The Body of Evidence

While it is proven to be lifesaving in carbon monoxide poisoning, is there any evidence that hyperbaric oxygen therapy helps with cerebral palsy, autism, long covid, migraines and many other conditions? Can HBOT be both a valid medical therapy and a pseudoscience? Guest co-host Pedro Mendes joins Dr. Chris Labos to parse out fact from fiction. Bonus points if you know the one condition where hyperbaric oxygen therapy is strictly contra-indicated.   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 not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information. References:   Hyperbaric oxygen therapy – Health Canada https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/healthy-living/your-health/medical-information/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy.html   Chris’ article on hyperbaric oxygen therapy: https://www.montrealgazette.com/opinion/columnists/article560792.html   Recent child’s death https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/clinic-death-raises-questions-about-oxygen-therapy-2025a10003wa?ecd=wnl_tp10_daily_250216_MSCPEDIT_etid7230220&uac=207389HY&impID=7230220   Trauma Bouachour G, Cronier P, Gouello JP, Toulemonde JL, Talha A, Alquier P. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the management of crush injuries: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Trauma. 1996 Aug;41(2):333-9. doi: 10.1097/00005373-199608000-00023. PMID: 8760546.   Burns Brannen AL, Still J, Haynes M, Orlet H, Rosenblum F, Law E, Thompson WO. A randomized prospective trial of hyperbaric oxygen in a referral burn center population. Am Surg. 1997 Mar;63(3):205-8. PMID: 9036884.   Radiation injury Lin ZC, Bennett MH, Hawkins GC, Azzopardi CP, Feldmeier J, Smee R, Milross C. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for late radiation tissue injury. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023 Aug 15;8(8):CD005005. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD005005.pub5. PMID: 37585677; PMCID: PMC10426260.   Chronic wounds: Kranke P, Bennett MH, Martyn-St James M, Schnabel A, Debus SE, Weibel S. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for chronic wounds. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015 Jun 24;2015(6):CD004123. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD004123.pub4. PMID: 26106870; PMCID: PMC7055586.   Cerebral palsy Collet JP, Vanasse M, Marois P, Amar M, Goldberg J, Lambert J, Lassonde M, Hardy P, Fortin J, Tremblay SD, Montgomery D, Lacroix J, Robinson A, Majnemer A. Hyperbaric oxygen for children with cerebral palsy: a randomised multicentre trial. HBO-CP Research Group. Lancet. 2001 Feb 24;357(9256):582-6. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(00)04054-x. PMID: 11558483.  

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is more common than most people realize and with more far-reaching implications than it would initially seem. Guest co-host Robyn Flynn joins Dr. Chris Labos to talk about it's potential impact on fertility, cardiovascular health, and according to Robyn, that it's more painful than childbirth?!? We’re going to have to look into that one.   You can also check out Robyn’s podcast, Rebel Mom Boss https://open.spotify.com/show/4uMAsJS9ySR47iGYw8ExDo?si=bc68ddfcb0bd4f3f    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 not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information.   References: 1) Dutch Twin study about the role of genetics in PCOS:   10.1210/jc.2005-1494   2) Cochrane review on meds that improve fertility https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD003053.pub6/full   3) RCT of diet to restore fertility https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article-abstract/88/2/812/2845309?redirectedFrom=fulltext   4) Benefits of weight loss prior to fertility treatment 10.1210/jc.2016-1659 5) Letrozole vs. clomiphene for fertility treatment https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1313517 6) Metformin as a fertility treatment 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.11995  

Intense abdominal pain and erratic behaviour. Both involving drugs. What's really going on? Dr. Aigul Zaripova, a familiar voice for our regular listeners, is back to try and stump Dr. Chris Labos with two Medscape case challenges. Will Chris cover himself in glory or will shame and humiliation await him at the end of the episode? Only one way to find out.   Part 1: Intense Abdominal Pain After a Night of Partying https://reference.medscape.com/viewarticle/954084   Part 2: Recent Erratic Behaviour and a History of Cannabis Use in a Teenager https://reference.medscape.com/viewarticle/1001391 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 not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information. References: You can see the entire archive of Medscape Case Challenges here: https://reference.medscape.com/features/casechallenges  

Are animals actually monogamous? Do penguins really mate for life? Does any of this really matter? Returning guest Natalia Pasternak joins Dr. Chris Labos in this special Valentine’s Day episode to talk about monogamy.  A look at love and sex in the animal kingdom and a reminder that none of this gives you permission to cheat on your spouse or significant other. Just because animals are jerks, doesn’t meant mean you have to be one too.  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 not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information. References: 1) Natalia’s original article in Portuguese: https://oglobo.globo.com/blogs/a-hora-da-ciencia/post/2024/07/recatado-e-do-lar.ghtml?giftId=343c01cf90f30a3&utm_source=Copiarlink&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=compartilharmateria 2) The book with the inappropriate title that Natalia mentions: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59228221-bitch 3) Additional info on the Lilicon conference in Edmonton this summer: https://sites.google.com/view/lilienfeldalliance/lilicon-2025  

Pedro Mendez, a science communicator and podcaster, joins Chris to unravel the mystery of Red Dye No. 3. They discuss why the FDA banned this dye in the U.S. yet it's still permitted in Canada. Is the link between this dye and cancer in rats a serious threat to humans? They also explore the potential connection between artificial colorings and ADHD in children. Plus, stick around for a delightful reference to Winnie the Pooh that adds a touch of whimsy to the serious topic of food safety and public health perceptions!

