Wellness: Fact vs. Fiction

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: 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. ZOCDOC - Go to zocdoc.com/wellness and download the Zocdoc app for FREE. Then start your search for a top-rated doctor today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. ZOCDOC - Go to zocdoc.com/wellness and download the Zocdoc app for FREE. Then start your search for a top-rated doctor today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Dr. Danielle Belardo and her expert of the week, the highly sought-after facial plastic surgeon to the stars, Dr. Kay Durairaj. On today’s episode, Dr. Belardo gets a full rundown of the pros and cons of Botox, fillers, rhinoplasty, and liposuction, and the two share their favorite non-surgical treatments. Dr. Kay empowers her patients (including Danielle) to call their own shots when it comes to beauty and provides them with the autonomy to make decisions about their aesthetics that stay true to who they are. The pursuit of beauty is on your terms. Danielle and Kay discuss: The pretty vs. brainy dichotomy that is present in today’s society The positive and negative effects of social media on beauty standards and self-image The differences between non-surgical and surgical rhinoplasty and the costs associated with both interventions What to look for on a specialist's resume to ensure you’re in good hands What Kybella is, how it differs from liposuction, and its efficacy Dr. Kay Durairaj completed her surgical training at UCLA and is a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. Her expertise is in Botox and neurotoxins, facial injectables and fillers, and she was voted one of the top 100 injectors in the country by her peers. She is Chairman of the Department of Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery at Huntington Memorial Hospital, and she serves as an advisor to multiple aesthetic industry organizations. 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. Kay @beautybydrkay. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can fiber actually cause death? How about heart attacks? Panic attacks? On today’s episode, the fiber queen herself, Dr. Danielle Belardo, and her expert guest registered dietitian, Dr. Kevin Klatt, discuss the scientific evidence around dietary fiber. There is a lot of stir about fiber after the release of Wondery's top podcast, Fed Up, about the phenomenon diet F-Factor, founded by registered dietitian Tanya Zuckerbrot. Danielle and Kevin are on the mic to settle the fiber feud and advise listeners if they really should fear the fiber. Tune in to hear the fiber facts and whether these two doctors will be placing their F-Factor orders anytime soon. Dr. Kevin C. Klatt, PhD, RD is a nutrition researcher and registered dietitian who provides individualized medical nutrition therapy and health coaching to patients/clients. Dr. Klatt completed his doctoral work in nutrition at Cornell University and his dietetic training at the National Institutes of Health. He is currently a researcher at the Baylor College of Medicine. 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 Kevin @kcklatt 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Dr. Danielle Belardo and her expert of the week, an internal and emergency medicine physician who has been dubbed the Latin Dr. Fauci, Dr. Mauricio Gonzalez-Arias. This week, Danielle and Mauricio dive into a topic that doesn’t get a lot of air time in the plant-based community but that is incredibly important—protein. It doesn't matter which area of the dietary spectrum you are in, this episode will be incredibly educational, informative, and helpful for you. Danielle and Mauricio discuss: What is protein, and why is it so important to include it in your diet? The meaning of RDA and how it affects protein intake The daily protein recommendations for increasing muscle mass and losing weight, as well as ways to increase your intake The physical and psychological benefits of resistance training and tips to include more in your workout routine even if you don’t like it High-quality, vegetarian protein sources Amino acid composition in animal vs. plant proteins and how much leucine to include each day Check out these free resources: American College of Sports Medicine EXRX Dr. Mauricio González is a Mexican doctor who practices medicine in New York. He has a double major in internal medicine and emergency medicine from New York Medical College. Along with his wife, Mayte Moncada, he founded the Veggie Power Summit ® which is the largest congress in Latin America on plant-based nutrition. Various television networks have interviewed him to combat disinformation and he frequently collaborates with CNN en Español, Telemundo, Televisa, and Univision La Saga. He has also been interviewed by People Magazine, The Today Show, InStyle, and GQ Mexico and shared a forum panel with Dr. Tedros and Bill Clinton. 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 Mauricio @dr.mauriciogonzalez and his wife Mayte @mayte_moncada_p. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Dr. Danielle Belardo and her expert of the week, bariatric surgeon and obesity medicine specialist Dr. Garth Davis, for a myth-busting episode about weight loss surgery. Dr. Davis debunks the enormous amount of misinformation circling social media about the harm of these surgeries and provides an inside look into what you can expect before, during and after surgery. Danielle and Garth dive into the pros and cons of the most common weight loss surgeries and provide the facts so people can make an educated decision on whether bariatric surgery is right for them. Danielle and Garth discuss: The anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal tract The history of gastric bypass surgery and why it causes weight loss Myths and misconceptions surrounding bariatric surgery Criteria to qualify for bariatric surgery The long term effects and success rate of surgery How to find a great surgeon and what kinds of questions to ask Risks and benefits associated with bariatric surgery Garth Davis, MD, FACS, FASMBS, is a board-certified bariatric surgeon and obesity medicine specialist physician in Houston, Texas. For more than 20 years, Dr. Davis has specialized in bariatric and general surgery and has performed thousands of weight loss surgeries. He is currently working at Houston Methodist West and Houston Methodist Downtown and serves as the Medical Director for the system’s Clinic For Chronic Metabolic Disease. He has started and led several of the largest multidisciplinary weight loss programs and is an invited keynote speaker on topics related to obesity and obesity surgery. Dr. Davis is a published author of two books: "Proteinaholic: How Our Obsession With Meat is Killing Us" and "The Expert’s Guide to Weight-Loss Surgery." He founded the two largest bariatric practices in Houston: the Houston Medical Clinic and the Davis Clinic. 