I'm always surprised when I see otherwise intelligent people banking on diets, treatments, or "medical" devices which have no basis in science, and no more evidence than testimonials and promises. It is certainly true that some people have had opportunities to learn about medical and health science, and so are better informed. Those not so fortunate are like most of us regarding cars. It used to be possible for the average person to fix many things that went wrong with a car; that option is shrinking as cars have become more and more technology driven, with complex circuits and computer components. As medical science has advanced at a stunning rate over the last 100 years, our bodies don't break down as often, somewhat like our experience with cars. It is also harder and harder for the average person to keep up with all this new health knowledge.
On the other hand there is still much unknown about health and medical science, even by the experts. Why do some people get cancer, while similar people don't? Why do some people survive cancer while others don't? Why is weight management easy for some people and almost impossible for others. There are no answers for these and many more questions.
Into that void, our minds want to place something. We have to attribute causes to things. It is too unsettling to admit that we don't have control over everything. This presents a business opportunity to entrepreneurs, some sincere, others cynical. They take advantage of our grasping for answers when none exist.
Far better to apply evidence-based health promotion or treatment practices when we can, but otherwise to enjoy our days as they come.
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