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Alternative Medicine in the News
January 2010 edition 57
published weekly
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Tamiflu anti-viral drug revealed as complete hoax; Roche studies based on scientific fraud
Monday, December 14, 2009
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
When it comes to selling chemicals that claim to treat H1N1 swine
flu, the pharmaceutical industry's options are limited to two: Vaccines
and anti-virals. The most popular anti-viral, by far, is Tamiflu, a
drug that's actually derived from a Traditional Chinese Medicine herb
called star anise.
But Tamiflu is no herb. It's a
potentially fatal concentration of isolated chemical components that
have essentially been bio-pirated from Chinese medicine. And when you
isolate and concentrate specific chemicals in these herbs, you lose the
value (and safety) of full-spectrum herbal medicine.
That didn't
stop Tamiflu's maker, Roche, from trying to find a multi-billion-dollar
market for its drug. In order to tap into that market, however, Roche
needed to drum up some evidence that Tamiflu was both safe and
effective.
Roche engages in science fraud
Roche
claims there are ten studies providing Tamiflu is both safe and
effective. According to the company, Tamiflu has all sorts of benefits,
including a 61% reduction in hospital admissions by people who catch
the flu and then get put on Tamiflu.
The problem with these claims is that they aren't true. They were simply invented by Roche.
A groundbreaking article recently published in the British Medical Journal
accuses Roche of misleading governments and physicians over the
benefits of Tamiflu. Out of the ten studies cited by Roche, it turns
out, only two were ever published in science journals. And where is the
original data from those two studies? Lost.
The data has
disappeared. Files were discarded. The researcher of one study says he
never even saw the data. Roche took care of all that, he explains.
So the Cochrane Collaboration,
tasked with reviewing the data behind Tamiflu, decided to investigate.
After repeated requests to Roche for the original study data, they
remained stonewalled. The only complete data set they received was from
an unpublished study of 1,447 adults which showed that Tamiflu was no
better than placebo. Data from the studies that claimed Tamiflu was
effective was apparently lost forever.
As The Atlantic
reports, that's when former employees of Adis International
(essentially a Big Pharma P.R. company) shocked the medical world by
announcing they had been hired to ghost-write the studies for Roche.
It gets even better: These researchers were told what to write by Roche!
As one of these ghostwriters told the British Medical Journal:
"The
Tamiflu accounts had a list of key messages that you had to get in. It
was run by the [Roche] marketing department and you were answerable to
them. In the introduction ...I had to say what a big problem influenza
is. I'd also have to come to the conclusion that Tamiflu was the
answer."
In other words, the Roche marketing department ran the science
and told researchers what conclusions to draw from the clinical trials.
Researchers hired to conduct the science were controlled by the
marketing puppeteers. No matter what they found in the science, they
had already been directed to reach to conclusion that "Tamiflu was the
answer."
Now, I don't know about you, but where I come from, we
call this "science fraud." And as numerous NaturalNews investigations
have revealed, this appears to be the status quo in the pharmaceutical industry.
Virtually
none of the "science" conducted by drug companies can be trusted at all
because it really isn't science in the first place. It's just propaganda being dressed up to look like science.
Sadly, even the CDC has been fooled by this clinical trial con. As stated by author Shannon Brownlee in The Atlantic:
"...the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention appears to
be operating in some alternative universe, where valid science no
longer matters to public policy. The agency's flu recommendations are
in lockstep with Roche's claims that the drug can be life-saving --
despite the FDA's findings and despite the lack of studies to prove
such a claim. What's more, neither the CDC nor the FDA has demanded the
types of scientific studies that could definitively determine whether
or not the company's claims are true: that Tamiflu reduces the risk of
serious complications and saves lives. Nancy Cox, who heads the CDC's
flu program, told us earlier this year she opposes a placebo-controlled
study (in which one half of patients would be given Tamiflu and the
other half would be given placebo), because the drug's benefits are
already proven."
