The system is built to mislead patients

Many aspects of modern medicine, particularly its reliance on pharmaceuticals, have been called into question. There’s a strong argument that the system is built in ways that mislead patients, particularly in areas where nutrition and holistic care are downplayed. For instance, most doctors operate within a framework heavily influenced by pharmaceutical companies and the food industry, with an emphasis on treating symptoms rather than addressing root causes of illness.

Doctors are often trained to specialise in specific areas of the body—whether it’s the digestive system, the brain, or the endocrine system—but this segmented approach can lead to a lack of understanding of the body as an interconnected whole. One striking example is that nutrition, despite being fundamental to health, is largely neglected in medical training. Doctors may only receive around 12 to 20 hours of instruction in nutrition throughout their entire education. Yet, many have strong opinions on diet, often advising patients in ways that contradict more holistic approaches to wellness.

Consider the gallbladder. A common assertion is that it’s unnecessary and can be removed without significant consequence. However, the gallbladder plays an important role in digestion, storing bile salts that aid in fat absorption. Without it, proper digestion can be compromised, and taking bile salts after meals becomes a practical necessity.

Another prevalent medical stance is the use of statins to lower cholesterol, often prescribed to people over the age of 40, regardless of their cholesterol levels. Statins are marketed as having minimal side effects, but this is misleading. They are known to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and cause muscle issues, among other problems. Cholesterol, far from being the enemy, is crucial for the body’s production of hormones such as testosterone and oestrogen, and for maintaining cell membranes.

Then there’s the sodium debate. Many are told that hypertension is caused by excessive salt intake, but this ignores the role of potassium. Increasing potassium can actually help balance sodium levels, reduce blood pressure, and soften arteries. It’s not about lowering salt intake across the board but finding the right balance.

Vitamin D deficiency is another area where standard medical advice falls short. Doctors often prescribe a minimal dose of 600 to 800 IUs, which is far too low to have any real impact. In contrast, spending just 40 minutes in the sun can provide 20,000 IUs. There’s no risk of toxicity from these natural levels, yet doctors warn patients about higher doses of Vitamin D supplements.

The demonisation of red meat, particularly in relation to cancer and heart disease, is another misleading narrative. Grass-fed red meat is one of the most nutrient-dense foods available, rich in essential vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, zinc, and iron. It also contains creatine, L-carnitine, and coenzyme Q10, all of which support energy production and fat metabolism. Yet, it’s often lumped together with processed meats, despite the profound differences between them.

Saturated fats are also blamed for various health issues, but the real culprits are often unsaturated fats and seed oils, which dominate the modern diet. These oils, found in processed foods, contribute to inflammation and other chronic health problems.

Finally, weight is often seen as the root cause of health problems when it is, in fact, a symptom. Weight gain, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure are often linked to insulin resistance—a condition driven by excessive intake of refined carbohydrates, sugars, and seed oils. Addressing this root cause through dietary changes can lead to better health, rather than focusing solely on weight loss.

In sum, there’s a need for a shift in how health is approached, one that focuses more on nutrition, whole-body wellness, and the root causes of disease rather than merely treating symptoms with pharmaceuticals.