A case of fatal liver failure in India was attributed to Herbalife products, adding to many other reports from around the world. Analysis showed Herbalife products contain heavy metals and other contaminants. The products have not been scientifically tested, and in the absence of evidence of benefit to human health,… read more "Herbalife or Herbadeath?"
Generic Drugs and Global Deception
Generic drugs are supposed to be equivalent to brand-name drugs, but all too often they are defective. Katherine Eban’s book shows that corrupt overseas manufacturers have committed intentional global fraud. The system is broken and the FDA lacks the power to correct abuses. I always thought generic drugs were the… read more "Generic Drugs and Global Deception"
Opioids: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Opium, a dried latex collected from the opium poppy, was the original “wonder drug.” It effectively relieved pain and had other medicinal effects – and incidentally produced euphoria and addiction. There is archaeological evidence that it was used as early as 5700 BC. It was the active ingredient in laudanum… read more "Opioids: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly"
Do Acupuncture Points Exist? Can Acupuncturists Find Them?
Acupuncturists do a systematic review and reveal they can’t reliably locate acupoints. No wonder: they don’t exist. Even acupuncturists themselves are beginning to wonder. A critical systematic review of accuracy and precision in acupuncture point location was recently published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies. They point out that “Accuracy of… read more "Do Acupuncture Points Exist? Can Acupuncturists Find Them?"
El Libro De National Geographic Es Un Desastre “Natural”
El National Geographic proclama: “Esta guía acreditada para las comidas, hierbas, especias, aceites esenciales y otras sustancias naturales que alivian las dolencias comunes, van a mejorar su vida- desde tratar la enfermedad para aclarar la mente, perder peso, limpiar la casa, mejorar el embarazo, y reducir los efectos del envejecimiento”.… read more "El Libro De National Geographic Es Un Desastre “Natural”"
Ebola: Science Is Making Progress
Good news! Research on Ebola has identified a 100% effective vaccine and medications that produce a 90% survival rate. The Ebola virus There have been 24 outbreaks of Ebola virus disease (also known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever) in Africa since 1976. It spreads through contact with infected body fluids. Case… read more "Ebola: Science Is Making Progress"
National Geographic Book Is A ‘Natural’ Disaster
Nature’s Best Remedies: Top Medicinal Herbs, Spices, and Foods for Health and Well Being, by Nancy J. Hajeski. National Geographic. 318 pp. $35.00. The National Geographic store proclaims, “This authoritative guide to the foods, herbs, spices, essential oils, and other natural substances that alleviate common ailments will enhance your life—from… read more "National Geographic Book Is A ‘Natural’ Disaster"
What Does It Feel Like to Die?
We’re all going to die; we wonder what it will feel like. This book describes what typically happens during the period between diagnosis of a fatal illness and death. ca. 1882, Washington, DC, USA — Washington, DC.: President Garfield Lying Wounded In His Room At The White House, Washington. —… read more "What Does It Feel Like to Die?"
How Not To Do Science
According to research methodologist R. Barker Bausell, “CAM [complementary and alternative medicine] therapists simply do not value (and most, in my experience, do not understand) the scientific process.” They have seen their patients improve, and that’s all the “evidence” they think they need. They don’t understand that they may have been… read more "How Not To Do Science"
Vitamin D and Diabetes: Another Case Where Supplementation Sounded Like a Good Idea But Wasn’t
A new study shows vitamin D supplements don’t prevent diabetes. But there are still unanswered questions. This cartoon shows vitamin D killing cancer. It doesn’t. It doesn’t prevent diabetes either. Low vitamin D levels appear to be a risk factor for diabetes. Observational studies have found a correlation between a… read more "Vitamin D and Diabetes: Another Case Where Supplementation Sounded Like a Good Idea But Wasn’t"