Western Medicine and big pharma has hoodwinked us all.
Social media and the big tech companies manipulate the masses by suppressing the narratives they don’t like and promoting the narratives they deem valid… regardless of #TRUTH.
I already knew these things.
However, in the new book How Not To Diet, the author has spent years researching just how deep the rabbit hole goes so all of us can get a good picture of it.
I’ll go into that a little later but let’s talk in generalities for a moment.
Western Medicine & Big Pharma
What is Western Medicine?
Before I start ranting, what do I mean by western medicine?
I just mean traditional medicine.
What you typically think of when you think of health care is what I would call traditional or western medicine.
Things like hospitals, medical doctor’s offices, surgical centers, etc.
The idea is that if you are sick, you go to a traditional doctor, he or she prescribes what you need from a list of approved therapies or drugs and you get better.
That is what we all are taught to believe when we are young and as we grow older.
Sick or have health issues of any king?…
Go see a doctor.
The Problem(s) with Western Medicine
There are a few problems with western medicine.
1) Masking a symptom is NOT Fixing or Curing it
Our bodies are machines created to be efficient and to heal themselves.
Often the drugs or treatments prescribed through traditional medicine isn’t meant to cure the underlying issue.
It’s meant to mask it.
For example, let’s suppose you get migraines or have anxiety.
The traditional doctor is going to prescribe a painkiller or a tranquilizer to help you cope.
And by the way, both sets of drugs prescribed in this situation are probably highly addictive.
Very few doctors will help you figure out how to diagnose and treat the real issue.
Quite frankly, doctors are conditioned and taught to prescribe stuff and then if that doesn’t work, prescribe something different.
That doesn’t solve the problem.
In fact, it exasperates it because it allows time for the problem to grow and brings possible drug addiction or dependency into the mix.
2) Big Pharma has too Much to Lose
In the US, the FTC regulates the pharmaceutical giants, but in reality, they are just protecting them.
The FTC is kind of like a body guard to the big pharma industry though they would never admit it.
Think about it.
You go to a doctor and they prescribe something.
Quite possibly, that something is a highly addictive compound with a multitude of potentially dangerous side effects.
That drug doesn’t work so you are prescribed something else.
You finally find something that works and you are on the drug for the rest of your life.
The pharmaceutical company benefits from you not getting well because you’re on the drugs forever.
Your doctor benefits because you have to constantly go into the office, pay your co-pay or office visit fee, and get a prescription.
It’s one big farce.
How Does the FTC benefit Big Pharma?
So you may be thinking… Okay, well I agree with that but how is the FTC helping Big Pharma?
Doesn’t the FTC regulate big pharma and keep them from bringing bad drugs to market?
The answer is, “yes they do” but not for the reasons you think.
You think they regulate in order to protect us as citizens.
What if it is darker and more sinister than that?
I don’t know the name of it, but there is a business strategy that includes getting laws passed that help your business but on the surface it looks like a benevolent action.
Example #1
For example, let’s suppose Tesla pumped money into lobbying for all homes to be on at least 20% solar energy in order to help the environment.
In the example above, if it went through I’m sure environmental concerns would mentioned throughout the process, but nobody would mention who funded the studies, research, and paid for the lobbying for that bill (in this case Tesla).
But it would help Tesla’s bottom line because they would sell a whole lot more solar.
Let’s take it further.
Let’s say Tesla manipulated the law like that but they also got it passed that companies had to jump through certain expensive hoops in order to prove their solar panels were good enough for the end consumer.
Yes, it would help the end consumer in theory…. but would it really?
What it would really do is keep competitors out of the market because it would be too expensive to create new solar technology.
It would also push prices up for consumers because it would now cost more to produce these solar panels.
That that is a fake example, it is basically how Big Pharma uses the FTC.
Big Pharma and the FTC
Yes, they have to jump through certain hoops to get drugs approved.
On the surface, it seems like the purpose is to make drugs safer.
But is it really?
Have you ever seen a drug commercial?
They play videos of nice families or couples aging and getting along with sunshine in the background and life is good.
Everyone is happy and in the background the voiceover is gently and quickly saying something like:
“This drug may cause nausea, vomiting, blood in your stools, blood in your urine, muscle cramps, severe internal bleeding, thoughts of suicide and death, heart attack, stroke, and/or blindness. If you are thinking about shooting yourself in the head while taking this medication, please call your doctor immediately.”
