The Body of Evidence

Latest Episodes:

183 - Hyaluronic Acid – miracle cream or simple moisturizer May 07, 2026

Show notes

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/

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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/

182 - Sleep Posture: Front vs. Back Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

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

181 – Peptides... the latest injectable craze Apr 23, 2026

Show notes

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

180 – Nicotine – the latest health hack Apr 16, 2026

Show notes

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

179 – Fibermaxxing – too much of a good thing Apr 09, 2026

Show notes

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:
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/

178 – Cholesterol in Kids: if you don’t look for it, you won’t find it Apr 02, 2026

Show notes

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

177 – Will going in the sauna ruin my sperm? Mar 26, 2026

Show notes

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

176 – Prostate Cancer Update Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

175 - Nasal Strips - do they pass the sniff test? Mar 12, 2026

Show notes

Do nasal strips actually help you breathe better? What about better sleep, snoring or sleep apnea? Chris and Sophie parse through the evidence. Also, some fan e-mail praising Sophie leads to some very long digressions and a promise to one day go geocaching.

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)The 2016 review on nasal dilators: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27367589/

2)The 2 in 1 RCT paper in patients with chronic sinusitis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31209698/

3)American Academy of Sleep Medicine review: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12938818/

4)2016 review of nasal dilators and snoring apnea https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5187471/

174 – Norovirus – our most disgusting episode ever Mar 05, 2026

Show notes

Chris and Sophie discuss norovirus, the winter vomiting disease, which ruins Sophie’s evening plans. Also, a generalized discussion of body fluids and diarrheal illness make this our most disgusting and graphic episode ever. You’ve been warned.

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) Chris article on norovirus with all references in the hyperlinks: https://montrealgazette.com/opinion/columnists/labos-washing-your-hands-isnt-an-olympic-feat

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