“If we can grow old with strength, clarity, and vitality—and simply cease to exist one day without years of suffering—that’s the kind of future I believe medicine should strive for.”
— Dr. Hany Demian
In a world saturated with health fads and influencer-driven wellness hacks, it’s becoming harder than ever to discern fact from fiction. Cold plunges, NAD drips, hydrogen water, EMF blockers—each one promises vitality, youth, or enhanced energy, yet few are backed by real science. As the noise grows louder, so does the need for trusted voices who can separate hype from health. That’s where Dr. Hany Demian comes in. With a background in emergency medicine, pain management, and regenerative therapy, Dr. Demian brings both clinical expertise and a deep passion for educating the public on evidence-based wellness practices.
In this powerful and eye-opening interview with Stacey Chillemi, Dr. Demian debunks some of the most pervasive myths in modern health culture while offering accessible, practical guidance rooted in science—not social media. From breaking down the dangers of daily cold plunges to explaining the truth behind NAD supplements and the creatine comeback, Dr. Demian shares the kind of clarity that today’s wellness landscape desperately needs. If you’re looking for honest answers and actionable advice to support your longevity, energy, and overall well-being—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.
Thank you so much for joining us! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your backstory?
It’s a pleasure to be here, Stacey. My journey started in emergency medicine, where I worked in over 35 of Canada’s busiest emergency departments. That intense, fast-paced environment taught me how critical it is to treat not just symptoms but underlying issues. Over time, I became more and more interested in chronic pain and how it impacts quality of life. That led me to study pain management extensively, which eventually opened the door to anti-aging and regenerative medicine. What drives me now is helping people not just survive—but thrive—by optimizing their physical, emotional, and metabolic health.
Let’s begin with one of the most viral wellness trends: cold plunging. What’s your take on it?
Cold plunges are everywhere right now. While some individuals swear by them, the actual science behind daily cold plunging is quite limited. I’ve seen patients develop micro frostbite, cardiovascular stress, and even serious conditions that required an ambulance. While there are minor benefits like activating brown fat or producing cold shock proteins, those outcomes can be achieved in far less extreme ways—like walking outside on a chilly day for a few minutes. We need to move away from extremes and start understanding the physiology behind these practices.
Many believe cold plunges support weight loss and metabolism. Is that accurate?
That’s one of the biggest misconceptions. Yes, cold exposure may cause you to burn a few extra calories through shivering, but it’s nowhere near the effect of proper cardiovascular exercise. Plus, the stress it places on your system can actually lead to higher inflammation and insulin resistance. Your body is already dealing with enough stress in today’s world—we don’t need to create more for the sake of a trend.
What about claims that cold plunges help with sleep and stress regulation?
The idea is that stressing the body trains it to handle more stress. But chronic stress, even in the name of resilience, can be counterproductive. It raises oxidative stress, increases inflammation, and can impair glucose and insulin sensitivity. If your body starts reacting to a chocolate bar like it’s a threat, that’s a red flag. Instead of using stress as medicine, we need to look at reducing stress overall—for better sleep, hormone balance, and long-term vitality.
You mentioned a peptide called MOTS-c as a better option for activating brown fat. How does it work?
MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide that supports energy regulation and fat transformation. Unlike cold plunges, which only temporarily activate brown fat, MOTS-c actually helps convert white fat to brown fat, increasing your metabolic efficiency and helping regulate body temperature. It’s an elegant, less aggressive way to support your system without shocking it.
Let’s shift to another big trend—NAD supplements. What’s the real story there?
NAD has gained popularity for its supposed anti-aging properties and energy-boosting effects. The reality is more complex. While NAD can help in specific cases—like short-term fatigue or certain conditions—it shouldn’t be used long term. Chronic use can speed up cellular aging, damage collagen, disrupt hair cycles, and ironically, accelerate the very aging people are trying to prevent. The key takeaway? Use NAD sparingly and under medical supervision.
Is there a risk of using NAD for too long without testing?
Absolutely. Without testing your biological and chronological age, you’re flying blind. I always encourage patients to undergo genetic and biological testing before starting any aggressive anti-aging therapy. If your biological age is higher than your chronological age, there’s a concern—and throwing supplements at it without data can do more harm than good.
What should people look for when buying supplements like NAD or peptides?
