Why did the FDA ban the use of Red Dye No. 3 and why is it still available in Canada? Guest co-host Pedro joins Dr. Chris Labos to explain and discuss how we should think about food colourings in general. Does the fact that can cause cancer in rats mean anything for human health? And what about the alleged ADHD link? Also, there’s a Winnie the Pooh reference at the end.

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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, Chris not your doctor (probably). This podcast is not medical advice for you; it is what we call information.

References:

The FDA announcement

https://www.fda.gov/industry/color-additives/fdc-red-no-3

Study showing a link between Red No. 3 and thyroid cancer in rats

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1349-7006.1988.tb01593.x 

The link between artificial food colourings and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3441937/ 

List of approved food colors in Canada

https://inspection.canada.ca/en/food-labels/labelling/industry/food-additives/food-colours 

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 [email protected].

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

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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!

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Email us your questions at [email protected].

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.

Pain. Sometimes it’s acute, sometimes it’s chronic. It may come from an injury or just from wear and tear. Chris and Jonathan sit down to speak to Dr. Leon Tourian, who specializes in pain psychiatry at McGill University.

Can we objectively measure pain? Is there such a thing as normal pain? And what happens when chronic pain in our extremities is left untreated and our brain takes over?

Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you!

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Email us your questions at [email protected].

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.

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 [email protected].

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

It’s not the “blues” you’re having, but the “mean reds.” It can be hard to spot the signs of an impending burnout, and Dr. Emma Jones knows all about it. As a medical student, she started being depressed and she never fully got over it, which resulted in a burnout as a practicing physician caring for children with cancer. But she found a way out and the means to prevent a future burnout from happening so that she can act as a lighthouse for others.

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 [email protected].

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.

Links:

1) Emma Jones’ website: https://www.emmajonesmd.com

2) Emma Jones’ book, The Phoenix Blueprint, about burnout: https://www.amazon.com/Phoenix-Blueprint-Emerging-Stronger-Healthcare/dp/1957255358/

Will Montreal soon lose what little fluoridated tap water it has? Why do we even put fluoride in the drinking water in the first place? And do the arguments voiced to take it away from citizens even… hold water?

Become a supporter of our show today either on Patreon or through PayPal! Thank you!

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Email us your questions at [email protected].

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) The Montreal Gazette article about the proposal to stop adding fluoride to the West Island’s tap water: https://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/montreal-aims-to-stop-fluoridating-west-island-water-in-2025

Not so long ago, natural health products sold in Canada—which include a slew of dietary supplements of dubious effectiveness—were not regulated. When Kat McLeod got poisoned via the herbal supplement she was taking, she was offered a choice: sue the Canadian government or help them draft stronger regulation.

The Body of Evidence reached out to Olsy Sorokina to report on this story. She will tell you how natural health products are regulated in Canada and what the latest legislation, Vanessa’s Law, means to consumers and to the natural health industry. And don’t worry: Chris and Jonathan appear throughout.

Story producer: Olsy Sorokina

Interviewed for this story: Kat McLeod and Timothy Caulfield

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 [email protected].

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.

What does the body of evidence say about smoking cessation? Does counselling make a difference and, if so, what kind? Is vaping effective as a way to quit smoking? And did you know there are drugs that have been shown to help give up the habit? Chris attempts to pronounce their names and is left with one question: is his veranda clean?

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 [email protected].

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:

Reducing vs. quitting smoking

1) Gerber Y, Myers V, Goldbourt U. Smoking reduction at midlife and lifetime mortality risk in men: a prospective cohort study. Am J Epidemiol. 2012 May 15;175(10):1006-12. doi: 10.1093/aje/kwr466. Epub 2012 Feb 3. PMID: 22306566.

2) Nina S. Godtfredsen, Claus Holst, Eva Prescott, Jørgen Vestbo, Merete Osler, Smoking Reduction, Smoking Cessation, and Mortality: A 16-year Follow-up of 19,732 Men and Women from the Copenhagen Centre for Prospective Population Studies, American Journal of Epidemiology, Volume 156, Issue 11, 1 December 2002, Pages 994–1001, https://doi.org/10.1093/aje/kwf150

Behavioural interventions for smoking cessation

3) Cahill K, Lancaster T, Green N. Stage-based interventions for smoking cessation. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010 Nov 10;(11):CD004492. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD004492.pub4. PMID: 21069681.

4) Stead LF, Koilpillai P, Fanshawe TR, Lancaster T. Combined pharmacotherapy and behavioural interventions for smoking cessation. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016 Mar 24;3(3):CD008286. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD008286.pub3. PMID: 27009521; PMCID: PMC10042551.

5) Hartmann-Boyce J, Hong B, Livingstone-Banks J, Wheat H, Fanshawe TR. Additional behavioural support as an adjunct to pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2019 Jun 5;6(6):CD009670. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD009670.pub4. PMID: 31166007; PMCID: PMC6549450.

6) Hartmann-Boyce J, Livingstone-Banks J, Ordóñez-Mena JM, Fanshawe TR, Lindson N, Freeman SC, Sutton AJ, Theodoulou A, Aveyard P. Behavioural interventions for smoking cessation: an overview and network meta-analysis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021 Jan 4;1(1):CD013229. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD013229.pub2. PMID: 33411338; PMCID: PMC11354481.

7) Anthenelli RM, Benowitz NL, West R, St Aubin L, McRae T, Lawrence D, Ascher J, Russ C, Krishen A, Evins AE. Neuropsychiatric safety and efficacy of varenicline, bupropion, and nicotine patch in smokers with and without psychiatric disorders (EAGLES): a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Lancet. 2016 Jun 18;387(10037):2507-20. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(16)30272-0. Epub 2016 Apr 22. PMID: 27116918.

Network meta-analysis of medications and e-cigarettes

8) Lindson N, Theodoulou A, Ordóñez-Mena JM, Fanshawe TR, Sutton AJ, Livingstone-Banks J, Hajizadeh A, Zhu S, Aveyard P, Freeman SC, Agrawal S, Hartmann-Boyce J. Pharmacological and electronic cigarette interventions for smoking cessation in adults: component network meta‐analyses. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2023, Issue 9. Art. No.: CD015226. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD015226.pub2. Accessed 04 November 2024.