The health & wellness industry is full of incredible information and products that really can help us live
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longer, happier, and healthier lives. Trouble is, there’s also plenty of misinformation and more than a few snake oil salesmen who can cast a shadow of doubt upon the rest of the doctors, chiropractors, herbalists, energy healers, massage therapists, and manufactures who really are offering quality care & products. Today, I want to share with you three clues that you’re being sold snake oil—no matter whether it comes in the form of an herb, a “superfood,” a DVD, or a drug.
Here’s what to look out for:
Clue #1: All of a sudden, everyone is talking about it.
Sure, sometimes a piece of genuinely newsworthy health information comes to the fore—but most of the time when everyone is talking about a single substance or product, it’s because there’s a major marketing push behind it. Usually this will be something with an exotic-sounding name that’s from far away lands. Goji berries & Acai berries have recently enjoyed such treatment. Goji berries really are a treasured part of the TCM Materia Medica, but they’re traditionally used in formulas for very specific people & conditions. They’re not considered a panacea. This highlights another point about modern-day snake oil. There’s usually some truth at the bottom of the claim.
Another manifestation of this process happens when the latest study on a food, herb, or drug is blasted all-over the news media. It’s misleading because even when one study gets an incredible result, the scientific jury isn’t out. Science only accepts results when they’ve been repeated consistently over time by different researchers and reviewed by peers. There are many other valid means of learning about our world than the double-blind peer-reviewed scientific study, but when we’re going to use scientific evidence to guide our choices, we must adhere to the rules of the game. A single study does not warrant a change in behavior or the adoption of a new product into your diet.
Clue #2: The websites, health professionals & personalities that are teaching about its benefits & side effects are also places that are selling the product, or that otherwise have a financial stake in your purchasing decision.
Let’s use one of the latest weight loss supplements as an example. Earlier this week, a contact of mine who works in the wellness field posted a question about a video she’d seen in which a Naturopathic Doctor is talking about a new supplement that helps people lose weight without changing their diet or exercising. I watched the video and shook my head. Even though in the video itself the doctor doesn’t name a brand, he instructs the viewer to do a web search using particular key words—and sure enough the first few results lead right to a product that he has a financial stake in selling.
I’m not sorry to say it: it doesn’t get much slimier than that.
There are wonderful manufactures of herbal products and supplements who really do have their heart in the right place and who are doing the work they do in order to provide people with really great quality herbs & supplements. I’ve met many of them firsthand, know how they run their businesses, and know the quality of their products. I love them for what they do! Most of the time, these are not the folks who end up on The Today Show. When they do find their way into the spotlight, you can usually spot their integrity and passion. They’re not trying to convince you or sell you. They’re sharing with you from their heart. You can tell the difference.
And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that with the increasing influence of drug companies, it’s harder and harder to be sure that your doctor is a source of unbiased information about the drugs he or she is prescribing. There’s a growing movement among doctors & medical students to put more limits on the ways that drug sales reps can interact with doctors, but until they win their battle it’s important to keep your eye on this. If your doctor’s office is full of pads, clocks, pens, and other items with the names & logos of brand-name medications on them, you can reasonably suspect that your doctor has regular contact with drug sales reps. Ditto if you get free samples of brand-name medications.
All of these reasons contribute to my choice not to sell herbs & supplements. So many of my clients would have an easier time if they could just buy their herbs directly from me at the time of their session, but I never want there to be any doubt that the advice I give is in the service of your health and not serving my bottom line. Yes, I deserve to be paid for my work and to be able to make a living–but I never want that to come at the expense of my client’s right to clear answers.
Clue #3: You feel a strong urge to purchase or try the product, but there is a voice inside telling you, “this doesn’t seem like a good idea…”
If you find yourself really wanting to try a new health-oriented product, whether that’s a workout DVD, a supplement, the latest exotic weight loss berry, or a miracle drug—just pause for a moment. Ask yourself what core desires you’re feeling. Become aware of them and remember that your deepest desires will never be filled by a product, herb, or supplement.
Ask yourself if there are any voices inside that think this purchase is a bad idea. Hear what they have to say. Then, walk away—at least for a day or two.
Resist the pressure to purchase right away. Give yourself time to think about it. Those incredible “last minute” offers are usually NOT so last-minute after all. If this is the right thing for you, you’ll have a chance to purchase it after you give it some careful thought & breathing space.
I hope these tips will help you to avoid getting roped in by the latest fads & false promises. I’d love to hear from you, too.
What are your tricks for spotting snake oil? Leave a comment below to share your tips with me and the rest of our circle.
