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tmauch 's review for:
Paul Offit takes on the world of alternative medicine in this book, questioning the laws that deregulated governmental oversight of the industry, the people who sell it and the drugs themselves. He delves into the long history of alterative medicine and why it's popular. Overall, the book shows a concerning look at alternative medicine, but contrary to what others say, does not dismiss them out of hand.
In the interest of being open and transparent (as Offit thinks the world of alternative medicine should be), I'll admit I am the choir Offit is preaching to. I have a big mistrust of alternative medicine, think listening to celebrities like Suzanne Somers and Jennie McCarthy is ridiculous and fight against those who say it doesn't hurt other people if they don't get their kids vaccinated (because oh, it does. It really does). However, I recognize my own bias and tried to put this book to a good test, not just eagerly nod my head because Offit is affirming my own beliefs. And I feel like he did a pretty good job of being fair and providing strong, scientific evidence for his arguments.
Although it's true that most of the book takes a negative look on alternative medicines, he gives credit where it's due. He recognizes that some supplements (although not many) are helpful and beneficial, like folic acid and Vitamin D (although only certain people really need them). He also gives a lot of credit to the idea of placebos, and again, although some people see this as patronizing, perhaps, it didn't come off that way to me. He gives evidence that the placebo effect can be really helpful, especially when it can REALLY treat patients who would otherwise have to take medicine that would have harmful side effects. That's certainly something that no on should dismiss.
What he's really after is to stop the exploitation that is involved in the industry. He provides hundreds (if not more) of studies that show the many ways in which alternative medicine can harm, whether it's from the actual medicine provided, doctored medicine that isn't what it's advertised or from "healers" who push alternative medicine, which might not harm in itself but also doesn't help, to the point that people don't seek out treatments that would actually help. The industry has NO regulation, and if you think you can trust people who are making a profit from you buying these meds, then I've got a bridge to sell you.
He also places his ire on those pushing the medicine, not those seeking it.
The only quibble I have is that I wish he had used a better citation system for all the evidence he provides. He doesn't cite within the book, just provides a section in the back so that you have to hunt for his evidence. In a book that wants transparency, I would have liked to have seen him make it easier on the readers to verify his information. But don't assume that he doesn't provide the evidence - he does, I checked some of the sources. It just takes a little bit more work to do.
In the interest of being open and transparent (as Offit thinks the world of alternative medicine should be), I'll admit I am the choir Offit is preaching to. I have a big mistrust of alternative medicine, think listening to celebrities like Suzanne Somers and Jennie McCarthy is ridiculous and fight against those who say it doesn't hurt other people if they don't get their kids vaccinated (because oh, it does. It really does). However, I recognize my own bias and tried to put this book to a good test, not just eagerly nod my head because Offit is affirming my own beliefs. And I feel like he did a pretty good job of being fair and providing strong, scientific evidence for his arguments.
Although it's true that most of the book takes a negative look on alternative medicines, he gives credit where it's due. He recognizes that some supplements (although not many) are helpful and beneficial, like folic acid and Vitamin D (although only certain people really need them). He also gives a lot of credit to the idea of placebos, and again, although some people see this as patronizing, perhaps, it didn't come off that way to me. He gives evidence that the placebo effect can be really helpful, especially when it can REALLY treat patients who would otherwise have to take medicine that would have harmful side effects. That's certainly something that no on should dismiss.
What he's really after is to stop the exploitation that is involved in the industry. He provides hundreds (if not more) of studies that show the many ways in which alternative medicine can harm, whether it's from the actual medicine provided, doctored medicine that isn't what it's advertised or from "healers" who push alternative medicine, which might not harm in itself but also doesn't help, to the point that people don't seek out treatments that would actually help. The industry has NO regulation, and if you think you can trust people who are making a profit from you buying these meds, then I've got a bridge to sell you.
He also places his ire on those pushing the medicine, not those seeking it.
The only quibble I have is that I wish he had used a better citation system for all the evidence he provides. He doesn't cite within the book, just provides a section in the back so that you have to hunt for his evidence. In a book that wants transparency, I would have liked to have seen him make it easier on the readers to verify his information. But don't assume that he doesn't provide the evidence - he does, I checked some of the sources. It just takes a little bit more work to do.