UPGRAID combines a new formulation of turmeric (curcumin) with 3 other ingredients. It is said to be more bioavailable and to offer unique advantages. The advertising is bad, and can’t compensate for a lack of evidence. Does a new formulation of turmeric offer the best bioavailability and efficacy? The evidence… read more "Bad advertising for UPGRAID"
Is Magnesium the Underlying Cause and Treatment for Everything?
Carolyn Dean believes magnesium deficiency is the cause of a great many diseases and recommends that everyone take magnesium supplements, preferably the one she sells, ReMag. I remain skeptical. This is magnesium. Do you need more of it? I was recently asked about the book The Magnesium Miracle, by Carolyn Dean.… read more "Is Magnesium the Underlying Cause and Treatment for Everything?"
Neuriva: Clinically Proven?
Neuriva claims to have proof from clinical studies. That’s misleading. Will your brain work better if you take Neuriva? Probably not.My TV is threatening to collapse under the onslaught of commercials for Neuriva. They say it has been clinically proven to improve five measures of brain performance: accuracy, performance, concentration,… read more "Neuriva: Clinically Proven?"
Chaga Tea
Chaga tea is made from a mushroom that rots birch trees. Health benefits are claimed on the basis of folk medicine, but there isn’t a shred of scientific evidence. Trunk rot. Not good for trees. Probably not good for people either. A correspondent said he had looked for Chaga on… read more "Chaga Tea"
TCM for Covid-19
Despite the many claims, there is no real evidence that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is effective for prevention or treatment of COVID-19. There have been many claims for the efficacy (and even the superiority) of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compared to so-called “Western” medicine. The COVID-19 outbreak that started in… read more "TCM for Covid-19"
Covid-19: A Field Day for Scams and Misinformation
Our world has been disrupted due to legitimate fears about COVID-19. People are afraid, and unscrupulous and/or misinformed people have been quick to exploit those fears. The FTC has offered advice for consumers to help them avoid coronavirus scammers. On March 19 they published Part 2, and the FTC and FDA have… read more "Covid-19: A Field Day for Scams and Misinformation"
The Fountain of Youth and Other Anti-Aging Myths
In St. Augustine, Florida, you can visit Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park for an admission charge of $18.00. There, you can drink a sample of the miraculous water. You might even feel a bit younger… but only if you believe and are suggestible. Of historical interest, maybe,… read more "The Fountain of Youth and Other Anti-Aging Myths"
“Healthy Directions” Is a Double Misnomer
Healthy Directions sells dietary supplements without scientific evidence. A better name would be Misdirections that Won’t Make You Healthy. Historical examples of patent medicines. Healthy Directions similarly offers untested products without scientific evidence of efficacy. The Healthy Directions website says it is “A Better Way to Better Health.” There’s no reason to… read more "“Healthy Directions” Is a Double Misnomer"
Alternative Medicine Exploits Coronavirus Fears
Alternative medicine has been quick to capitalize on the public’s fear of coronavirus. They offer an array of bogus treatments. The news is full of alarming reports about the new coronavirus that originated in China and is spreading throughout the world. There is no treatment other than supportive measures, and… read more "Alternative Medicine Exploits Coronavirus Fears"
Beware the PIED Piper
It sounds like the script of a science fiction/fantasy movie: the class dunce takes a pill and suddenly becomes smarter than everyone in the class including the teacher; an elderly Alzheimer’s patient takes a pill and his memory is instantly restored – Alzheimer’s dementia cured! Don’t you wish? If only… read more "Beware the PIED Piper"