The Body of Evidence

Dr. Christopher Labos

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. 3D AGO

    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
  2. APR 23

    181 – Peptides... the latest injectable craze

    What are peptides like BPC-157 and why is RFK Jr. trying to make them more easily available to Americans? Also why are they illegal in Canada? We also reveal the two peptides (one very old and one very recent) that have revolutionized medicine. Hint we've covered both on the show before. 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: Phase 1 safety study that was cancelled   https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02637284 Retrospective case series of 12 patients https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34324435/ A pilot study of 2 patients https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40131143/   Background reading:   https://apnews.com/article/peptide-injections-risks-side-effects-6f0d391b270f5008932cba909b8fef07   https://ascpt.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cpt.613   https://capitalcurrent.ca/fitness-influencers-promote-risky-unproven-fitness-products-called-peptides-online-and-health-experts-are-ringing-alarm-bells/   https://theconversation.com/no-you-dont-need-the-barbie-drug-to-tan-whatever-tiktok-says-heres-why-melanotan-ii-is-so-risky-247445   https://erictopol.substack.com/p/the-peptide-craze   https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/2026/feb/05/injectable-peptides-trend https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2026/04/13/why-are-people-injecting-themselves-with-peptides#rid=c3626699-c95b-487e-9e08-58814ae13bcd&q=peptides

    36 min
  3. APR 16

    180 – Nicotine – the latest health hack

    Nicotine has been rebranded as a "health aid" by influencers. It can be an energy boost pre-workout, heighten focus, enhance performance and increase productivity. But we have been here before with nicotine products. Will we learn from past mistakes or are we doomed to repeat them. 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: 2024 National Youth Tobacco Survey https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/wr/mm7341a2.htm The illegal sale of nitcotine pouches https://www.cbc.ca/news/investigates/nicotine-pouches-illegal-sale-9.7000711 FDA authorizes marketing of nicotine pouches https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-authorizes-marketing-20-zyn-nicotine-pouch-products-after-extensive-scientific-review Growing popularity of nicotine pouches in young people https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40898003/ History of tobacco advertising restictions https://truthinitiative.org/research-resources/tobacco-industry-marketing/what-do-tobacco-advertising-restrictions-look-today

    41 min
  4. APR 9

    179 – Fibermaxxing – too much of a good thing

    The viral TikTok trend of fibermaxxing suggests you should eat between 50-100g/day of fiber, two to three times the recommended amount. Chris and Sophie delve into the evidence about whether it actually does lower cholesterol, prevent cancer, and boost your immune system. Also, two new faces join the team. 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 Producer: Sophie Tseng Pellar 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: Epidemiological studies showing lower disease risk: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(18)31809-9/fulltext https://www.bmj.com/content/347/bmj.f6879 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/202011 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40651334/ Fiber and cholesterol: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30239559/ Fiber and weight loss: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37163454/ Fiber and diabetes: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11155034/ Fiber and the microbiome: https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(21)00754-6 Fiber and irritable bowel syndrome: https://www.bmj.com/content/339/bmj.b3154 Fiber and colon cancer: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17855692/

    40 min
  5. APR 2

    178 – Cholesterol in Kids: if you don't look for it, you won't find it

    A new position statement for screening for high cholesterol in kids raises important questions of who, when, how, and why? Dr. Michael Khoury, author of the new statement, joins Chris to discuss why Canada needed new guidance and why cholesterol isn't just an old person's problem.   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 position statement from the Canadian Pediatric Society: https://cps.ca/en/documents/position/lipid-disorders 2017 survey of American pediatricians: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28209292/ 2020 survey of Canadian pediatricians: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0828282X20305146 2019 Cochran review of statin therapy in children: https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD006401.pub5/full The 20 year follow-up study of the Netherlands cohort: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1816454

    36 min
  6. MAR 26

    177 – Will going in the sauna ruin my sperm?

    A series of inappropriate locker room conversations reveals two things: Sophie's friends don't have a good sense of boundaries and there's a lot of anxiety regarding sperm health. In theory, higher temperatures do affect sperm. But this a clinically meaningful effect or are we seeing a rehash of the worry around whirlpools from the 80s and 90s.   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: Oxidative stress and the impact on fertility https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32033035/ Heat and the impact on spermatogenesis: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7070831/ 2002 study of 8 normozoospermic patients who used a sauna dailiy for 2 weeks: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1046/j.1365-2605.1998.00138.x?sid=nlm%3Apubmed 2007 study of 11 infertile men after exposure to hot tubs: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17335598/ 2013 study showing a repeated but reversible impairment in spermatogenesis after sauna exposure: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23411620/ 2018 systematic review: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5941775/ Declining fertility rates in Finland: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00324728.2020.1750677#d1e147

    34 min
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.

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