The Body of Evidence

Dr. Christopher Labos
  • 4.8 (89)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Weekly

Dr. Christopher Labos and guests use the body of evidence to go beyond science and medicine headlines and hype. All to help you develop your critical thinking skills so that when you google your symptoms, you won't believe you're going to die tomorrow. The Body of Evidence is your weekly dose of clarity on complex health topics and the often-sketchy medical information found online. Hosted by cardiologist Dr. Christopher Labos and featuring a rotating cast of co-hosts and guests, this podcast brings you engaging interviews, original reporting, and humour-filled commentaries to help you navigate the world of medicine. Episodes tackle everything from debunking misinformation to exploring the reality of certain conditions to the effectiveness of social media medical trends. With an extensive archive dating back to 2015,The Body of Evidence is your go-to source for understanding science and medicine and developing critical thinking about your health.

  1. Jun 18

    189 – Nonenal, Persimmon Soap, and the myth of old person smell

    A viewer question prompts Chris and Sophie to ask what actually causes "old-person smell" and is persimmon soap the only thing that can get rid of it? And what does this have to do with Japan? Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE   Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.   Hosts:     Christopher Labos & Sophie Tseng Pellar Editor:    Robyn Flynn Researcher: Danielle Kaprelian Theme music: "Fall of the Ocean Queen" by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer   Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information. References: The 2001 Japanese study that most websites reference: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022202X15411984

    41 min

  2. Jun 11

    188 – Breastfeeding Myths Part 2

    Galactagogues and medications to boost milk production. Everything from oats to fenugreek to lactation cookies and prescription medications like metoclopramide and domperidone. Also, cow's milk protein allergy, reflux and baby's spit-up, the safety of alcohol while breastfeeding, and how to handle other prescription medications. Natalie Borden, an international board certified lactation consultant, joins Chris to debunk breastfeeding myths. Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE   Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.   Editor:    Robyn Flynn Theme music: "Fall of the Ocean Queen" by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer   Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information. References: Internet survey on patient use of lactation aides: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37236347/ Cochrane 2020 on galactogogues: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32421208/ 2023 RCT on lactation cookies: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36921902/ The LactMed database: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/

    36 min

  3. Jun 4

    187 – Breastfeeding Myths Part 1

    How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk? What is proper latching technique? How do you treat painful nipples? Natalie Borden, an international board certified lactation consultant, joins Chris to debunk breastfeeding myths. Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE   Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.   Editor:    Robyn Flynn Theme music: "Fall of the Ocean Queen" by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer   Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information. References: 1) 2014 Cochrane review on Interventions for treating painful nipples among breastfeeding women https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25506813/

    28 min

  4. May 28

    186 – Pink Noise

    Pink noise claims it can boost your memory, help your sleep, and treat your ADHD. But how it's studied in a sleep lab is very different from passive listening all night long. Chris and Sophie dive into the evidence to figure out if the influencers pushing pink noise for sleep got it right or if they're simply dreaming.   Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE   Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.   Editor:    Robyn Flynn Researcher: Danielle Kaprelian Theme music: "Fall of the Ocean Queen" by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer   Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information. References: The different colours of noise from white to pink to brown: https://www.allure.com/story/what-is-brown-noise-pink-white-sound-therapy The famous 2017 "memory enhancement" study: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/human-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2017.00109/full A lay summary of the above study: https://time.com/collections/guide-to-sleep/4694555/pink-noise-deep-sleep-improve-memory/ The study showing pink noise might make things worse: https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/49/5/zsag001/8452884 Dr. F. Perry Wilson's Medscape video series on pink noise: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/pink-noise-could-be-wrecking-your-sleep-2026a100039x A 2022 systematic review on overall sleep quality: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34964434/ Memory claims and pink noise: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/human-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2023.1302836/full Examples of white and pink noise are found here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pink_noise.ogg and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:White-noise-sound-20sec-mono-44100Hz.ogg

