Stephen Barrett, M.D. Harriet Hall, M.D. During the past year, a few companies have begun offering genetic testing combined with guidance on diet, supplement strategies, lifestyle changes, and/or drug usage which they claim can improve health outcomes. This article explains why such testing should be avoided. Until recently, hereditary tendencies… read more "Dubious Genetic Testing"
A Skeptical View of the Perricone Prescription
Harriet Hall, M.D. Stephen Barrett, M.D. Nicholas Perricone, M.D., has written three similar books: The Wrinkle Cure [1], The Perricone Prescription [2]; and The Acne Prescription [3]. All contain many claims that are questionable, controversial, fanciful, unsupported by published evidence, or just plain wrong. Although he mentions standard skin-care treatments,… read more "A Skeptical View of the Perricone Prescription"
My Response to An Alt-Muddled Friend
I’ve been discussing “alternative medicine” with a friend who is very intelligent but has no training in science. She uses chiropractic, magnets, vitamins, and acupuncture, and she says she doesn’t care what science says because science can be wrong, she trusts her personal experience more, and if something “works” for… read more "My Response to An Alt-Muddled Friend"
Blind Spots, Brain Maps, and Backaches: A New Chiropractic Delusion
My trip down the rabbit hole started when an ad in the newspaper caught my eye: “Do you have a good brain or a bad brain? One simple test may tell you… call today for a free brain exam.” I started to worry. I had always thought I had a… read more "Blind Spots, Brain Maps, and Backaches: A New Chiropractic Delusion"
Chiropractic Information in a Public Library
ABSTRACT Background: Chiropractic is based on a theory that most disease results from spinal subluxation and interference with nerves. The theory is not supported by experimental evidence nor recognized as plausible by medical scientists. Chiropractic manipulation is known to cause infrequent but devastating complications including death and paralysis. Despite this… read more "Chiropractic Information in a Public Library"
Analysis of Claims and of an Experiment to Prove that Oxygen is Present in “Vitamin O”
ABSTRACT Background: “Vitamin O” is being sold as an oxygen supplement. Direct analysis has shown that it contains no oxygen. A scientific study published on the manufacturer’s website claims to have demonstrated the presence of oxygen in the product indirectly, by demonstrating increases in blood oxygen in anemic subjects taking the… read more "Analysis of Claims and of an Experiment to Prove that Oxygen is Present in “Vitamin O”"
Wired to the Kitchen Sink: Studying Weird Claims for Fun and Profit
After reading some particularly egregious nonsense, you have probably asked yourself; “How could anyone in his right mind believe that?” There is an answer to your question. In. fact, the person who believes the nonsense will usually provide the answer himself if you give him half a chance. Go to… read more "Wired to the Kitchen Sink: Studying Weird Claims for Fun and Profit"
Krispy Kreme Kure, or A Doughnut a Day Keeps the Doctor Away
A KK store opened on June 24th in Tacoma, and people started lining up 12 hours before the 5:30 a.m. opening, with sleeping bags and “the enthusiasm usually reserved for a ‘Star Wars’ film, Oprah or a rock concert.” At midmorning, people were still waiting an hour in line to… read more "Krispy Kreme Kure, or A Doughnut a Day Keeps the Doctor Away"
Coffee Enemas – A “Latte” Nonsense
I started out to write a serious review of coffee enemas. But how can you take a subject like that seriously? As I reviewed related websites, I kept falling off my chair and writhing on the floor in paroxysms of laughter. Without any supporting evidence, different parts of the colon… read more "Coffee Enemas – A “Latte” Nonsense"