Health vs Hype with the American Medical Association

Maybe you've seen someone wearing a glowing red LED mask on social media. Or an ad promising smoother skin, thicker hair, less pain, and faster recovery – all from a few minutes under a red light. But how much of that is backed by science? In this episode of Health vs. Hype, Trace Dominguez shines a light on one of the internet's biggest wellness trends: red light therapy. Joined by dermatologist Dr. Margareta Masse, he explores how photobiomodulation works, why different wavelengths matter, and which claims have real evidence behind them. Along the way, influencer Sly Huncho, skincare creator Rosa Hoffman, and melanoma survivor Mika Stambaugh share their personal experiences using red light therapy for everything from acne and wrinkles to wound healing and inflammation. So, can red light therapy actually boost collagen? Does it help acne, scars, or hair loss? And are those expensive at-home masks worth the money? Tune in as we separate science from social media and find out whether red light therapy is all health... or just hype.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Intermittent fasting has become a big wellness trend online , but does the science actually support the hype? In this episode of Health vs Hype, host Trace Dominguez digs into the medical evidence behind intermittent fasting with obesity medicine specialist Dr. Jen Schriever. Together, they break down the biggest claims surrounding fasting, including weight loss, insulin resistance, metabolic health, autophagy, mental clarity, longevity, and “metabolic reset.” You’ll hear real experiences from intermittent fasting advocates Gin Stephens and Al Kavadlo, alongside expert analysis about what current research actually shows and where the evidence is still weak. Is intermittent fasting better than traditional calorie restriction? Can fasting improve blood sugar or help prevent disease? And who should avoid fasting altogether? This episode explores: The science of intermittent fasting and weight loss Insulin resistance, blood sugar, and metabolic health Claims about autophagy, longevity, and cellular repair Mental clarity and cognitive benefits Risks for people with diabetes or eating disorders Intermittent fasting vs GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Zepbound Why diet quality still matters more than eating windows If you’ve ever wondered whether intermittent fasting is truly healthy, or just another overhyped wellness trend, this episode separates evidence from marketing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

VO2 Max is everywhere, from fitness trackers and smartwatches to social media and even dating profiles. But what does this number actually mean for your health? In this episode of Health vs. Hype, we break down the science behind VO2 Max (maximal oxygen consumption) and whether it truly deserves its status as the ultimate fitness and longevity metric. With insights from cardiologist Dr. Robert Maynard and real-world experiences from elite athletes and everyday runners, we explore: What VO2 max measures, and how it reflects cardiovascular, respiratory, and muscular health Whether smartwatch VO2 Max estimates are accurate (and how they compare to lab testing) How VO2 Max relates to longevity, heart disease risk, and overall fitness Why this single number doesn’t tell the whole story about your health or performance When VO2 Max testing is useful and when it might be unnecessary (or even overkill) You’ll hear firsthand what it’s like to take a clinical VO2 Max test, why the metric has gone viral, and how to use it without getting obsessed with the number. Bottom line: VO2 Max is one of the most powerful predictors of health but it’s not the only one that matters. If you’ve ever wondered whether your fitness tracker’s VO2 Max score is meaningful, or just hype, this episode has your answer.   To learn more, visit: amahealthvshype.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Health vs. Hype with the American Medical Association, host Trace Dominguez uncovers the science behind viral sleep trends, and reveals what actually works to improve sleep quality. From mouth tape and melatonin to your sleep tracker, breathwork, and sleep divorces, millions of Americans are experimenting with trending sleep hacks. More than half of U.S. adults have tried at least one viral sleep trend. But are these methods backed by science…or just social media hype? Featuring insights from lifestyle content creator Lucie Fink, sleep storyteller Kathryn Nicolai, and sleep medicine expert Dr. Jose Colon, this episode answers the questions: Does your sleep tracker actually improve sleep or increase anxiety? Is mouth tape safe or potentially dangerous? How much sleep do you really need for optimal health? What is heart rate variability (HRV), and does it matter? You’ll also learn why “trying harder” to sleep can backfire, how social media influences health behaviors, and which simple, evidence-based strategies can help you fall asleep faster and wake up feeling restored. If you’ve ever struggled with insomnia, experimented with sleep optimization, or wondered whether viral wellness trends are worth it, this episode gets to the bottom of it all.   To learn more, visit: amahealthvshype.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Got a symptom? There's an influencer for that. A supplement for that. A subreddit, a detox, a cold plunge for that. But what actually works — and what could actually hurt you? Introducing: Health vs. Hype with the American Medical Association — a science-backed health podcast that breaks down viral wellness trends, health misinformation, and the advice flooding your feed. Emmy-nominated science communicator Trace Dominguez sits down with influencers, the curious, and most importantly doctors to fact-check viral health claims – everything from intermittent fasting and protein maxxing to creatine. Cold plunges and more! Not to cancel the trends, not to hype them more, but to understand them. Your health is your greatest asset. Don't leave it to an algorithm. Let’s slow the scroll…and start asking better questions. Health vs. Hype: new episodes drop every other week starting April 14th. Available wherever you listen to podcasts.   To learn more, visit: amahealthvshype.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.