ICYMI: Is Alcohol Unsafe at Any Dose? Plus: Bogus Gut-Health Tests, and More
And: Behind the scenes of an exciting new thing I'm working on!
In case you missed it, here’s everything we shared on Rethinking Wellness in the past month. There’s also a little behind-the-scenes commentary for paid subscribers at the end, where I share a glimpse inside my writing process and a taste of a cool new project/approach for the coming season!
Body Image: What the Evidence Really Says, with Charlotte Markey
Psychologist and body-image researcher Charlotte Markey joins us to discuss myths and misinformation about body image, how chronic illness and pain affect perceptions of our bodies, the body positivity vs. body neutrality debate, the potential body-image harms of social media (and how to mitigate them), how the discourse about GLP-1 weight-loss drugs is influencing people’s body image, and more.
Is Light Drinking Really Bad for Your Health?
“Blue zones” advocates claim that people benefit from a glass or two of red wine daily, while some studies and many wellness influencers say there's "no safe level" of alcohol consumption, especially in regard to cancer risk. Who's right? First, we'll talk about what the science really says and doesn't say. Then I’ll offer some things to consider about your relationship to alcohol.
Repost: How to Fight Wellness Misinformation and Counter Conspiracy Theories with Seema Yasmin
Journalist and medical doctor Seema Yasmin joins us to discuss why misinformation and conspiracy theories about health and wellness are so alluring; how to recognize and fight back against false claims; the difference between misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation; holding the two truths that science is one of the best tools we have for find…
Ultraprocessed Foods and the Brain, 23andMe’s Pivot to Diet Drugs, and More
Your monthly link roundup and analysis.
How Industry Influence Threatens Scientific Integrity – Insights from Joel Lexchin
Medical doctor and pharmaceutical-policy researcher Joel Lexchin joins us to discuss the impact of pharmaceutical-company sponsorship on medical research, why merely disclosing these financial conflicts of interest is not enough (and may not be accurate or complete), some of the surprising tactics drugmakers use to get more favorable study results and conclusions, and lots more.
Gut Health Testing and Treatment: What's the Deal with Breath Tests and "Herbal Antibiotics"?
Q&A: My functional-medicine practitioner said I have SIBO and recommended breath testing and herbal supplements, which she said could cure my digestive issues and likely lead to weight loss. Is this legit or diet culture woo-woo?
The Wellness to Woo Pipeline, and the Kids in the Long Shadow of Clean Eating with Laura Thomas (Repost)
Nutritionist and author Laura Thomas joins us to discuss what it’s like for kids living in the long shadow of clean eating, the “almond mom” trend on TikTok, the "wellness to woo pipeline," how parents and caregivers can let go of wellness-culture beliefs about food for themselves and their kids, and more.