    41 min

  5. May 21

    185 – Lipoprotein(a): the cholesterol you never heard about until recently

    Lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a) is suddenly all the rage because several drug companies are working on medications to lower this previously resistant form of cholesterol. Almost entirely genetic, unaffected by diet or lifestyle, it has numerous studies linking it to heart disease and aortic valve calcification. But it may not be the ticking time bomb some influencers like to claim.   Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE   Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.   Editor:    Robyn Flynn Theme music: "Fall of the Ocean Queen" by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer   Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information. References: The genetic nature of Lp(a) levels: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1386087/ Prevalence of elevated Lp(a) in 500,000 US patients https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27659098/ Prevalence of elevated Lp(a) in 2.9 million Chinese adults https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40266173/ Prevalence of elevated Lp(a) in the INTERASPIRE study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40436467/ Variation of Lp(a) by sex: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27659098/ One of the many studies linking Lp(a) to cardiovascular disease https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33115266/ High Lp(a) and aortic stenosis: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1109034 FH and Lp(a) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32466883/ The ongoing Lp(a) trials https://familyheart.org/lpa-clinical-trials

    33 min

  6. May 14

    184 – The Meniscus: when in doubt, leave it in

    Meniscectomies were once a very common surgery for knee pain. Then the data happened. Teppo Järvinen from the Finnish Centre for Evidence-Based Orthopaedics (FICEBO) joins Chris to talk about the recent 10-year data from the FIDELITY trial, showing that removing the meniscus in patients with knee pain did not improve symptoms and for a broader discussion about the role and importance of sham surgery and placebo controls in surgical research. He also shows Chris that orthopaedic surgeons are a surprisingly thoughtful and introspective group.   Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE   Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.   Editor:    Robyn Flynn Theme music: "Fall of the Ocean Queen" by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer   Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information. References: The FICEBO website: www.ficebo.com The original FIDELITY trial showing meniscectomy had no benefit: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1305189 The recent 10-year follow-up data from FIDELITY: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2516079 The SIMPLICITY HTN-3 sham surgery trial on renal denervation: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1402670 Max Planck's Principle: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planck%27s_principle

    47 min

  7. May 7

    183 - Hyaluronic Acid – miracle cream or simple moisturizer

    Hyaluronic acid is the most versatile ingredient in the beauty industry and promises anti-aging wrinkle-free skin for everyone. Chris and Sophie dive in to find out how much of these claims are based in evidence and whether it does anything beyond moisturizing your skin.   Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE   Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.   Co-host: Sophie Tseng Pellar Editor:    Robyn Flynn Producer: Danielle Kaprelian   Theme music: "Fall of the Ocean Queen" by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer   Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information. References: 2022 systematic review of topical hyaluronic acid https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10078143/ A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of injectable hyaluronic acid https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39807700/ Meta-analysis of 7 randomized controlled trials of oral supplements containing hyaluronic acid https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40911749/ Large systematic reviews of skin supplements https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9201759/ Single large randomized controlled trial of 129 subjects https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10661223/

    29 min

  8. Apr 30

    182 - Sleep Posture: Front vs. Back

    A viewer question prompts Chris and Sophie to dig into whether sleeping on your stomach is bad for your back. Prone vs. supine sleeping and its implication on low back pain are very tenuous. The research on pillows reveals a surprising result and Chris explains why he loves his rock hard pillow.   Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you! http://www.patreon.com/thebodyofevidence/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=9QZET78JZWCZE   Email us your questions at thebodyofevidence@gmail.com.   Editor:    Robyn Flynn Theme music: "Fall of the Ocean Queen" by Joseph Hackl Rod of Asclepius designed by Kamil J. Przybos Chris' book, Does Coffee Cause Cancer?: https://ecwpress.com/products/does-coffee-cause-cancer   Obviously, Chris is not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information. References: Systematic review on sleep posture & low back pain (2025) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40338112/ Systematic review on pillow and nick pain https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33895703/ Small experimental study on sleep posture and muscle activity https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5468189/     https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Lindell

    36 min
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Trailer

4.8
out of 5
89 Ratings

About

Dr. Christopher Labos and guests use the body of evidence to go beyond science and medicine headlines and hype. All to help you develop your critical thinking skills so that when you google your symptoms, you won't believe you're going to die tomorrow. The Body of Evidence is your weekly dose of clarity on complex health topics and the often-sketchy medical information found online. Hosted by cardiologist Dr. Christopher Labos and featuring a rotating cast of co-hosts and guests, this podcast brings you engaging interviews, original reporting, and humour-filled commentaries to help you navigate the world of medicine. Episodes tackle everything from debunking misinformation to exploring the reality of certain conditions to the effectiveness of social media medical trends. With an extensive archive dating back to 2015,The Body of Evidence is your go-to source for understanding science and medicine and developing critical thinking about your health.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Christopher Labos
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    225
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025, Dr. Christopher Labos
  • Show Website
    The Body of Evidence

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