Join Dr. Danielle Belardo and her expert of the week, board certified dermatologist and the internet’s skincare myth buster, Dr. Ranella Hirsch. Today’s episode addresses some of the biggest and longest-standing misconceptions in beauty and skincare that have been duping consumers for generations. Listeners submitted their questions about retinoids, sun care, supplements, "clean” skincare and more, and the final verdict is in on whether you should buy it or burn it. The good news — it’s not as complicated as all those “wellness” influencers make it out to be, and your bank account does not need to suffer to achieve that dewy glow. 
 
Dr. Ranella Hirsch is the co-founder of Atolla: Custom Skincare and frequently quoted in the fields of cosmetic and laser dermatology. She often lectures to physicians in the fields of laser surgery and cosmetic dermatology and is currently involved in a number of clinical studies of laser technologies and skin care. Ranella is highly sought after as an expert for both thriving brands and startup companies, including Dove, where she is a Global Partner Dermatologist. 
 
Myths and misconceptions discussed include: 
 

Does tanning and drinking more water clear up acne? 

Is there such thing as too much sunscreen?  

UVA vs. UVB protection 

Synthetic vs. natural skincare products 

 
Thank you so much for taking the time to contribute to a generation that values fact over fiction! Be sure to rate, review and follow on your favorite podcast app and let us know which not-so-wellness trend you’d like to hear debunked. Follow your host on Instagram @daniellebelardomd and the podcast @wellnessfactvsfiction. Follow Dr. Ranella Hirsh @ranellamd. 
 
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Collagen, Biotin, & “Clean” Skincare – Buy It or Burn It?

Welcome to Wellness: Fact vs. Fiction with cardiologist Dr. Danielle Belardo, a podcast dedicated to debunking wellness trends, exploring fact-based medicine, and busting any headline that’s more “hype” than happening. Each week, Dr. Belardo will interview top experts in a variety of fields including women’s health, dermatology, exercise science, gastroenterology, mental health, and—her personal favorite—nutrition science. She will be addressing common myths that, even as a preventative cardiologist, she once fell victim to, and sharing whether the latest tips from Goop, Rogan, or other so-called experts are indeed facts or just pure fiction. Dr. Belardo's mission is to cut through the noise and help you to stop wasting your time and money on anything that doesn’t actually bring you the health and happiness we all deserve. This is the podcast where scientific debates and discussions are fact-based and nonsense pseudoscience can take a hike. Wellness has been unwell, so let’s change it! 

Be sure to rate, review, follow and comment about what not-so wellness trend you would like to hear debunked. Follow Dr. Danielle Belardo @daniellebelardomd and the podcast @wellnessfactvsfiction.

Alternative Health

Health

Medicine

Science & Medicine

Nutrition

Health & Fitness

Join Dr. Danielle Belardo and her expert of the week, journalist, author, and former wellness addict, Rina Raphael. After personally falling victim to commodified wellness, Rina has dedicated her career to unveiling the truth behind this "un-well" industry. On this episode, Danielle and Rina delve into the variables that have steered society into adopting "quick fixes" through fashionable wellness trends and why we shouldn’t feel bad about falling for them. Tune in for unique insight, perspective, and realness surrounding wellness that might have you thinking twice about your next self-care investment.  

Danielle and Rina discuss:   

The dangerous lack of scientific evidence pertaining to commodified wellness  

Marketing, well-funded messaging and its powerful nature  

Why people lean towards alternative ways of healing and our flawed medical system  

The importance of assurance when it comes to our health and how health "gurus" falsely sell assurance  

How women, rather than men, are frequently targeted in the wellness space through scare tactics 

Wellness mania and why it’s considered hyper-American  

The ways in which we treat wellness as if it were fashion, and why this is so problematic 

  
Rina Raphael is a health, wellness, technology, and women’s issues journalist. She’s made a name for herself in the media world, having served as a wellness industry reporter for Fast Company magazine before contributing to publications such as the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and Men's Health, among others. Her new book, The Gospel of Wellness: Gyms, Gurus, Goop, and the False Promise of Self Care, provides an inside look at the boom of the wellness industry, its seductive marketing, and why we’re all falling victim to it. Her wellness industry newsletter Well To Do covers trends and news and offers market analysis.

