Secret Truths of Nutrition Quackery 102 from Fitness Elements Express!

How to Avoid Being a Quacked

Remember the renowned anti-quackery advocate Stephan Barrett MD? Well here are 10 strategies that he recommends to consumers that you can use to avoid being quacked. Always remember that what sells is not the quality of the quacks product but the quacks ability to influence you. Promoters of quackery know how to appeal to every aspect of human vulnerability, so be aware! Here are some tips and rules to apply:

• Remember that quackery seldom looks outlandish.
• Ignore any practitioner who says that most diseases are caused by faulty nutrition or can be remedied by taking supplements.
• Be wary of anecdotes and testimonials.
• Be wary of pseudo medical jargon.
• Don't fall for paranoid accusations.
• Forget about "secret cures."
• Be wary of herbal remedies.
• Be skeptical of any product claimed to be effective against a wide range of unrelated diseases-particularly diseases that are serious.
• Ignore appeals to your vanity.
• Don't let desperation cloud your judgment.

Remember the saying if it "Quacks like a duck it probably is a duck!" Dr. Barrett directs this last plea to consumers who feel that their doctor isn't doing enough to help, or have been told that their condition is incurable and don't wish to accept this fate without a struggle. He recommends that they not stray from scientific health care in a desperate attempt to find a solution. Instead, Dr. Barrett encourages consumers to discuss their feelings with the doctor and consider a consultation with a recognized Nutrition or Dietetic Expert.

I agree with Dr. Barrett in my years of counseling many clients to a better way of a more healthful lifestyle and eating pattern people have definitely felt like they weren't getting enough help and guidance from their Doctor, adviser, or weight loss program. Food is very stressful to most people and we have to make choices and eat daily. It's not like we can cut it out cold turkey like alcohol, so it makes it very emotionally draining and confusing for most people. I can see why so many people fail and give up so easily. Just remember when you start to search out your next attempt to look for a weight loss, diet, or Lifestyle change solution make sure you seek wise counsel that is what I call "quack proof". If you plunge into something out of desperation you could end up with more physical, emotional, and psychological problems then before. So proceed with caution my health and fitness friends.

Have a healthy and happy day!!

References: Nutrition Dimension, Dr. Barrett MD, Ellen Coleman RD

By, Natalie Pyles

NSA Speaker, Author, Medical Exercise and Post Rehab Conditioning Specialist, Licensed Nutritionist, Health, Fitness, and Holistic Nutrition and Nursing Educator