Trisha Pasricha, MD

Boston

Contributing columnist

Education: Harvard University, BA in visual and environmental studies; Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, MD; Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, MPH

Dr. Trisha Pasricha is the Ask a Doctor columnist for The Washington Post. She completed internal medicine residency at the Johns Hopkins Hospital and fellowships in gastroenterology and motility at Massachusetts General Hospital. Along the way, Dr. Pasricha's career in medical journalism has spanned over 13 years, including prior reporting for CNN, ABC News and the New York Times. She is an instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School, and outside medicine and writing, she spends her time with family, snuggling their chow chow Cannoli and binging on classic Bollywood films. Dr. Pasricha l
Latest from Trisha Pasricha, MD

Why poop problems may put you at risk for varicose veins

Eating more fiber and getting more exercise are two simple steps you can take to prevent your varicose veins from getting worse.

September 16, 2024

I’m a gastroenterologist. Here’s the surprising truth about gluten.

Many of my patients report symptoms after eating gluten. But the trigger is often a larger group of foods known as fermentable carbohydrates, or FODMAPs.

September 9, 2024

These 3 moves may signal you’ve got carpal tunnel syndrome

To diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome, doctors often ask patients to perform certain maneuvers, such as hand elevation, Phalen’s test and Tinel’s sign.

September 2, 2024

Why does running make me go to the bathroom?

Runners often face gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and nausea, but there are ways to alleviate them.

August 19, 2024

Why does it feel like everyone has an autoimmune disease?

Increasing autoimmune diseases are influenced by genetics, environment, modern lifestyle and many other factors.

August 12, 2024

Does anxiety make your heart race? Try these simple tricks to find calm.

A fast heart rate can have numerous causes, such as anxiety, dehydration or cardiac arrhythmia. Quick actions that engage the vagus nerve may slow it down.

July 29, 2024

How can I get healthier hair? Here’s what the science says.

Washing less frequently and using “sulfate-free” products can lead to healthier hair and help protect your scalp microbiome.

July 22, 2024

These essential oils have science-backed health benefits

Research has found that peppermint, lavender and tea tree oils can help treat certain health conditions. The claims behind others, such as citronella and rose, are lacking in evidence.

July 15, 2024

How can I keep my energy up as I age?

Talk through your symptoms of low energy with your physician who can help tease out the nuances, which may lead to a specific diagnosis.

July 8, 2024

How do you fix a ‘leaky gut’? Here’s what the latest science says.

Many people claim you can “cure” a leaky gut. These claims are not backed by science, but there are well-studied ways to improve your gut lining.

July 1, 2024