Did you catch that last line? The CDC isn't
interested in testing Tamiflu because "the drug's benefits are already
proven." Except they aren't. But this is how the pharmaceutical
industry operates:
Step 1) Fabricate evidence that your drug works.
Step 2) Use that fraudulent evidence to get your drug approved.
Step 3) Use fear to create consumer demand for your drug (and encourage governments to stockpile it).
Step
4) Avoid any actual scientific testing by claiming the drug has already
been proven to work (and cite your original fraudulent studies to back
you up).
This is the recipe the CDC is following right now with Tamiflu. It's a recipe of scientific stupidity and circular logic, of course, but that seems to be strangely common in the medical community these days.
Even the FDA says Tamiflu doesn't work
The
FDA, remarkably, hasn't entirely given in to the Tamiflu hoax. They
required Roche to print the following disclaimer on Tamiflu lables -- a
disclaimer that openly admits the drug has never been proven to work:
"Tamiflu
has not been proven to have a positive impact on the potential
consequences (such as hospitalizations, mortality, or economic impact)
of seasonal, avian, or pandemic influenza."
Even further, an
FDA spokesperson told the British Medical Journal, "The clinical
trials... failed to demonstrate any significant difference in rates of
hospitalization, complications, or mortality in patients receiving
either Tamiflu or placebo."
It's the same message over and over again, like a broken record: Tamiflu doesn't work. And the "science" that says Tamiflu does work was all apparently fabricated from the start.
The Tamiflu stockpiling scandal
Junk
science, though, is good enough for the U.S. government. Based on
little more than fabricated evidence and Big Pharma propaganda, the
U.S. government has spent $1.5 billion stockpiling Tamiflu. This turned
out to be a great deal for Roche, but a poor investment for U.S.
citizens who ended up spending huge dollars for a medicine that doesn't
work.
As is stated in the Atlantic:
"Governments,
public health agencies, and international bodies such as the World
Health Organization, have all based their decisions to recommend and
stockpile Tamiflu on studies that had seemed independent, but had in
fact been funded by the company and were authored almost entirely by
Roche employees or paid academic consultants."
Even if Tamiflu did work, there are Tamiflu-resistant strains of H1N1 are now circulating (http://www.google.com/hostednews/ca...).
The upshot of all this is that governments around the world are flushing billions of dollars down the drain stockpiling a drug that doesn't work -- a drug promoted via propaganda and scientific fraud.
This
isn't the first time your government has wasted taxpayer dollars, of
course (it seems to be what the U.S. government does best), but this
example is especially concerning given that this was all done with the
excuse that natural remedies are useless and only vaccines and Tamiflu
can protect you from a viral pandemic.
But as it turns out, vaccines and Tamiflu are useless
and only natural remedies really work. That's why so many informed
people around the world have been stocking up on vitamin D, garlic,
anti-viral tinctures and superfoods to protect themselves from a
potential pandemic that most world governments remain clueless to
prevent.
I find it fascinating that the governments of the
world are stockpiling medicines that DON'T work, while the natural
health people of the world are stockpiling natural remedies that DO work.
If a real pandemic ever strikes our world, there's no question who the
survivors will be (hint: it won't be the clueless chaps standing in
line waiting for their Tamiflu pills...).
Which remedies really
do work to boost immune function and protect the body from infectious
disease? I've actually published a special report revealing my top five
recommended remedies: http://www.naturalnews.com/Report_A...
In
addition to the remedies mentioned in that report, I also recommend
high-dose vitamin D as well as the Viral Defense product from www.PlantCures.com
I
have no financial ties to any of the companies whose products are
recommended here, by the way. Unlike the pharmaceutical industry, I
don't operate purely for profit. My job is to get valuable information
out to the People -- information that can help save lives and reduce
suffering. This is the job the FDA and CDC should be doing but have
long since abandoned in their betrayal of the American people.
Sources for this story include:
http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/2009...
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full...
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full...