Okay, it might not be quite that bad but you know what I’m talking about.
The FTC does not make sure the drugs that hit the market are safe.
If they think they do, my version of safe is different than theirs.
The FTC makes sure no drugs come to market unless that drug is being pushed by a pharmaceutical giant.
The FTC actually just protects Big Pharma from other people encroaching on their turf.
They keep other companies and industries out of Big Pharma’s territory of selling treatments and cures.
Seriously, the FTC strongarms the alternative therapy industry but making it way too expensive to make any claim or reference about their therapy treating, mitigating, or curing any disease.
You may think, but it there’s a treatment that works, why would Big Pharma or anybody else suppress it?
Money my friend.
Money.
If there is something common, whether it be a plant, a natural vitamin, a mushroom, a breathing technique, an acupuncture spot, or anything else that can’t be patented or packaged… then you can bet that Big Pharma doesn’t want anybody to be legally allowed to say it helps a disease in any way whatsoever.
By the way, if you don’t think Big Pharma has their hands in the law then look at some of the punishments for having regulated drugs without a prescription.
They border on crazy.
Again, it sounds all nice on the surface… “well, we don’t want people without a prescription getting ahold of these drugs, it’s dangerous”.
But really, when prescription drugs carry a harsher sentence than something like heroine or crack cocaine… I think that points to a system that’s being manipulated for reasons that aren’t all innocent.
Still not convinced? Check out this article of a woman who had no prior convictions and sold 35 pills for $300 to make ends meet.
What did she end up with?
35 pills got her 25 years in prison…. Seriously? Poor lady.
Who is “Big Pharma”
Understanding “Big Pharma”: Unveiling the Pillars of the Pharmaceutical Industry
In the realm of healthcare and medicine, the term “Big Pharma” often resonates in discussions ranging from drug pricing to research ethics. But who exactly does it refer to, and what significance does it hold in today’s world?
Defining Big Pharma
“Big Pharma” is a colloquial term used to describe the largest multinational pharmaceutical companies in the world. These companies are characterized by their substantial financial resources, extensive global operations, and dominant market positions within the pharmaceutical industry. They typically engage in the research, development, manufacturing, and marketing of medications and vaccines.
Key Players
The roster of Big Pharma includes household names such as Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, Roche, and Merck, among others. These companies often have a global presence with offices, research facilities, and manufacturing plants spread across multiple countries. Their influence extends not only through their product offerings but also in shaping healthcare policies and medical research agendas worldwide.
Role in Healthcare
Big Pharma plays a pivotal role in healthcare delivery by developing medications that treat and prevent diseases ranging from common ailments to rare disorders. Their innovations have led to groundbreaking treatments for conditions such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS.
Challenges and Controversies
Despite their contributions to medical advancements, Big Pharma is not without criticism. Key issues include:
- Drug Pricing: The pricing strategies of pharmaceutical companies often come under scrutiny, especially for essential medications and life-saving treatments.
- Ethical Concerns: There have been controversies surrounding marketing practices, clinical trial transparency, and conflicts of interest in relationships with healthcare providers and policymakers.
- Access to Medicines: Disparities in access to medications, particularly in low-income countries, remain a significant concern despite efforts to address them through initiatives like differential pricing and partnerships.
Research and Development
A substantial portion of Big Pharma’s resources is allocated to research and development (R&D), where they invest in discovering new drugs and improving existing treatments. This process involves rigorous testing, regulatory approvals, and significant financial investments, often spanning many years before a new drug reaches the market.
Future Directions
Looking ahead, Big Pharma faces both opportunities and challenges. Advances in biotechnology, personalized medicine, and digital health present new avenues for innovation. Simultaneously, pressures to address healthcare inequities, enhance drug affordability, and navigate regulatory landscapes will shape the industry’s evolution.
Challenges and Controversies Surrounding “Big Pharma”
While Big Pharma plays a crucial role in advancing healthcare, the industry is frequently at the center of intense scrutiny and criticism. Below, we delve deeper into the key challenges and controversies surrounding these pharmaceutical giants.
