Opus 2023-118: Science in the Docket

Somewhere I was reading comments about the beliefs we have that are based on nothing more than rumor and opinion.  I was surprised when they mentioned the old warning we received as children that we should not go swimming for 30 minutes after we eat.  It is the only one that stands out in my mind, but the reasoning was that such advice is not based on research.  There have been no studies that back up this advice.  At the time I found that interesting but as I pondered it the warning began to take on another focus.  

The author wanted us to look deeper and discard what had not been verified by science.  I found myself going the other direction.  I am at a point in my thinking and emotions where I feel that scientific verification tends to mean the opposite of what they are advocating.  I was reading through a health site looking for some information on the contents of electrolyte miracle solutions.  I think I was wanting sources of magnesium.  I came across all kinds of claims about how certain minerals and vitamins showed a specific percentage in reducing cancer, heart disease, diabetes, dementia and acne.  Actually, I made the acne up.  I began to ask myself how you would do a study on a certain mineral causing or preventing diseases that take decades to develop and are rooted in mystery.  

While I don’t want to discard science automatically I do want to water down the nonsense that gets thrown out with or without the weasel words.  Like salt causing high blood presure.  You need to insert “sometimes” and put it in bold, capital letters so that people don’t go through life with dull food for no reason.  

I am getting on board with more of what I am calling “snake oil”.  I am now involved with two snake oils.  The latest is produced by my daughter and is based on elderberry juice and honey.  It is some old folk remedy for colds and flu.  I am not interested in any research beyond what my family has experienced.  Does it help?  It seems to and it certainly doesn’t do any harm.  That is more than science seems to be able to say.

I am blessed with generally good health so my position may not have anything to do with the conditions you live with.  Do your own thinking and your own deciding.  Then take two aspirin and call me in the morning.

homo unius libri