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 Garth @drgarthdavis. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Dr. Danielle Belardo and her expert of the week, obesity and nutritional epidemiologist Dr. Deirdre Tobias, for a masterclass on nutrition epidemiology and its impact on public health. Diedre opens up her nutrition epidemiology toolbox to explain the research and data supporting healthy dietary patterns and what nutrition tips you can implement in your own life. Danielle and Deirdre also bust the myth that whole grains and fruit are evil, so forget what you’ve read on social media! Whether or not you're in the medical field or just a hobbyist trying to learn to interpret science in a more robust way, this is the episode for you. Danielle and Deirdre discuss: The basics of nutritional epidemiology and role of a nutritional epidemiologist General healthy dietary patterns and the problems with a western diet The reasons whole grains and fruits have been demonized The table 1 method and how it can help you interpret scientific data Dr. Deirdre Tobias is an obesity and nutritional epidemiologist at the Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston. She received her doctorate and postdoctoral training at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Dr. Tobias was appointed as the Academic Editor for the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2019. Her research focuses on the role of diet and lifestyle for obesity and its major chronic diseases, including gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes, and has been published in leading peer-reviewed journals, including the New England Journal of Medicine and the Journal of the American Medical Association. She is assistant professor and co-Instructor for Nutritional Epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. For more information on the research Deirdre does at Harvard, visit www.hsph.harvard.edu/deirdre-tobias 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 Deirdre @deirdre_tobias. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Dr. Danielle Belardo for the highly anticipated episode on nutrition and lipids. In Part 3 of the cholesterol series, Danielle addresses the impact of diet on cardiovascular disease risk and LDL cholesterol by sharing the key findings from a variety of research papers and studies. The main takeaway is that your overall dietary pattern is what matters most and no one food in one dose will cause disease. So go ahead, be an omnivore, vegan, pescatarian, or whatever works for you, as long as you’re including the advice from today’s episode. This week Danielle addresses the following questions surrounding nutrition and lipids: What is dietary cholesterol and how does it impact lipids? How can you lower LDL cholesterol without raising triglycerides and reduce APOE? Which interventions lower cardiovascular risk the most? Which foods are high in saturated fats and what dietary recommendations lower the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and LDL cholesterol? Why does polyunsaturated fat lower LDL cholesterol? Which oils are better for your lipid levels? What is fiber, why is it important in your diet, and how does it lower cholesterol? Which foods are packed with viscous fiber, and how much per day should you consume? What is a portfolio diet and what kind of impact does it have on LDL cholesterol? Find all the papers and research studies discussed this week on Instagram @wellnessfvfjournalclub. 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 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Dr. Danielle is back for part two of her highly requested cholesterol series, where she is setting you up with the foundational knowledge about cholesterol and lipid metabolism. She covers why this topic is so important for your health, and she arms you with the tools to debate any cholesterol denier or self-proclaimed bio-hacker at your next dinner party. In order to truly understand the way nutrition, diet, lifestyle, and medications impact cholesterol and heart disease, you have to understand lipid metabolism. The Cholesterol class is in session! On today’s episode, Danielle addresses the following questions surrounding cholesterol metabolism: Why is lipid metabolism important? Where does cholesterol actually come from and how does your body make it? And how does your body get rid of cholesterol? What happens when cholesterol is turned into bile? What happens to VLDL, LDL, and HDL particles in the body? Where do they go? What happens when we eat food, including dietary cholesterol? How do the cells in your small intestine play a role in lipid metabolism? What are chylomicrons, what do they do, and why aren’t we measuring them? How does our body know how to regulate the amount of cholesterol it makes? And much more! 