Truth and Health
Truth mixed with subjective ideas
Through the ages people tried to understand the body and health: from experience people learnt what was beneficial and what was dangerous. This knowledge was passed on from one generation to the next and so all the primitive peoples survived. This knowledge, however, was not always grounded in the truth but also included a lot of superstition.
Through centuries there was also a scientific search for knowledge about the human body, sickness and health. Humanity witnessed enormous progress and wonderful results. Quality of life and life expectancy of modern man have improved drastically.
The work of a scientist is limited: there is such an enormous large field to explore and each scientist can only manage one or a few aspects of research.
Unproven Scientific theories serving as basis for research also play an important role. There are different theories which lead to different viewpoints amongst scientists – this is part of the scientific method and is not negative in itself. Thus we also find a mixture of truth (often onesided) and unproven theories in the medical and related fields.
Truth and money
Industry and business play a larger growing role in research: companies sponsor research but that usually results in a clash of interests. The pharmaceutical industry keeps millions of people going financially through salaries and dividends on stocks but on the other hand many thousands are sick and many die as a result of using their products. The hands of governments are sometimes tied when trying to protect the citizens because some industries keep politicians in power through their underhanded financial support.
The power of the media has also increased dramatically. Advertisements are used in such a way that you do not realise that you are bamboozled. The smear campaigns of the media to break the influence of certain individuals or products or to popularise others, must not be underestimated – all under the guise of “science”!
Where is truth found?
The public is becoming suspicious – who should we trust? There are still many honest and capable researchers; there are still many honest medical doctors and pharmacists – although they can also be misled. There is only óne possibility: look for information from capable, qualified people that supply it without financial gain. Don’t be gullible; think for yourself and take responsibility for your own life and health.