Welcome to this episode of The Tonic, terrestrially broadcast on May 13 and 14, 2023 on AM740 and FM 96.7 in Toronto. Topics covered on the show track the lifestyle articles and themes published in Tonic Magazine. This week we’ll discuss the treatment of Spring allergies with clinical pharmacist Andy Donald, options for dealing with obesity with Dr. Shantanu Gaur, whether there is such a thing as a “healthy snack” with registered dietician Shauna Lindzon and a new documentary about the overuse of antibiotics and the gut biome “The Invisible Extinction” with producers Sarah Schenk and Steven Lawrence

We specifically discuss:

The Treatment of Spring Allergies

  • Global warming and allergies
  • How do we prepare for allergy season?
  • Are expired (allergy) medications dangerous?
  • How do we dispose of medications?
  • Medication reviews
  • Over-the-counter allergy drugs
  • Nasal steroids and inhaled steroids
  • The pros and cons of Benadryl
  • Decongestants…and diminishing returns
  • Nose drops

 

Options for Dealing with Obesity

  • What are the options for obesity if diet and exercise doesn’t work?
  • Intragastric balloon
  • Weight loss drugs
  • Gastric bypass surgery
  • Side effects of bariatric surgery
  • Lifestyle changes are still necessary to keep weight off
  • The difference between bariatric surgery and an intragastric balloon

 

Is There Such a Thing as a ‘Healthy Snack’?

  • Is there a difference between a snack and a treat?
  • Its okay to have treats on occasion
  • The timing of snacking
  • Positive snacks
  • Satiety
  • Snacks on the go

 

Overuse of Antibiotics and the Impact on Your Gut Biome

  • What were the reasons for making The Invisible Extinction
  • Antibiotics and our gut microbiome
  • What does ‘Invisible Extinction’ mean?
  • The importance of microbes
  • The science behind our gut microbiome regulating sugar metabolism
  • The correlation between antibiotics and diabetes
  • The bigger picture

 

To learn more about show sponsor, Pharma-Z powered by the Health Depot go here

To learn more about Andy Donald go here

To learn more about Dr. Shantanu Gaur go here

To learn more about Shauna Lindzon go here

To learn more about “The Invisible Extinction” go here.