Thank you so much for taking the time to contribute to a generation that values fact over fiction! Be sure to rate, review, and follow on your favorite podcast app and let us know which not-so-wellness trend you’d like to hear debunked. Follow your host on Instagram @daniellebelardomd and the podcast @wellnessfactvsfiction. All studies discussed can be found @wellnessfvfjournalclub. Follow Rina at @rrrins and find her new book The Gospel of Wellness: Gyms, Gurus, Goop, and the False Promise of Self Care  
 
Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Check out these deals just for you: 
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Fashionably Unwell – The Dark Side of America's "Wellness" Industry

Dr. Danielle Belardo and her expert guest, world-renowned lipidologist, Dr. Thomas Dayspring, are back for part two of their masterclass in cholesterol and lipids. On today’s episode, Danielle and Thomas cover all the nitty-gritty details about the different FDA-approved cholesterol-lowering medications while also busting myths and misconceptions about statins. They also pay some attention to the forgotten step sister of lipidology—high triglycerides. If you are looking to support your cardiovascular health, this episode will leave you with an arsenal of tools to keep your cholesterol in check.  
   
Dr. Belardo and Dr. Dayspring discuss:   
   

Why statins are first line therapy, how they lower LDL cholesterol and the powerful data we have for them   

The differences between the various types of statins   

How Zetia (ezetimibe) is used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood and when it is indicated for use   

The different types of PCSK9 inhibitors, how they work, and how much they lower LDLC  

Who has demonstrated mortality benefits from PCSK9 inhibitors and why they aren’t the first line of therapy instead of statins  

ideal triglyceride ranges and medications available to lower them 

 
Dr. Thomas Dayspring is a world-renowned expert on atherothrombosis, lipoprotein, vascular biology, and advanced lipoprotein testing. With an extensive background of over 37 years in medicine as a clinical lipidologist, Dr. Dayspring has dedicated his career to cardiovascular health. In addition to 17 years of devoted consulting for patients with the most complex lipid disorders in the country, he has served as the Chief Scientific Officer at two of the largest cardiovascular labs for more than 7 years. He is also an official board member of both the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Clinical Lipidology. Dr. Dayspring has given over 4000 lectures in all 50 states and is considered one of the most requested speakers in the U.S. 
 
Thank you so much for taking the time to contribute to a generation that values fact over fiction! Be sure to rate, review, and follow on your favorite podcast app and let us know which not-so-wellness trend you’d like to hear debunked. Follow your host on Instagram @daniellebelardomd and the podcast @wellnessfactvsfiction. All studies discussed can be found @wellnessfvfjournalclub. Follow Dr. Dayspring @Drlipid. 
 
Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Check out these deals just for you: 
COZY EARTH - Go to cozyearth.com and enter WELLNESS at checkout to SAVE thirty-five 
Percent. 
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search for a top-rated doctor today. 
 
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A Masterclass in Cholesterol and Lipid Lowering Therapy with Dr. Thomas Dayspring (Part 2)

Join Dr. Danielle Belardo and her expert of the week for a special two-part episode with world renowned lipidologist, Dr. Thomas Dayspring, better known on his infamous twitter account as @Drlipid. On today’s episode, he dives headfirst into the world of lipidology, providing listeners with a detailed overview of all things cardiovascular health. Danielle and Thomas get right into the cardiovascular myths and misinformation out there, like the dangerous glamorization of certain diets and all natural supplements. So much necessary and educational ground to cover, so make sure to tune in for part 2 next week. 
 
Dr. Belardo and Dr. Dayspring discuss:  
  

What is considered normal vs. abnormal lipoprotein levels  

The main differences between primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease   

The misinformation surrounding ApoB proteins and atherosclerosis  

Why the keto diet is a threat to cardiovascular health   

Benefits of guideline-directed medical therapy   

Dr. Thomas’ concerns with plant-based supplements for cholesterol treatment  

The powerful history of statins and why Dr. Belardo and Dr. Dayspring stand behind them as a treatment for cardiovascular disease 

 
 
Dr. Thomas Dayspring is a world-renowned expert on atherothrombosis, lipoprotein, vascular biology, and advanced lipoprotein testing. With an extensive background of over 37 years in medicine as a clinical lipidologist, Dr. Dayspring has dedicated his career to cardiovascular health. In addition to 17 years of devoted consulting for patients with the most complex lipid disorders in the country, he has served as the Chief Scientific Officer at two of the largest cardiovascular labs for more than 7 years. He is also an official board member of both the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Clinical Lipidology. Dr. Dayspring has given over 4000 lectures in all 50 states and is considered one of the most requested speakers in the U.S. 
  
Thank you so much for taking the time to contribute to a generation that values fact over fiction! Be sure to rate, review, and follow on your favorite podcast app and let us know which not-so-wellness trend you’d like to hear debunked. Follow your host on Instagram @daniellebelardomd and the podcast @wellnessfactvsfiction. All studies discussed can be found @wellnessfvfjournalclub. Follow Dr. Dayspring @Drlipid. 
  
Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Check out these deals just for you: 
COZY EARTH - Go to cozyearth.com and enter WELLNESS at checkout to SAVE thirty-five 
Percent. 
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A Masterclass in Cholesterol and Lipid Lowering Therapy with Dr. Thomas Dayspring (Part 1)

Join Dr. Danielle Belardo and her expert of the week, cardiologist and internal medicine physician Dr. Rohin Francis. Rohin is also a writer, comedian, and creator of the YouTube channel Medlife Crisis, where he tackles fascinating and offbeat science topics that don’t get covered elsewhere. On today’s episode, he covers the spectrum of all things exercise and cardiovascular disease related, with a sprinkle of humor (of course), and answers the burning question—is there such a thing as too much exercise? He may also help save you a few bucks as you eye up the latest flashy fitness tracker. 

Danielle and Rohin discuss:  
  

How much exercise the average person needs weekly to accrue health benefits  

The causes of atrial fibrillation (A-fib) in high-performance athletes  

Target heart rate training and the importance of moderate exercise  

The advantages and disadvantages of smart tracking health and fitness devices   

The data surrounding heart rate variability and what we actually need to worry about   

The fascinating results of the Apple Watch study   

Harmful physical and emotional effects of medical over-screening 

 
Dr. Rohin Francis is a Consultant Cardiologist and a Doctoral Researcher at the University College London with a passion for science communication and education. Dr. Francis got his MBBS from St George's Hospital Medical School and trained as a physician at the Cambridge Deanery (Cambridge, UK) with a subspecialization in coronary intervention. Currently, Dr. Francis is undertaking a PhD on imaging techniques for acute myocardial infarction at University College London. Rohin has presented around the world and has been published extensively, including in The Guardian and numerous academic journals and websites. 
   
Thank you so much for taking the time to contribute to a generation that values fact over fiction! Be sure to rate, review, and follow on your favorite podcast app and let us know which not-so-wellness trend you’d like to hear debunked. Follow your host on Instagram @daniellebelardomd and the podcast @wellnessfactvsfiction. All studies discussed can be found @wellnessfvfjournalclub. Follow Rohin @medcrisis. 
 
Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Check out these deals just for you: 
COZY EARTH - Go to cozyearth.com and enter WELLNESS at checkout to SAVE thirty-five 
Percent. 
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search for a top-rated doctor today. 
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Fitness Trackers & Wearables - Health or Hype?

Join Dr. Danielle Belardo and her expert of the week, pediatric allergist and immunologist Dr. David Stukus, for a myth-busting episode about food allergies, intolerances, and "sensitivities." Danielle and David crack down on food "sensitivity" scams and unnecessary, unvalidated tests that people all over social media are falling victim to. Even allergies have a dark side, so tune in to learn what is fact and what is, simply, fiction. 
  
   
Danielle and David discuss:   
   

The basic terminology and meaning of food allergies, sensitivities, and intolerances  

The difference between IgG and IgE and why IgG testing isn’t validated or accurate  

Low histamine diets and the pseudoscience claims these diets make 

How to use a trial, elimination, and reintroduction diet to discover food intolerances  

Why an oral food challenge is the gold standard for allergy testing  

Ways to find a provider to get an accurate allergy diagnosis   

Red flags for spotting allergy misinformation on social media  

  


David Stukus, MD, is a Professor of Clinical Pediatrics in the Division of Allergy and Immunology. Prior to becoming the director of the Food Allergy Treatment Center, Dr. Stukus started the Complex Asthma Clinic at Nationwide Children's Hospital in 2011, which treats children with severe or difficult-to-treat asthma. He holds multiple leadership positions in the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) and the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology and is one of twelve allergists invited as a member of the Joint Task Force for Practice Parameters. He is the Social Media Medical Editor for the AAAAI, where he produces and hosts their podcast "Conversations From the World of Allergy." He has been named a Top Doctor in Pediatric Allergy every year since 2015. 
 

Thank you so much for taking the time to contribute to a generation that values fact over fiction! Be sure to rate, review, and follow on your favorite podcast app and let us know which not-so-wellness trend you’d like to hear debunked. Follow your host on Instagram @daniellebelardomd and the podcast @wellnessfactvsfiction. All studies discussed can be found @wellnessfvfjournalclub. Follow Dr. Dave @allergykidsdoc.
 

Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Check out these deals just for you: 
COZY EARTH - Go to cozyearth.com and enter WELLNESS at checkout to SAVE thirty-five 
Percent. 
ZOCDOC - Go to zocdoc.com/wellness and download the Zocdoc app for FREE. Then start your 
search for a top-rated doctor today. 
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Collagen, Biotin, & “Clean” Skincare – Buy It or Burn It?

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