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 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Dr. Danielle is hopping on the mic solo to dive into one of your most requested topics (drum roll, please) — cholesterol. As a cardiologist, lipids and cholesterol are practically her second language, and she has heard every question under the sun from her patients. In part one of this multi-part series, she covers the foundations of cholesterol, common terminology, and myths and misconceptions. Welcome to Cholesterol 101! On today’s episode, Danielle addresses the following questions surrounding cholesterol: What is it and is it true your body needs it? How does LDL cholesterol cause heart disease? What does a lipid panel tell you? What is the difference between total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and apo B, and how does each one relate to cardiovascular risk? What are some of the values we are looking to target to get an optimal lipid panel? Is it true that high HDL cholesterol is beneficial? What is the difference between small vs large LDL particles and how do they impact the risk of developing atherosclerosis? How useful are Triglyceride/HDL ratios in determining cardiovascular risk? 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 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Dr. Danielle Belardo and her expert of the week, board certified dermatologist and the internet’s favorite skincare myth buster, Dr. Ranella Hirsch. Today’s episode addresses some of the biggest and longest-standing misconceptions about sunscreen. They share their SPF and sun protection must-haves and why the most important thing is to find a product that works for you. Danielle and Ranella discuss: How often you should apply sunscreen and how much you really need Whether makeup with SPF protects your skin and how to layer your products Common misconceptions about SPF, water resistant sunscreen, and the UV index The latest hot topic that sunscreen makes you vitamin D deficient—is it true? Differences between mineral, chemical, and DIY sunscreens Dr. Ranella Hirsch is a board certified dermatologist highly sought after by media for her expertise 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. She’s also recognized as a leading mythbuster on Instagram, where she can be found as @RanellaMD. She is the co-founder of Atolla Skin, which was acquired last year by Function of Beauty. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Dr. Danielle Belardo and her expert of the week, clinical and academic dietitian Dr. Nicola Guess, as they unpack whether "personalized nutrition" is worth all the hype. It’s the latest hot topic all over social media, and with a new trend comes new supplements, testing kits, online programs, and apps. So, could this diet be the miracle worker it claims to be, or is this just another excuse for pseudoscientists to make a few bucks? Tune in to learn the facts (and fiction) about personalized nutrition and whether it’s just too good to be true. Danielle and Nicola discuss: What personalized nutrition actually is and why online programs can be problematic Nutrition buzzwords such as microbiome and inflammation Why the nutrition industry can get away with monetizing bogus products The positive role big tech companies could play in the health industry Dr. Nicola Guess is an experienced clinical and academic dietitian, registered in the UK and the US. Her clinical and research interests are in obesity, type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and cardiometabolic disease. She has worked in the NHS and currently runs a private consultancy. Her expertise in type 2 diabetes is globally recognized and she is a Diabetes UK Allied Health Professional Fellow, a National Institute of Clinical Excellence Scholar, a Winston Churchill Travel Fellow, and a Fulbright Scholar. 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 Nicola @dr__guess. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Dr. Danielle Belardo and her expert of the week, clinical psychologist Dr. Jonathan Stea, for a highly requested and informative episode about all things mental health. With the rise of pseudo-psychology circulating on social media, Dr. Stea has been on a mission to drown out the mental health misinformation noise by amplifying scientific communication in a digestible, creative way. Tune in to hear how Dr. Stea answers some important questions surrounding depression, anxiety, and much more. Danielle and Jonathan discuss: What depression and anxiety are and how they are diagnosed Evidence-based therapies to treat depression, anxiety, and other disorders Pharmaceutical treatment options including SSRIs and SNRIs and their effectiveness The impact of exercise on mental health Jonathan N. Stea, Ph.D., R. Psych., is a registered and practicing clinical psychologist and Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary. Clinically, he specializes in the assessment and treatment of concurrent addictive and psychiatric disorders. He is interested in topics related to science communication and health misinformation in popular media, especially with respect to addiction and mental health. He is a coalition member of Science Up First which distributes and amplifies best-in-class, science-informed content surrounding COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccine. He is the co-editor of the forthcoming book Investigating Psychology: Pseudoscience, Fringe Science, and Controversies out in 2023. 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 Jonathan @jonathanstea and Science Up First @ScienceUpFirst. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Dr. Danielle Belardo and her expert of the week, past Chief of Cardiology, author and women’s health advocate Dr. Martha Gulati. Martha is an expert in women’s heart health and an influential voice for women’s empowerment in the medical field. On today’s episode she sheds light on whether the health claims on your Instagram are fact or fiction and how guidelines are working to keep this from being detrimental to your health and wellness. Danielle and Martha debunk myths and misconceptions surrounding: The rigorous process of creating guidelines How unbiased committees are created Why medical guidelines are (always) better than anecdotal advise How, even as a layman, you can use guidelines to ensure the credibility of your healthcare Martha Gulati, MD is the President-Elect of the American Society for Preventive Cardiology. She was a Professor of Medicine and the inaugural Chief of Cardiology at the University of Arizona. She is the author of the best-seller, “Saving Women’s Hearts”. She served as the chair of the national chest pain guidelines that were released in late 2021. She recently joined the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute as a professor of cardiology and is the director of prevention, the associate director of the Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center and holds the Anita Dann Friedman Endowed Chair in Women’s Cardiovascular Medicine and Research. Check out Martha’s book - Saving Women’s Hearts HERE! 