In Search of Longer Life

We love to believe that certain products will help us live longer and healthier lives.  The problem is we are often wrong, but continue to spend lots of money on these supposed preventions and cures.

In light of this, the latest research should come as no surprise.  “Calcium and vitamin D supplements may not help prevent bone loss and fractures, according to a new study released Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association.”  This article goes on to say that in 2016 Americans spent close to $2 billion on these supplements hoping to enjoy the benefit of stronger bones.  In conclusion the researchers remind us that the best way to get nutrients is not through supplements, but through food rich in vitamin D and calcium.  And stronger bones are also promoted by regular exercise.

The part about skipping the supplements and getting vitamins and minerals through healthy eating is standard in much of this scientific health advice, but often ignored.  Taking a pill or two is much easier, and the idea of exercise to promote health just seems like too much work.  The result is $2 billion wasted.

Calling it a waste may seem harsh, but here is a direct quote from WebMD from about 3 weeks ago:  “Seniors are wasting their time and money taking calcium and vitamin D supplements to ward off the brittle bones of old age.”  They are unnecessary and there is little evidence that they work.  But try to tell that to anyone committed to a daily regimen of supplements of any kind and they will resist, saying it works for them or it makes them feel better.

The problem is even greater for those buying homeopathic remedies.  Here is an excerpt from a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) press release from last month with the subtitle “FDA continues to find that some homeopathic drugs are manufactured with active ingredients that can create health risks while delivering no proven medical benefits.”

The press release continues:  “Until relatively recently, homeopathy was a small market for specialized products. Over the last decade, the homeopathic drug market has grown exponentially, resulting in a nearly $3 billion industry that exposes more patients to potential risks associated with the proliferation of unproven, untested products and unsubstantiated health claims.”  The Federal Trade Commission is also cracking down due to the unsubstantiated claims that these substances cure anything.

I don’t think it is a coincidence that the popularity has grown over that last decade when social media began to spread so many false reports about health, miracle cures, and vast conspiracies by the medical profession and insurance companies to keep the truth from the public.  Again I am not being harsh in exposing this information.  Consumer Health Digest puts it even more bluntly:  “Although homeopathic products have no proven effectiveness and their theoretical basis is senseless, a complete ban is not politically feasible.”  Isn’t it a shame that popularity trumps science in this and so many other cases?

These ideas get embedded so deeply in the social consciousness that no amount of persuasion will change habits.  Take for another brief example this from the New York Times a little over a year ago:  “Misconception: Drinking buckets of cranberry juice can cure, and even prevent bladder, infections.”  Yet how many will continue to swear by cranberry juice for those mythical benefits?

There is no fighting it.  Weakness in discipline leads us to rejoice at the thought of an easy answer and weakness in critical thinking leads to the victory of emotion and popular opinion over science.  What’s the problem here?  After all, it’s only $5 billion wasted, and the cranberry juice will at least keep us hydrated.