Dr. Linda Girgis, MD, FAAFP joined Physician’s Weekly to co-host another installment in our #PWChat series, on Tuesday, Sept. 26, on how to steer patients toward reliable resources when it comes to pseudoscience-related topics.
The subjects discussed included examples of the presence of pseudoscience in medicine, the pros and cons of naturopathy, the pros and cons of homeopathy, toxins and the use of detoxing diets/methods/etc., and much more.
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Below are the highlights from the chat. You can read the full transcript here. And be sure to check back with our schedule for Part II of this topic.
Question 1
Q1: What are some examples of the presence of #pseudoscience in #medicine?#PWChat
— Physician’s Weekly (@physicianswkly) September 26, 2017
A1. Curing infections with colloid silver, treating cancer with homeopathic therapies to name a few. #PWchat https://t.co/sGZYe8srNA
— Linda Girgis, MD (@DrLindaMD) September 26, 2017
A1: Aromatherapy, chelation, herbal, homeopathy, Reiki, vitamins & oils #PWchat https://t.co/lV2uXFfeEO
— Lisa Davis Budzinski (@lisadbudzinski) September 26, 2017
Question 2
Q2: What are your thoughts on #naturopathy? What are the pros & cons?#PWChat
— Physician’s Weekly (@physicianswkly) September 26, 2017
A2. It is not evidence-based but also not likely to be harmful since it uses natural ingredients/treatments. #PWchat https://t.co/JBuUbdAu7O
— Linda Girgis, MD (@DrLindaMD) September 26, 2017
A2. Incorporates lifestyle changes (diet, exercise) that can have healthful benefits. #PWchat
— Linda Girgis, MD (@DrLindaMD) September 26, 2017
Agree, but healthy lifestyle should be baseline, not cure for dz. Also, that approach blames the pt for dz. #pwchat https://t.co/yRpn7WAsV1
— Marjorie Stiegler,MD (@DrMStiegler) September 26, 2017
A2: Pro is when Drs integrate it with traditional med Con: Ppl may falsely believe thy will be cured & stop taking other meds #PWchat https://t.co/yc3AYuscjx
— Lisa Davis Budzinski (@lisadbudzinski) September 26, 2017
Question 3
Q3: What are your thoughts on #homeopathy? What are the pros & cons?#PWChat
— Physician’s Weekly (@physicianswkly) September 26, 2017
A3. Again, not evidence based. Some may alleviate symptoms. Does not replace traditional treatments. #PWchat https://t.co/IUpoAdRHSq
— Linda Girgis, MD (@DrLindaMD) September 26, 2017
Major con: where is the evidence??? Homeopathy often used to replace evidence based medical care such as use of vaccinations #PWChat https://t.co/XZUmcwYgFn
— Deepa Kattail, MD (@DeepaKattail) September 26, 2017
No pros.
Cons: May cause delayed treatment. Incorrectly diluted may cause serious toxic effects #PWChat
— Jan Lindebjerg (@JLIMD) September 26, 2017
Question 4
Q4: What are your thoughts on #toxins and the use of #detoxing diets/methods/etc?#PWChat
— Physician’s Weekly (@physicianswkly) September 26, 2017
A4. There are some well known toxins, such as lead, etc. Detoxing has no proven benefit. #PWchat https://t.co/ykpJExJj46
— Linda Girgis, MD (@DrLindaMD) September 26, 2017
Last time I checked, the human liver is excellent at #detoxing! Doesn’t hurt to follow such diets, don’t think it’s necessary though.#PWChat https://t.co/UMZJwdfXc6
— Deepa Kattail, MD (@DeepaKattail) September 26, 2017
The trend of #detoxing feels more like a religious/spiritual ritual – not evidence based, placebo effect, and high cost #pwchat
— Nicole P., RN PhDc (@nicole_bohr) September 26, 2017
Question 5
Q5: What are your thoughts on #organic foods? Are they overall safer than “regular” foods?#PWChat
— Physician’s Weekly (@physicianswkly) September 26, 2017
A5. No good evidence for this. #PWchat https://t.co/d4pQakLosv
— Linda Girgis, MD (@DrLindaMD) September 26, 2017
Also no good standardized regulated definition for “organic” RT @DrLindaMD: A5. No good evidence for this. #PWchat
— Marjorie Stiegler,MD (@DrMStiegler) September 26, 2017
Question 6
Q6: What are your thoughts on the benefits of #yoga & #meditation? Are they founded in true science? Pros & cons?#PWChat
— Physician’s Weekly (@physicianswkly) September 26, 2017
A6 .Yoga has cardiovascular benefits and(along with meditation) may help reduce stress and anxiety. #PWchat https://t.co/hWpRphBnG4
— Linda Girgis, MD (@DrLindaMD) September 26, 2017
A6: Researchers, neurons & meditation https://t.co/End4qxucFR #PWchat
— Lisa Davis Budzinski (@lisadbudzinski) September 26, 2017
Question 7
Q7: What are your thoughts on non- #GMO foods? Are there valid concerns with #GMOs from a health standpoint? #PWChat@MonsantoCo
— Physician’s Weekly (@physicianswkly) September 26, 2017
A7. GMO foods have been around longer than most people realize amd appear to be safe. #PWchat https://t.co/HzLliyNroR
— Linda Girgis, MD (@DrLindaMD) September 26, 2017
A7: There is no scientific consensus on the safety of GMOs. https://t.co/eJ0ZwTN9lQ #PWChat
— Lisa Davis Budzinski (@lisadbudzinski) September 26, 2017
