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Author Archives: skeptvet
Orthomolecular Medicine- Big Talk, Little Evidence, Real Risk
One of the most impressive-sounding labels for an unproven alternative therapy is Orthomolecular Medicine. And the origin of the term, coined by Nobel laureate Linus Pauling, gives it added gravitas. As it turns out, though, it’s just a fancy way … Continue reading
Posted in Herbs and Supplements, Nutrition
10 Comments
Dara O’Briain- Humorous Skewering of Homeopathy and “Nutritionists”
Dara O’Briain is an Irish comedian who often takes a skeptical view of things. This brief video offers a refreshingly frank take on homeopathy and nutritional woo. Be warned, though, that it also contains a good bit of profanity.
Posted in Homeopathy, Humor, Nutrition
3 Comments
WHO- Homeopathy Not Appropriate for Serious Disease
The World Health Organization is, like most UN entities, is a highly political creature. It tries to promote health in a bewildering variety of political, economic, and physical environments, and I give it full credit for what it manages to … Continue reading
Posted in Homeopathy, Law, Regulation, and Politics
4 Comments
CAM and the Psychology of Last Resort
I’ve often thought that the following two maxims apply to American culture generally, but especially to medicine in the US: 1. It is never appropriate to say, “There is nothing that can be done.” 2. Nothing is ever Nobody’s Fault. … Continue reading
Posted in General
10 Comments
Evolution Diet – Selling Food with Fear and Lies
I was recently asked to comment on an advertising card for Evolution Diet. There are a number of claims made, and because they are vague and wildly inflammatory, it is difficult to address them in an evidence-based manner, but I’ll … Continue reading
Posted in Nutrition
57 Comments
Nutritional and Health benefits of Organically Grown Food?
I recently read a commentary by Dominic Lawson, in the Times of London Sunday edition, entitled “Organic Food is Just a Tax on the Gullible.He was referring to a couple of systematic reviews (health benefits and nutritional content) that suggest there … Continue reading
Posted in Nutrition
7 Comments
Bach Flower Essences for Animals
What is it? Dr. Edward Bach was a physician and homeopath in England in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He eventually gave up his medical practice to focus full-time on developing a system of treatment based on elements … Continue reading
Posted in Miscellaneous CAVM
8 Comments
A Few Common Pro-CAM Arguments and Some Possible Responses
In addition to substantive arguments about evidence, clinical studies, and underlying biological or physical rationale, many arguments between supporters and skeptics of veterinary CAM involve myths, stereotypes, logical fallacies, and other rhetorical devices or conceptual errors unrelated to the actual … Continue reading
Posted in General
29 Comments
From Pet Connection-Falling for “Hope-Based” Medicine…
This is an insightful essay illustrating the ultimately faith-based nature of much CAM. Statements about safety and efficacy and the indications of a treatment are determined by tradition, appeal to authority, or instinct and then justified by anecdote without any … Continue reading
Posted in General
12 Comments
GAO Acknowledges FDA Oversight of Dietary Supplements Inadequate
It is widely understood that the 1994 Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act has created a wide open and lucrative market for herbal remedies and dietary supplements that don’t have to pass even minimal standards of evidence that they are … Continue reading