The Dose

Psilocybin, the active compound in magic mushrooms, shows promise for treating depression and other mental health conditions. Dr. Joshua Rosenblat, a psychiatrist and researcher at the Krembil Brain Institute at UHN, explains the latest research and its potential for future treatments—though it's still illegal in Canada.

Wellness influencers on social media are touting injectable peptides as a new wonder drug, claiming compounds like BPC-157 can improve muscle strength, boost recovery times and even increase longevity. But University of Alberta health misinformation expert Tim Caulfield says the evidence doesn’t support the hype, and warns people against injecting unregulated substances.For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: lnk.to/dose-transcripts. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. For more episodes of this podcast, click this link.

A recent survey found roughly three million Canadians are taking GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro. The drugs can reduce appetite and cravings, and could also affect the body’s fat and muscle stores. Jennifer Brown, director of program innovation at Obesity Canada and a registered dietitian, says people on GLP-1 drugs may need to be more intentional about what they eat — from protein and micronutrients to fibre and fluids.For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: lnk.to/dose-transcripts. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. For more episodes of this podcast, click this link.

Researchers in Canada and around the world are exploring ways stem cells could help treat conditions like diabetes, Parkinson's and heart disease, but the hype sometimes outpaces the science. Neurosurgeon and researcher Dr. Sheila Singh of McMaster University and King’s College London explains what stem cells can—and can’t—do, including why they’re no miracle cure for aging.For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: lnk.to/dose-transcripts. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. For more episodes of this podcast, click this link.

Lung cancer is the deadliest cancer in Canada, and a growing number of never-smokers are getting diagnosed. Dr. Nicole Ezer, director of McGill University Health Centre's lung cancer screening centre, explains why this is happening and how workplace and environmental exposures may be contributing.For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: lnk.to/dose-transcripts. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. For more episodes of this podcast, click this link.

The One Meal a Day Diet, or OMAD, is a more extreme version of intermittent fasting that's been gaining in popularity. Its proponents say it can help people lose weight by eating a day’s worth of calories in a single meal. Family doctor and nutrition expert Dr. Mary Sco says there's little research suggesting that OMAD is more effective than other intermittent fasting diets.For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: lnk.to/dose-transcripts. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. For more episodes of this podcast, click this link.

Heat therapy is an age-old remedy that’s been growing in popularity. Whether it’s hot springs, hot tubs, saunas, or steam rooms, there are plenty of claims about how heat therapy can improve your health — but what does the research say? Brock University kinesiology professor Stephen Cheung explains how heat therapy can boost cardiovascular health and may even support mental well-being.Want to learn more about cold plunges? Click here!For transcripts of The Dose, please visit: lnk.to/dose-transcripts. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday. For more episodes of this podcast, click this link.

Dr. Kelsey Mills, a consultant ob-gyn and menopause specialist in Victoria, BC, who sits on national menopause organizations, discusses modern menopause care. She covers why hormone therapy is considered the gold standard. She explores new non-hormonal drugs for hot flashes, myths around bioidentical hormones, practical prescribing choices, exercise and diet tips, and when symptoms may signal other conditions.

Caroline Richard, registered dietitian and nutrition professor researching diet and the immune system, discusses milk’s role in health. She covers the US shift toward full-fat dairy, Canada’s lower-fat guidance, fortification versus plant milks, lactose intolerance signs, and age-based recommendations. Conversations focus on evidence (or lack thereof) about fat content, historical low-fat messaging, and practical milk choices.

Dr. Sonia Anand, a vascular medicine specialist from McMaster University, dives into the nuances of daily Aspirin use. She outlines how Aspirin works and discusses the difference between low and high doses. Anand emphasizes that while it can significantly aid those with previous heart issues, routine use for primary prevention is not recommended anymore. She highlights risks, including dangerous bleeding, and stresses individualized care based on health conditions and age. Practical advice includes consulting healthcare providers before starting Aspirin.