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Spirulina and Chlorella Aid Heavy Metal Detox
From aluminum in deodorant to mercury in dental fillings, metal
toxicity comes at us from every angle these days. The presence of these
heavy metals (and others such as arsenic, cadmium and lead) has
increased as industrialization and its waste products spread. We can
work to avoid these substances as much as possible, but some exposure
will still occur at times. Since even small amounts of heavy metals in
the body can cause negative side effects like fatigue, headaches,
digestive problems and skin conditions, it's important to use natural
methods to cleanse your body of these toxins.
Why Spirulina and Chlorella Are Effective for Heavy Metal Detox
The
answer to natural heavy metal detoxification is as simple as a
single-celled organism. Spirulina and chlorella are two separate
micro-algae organisms which have existed on earth since the dawn of
time. Both were revered as powerful superfoods in many traditional
societies, and today are more relevant than ever for achieving overall
health and well-being.
Spirulina has been shown as an effective
chelating agent for removing toxins such as mercury, and radioactive
substances from the body. It has also been used to remove cadmium and
lead from waste water.
While some detoxifying supplements simply
release toxins from cells and tissues, chlorella is particularly adept
at binding to toxic metals and ushering them out of the entire system.
Chlorella contains proteins and peptides which are designed to bind to
these substances and carry them out of the body. The chlorophyll in
chlorella also aids heavy metal detoxification.
Other Amazing Health Benefits
Just
as important as their ability to detox heavy metals, both spirulina and
chlorella exhibit strong healing and regenerating capabilities. They
are filled with beneficial vitamins, minerals, proteins and fats which
work together in a synergistic way to provide energy and vitality.
Appropriate Dosage
Spirulina
and chlorella can be used in very high doses for heavy metal detox.
Because they are so effective at binding toxins and purging them from
the body, they can actually reduce some of the common side effects
associated with detoxification. A typical dosage of spirulina or
chlorella for heavy metal detox is about 20 - 30 grams per day. They
can be used together if desired. You may want to start with as little
as 500mg daily and work up as needed to allow your body to adjust.
After completing detox, you can taper down to a maintenance dosage of 3
- 6 grams per day.
It's important to find a manufacturer of
spirulina or chlorella who takes the proper steps to ensure a clean and
digestible product free from fillers and additives. A little research
can reveal which manufacturers are the most reputable.
For More Information:
http://www.naturalnews.com/027053_s...
http://www.naturalnews.com/027384_c...
http://herbal-properties.suite101.c...
http://www.alive.com/3866a6a2.php?s...
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Natural Herbs and Tissue Salts can Eliminate Restless, Sleepless Nights
Restlessness, bad sleeping patterns or insomnia can affect many people.
This is not surprising when one considers the fast past of life today
and the world in general, which is fraught with tension and insecurity
in many places. Children are not immune, unfortunately, and often have
sleep patterns interrupted by a frenetic schedule of school, extramural
activities, too much TV, dealing with parents who are getting divorced
and so on. Herbs such as valerian, chamomile, hops and certain tissue
salts can help to calm, relax and soothe an anxious individual to sleep.
As
with any medication, herbal or otherwise, consult a qualified homeopath
first and stay strictly within the dosage prescribed. Pregnant and
lactating women need to exercise caution when taking herbal remedies.
Valerian for Calming and Relaxing
Valerian, Valeriana officinalis,
is an herb that originates in Europe and has been revered for
centuries. Reputedly used by Hippocrates in the 4th century BC and
grown in monastery gardens for decades, it has always been regarded as
an all-heal herb. It is recognized as a safe sedative and is beneficial
for treating insomnia, hyperactivity, tension and anxiety. It calms the
nerves, improves digestion and helps to relieve muscular pain. Valerian
can be taken in capsule, tea, tablet or liquid extract form.
Chamomile
Chamomile, Matricaria recutita,
is an old favorite and has been used as a safe and calming herb for all
age groups for centuries. It contains salicylic acid, a natural type of
aspirin, and has various anti-inflammatory components which have a
calming, soothing effect on the whole system.