Only buy pharmaceutical or medical-grade products. Avoid gray market peptides and unregulated supplements. I’ve seen patients come in with hormonal imbalances caused by counterfeit or contaminated products. Always consult with a licensed practitioner who knows how to monitor your progress and adjust treatment safely.
Let’s talk about creatine. It’s usually associated with bodybuilding, but you say it’s essential for women too?
Absolutely. Creatine is one of the most extensively researched supplements out there. It supports muscle energy, reduces fatigue, and even helps maintain hormonal balance, especially in menopausal women. It’s not just about gym performance—it’s about longevity. Maintaining muscle mass is one of the strongest predictors of healthy aging, and creatine supports that beautifully.
Can you elaborate on how creatine benefits daily life?
Sure. We’re not talking about bench pressing your body weight. We’re talking about being able to lift groceries, walk up stairs, or get out of bed without pain. Creatine helps preserve the muscle strength needed for everyday tasks. It also supports hydration at the cellular level. Just make sure to drink plenty of water—at least two to three liters a day—because creatine is a large molecule and needs fluid to move efficiently through the kidneys.
Does coffee or tea count toward hydration?
That’s a common misconception. No, they don’t. Coffee and tea are diuretics, which means they pull water out of your system. For every cup of coffee, drink at least two cups of water to compensate. I tell this to my 90-year-old father all the time—he drinks tea like it’s water, and I have to remind him it’s not the same!
What are your thoughts on the hydrogen water trend?
Another wellness gimmick with no real scientific backing. Hydrogen water, like ozone water before it, claims to enhance hydration and energy absorption—but our bodies don’t work that way. Your best bet? Drink regular, clean water. If your urine isn’t clear, you’re dehydrated. It’s that simple.
Is winter dehydration real?
It is! Most people don’t realize we dehydrate more in winter than summer. That dry indoor heat, layered clothing, and reduced thirst signals all add up. People often drink less because they’re not sweating, but their cells still need hydration. Pay attention to urine color—it should be clear. If it’s yellow, your body is begging for water.
Let’s touch on EMFs and those popular phone blockers. Are they effective?
There’s no solid data that EMF blockers actually protect the average person. Unless you have a medical device like a pacemaker or brain implant, everyday EMF exposure is not likely to harm you significantly. That said, I understand the fear—it’s similar to how people feared microwaves when they first came out. If we want to reduce EMF exposure globally, it has to be a worldwide initiative—not just individual gadgets.
Do you think fear-based wellness marketing is becoming more common?
Unfortunately, yes. People are overwhelmed by conflicting advice and turn to influencers who sound confident but may lack scientific rigor. We end up with anxiety around food, water, air, even cookware. That’s why I’m passionate about education. We need science-based voices guiding people back to reason and safety.
Why do you think conventional medicine has struggled to support people in this space?
Because preventative medicine, anti-aging, and optimization aren’t part of traditional medical training. Most doctors don’t know how to advise patients on these topics, so people turn to social media. That’s a failure of the system. My mission now is to bridge that gap—to educate, support, and empower people to make decisions based on truth, not trends.
What motivates your work in longevity and regenerative medicine?
I’m fascinated by the human body’s potential. Aging doesn’t have to mean decline. What if we could live fully, vibrantly, and then one day just cease to exist—without years of pain or cognitive loss? That’s my vision for the future of medicine. I want to help people live long, yes—but also live well.
What’s one piece of advice you wish more people followed?
Stop chasing shiny trends and start focusing on the basics. Eat well. Sleep well. Move your body. Hydrate. Test your health markers. And most importantly—get advice from someone who actually understands how your body works, not someone trying to go viral on Instagram.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
You can follow me on Instagram and Facebook at @HanyDemian. My website is www.damien.com, and I’m also active on LinkedIn. I post regularly about longevity, regenerative health, and evidence-based approaches to wellness. My goal is to make this information accessible to everyone—not just the elite.
Thank you so much for sharing your invaluable insights and expertise. This has been an incredibly enlightening and empowering conversation, and we’re grateful for the clarity, honesty, and wisdom you’ve brought to the table.
Thank you, Stacey. I really appreciate the opportunity. This was a meaningful dialogue, and I’m grateful to connect with your readers. Let’s keep building a healthier future—together.
