Emotional suppression as an adaptive but risky habit

This episode is brought to you by Bon Charge, One Skin, Maui Nui, and Cozy Earth.

When we think about chronic disease, we don’t always consider the role of emotions. Yet emotional patterns can quietly drive chronic inflammation, which underlies many of today’s most common conditions. Today’s guest shares powerful stories from patients with unexpected diagnoses, revealing how core life habits and major life events often precede, and contribute to, the development of disease.

Today on The Dhru Purohit Show, Dhru sits down with Dr. Ronesh Sinha to explore the often-overlooked emotional factors behind chronic illness, even in people who appear to be doing everything “right” for their health. Dr. Sinha introduces the concept of surprise diseases, explains how emotional patterns shape physical outcomes, and unpacks ideas like “shamily” and emotional immunity. He also shares practical ways to build emotional awareness, why introspection matters, and how open, honest conversations within families can be a powerful tool for long-term health.

Dr. Ronesh Sinha is an internal medicine physician and author of The South Asian Health Solution, who runs a Silicon Valley lifestyle clinic focused on reversing insulin resistance. He serves as Chief Medical Officer for the Silicon Valley Employer Forum, advising major tech companies on health benefits. His work has been featured in Fortune Magazine and the Los Angeles Times, and he hosts the Meta Health Podcast.

In this episode, Dhru and Dr. Sinha dive into: 

• The invisible risk shaping our metabolic health (1:05)

• How emotional suppression fuels “surprise” diseases (5:47)

• Shamily: emotional stability, patterns, and family dynamics (11:55)

• What stress really does to the immune system (19:16)

• Emotional immunity: the missing layer of health (33:17)

• The hidden meaning behind head flicks and body signals (39:32)

• Why emotional suppression is like an Instant Pot (47:17)

• How subvocalization quietly impacts your health (54:56)

• Recognizing emotional patterns tied to your personality (1:00:23)

• How our thoughts shape connection and belonging (1:10:05)

• Simple introspection and relaxation tools that work (1:12:23)

• What happens when vulnerability enters family dynamics (1:16:42)

• How emotional authenticity improves well-being (1:22:57)

Also mentioned in this episode:

• Try This: 7 Things I’m Doing To Keep My Parents Healthy As They Get Older

• 7 Ways I’m Helping My Parents Stay Healthy As They Get Older

For more on Dr. Sinha, follow him on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or visit his Website.

This episode is brought to you by Bon Charge, Cozy Earth, One Skin, and Maui Nui.

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