Hops
Hops, Humulus lupulus,
is an excellent aid in reforming bad sleep patterns due to its ability
to counteract irritability, insomnia and tension. It is a bitter, tonic
herb - the dried female flowers (hops) and hops grains are the parts of
the plant normally used.
Tissue (Cell) Salts to Alleviate Insomnia
Tissue
salts are composed of minerals which occur naturally in our bodies and
all organic matter on earth, such as plants, rocks and soil. Tissue
salts no. 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 are especially helpful in treating
restlessness and insomnia.
Tissue salt no. 2 - Calcium phosphate is used for fretfulness, tension and a feeling of dread.
Tissue salt no. 4
- Ferrum phosphate is an anti-inflammatory that can help a person
regain a restful night. It makes the body more alkaline and can ease a
feeling of being desperate and unable to cope.
Tissue salt no. 6 - Kalium phosphate is for jangled nerves. It uplifts and lessens feelings of burnout, weariness and lack of joy.
Tissue salt no. 8 - Magnesium phosphate stops cramps and eases pain and tension.
Tissue salt no. 10
- Natrium phosphate is the perfect tissue salt for fear, insomnia,
mental fuzziness and memory loss. It is an excellent choice for
children who have nightmares, worries and anxieties.
http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/her...
http://www.altnature.com/gallery/ch...
http://www.naturalhealthtechniques....
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Abha Light Launches our
Natural Therapy Centre
Treatment, Open Classes, Personal Sessions
 Abha Light has been training professionals in alternative medicine healthcare
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in: - Yoga
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Call us
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800,000 Misdiagnosed in Swine Flu Farce
December 17, 2009 by: Marek Doyle
This week, Britain's Health Protection Agency (HPA) revealed that only
one in five people who were diagnosed with swine flu actually had the
disease and that four fifths were instructed to take Tamiflu
unnecessarily.
The Government agency reported that around one
million packets of Tamiflu have been prescribed so far, but more than
800,000 of these were not necessary. In one seven-day period, the rate
of correct diagnosis dropped to an astonishing 1 out of 20, with 38,000
citizens taking the controversial antiviral. These alarming figures
only came to light after the HPA took swabs from random samples of
people who had used the NHS helpline.
This means close to a
million people needlessly stayed at home in isolation over the summer,
in the false belief that they had swine flu. "These figures are a
damning indictment of the government's approach to tackling swine flu,"
said Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, Norman Lamb. "Ministers
had years to prepare for such an outbreak but completely failed to put
in place an effective flu-line service. It's seriously concerning that
large numbers of patients may have been put at risk through high rates
of misdiagnosis.While protecting people during an outbreak has to be
the priority we cannot escape the fact that an enormous amount of money
has been wasted by giving people drugs they simply didn't need."
On
top of an estimated 500 million pound cost to the UK economy, the
misdiagnosis may have caused new health problems for the members of the
public who took the antiviral. The Medicines and Health Regulatory
Authority has been swamped with complaints of side-effects from members
of the public who had taken Tamiflu, with 11 percent reporting nausea.
Many
experts have long refuted the fear-mongering that the mainstream media
had allocated to the swine flu issue, with most seeing it as a cynical
sales-drive for antivirals and vaccines on behalf of the pharmaceutical
industry. This view was supported by research published in Science
journal very soon after pandemic status was awarded, in which it was
shown that the swine flu organism was of low virulence. Critics point
out that policymakers selectively ignored this research, yet happily
accepted a study conducted by American scientists on the safety of the
Tamiflu, even though the study only lasted one week and all eight
authors declared financial interests in the antiviral they were
testing. Widespread use of Tamiflu has shown to be ineffective against
the H1N1 virus, with the virus becoming quickly resistant.