How good is the Body Mass Index as a measure of obesity? And why did the Lancet Commission trash it so completely? Guest co-host Robyn Flynn joins Dr. Chris Labos to flesh out how bad BMI really is and if the alternatives are any better. There’s probably no singing this time around... but no promises. 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. Assistant researcher: Aigul Zaripova, MD 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, I am not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information. References: Lancet Commission on Obesity: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587(24)00316-4/abstract Accompanying Editorial: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587(25)00004-X/fulltext  Infographic: https://www.thelancet.com/infographics-do/clinical-obesity-25 

Hormone Replacement Therapy is now called Menopausal Hormone Therapy. And despite being almost universally abandoned two decades ago, it's making a comeback. Dr. Chris Labos and guest co-host Pedro Mendes explain why, while also giving a primer on menopause itself 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. Assistant researcher: Aigul Zaripova, MD 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, I’m not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information. References: Geographic variability of menopausal symptoms 1) Nappi RE et al. Global cross-sectional survey of women with vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause: prevalence and quality of life burden. Menopause. 2021 May 24;28(8):875-882. doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000001793. 2) Nappi RE, et al. Prevalence and quality-of-life burden of vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause: A European cross-sectional survey. Maturitas. 2023 Jan;167:66-74. doi: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2022.09.006. What’s the normal duration of symptoms 3) Avis NE, et al. Study of Women's Health Across the Nation. Duration of menopausal vasomotor symptoms over the menopause transition. JAMA Intern Med. 2015 Apr;175(4):531-9. doi: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2014.8063. The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) studies Rossouw JE et al. Risks and benefits of estrogen plus progestin in healthy postmenopausal women: principal results From the Women's Health Initiative randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2002 Jul 17;288(3):321-33. doi: 10.1001/jama.288.3.321. Anderson GL et al. Effects of conjugated equine estrogen in postmenopausal women with hysterectomy: the Women's Health Initiative randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2004 Apr 14;291(14):1701-12. doi: 10.1001/jama.291.14.1701. Decline in HRT after WHI studies Sprague BL, Trentham-Dietz A, Cronin KA. A sustained decline in postmenopausal hormone use: results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2010. Obstet Gynecol. 2012 Sep;120(3):595-603. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0b013e318265df42. Danish Osteoporosis Prevention Study Schierbeck LL metal. Effect of hormone replacement therapy on cardiovascular events in recently postmenopausal women: randomised trial. BMJ. 2012 Oct 9;345:e6409. doi: 10.1136/bmj.e6409. Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS) Harman SM, et al. Arterial imaging outcomes and cardiovascular risk factors in recently menopausal women: a randomized trial. Ann Intern Med. 2014 Aug 19;161(4):249-60. doi: 10.7326/M14-0353. Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS) Hodis HN et al. Vascular Effects of Early versus Late Postmenopausal Treatment with Estradiol. N Engl J Med. 2016 Mar 31;374(13):1221-31. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa1505241. Stopping hormonal therapy Berman RS et al. Risk factors associated with women's compliance with estrogen replacement therapy. J Womens Health. 1997 Apr;6(2):219-26. doi: 10.1089/jwh.1997.6.219. Grady D, Sawaya GF. Discontinuation of postmenopausal hormone therapy. Am J Med. 2005 Dec 19;118 Suppl 12B:163-5. doi: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2005.09.051. Tapering vs. abrupt stop or hormonal therapy Haimov-Kochman R et al. Gradual discontinuation of hormone therapy does not prevent the reappearance of climacteric symptoms: a randomized prospective study. Menopause. 2006 May-Jun;13(3):370-6. doi: 10.1097/01.gme.0000186663.36211.c0. PMID: 16735933.

We wrap up the year with a new case challenge. A 38-year-old radiology technician has a strange rash just above… his buttocks! Who’s to blame? Was it the dog? Was it his job? Or is it the special person in his life? Also: Chris learns about socks! Yet also: we say the phrase “ass crack.” We had to! And also also: an important announcement.     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.   Assistant researcher: Aigul Zaripova, MD 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.

Dr. Leon Tourian, a pain psychiatry expert at McGill University, opens up about the intricate relationship between pain and mental health disorders. He discusses the gaps in medical training regarding pain management and stresses the importance of a multidisciplinary approach. The conversation also dives into the effectiveness of unconventional methods like hypnosis compared to traditional therapies. Dr. Tourian highlights how personal factors shape pain perception and the need for a compassionate approach when dealing with patients who face both pain and addiction.

What does the body of evidence say about mold? Or if you’re part of the Commonwealth, mould? Some mould can make you sick, especially by triggering allergic symptoms, but beware of people selling you a service to detect mould in your home because there is no established “safe” threshold yet. How can you prevent mould from growing where you live? And how do you take care of it once you’ve spotted it?   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.   Assistant researcher: Aigul Zaripova, MD 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) Health Canada’s Guide to addressing moisture and mould indoors: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/addressing-moisture-mould-your-home.html 2) Guidance for Clinicians on the Recognition and Management of Health Effects Related to Mold Exposure and Moisture Indoors: https://health.uconn.edu/occupational-environmental/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2015/12/mold_guide.pdf 3) The EPA’s Course on mold: https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-course-chapter-1