July 27, 2017 general

Maybe all our mothers used this question: “If all your friends jumped off a bridge, would you do that?” (Well, in my case that was before bungee jumping or I might have had a sassy comeback.) Moms are right. Just because nearly everyone is doing something, doesn’t mean it is smart.

Below are a few examples:

• In the July 6 blog I talked about the dangers (e.g. death) of the routinely prescribed heartburn drugs that are also advertised in a way that paints them as harmless.
• Many cardiologists make it sound like cities should add statin cholesterol drugs to the municipal drinking water. That is despite these facts: there are perhaps hundreds of side effects; the whole cholesterol theory of primary prevention of heart disease is under attack (not so for those who have had a heart attack); and studies show that taking them for prevention of heart disease might only add 4 days to the end of your life. Read Bill Sardi’s article.
• Antibiotics are routinely prescribed for sinus congestion which is usually caused by yeast overgrowth and for upper respiratory infections which are usually viral. It isn’t just a waste of money because they don’t help. The improperly used antibiotics can also have serious side effects. That frivolous usage can lead to antibiotic-resistant strains of pathogens. When that happens, antibiotics may no longer be lifesavers when we urgently need them. I explain the problem and solutions in my book, The Probiotic Cure.
• Fat-free yogurt still fills the cooler shelves at the supermarket. Never mind that studies show more health benefits with full-fat dairy. Then there is the blood sugar destabilizing effect of the sugars added to make the low-fat items taste better. The light versions are no better because they ignore growing concerns that artificial sweeteners seem to be hard on our good bacteria and may cause weight gain instead of weight loss.

There is so much of this type of silliness, it is no wonder people that don’t know what to do. My guests on the radio show and I look at what the research actually says; compare that with the immutable laws of nature; and put that through a filter of what healthy populations around the world do. We hope to help you better understand which parades are worth joining.