendant of victory. We are all the product of one sperm that outran, outmaneuvered, and outcompeted millions of others. That ancient triumph, though cellular in scale, may still whisper in our modern behaviour, s...

Bengaluru: Jeevan Shetty, renowned cartoonist, started the 'Gere Bare' organisation in 2004 in a small way within the mud walls of a government school with just two students to kick-start. To mark the launch of the organisation, pamphlets were inserted in the newspapers. It wasn't encouraging in the beginning. However, as days passed, students, enthusiastic kids started coming gradually, and most of them were too young.  From cartoon learning to drawing: Although Jeevan Shetty started the organisation with the intention of imparting knowledge on cartooning, it didn't materialise as the students were all kids. So, this way, the cartoon learning school got converted into a drawing school. But, as children of all age groups started coming, it was a bit different from the regular school classes.  Rangoli, thread drawing... At the same time, Jeevan Shety felt that mere drawing classes alone may not be of much help to the students. So, he arranged for a five-day special ca...

*By Dr. Devan Introduction: The Mirror Principle of Wisdom Most people give better advice to others than they follow themselves. When our friends face confusion, we often see their situation clearly, detached from emotion and bias. Yet when we face similar crossroads, our judgment gets clouded by fear, overthinking, or social pressure. This paradox gives rise to one of the most profound principles for life and career: “Do what you would advise others.” This single idea can transform how you plan your career. Because it forces you to see your life from the outside — objectively, calmly, and wisely. It frees you from the emotional fog that blurs your thinking and lets your innate intelligence lead. 1. The Blind Spot in Career Decisions When it comes to our own career choices, we are often our worst counselors. We hesitate, we doubt, we fear disapproval. We make decisions not from clarity but from social expectation, insecurity, or comparison. Ask yourself honestly: Would you advise your ...

*By Dr Devan Preventing hyponatremia in older adults requires a multifaceted approach focused on careful medication management, fluid regulation, and monitoring of underlying diseases. Regular review of prescribed medications—particularly thiazide diuretics, SSRIs, and antiepileptics—is essential; alternatives should be considered if recurrent hyponatremia occurs. Fluid intake should be individualised, avoiding both excessive water consumption and unnecessary fluid restriction. Patients with chronic illnesses such as heart failure, cirrhosis, or renal impairment must undergo periodic electrolyte assessment, especially after medication changes. Nutritional adequacy, including sufficient dietary sodium and protein, helps maintain osmotic balance. Education of patients and caregivers to recognise early warning signs—such as fatigue, confusion, or unsteady gait—facilitates prompt intervention. In institutional settings, protocols for electrolyte surveillance, medication review, and hydrati...

*By Dr. Devan Words are among the most powerful forces available to humanity. They can heal or hurt, build or break, inspire or extinguish. Every conversation we engage in is an opportunity to uplift or diminish someone’s spirit. Unfortunately, most people use their words unconsciously — to complain, criticize, compare, or control. Yet, if we become deliberate and mindful about the words we use, we can transform not only our relationships but also our emotional environment. The most effective way to do this is to consciously center our daily conversations around four golden elements: Appreciation, Admiration, Approval, and Encouragement. These four are not just pleasant conversational tools; they are emotional vitamins that nourish human connection. When we embody these four consistently, we begin to radiate positivity that changes the energy of every room we enter. 1. Appreciation — The Recognition of Value Appreciation is the art of seeing the good in others and expressing it sincere...

*By Dr Devan Introduction The human gut microbiome has emerged in recent years as a key factor influencing metabolism, adiposity, immune health and systemic inflammation. Among the myriad of microbial species under investigation, the probiotic strain Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (ATCC 53103) has received considerable attention. Originally isolated from a healthy human gut in 1983, this strain (often abbreviated LGG) has been extensively studied for its capacity to survive gastrointestinal transit, adhere to the intestinal mucosa and modulate host physiology. Given the growing global epidemic of obesity and metabolic diseases, interest has turned to whether probiotic bacteria, such as LGG, might contribute to weight-control or “slimming” effects. This article examines the evidence and mechanisms for LGG in modulating body weight, fat mass and metabolism — and asks whether it can truly be called a “slimming bacterium”. Strain background and properties Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (ATCC 53103...

*By Dr. Devan Introduction Sleep is not merely a nightly ritual—it is the body’s most sophisticated form of healing. During sleep, the brain detoxifies, hormones balance, and cells regenerate. Yet, millions suffer from disturbed sleep, insomnia, or unrefreshing rest despite maintaining good sleep hygiene. Emerging scientific evidence now points to an unexpected ally in improving sleep quality: ketones—the energy molecules produced during fasting, carbohydrate restriction, or ketogenic diets. Far beyond being mere fuel substitutes, ketones appear to play a profound role in modulating brain activity, neurotransmitters, and hormonal rhythms that govern sleep. This essay explores how ketones transform not just metabolism but also the depth, stability, and healing power of our sleep. 1. Understanding Ketones: Nature’s Alternate Fuel Under normal dietary conditions, the body primarily relies on glucose for energy. However, when glucose availability drops—such as during fasting or low-carbohy...

*By Dr. Devan The human mouth is a remarkable microcosm — a living ecosystem where enamel, dentin, bone, bacteria, saliva, and nutrients engage in a delicate dance. For decades, we have been conditioned to believe that dental cavities are irreversible — that once decay sets in, the only solution is drilling, filling, or extraction. Yet, emerging science tells a very different story. It suggests that under the right nutritional conditions, particularly with adequate Vitamin K2 in its MK-7 form, the body possesses an innate ability to heal cavities naturally. This revolutionary understanding shifts dentistry from mechanical repair to biological regeneration — from filling holes to filling deficiencies. 1. The Forgotten Vitamin That Controls Calcium Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) is the unsung hero of human health. Unlike its cousin Vitamin K1, which aids in blood clotting, Vitamin K2’s principal role is in calcium metabolism. It acts as a biochemical traffic cop — directing calcium away from a...

* By Dr Devan Gambling (and other impulse-control problems) are recognised side effects of several Parkinson’s disease (PD) medications, especially those that act on dopamine receptors. Here’s a clear, detailed explanation 1. The Core Problem: Dopamine Overstimulation Parkinson’s disease itself is caused by dopamine deficiency in the brain (particularly in the substantia nigra). Treatment, therefore, involves replacing or mimicking dopamine, but too much stimulation of certain dopamine pathways (especially the mesolimbic “reward” system) can lead to addictive or impulsive behaviours. 2. Drugs Most Commonly Implicated Drug class Examples Risk level for gambling/impulse control disorders Dopamine agonists Pramipexole (Mirapex), Ropinirole (Requip), Rotigotine (Neupro), Apomorphine  Highest risk: Levodopa (Sinemet, Madopar), Levodopa/carbidopa, Levodopa/benserazide Moderate risk MAO-B inhibitors Rasagiline, Selegiline Low risk COMT inhibitors Entacapone, Tolcapone Low risk The dopamin...

*By Dr. Devan We live our lives as if tomorrow is guaranteed. We assume the people around us will always be there — the friend we fought with, the parent we took for granted, the colleague we ignored, the neighbour we misunderstood. Yet, the truth is far more fragile and unsettling: anyone, by the next day, can become a photograph on a wall, a framed memory, or a name whispered in past tense. When we internalise this truth, our interactions with people transform. Our tone softens, our words gain meaning, and our hearts learn compassion. The Fragility of Human Existence Life is uncertain — not in a poetic, philosophical way, but in a brutally real one. Every day, thousands of people around the world wake up without the faintest idea that it will be their last sunrise. Death is not a respecter of age, wealth, health, or plans. It arrives unannounced, and when it does, it leaves behind not just silence, but lessons for those who survive. When you realise that the person standing before yo...