Despite
the increasing burden of evidence to the contrary, the NHS refused to
accept that science had been distorted. A spokesperson commented:
"Protecting the public is the prime concern on our strategy... this
means offering antivirals when required."
References:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/s...
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...
http://www.taxpayersalliance.com/me...
Bourke TW and Shields MD (2009). A/H1N1 pandemic: misdiagnosis in the time of meningitis, British Medical Journal, 339.
De Jong MD et al (2005). Oseltamivir resistance during treatment of influenza A (H5N1) infection.
New England Journal of Medicine, 22;353(25):2667-72.
Greenberg
ME at al. Response after one dose of a monovalent influenza A (H1N1)
vaccine-preliminary report. New England Journal of Medicine.
361(10):1056.
Maines TR et al (2009). Transmission and
pathogenesis of swine-origin 2009 A(H1N1) influenza viruses in ferrets
and mice. Science, 325: 484-487.
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When you eat can promote weight loss and fight diabetes, researchers find
Researchers have long noted that shift workers -- folks like nurses,
security personnel and others on the night shift -- are extremely prone
to developing metabolic syndrome, a pre-diabetic condition marked by
insulin resistance, weight gain around the middle and high cholesterol
levels. But why? Do they tend to simply eat too many snacks as they try
to stay alert at night or is it related to disruption of the circadian
clock, the body's internal master clock in the brain that's set by
light exposure? Turns out, according to new research by scientists at
the Salk Institute, there's probably another crucial factor: not only
is what you eat important to health but when you eat appears to be crucial to weight control and healthy metabolism.
In
experiments with mice, researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological
Studies discovered there's a daily waxing and waning of thousands of
genes in the liver, the organ that's the body's metabolic
clearinghouse. And this revving up and slowing down is primarily
controlled not just by food intake and not by the body's circadian
clock, as was previously assumed.
"If feeding time determines
the activity of a large number of genes completely independent of the
circadian clock, when you eat and fast each day will have a huge impact
on your metabolism," said the study's leader Satchidananda (Satchin)
Panda, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Salk Institute's Regulatory
Biology Laboratory, in a press statement.
The Salk researchers' findings, which are set for publication in an upcoming issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,
could explain why shift workers are at an unusually high risk for
metabolic syndrome, diabetes, high cholesterol levels and obesity. "We
believe that it is not shift work per se that wreaks havoc with the
body's metabolism but changing shifts and weekends, when workers switch
back to a regular day-night cycle," Dr. Panda explained.
The new
research involved putting mice on a strict feeding schedule. They could
eat during an 8 hour period but they had to fast for the next 16 hours.
The result? The scientists found that genes that encode enzymes the
body needs to break down sugars soar immediately after a meal, while
the activity of genes which encode enzymes needed to break down fat
increases the most during fasting. Bottom line: a clearly
defined daily feeding schedule causes healthy regulation of the enzymes
needed for metabolism and optimizes burning of sugar and fat.
"The
liver oscillator in particular helps the organism to adapt to a daily
pattern of food availability by temporally tuning the activity of
thousands of genes regulating metabolism and physiology," Dr. Panda
said in the statement to the press. "This regulation is very important,
since the absence of a robust circadian clock predisposes the organism
to various metabolic dysfunctions and diseases."
In fact, the
more defined fasting and feeding periods are, the more robust the
regulation. Dr. Panda has tried the scheduled eating himself. He quit
eating between 8 pm and 8 am and reported he feels great eating this
way. "I even lost weight, although I eat whatever I want during the
day," he noted.
Author's note: NaturalNews is opposed to
the use of animals in medical experiments that expose them to harm. We
present these findings in protest of the way in which they were
acquired.
For more information:
http://www.salk.edu/news/pressrelea...
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Medical Disclaimer:
The information contained within does not take the place of medical diagnosis or
prescription. See your health care provider in case of sickness.
Editorial Disclaimer: Publication of these articles are to promote food for thought. The opinions expressed in these articles may not be the opinion of editors.
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