These are exciting times for consumers interested in exploring ways to achieve good health. Never before has there been such a provocative and promising mix of traditional and nontraditional medicine. Many health authorities are genuinely excited about the merging of traditional Western medicine, the ancient treatments of Eastern cultures, and emerging therapies.
Some of these treatments are effectively used now. Others show promise for widespread use. But, as is true with any non-traditional product, technology or treatment, there is always an element of "consumer beware." Not all new treatments work. Some are very expensive. And a few are outright dangerous. In short, not everything that is called "alternative medicine" is of equal merit.
In fact, the federal Food and Drug Administration estimates that 38 million Americans have used a fraudulent health product or treatment within past years, and have spent billions of dollars a year on quack products and treatments.
Clearly, with increased consumer choice comes a need for greater consumer understanding.
No one brochure or piece of consumer information can provide all the answers on which health treatments work, and which do not. Indeed, the medical community is still sorting out all the complexities, and we may not have the final answers for years. But, in the meantime, consumers can try to educate themselves on what is available, and make more informed decisions -- in consultation with their physicians -- on what's best for them.
The National Institutes of Health has established the Office of Alternative Medicine to help the nation's medical community better understand and use all the new remedies that are becoming available. The NIH categories include:
Very few of us are real medical or scientific experts. It is easy to be confused or duped. So, anyone is a potential victim of health fraud. But evidence suggests that the following individuals are the most susceptible to dubious products and cures:
The best way to make sure you find your way to the most effective combination of treatments is to consult closely with your primary physician. Build a level of trust with your caregiver before you make any major health decision.
It is important to ask questions of your health care provider whenever you are unclear on something. Remember, it's your health -- and you deserve answers to your questions.
For example, some physicians may order numerous, unfamiliar or unusual laboratory tests. Obviously, if you are facing an immediate, life-threatening health crisis you may not have time to question your doctor about recommended tests. But, in other instances, do not hesitate to take the time to thoroughly question what the tests are, how they will be used, and whether they are absolutely necessary -- especially if they seem at all unusual. Also, never be afraid to get a second opinion. Legitimate health care providers should never be offended by such a request.
While you are evaluating treatment options, be on the lookout for these four "red flags" which could indicate that the proposed treatment is questionable -- and definitely worth a second opinion:
The Federal Trade Commission has sent hundreds of letters to organizations that are using the Internet to scam consumers into using unproved health products or therapies. Several state attorneys general have also clamped down on medical quackery.
Multiple chemical sensitivity, also known as environmental illness, twentieth century disease, ecological illness, and many other names, is one so-called medical affliction that has yet to be proven as a true, organic disease, yet has resulted in an entire industry of therapists and treatments. Many major scientific groups don't even think multiple chemical sensitivity is a disease, including the American Medical Association, the American College of Physicians, and the Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. But some people insist that they are suffering from it, and they are aided in their belief by practitioners, such as clinical ecologists, who say that it is real. While strong, convincing research supporting the MCS diagnosis is nonexistent, practitioners, attorneys and other advocates are pushing hard for disability and workers' compensation benefits, physical accommodations, and political recognition and policy changes.
Consumers should also be skeptical of chelation therapy (also known as EDTA, or ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid) for the treatment of arteriosclerotic heart disease. This therapy, which consists of slow-drip IV injections of EDTA, combined with aerobic exercise, a special diet, and no smoking, can easily cost thousands of dollars -- most often not covered by insurance. The American Heart Association has reviewed the available literature and concluded that there is no scientific evidence to support the use of this treatment for heart disease. Still, the therapy has been heavily promoted as being an alternative to coronary bypass surgery, as well as being helpful in the treatment of kidney disease, arthritis, Parkinson's disease, emphysema, multiple sclerosis, gangrene, and psoriasis. In reality, the only substantiated use of chelation therapy is in the treatment of lead poisoning.
A final example -- this one of potentially harmful dietary supplement use -- centers around the risks associated with amphetamine-like substances known as ephedrine alkaloids. Products containing ephedrine alkaloids are marketed as weight-loss aids, energy boosters, body-building supplements and as alternatives to "street drugs." In reality, they are potent heart and nervous system stimulants, and can be potentially fatal. Since 1993, more than 800 reports have been filed with the Food and Drug Administration of dangerous side effects resulting from products containing ephedrine alkaloids, also called Ma Huang, Chinese Ephedra and epitonin.
If you are considering any alternative health therapy or are interested in exploring nontraditional diagnoses, there are a number of things you should do to protect your health and your pocketbook:
The use of alternative medicine appears to be on the rise. Research published in leading medical journals shows that Americans collectively spend several billions of dollars each year on unconventional therapies -- most of it from their own pockets. Given the eagerness of many consumers to explore these options, traditional medical schools have taken notice and many now offer overview courses in alternative and complementary medicine.
The point is, traditional medical doctors are becoming much more familiar with the scope of available "alternative" options. Many are even incorporating some of these therapies in to their own practices -- sometimes called complementary medicine. You don't have to shy away from talking over the pros and cons of various alternative therapies with your primary physician. They will not only be able to give you sound advice, but they also may be able to prevent dangerous interactions between traditional medicines and herbal remedies, and will be in a better position to help keep you healthy.
Many consumers are already benefiting from alternative therapies. As more research is conducted on the health benefits of these therapies, we can expect many more people to derive benefits combining traditional and alternative medicine.
Founded in 1899, the National Consumers League is America's pioneer consumer organization, representing consumers and workers through research, education and advocacy. NCL is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. For information on becoming a member or for a list of publications, contact:
National Consumers League
1701 K Street, N.W., Suite 1200
Washington, D.C. 20006
(202)835-3323
For more information, to schedule an interview with NCL staff, or to contact NCL's Communications Department on this or any other release, call Communications Director Holly Anderson at (202) 835-3323.