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 Martha @drmarthagulati. 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. TALKSPACE - visit talkspace.com and get $100 off your first month when you use promo code drdanielle at sign-up. DIPSEA - go to dipseastories.com/drdanielle for a free 30 day trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Dr. Danielle Belardo and her expert of the week, media expert and creator of @foodsciencebabe, Erin. Erin is revealing the facts behind food science and exposing the harmful myths, trends, and truths of the food industry that have been plastered throughout the media over the past years. Danielle and Erin address the impacts that the food industry has on our health, the health of those working in the field, and whether we really need to worry about consuming pesticides. With the new-found knowledge from today’s episode, you’ll be able to make more educated and healthy food choices! Danielle and Erin discuss: Is organic food better than non-organic food? The environmental impact of organic vs non-organic food Should you be scared of eating pesticides? Erin has a bachelor of science in Chemical Engineering from the University of MN, has worked in the conventional and organic food industries for over 10 years, and is the creator behind @foodsciencebabe where she challenges the beliefs of the food industry by using science based information to answer hard-hitting questions. 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 Erin @foodsciencebabe. Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Check out these deals just for you: POLICYGENIUS - Head to policygenius.com to get your free life insurance quotes HELLOFRESH - Go to hellofresh.com/drdanielle16 and use code drdanielle16 for up to 16 free meals AND 3 free gifts! TALKSPACE - visit talkspace.com and get $100 off your first month when you use promo code drdanielle at sign-up. DIPSEA - go to dipseastories.com/drdanielle for a free 30 day trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Dr. Danielle Belardo and her expert of the week, associate professor, author, and co-owner of the Bariatric Medical Institute, Dr. Yoni Freedhoff. Yoni is on a mission to destigmatize obesity and shed light on the life-changing pharmaceutical therapies available to patients. Yoni and Danielle address the impact weight stigma has on the quality of medical care for individuals with obesity and how we need to stop blaming patients for this complex, multi-factorial, neuro-hormonal condition. With these changes, the days of the diet guru will be dead and gone! Danielle and Yoni discuss: Solutions for healthcare providers to evaluate their own bias in order to improve the quality of care for patients Advice for patients who have obesity to advocate for themselves while navigating this stigma in healthcare The physical and mental health benefits of various treatments Why patients deserve individualized, personalized recommendations for weight management Yoni Freedhoff, MD, is an associate professor of family medicine at the University of Ottawa, and he is the founder and medical director of the Bariatric Medical Institute. He is the author of the #1 national bestseller, The Diet Fix: Why Diets Fail and How to Make Yours Work. Dr. Freedhoff is a sought-after international speaker and has made appearances on The Today Show, feature-length documentaries, The New York Times, and more. 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 Yoni @yonifreedhoff and check out his blog Weighty Matters. Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Check out these deals just for you: DIPSEA - go to dipseastories.com/drdanielle for a free 30 day trial. COZY EARTH - Go to cozyearth.com and enter WELLNESS at checkout to SAVE thirty-five Percent. FITON - Text WELLNESS to 64-000 to join FitOn for free! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Dr. Danielle Belardo and her expert of the week, multi-faceted author, media expert, and co-host of the Conspirituality Podcast, Derek Beres. Derek is pulling back the curtain on the wellness industry and exposing the harmful trends, tactics, and patterns of pseudoscience influencers that have turned spirituality into paranoia. Today’s eye-opening episode will leave you with the tools to weed through spiritual disinformation and recognize a “wellness” opportunist when you see one. Danielle and Derek discuss: The meaning and origins of conspirituality How the wellness industry has been taken over by conspiracy theories and fake progressive wellness utopianism How charismatic influencers exploit their followers and tips to avoid scamfluencers The horseshoe effect in wellness and why it is a major red flag Derek Beres is a Los Angeles based writer and the Senior Editor at Eco. Currently, he is co-writing Conspirituality: How New Age Conspiracy Theories Became a Public Health Threat with Matthew Remski and Julian Walker. He has been featured in over forty publications, including Rolling Stone, Women’s Health, Big Think, Yoga Journal, and National Geographic. He is also the co-founder of EarthRise SoundSystem and has produced records for Six Degrees Records and Vieux Farka Toure. 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. Learn more about Derek at derekberes.com. Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible. Check out these deals just for you: DIPSEA - go to dipseastories.com/drdanielle for a free 30 day trial. COZY EARTH - Go to cozyearth.com and enter WELLNESS at checkout to SAVE thirty-five Percent. FITON - Text WELLNESS to 64-000 to join FitOn for free! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices