Dr.Palaniappan Manickam aka Dr.Pal - The Viral Gut Doctor Explains No Multivitamin Can Beat a Simple Plate of Idli and Sambhar (Gastroenterologist, NewME, 1M+ Followers)

"Doctors don’t just treat bodies — we influence minds. And if you can do that with warmth, a smile, and maybe a meme or two… you’ve already won half the battle."

Dr.Pal Exclusive Interview

Q. As a doctor turned social media star, what’s surprised you most about how people connect with your content — and has it changed your offline practice?

The biggest surprise was how hungry people were for medical info. I used to think people didn’t care about health related info but turns out they do when explained in a fun way. Once I started talking like a friend (with a few memes and movie refs), people really started connecting. Now patients walk into my clinic saying,
"Doctor, I saw your reel!"

It’s wild how social media made my consultations easier and more fun.

It’s made me realize, doctors don’t just treat bodies. We influence minds.
And if you can do that with warmth, a smile, and maybe a meme or two… you’ve already won half the battle. So yes, the internet changed how I practice offline. And I love it.

Q. For someone new to gut health, what are your top 3 simple dietary changes to get started?

Let’s make it super simple:

Follow the 3 Fs:

Fibre – More fruits, veggies, dal. Your gut bugs love this stuff.
Fermented foods – Take curd, buttermilk, idli, khorisa, dhokla.
Fasting (intermittent) – Give your gut a break & don’t eat after 8 PM.

If you follow these 3Fs, the fourth F ‘fun’ will follow.

Q. What’s one gut health myth you wish people would stop believing?

That vitamins and supplements can replace real food.

Sorry, but no capsule can match what a plate of healthy, home-cooked balanced meals can give you. Supplements are like backup dancers. Useful sometimes. But the hero is always food. Your gut wants meals, not multivitamins. So before you spend ₹2,000 on a fancy supplement, try eating idli, sambhar, some guava and a bowl of curd first.

Q. How are Gen Z’s eating habits affecting their gut, and what would a gut-friendly meal plan for them look like?

Gen Z’s delulu about diets won’t give them any solulu for their gut problems.

Skipping meals, living on coffee, energy drinks, ramen, and Swiggy orders at 11 PM will leave your gut confused and your good gut bacteria heart-broken.

Add one vegetable & fruit with every meal, take the necessary amount of fiber & protein. Hydrate well. Don’t eat anything at least after 9 PM. Along with these get some chill and that’s the recipe to keep your gut well.

Q. What’s the most exciting gut health trend or research finding you’ve come across recently?

The gut-brain connection. How it is deeper & stronger than we thought. Recent studies highlight that short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), produced by our gut bacteria, play an important role in signaling the brain via the vagus nerve. This means our gut health directly influences mood, stress levels, and even cognitive functions. It's a two-way street: a happy gut can lead to a happier mind, and vice versa.

Q. MedCom, your signature blend of medical advice and comedy, makes health education engaging and fun. How do you balance humor with accuracy when tackling serious topics?

Great question! It’s all about keeping it real and relatable while never compromising on the facts. I use humor to make complex topics digestible, but I’m careful not to water down the science. It’s all about finding that sweet spot where the humor doesn't overshadow the message but makes the learning process feel relatable and more enjoyable. If you laugh at the joke and practice the advice, I’ve done my job!

Q. NewME, your holistic program for gut, mindset, and metabolic wellness, promises more than just a reset. How does it help people reclaim their health and build lasting transformation from the inside out?

NewME works by not about giving you a strict plan and expecting you to follow it perfectly. Instead, we look at your overall health, your daily habits, your energy levels and build small changes into your routine that actually make sense for your life.

You get a coach who supports you, not someone who just says “don’t eat this.” It’s about helping you understand your body, eat better, sleep better, and feel more in control without overwhelming you. And by the time you finish the program, those small habits will fit into your life & will feel natural to you. And, that’s how it becomes your lifestyle, and not just a 30-day thing.

Bio

Dr. Palaniappan Manickam, popularly known as Dr. Pal, is an Indian-American gastroenterologist based in Sacramento, California. A graduate of PSG Institute of Medical Sciences in Coimbatore, he later earned an MPH and completed his medical training in the U.S.
Dr. Pal is known for blending medicine with humor, educating millions through his YouTube and Instagram platforms. His health journey inspired him to adopt a plant-based lifestyle and co-found NewME, a coaching program focused on sustainable wellness.
He also supports palliative care through the Aishwaryam Trust in India, using proceeds from his media ventures for social impact.

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Interviewed By Irene Elina Eldhose