"Natural Cures"

[seeking33]

What do you all think about the book "Natural Cures They Don't Want You to Know About" by Kevin Trudeau? Is it a good book with good medical advice? What are the benefits of natural or holistic remedies over conventional medicine? I have yet to draw any solid conclusions, as I see benefits and drawbacks to both approaches.

Thoughts?

[Josh L.Ac.]

In Philadelphia, at one of the facilities, we routinely admitted many asian patients for liver failure.

Several of the "herbal natural remedies" that they were using were in liquid form and both alcohol and acetaminophen were mixed in. Adding to the problem, a disproportionate number of asian immigrants with chronic illnesses that were treated before entering the USA had hepatitis of one form or another (r/t medical practices abroad).

The problem with Kevin Trudeau's science, is that very little of it passes double blind studies/legimate examination. It is very simplistic and many of those that read it are unlikely to discuss it with legitmate medical practitioners. And if those practitioners voice any concerns over interactions between the patients medicines and this unregulated products, the patient is likely to blow them off, due to the attitude of "they don't want you to know about this cure".

I have no problems with legitmate CAM (complementary alternative medicine), and utilize in my life. But people like Trudeau give the legimate CAM a bad name.

I also have a problem with "conspiracy" theories of medicine, which he promotes.

Good points. When I was in China, I saw many things that made me shutter (as did my collegue that is a FNP in addition to being an acupuncturist). On the topic of hepatitis, here we go:

After the acupuncture needles are "sterlized", they are straightened by an intern and then used on patients. How fun.

Edit: okay, the posting of the picture didn't work.

[Deirdre]

Maybe. But I suspect that an outsider might say that of many of us, too, at times. Including me. Especially me.

And again, we all need to remember that whether Kevin Trudeau is money hungry or not, that doesn't change the truth or falsity of what he says. Shooting the messenger is a big temptation to me. But if I shoot the messenger, it doesn't change the truth of the message.

One of the beautiful things of this life is learning new stuff. Sometimes the one teaching us that stuff will not be the one we'd like to have teach us. But the stuff is there. I hope we can all be open to learning, especially as it relates to nursing and health care. If the message is false, we need to know that. But there are true things that come in less-than-desirable packages.

Jim Huffman, RN

No, he really is just in it for the buck!! I watched his infomercial, thought he was really on to something, bought the book. He covers many things, things that most of us have already learned by middle age, and he gives you a tease, and then directs you to his website for more information and then -big surprise- to view the information there is a fee. Pretty funny with all the self-righteous finger pointing he does at big business claiming that they are money hungry. It was very disappointing. Thanks for letting me vent!