There is no lack health claims in the news. And while many are legitimate, backed by years of study, some remain in question. And if found to be untrue, they may come at tragic costs.
Here are just some of those headlines you may have seen or heard recently, that some doctors are saying are part of “the medical epidemic of health misinformation.”
“Low Carb Keto Diet Starves Cancer”
“Elderberry Gummies Ward Off Colds and Flu”
“We Can’t Stop Sarcopenia (Muscle Loss) As We Age“
“Measles Isn’t Dangerous -It’s the Vaccine That Is”
Health claims such as these do contain truth worth exploring but present themselves as all-encompassing, which could lead to devastating effects if they’re not right for you. The following begins to explore the controversy of each claim listed above.
Low Carb Keto Diet Starves Cancer
It is true that tumors consume a surprising amount of sugar as they grow, but like with most of our body’s system, it’s more complicated. Of the 23 trials attempted exploring the connection between the keto diet and cancer, all have been withdrawn due to insufficient evidence, inconclusive status, or remain unpublished. Such a diet “deprives the body of the needed nutrients and an efficient fuel source.” (Source: MD Anderson Cancer Center, “Carbs 101.”)
Elderberry Gummies Ward Off Colds and Flu
While some research indicates that elderberries may have some immune-boosting effects, there have been no studies of elderberries in the form of gummies. The latest study of 87 patients with flu who were randomized to take either 1 tablespoon of elderberry juice or a placebo symptoms were no different five days later.
We Can’t Stop Sarcopenia (Muscle Loss) As We Age
Yes, we do lose muscle mass as we age, but it’s misleading to claim we can’t reverse that process through regular workouts and exercise, as clearly defined in this National Institute of Health review: “Strength training in elderly: A useful tool against sarcopenia” (Source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9339797/)
Measles Isn’t Dangerous – It’s the Vaccine That Is
This last claim is especially alarming because it involves vulnerable children. The claim that measles is not dangerous, but the measles vaccine is, has greatly increased in the past few months.
Contrary to those false claims, measles is one the most contagious diseases. Studies show that if 10 people are in a room with someone who is infected, 9 of them are likely to become ill with measles. Measles is also a very serious condition. According to the CDC, about every 3 of 10 people who get measles will develop complications such as: ear infections, pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), hemorrhagic measles, clotting disorder, and/or possibly death.
Last year, 58 cases of measles were reported across 19 states. This year that number was already surpassed by March. Despite public health messages warning of the dangers of measles and the proven safety records of vaccines, anti-vaccine messages are rampant. (www.factcheck.org/2024/01/scicheck-posts-mislead-about-measles-mmr-vaccine-amid-recent-outbreaks/)
Doctors and public health experts are worried that this kind of misinformation, despite lack of evidence, can effectively shut down progress made in achieving protective “herd immunity,” which occurs when a large proportion of a community becomes immune to a disease.
You will always hear experts, legitimate or otherwise, or read headlines with conflicting information, which is why it’s worth evaluating every claim to gauge their accuracy and decide if they apply to you. Truly false health claims can be very damaging, which is why next month’s health report will review how you can evaluate such claims.
