A Rational Understanding of the Organic-Natural Product Movement

I have not published much on the subjects of rational nutrition, health, and science since I retired from my nine years hosting Mind, Brain, and Body with the Good Doctor on voiceamerica.com.  As the Institute’s web site has a Health Heading so I thought I would start.

Those familiar with my writings and radio show understand that I am a medical scientist and a sceptic naturally. Being such, requires that I operate with an open-mind, impartial observation, sound hypotheses testing, and a desire to know the truth associated with the project I am studying.

To accomplish such requires several factors: [1] a good understanding of anatomy and physiology (macro- and micro-), [2] a good understanding of biochemistry, and [3] a good understanding of external and internal perturbations to physiological systems.

The first two factors are self-explanatory and can be learned by proper study of authoritative texts, university course work and laboratories, explanatory videos by experts in the respective fields, and avoiding ‘crusaders of Mammon,’ con artists, and spin masters (media harlots and deceivers).

The third factor is not easily learned by lay persons for it involves extended, detailed study and experimentation in many areas where it is necessary to thoroughly understand how the various subsystems interact within a great whole (particularly engineering and physiology). The systems, we are most interested being: [1] the human body with its organs and tissues, [2] the human mind, as it is elicited by, and secondarily affects, its parent, the central nervous system, and [3] our human spiritual system (poorly understood today).

The area addressed today concerns the rational use of plant extracts as adjuvants to sound nutrition and preventive and curative medicine. We defer the human mind and spirituality to a later day.

First, we need to come to an understanding as to what it means to be able to call oneself, a rational creature. A rational creature is one exercising sound reasoning skill (deductive and inductive), sound judgment (impartial), and an open mind and desire for the best available answer.

For instance, Dr. Oz introduces a new herb on his TV show. He brings on the promoter of a said product, a physician for hire, or one or two individuals who claim the product is responsible for a large loss of adipose tissue. More than likely, the sponsor of the new nutraceutical is paying the producers of Dr. Oz’s show for the opportunity.

The first question, given a typical Dr. Oz show, would a rational creature accept the evidence given as the long-term effectiveness of the product? Would a rational creature trust Dr. Oz and the other presenters? Would you spend money to try out the product?

If you answer in the affirmative, you are not a rational creature. Rather, you are ignorant and allow yourself to be manipulated by industry and government. You will surely remain a zombie for the short time you have left to live dead.

If you answer in the negative, you may be a rational creature or you may be clever. If you failure to purchase is because you understand the dynamics of such advertizing ploys, you are worldly wise and clever. You are well on your way waking up from your state of living death.

A rational creature understands worldly wisdom, but is also interested in determining whether scientific evidence exists to support the product.

[1] He or she will search for scientific articles published in peer-reviewed journals and not manufacturers’ literature. He or she will read and understand the limitations of the study and whether such is a valid study. How long was the study? What dose was used? Demographics of the cohort studied? Sources of the herb or extract?

[2] He or she must understand the biochemical pathways attacked by the herb or extract. What enzymes are involved? Will the drug induce enzyme production so to overcome the effects of the test product? (NB: this is a major problem with many health store products. I have seen this many times with many products.)

[3] Is the herb safe? Where is it manufactured? Has it been independently tested to assure that it is present and is not doped with other products? (NB: over half of products sold as supplements and herb medicines are mislabeled based on FDA and other independent studies.)

[4] If you know an honest and knowledgeable expert, ask him or her. Just because one is a physician or chiropractic does not mean, they are wise or knowledgeable. They are no less gullible than the lay population.

Enough for now. I recommend rationality and worldly wisdom over the alternative. Hope you change for the better.

Ciao, Michael