Hashtag Health: A Health and Medical Podcast

B fragilis is the “probiotic” that one paper claimed would help treat specific aspects of autism associated behaviour. Not surprisingly, this conclusion sparked a media frenzy as well as celebrations among child autism communities. What’s unsettling about all of this is that B Fragilis isn’t even a probiotic...

Even if you've never been prescribed Xanax, you probably know about it just from listening to the radio. However, there is another group of lesser known benzodiazepines called Z drugs, which are prescribed for insomnia. In part 2 of #Xanax we talk to Dr. Vozoris about Z drugs, non-selective benzodiazepines like Xanax, and the dangerous outcomes when combining these drugs or taking them with opioid...

For those of you who have ever been tempted to spend the extra money to buy probiotic infused foods... this episode is for you. From probiotic granola bars to probiotic baby formula, consumers are seeing more "gut health" promoting foods than ever before. But do probiotic foods work to the same degree as taking a probiotic supplement or are they just the newest marketing ploy to attract consumer a...

"Moms everywhere eating their organs after childbirth" ... that might have you thinking that the zombie apocalypse is finally among us. It's not -- but to some, what's really happening is just as strange. What's with the placenta eating? Well, many celebrities rave about the health benefits they experienced after eating their placentas after childbirth. The good news from them is that you too can...

Fentanyl ravages the illicit drug trade. Used needles line the streets. The government fears its patients, and patients fear their doctors. Tune in to the finale where we present you with our parting thoughts on #OPIOIDS.

New miracle pill claims to reduce your pain and make you happy! Caution: may cause pain, depression, and death. Wait, what? We continue this story in part two of #OPIOIDS.

The CDC hails it as 'the public health issue of our time'. How did a class of drugs essential for pain and end-of-life care precipitate a full-blown crisis? Compassion meets deceit in this origin story with Dr. David Juurlink and Dr. Sharon Koivu in part one of a three-part volume of Hashtag Health.

When Dr. Frances was a resident, benzodiazepines like Xanax were being tested out as a cure for alcoholism. Needless to say, that didn't work out so well. Nowadays, Xanax use is more common than ever before and usage steadily increases year upon year. Listen to this episode to find out the hidden dangers of Xanax use and to hear about how even felines are partaking in the drug.

In this episode of Hashtag Health, we talk with geriatrician Dr. Laura Diachun about the established methods of staying healthy as we grow older. Then, with the help of researchers Dr. Aubrey De Grey and Dr. Judith Campisi, we explore the cutting edge technologies that might play a role in extending human lifespan. https://www.livingto100.com/

When it comes to juicing, some may be of the mindset - why not take in more fruits and veggies! And then some may be wondering, are those extra vitamins and minerals going to good use? And how effective is it as a way to shed some pounds? In this episode of Hashtag Health, we're talking with Dr. Faisal Rehman, a nephrologist (kidney specialist) who answers all that and more.

A survey of nearly 1000 US adults in 2005 showed that 27% believed that "The medical industry is withholding a cure for cancer from the public in order to increase profit". Tune into this #SPOTLIGHT segment of Hashtag Health to hear radiation oncologist, Dr. David Palma, explain the truth behind this shockingly common misconception!

This episode of Hashtag Health examines the trippy history of psychedelics and their modern comeback and potential uses. Join us this episode where we chat with Dr. Ken Tupper from the University of British Columbia. Dr. Tupper discusses how far the therapeutic applications of psychedelics has come since its research hiatus in the 60's. In addition to touching on subjects like micro-dosing and the...

36% of cancer patients in the United States are estimated to be using naturopathic treatments for cancer in addition to conventional treatments. Some studies show that these patients are more likely to refuse conventional care, which is thought to put them at a greater risk of losing their lives. At the same time, studies also show that activities like taichi and meditation can be a helpful additi...

In this #SPOTLIGHT segment, Dr. Cory Yamashita discusses the ever popular comparison between vaping (e-cigarettes) and tobacco cigarettes. Tune in to hear the answers to questions like "what is popcorn lung and can it be caused by vaping?" And "is vaping really 95% safer than smoking?" All that and more! We'll also hear from ex-smoker, Olivier, who talks about what life is like after cigarettes.

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Kevin Nelson who's been studying near death experiences for years. Dr. Nelson deconstructs the once elusive and ever mysterious near death experience, but can science really have an explanation for its mechanistic underpinnings? In the second half of the episode, Dr. Adrian Owen talks about the project that changed it all - communicating with seemingly unconscious...