Ben Goldacre
The detox myth

what are those, Ted?

They are called hyperlinks.
If you click your mouse on them they lead you to an article relevant to the discussion of detox.
Here is another for you to experiment with.
Ben Goldacre: Detox debunked
The idea that 'detox' regimes will help your body rid itself of 'toxins' is nothing more than a marketing invention

The idea of providing a link to an article that may challenge your current perceptions is to get you thinking for yourself about what really matters and what is really going on in your body. Only when you think for yourself and don't take accepted wisdom for granted will you be able to make sensible decisions.

It is as easy to be ripped off in the supplement/natural health world as by Big Pharma. Therefore it's important to see there are always more than one side to any story and the truth probably lies somewhere in the middle.

Never quite understood where Ben Goldman as a "busy NHS doctor" finds the time to do all the books and article writing,broadcasting,blogging and month long speaking tours until I found out he describes himself "as an Epidemiologist in the NHS who doesnt see patients "

A theoretical physician.

__________________
-
- Jim
Life is just one damned thing after another - Elbert Hubbard

Whoever your critics are it's reasonable to hear what they are saying and ask yourself if you have the evidence to counter the arguments they use against you.
I don't personally like Ben Goldacre nor do I like the way he dismisses omega 3 and it's effect on brain development But we do need some science that is well done that actually shows the effect.
The Placebo effect is very important and certainly does effect the outcome of any intervention. It's very difficult to distinguish between placebo effects and genuine effects.
It's interesting to read the self experimentation that Seth Roberts does. Because he repeats and repeats his interventions he can be certain what is causing what.
You may also be interested in his article on Acupuncture There is too much sloppy science around and too much telling of stories that have little basis in fact.

Einstein was a theoretical physicist. Then "field" physicists would work to prove, disprove, or build upon his theories.

I only like to know which kind I'm listening to or reading.

but which kind do you prefer to listen?

Those who've practiced "in the field". I also enjoy and place credence with testimonials. That's why I like this NatMedTalk forum. It means a lot to me when I hear that someone else has had experience with something with which I'm interested. Of course, I will do my own research, when I get serious.

Theoretical scientists are very important. They are the creative ones. But we know that some things happen in theory and don't prove out in the field. And some things happen in theory that take a long time to prove, so I certainly do not put them down.

that's so true.

you are speaking about doctors and theories
i've been twice in tibet area, people still use natural medicine, live much longer and happier...

I read once where rural Chinese doctors were paid regularly, then when you get ill, you stop paying. This gives the doctor incentive to fix you.

very good incentive... very good one.

that's what america needs!

that's what every country needs