1. High Drug Prices
One of the most persistent and visible criticisms of Big Pharma is the cost of medications. Life-saving drugs, such as cancer treatments or insulin for diabetes, are often priced at levels that make them inaccessible to many patients, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
- Reasons for High Prices:
- R&D Costs: Pharmaceutical companies argue that drug development is a costly process, often taking 10–15 years and billions of dollars, with many experimental drugs failing to make it to market.
- Patent Protection: Companies are granted patents to protect their innovations, allowing them to set high prices without competition during the patent period (often 20 years). While intended to recoup R&D investments, this can delay access to cheaper generics.
- Market Dynamics: In countries like the United States, where drug pricing regulations are relatively lax, companies can set prices based on what the market will bear rather than production costs.
- Impact on Patients: High drug prices force many patients to choose between medication and other necessities. Even in wealthier countries, out-of-pocket costs can be burdensome despite insurance coverage.
2. Access Inequality
Despite significant advancements in medicine, access to affordable healthcare remains unequal.
- Global Disparities:
- Developing nations often lack access to new or essential medications due to cost and logistical challenges. For instance, some HIV/AIDS treatments were delayed for years in African nations due to unaffordable pricing.
- Distribution systems in low-resource settings can also impede the availability of life-saving drugs.
- Orphan Diseases: Rare diseases, also known as orphan diseases, often go untreated because pharmaceutical companies focus on drugs with a broader market to ensure profitability.
- Impact of Monopolies: Consolidation within the pharmaceutical industry means fewer players controlling drug production, limiting competition and exacerbating accessibility issues.
3. Marketing Practices
Big Pharma’s marketing strategies often come under fire for prioritizing profits over public health.
- Aggressive Advertising: In some countries, particularly the U.S., direct-to-consumer advertising is legal. This can lead to overprescription or misuse of medications as patients request drugs based on advertisements rather than medical necessity.
- Targeting Physicians: Companies have been accused of influencing doctors through financial incentives, free samples, and paid speaking engagements to promote their products. This raises ethical questions about whether treatments are being prescribed in the patient’s best interest.
- Misleading Information: There have been instances of misleading promotional materials exaggerating a drug’s benefits or downplaying its risks, leading to regulatory fines and public backlash.
4. Lack of Transparency in Clinical Trials
Big Pharma companies are often criticized for a lack of transparency in clinical trials, particularly when unfavorable results are involved.
- Selective Reporting: Trials that yield negative or inconclusive results are sometimes unpublished, skewing the perceived effectiveness and safety of a drug.
- Conflicts of Interest: Relationships between pharmaceutical companies and research institutions can lead to biases in trial design, interpretation, or reporting.
- Patient Trust: This lack of openness undermines public confidence in new medications and the medical establishment.
5. Ethical Issues in Developing Countries
As companies look to cut costs, many have shifted clinical trials and manufacturing to developing countries, sparking ethical concerns.
- Exploitation: Critics argue that trial participants in low-income countries are sometimes exploited, with inadequate informed consent or insufficient follow-up care.
- Regulatory Loopholes: Trials conducted in countries with less stringent regulations might not meet the ethical or scientific standards of wealthier nations.
- Environmental and Labor Issues: Manufacturing facilities in developing countries have been linked to pollution and poor working conditions, raising questions about corporate responsibility.
6. Intellectual Property (IP) vs. Public Health
The debate over intellectual property rights and access to life-saving medications has been a contentious issue.
- Patent Clashes: Patents protect innovation but often delay the availability of affordable generic versions. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, calls for patent waivers on vaccines highlighted the tension between corporate profits and global health needs.
- Evergreening: Some companies extend patent protections through minor modifications to existing drugs, a practice known as “evergreening,” which delays generic competition.
7. Opioid Crisis
Big Pharma has faced significant backlash for its role in the opioid epidemic, particularly in the United States.
- Aggressive Marketing: Companies like Purdue Pharma promoted opioids like OxyContin as low-risk for addiction, despite evidence to the contrary. These marketing practices contributed to widespread misuse and addiction.
- Accountability: Lawsuits against opioid manufacturers have revealed negligence and a focus on profit over public safety, resulting in large financial settlements and damage to the industry’s reputation.
8. Mergers and Monopolies
The consolidation of pharmaceutical companies has created a landscape with fewer competitors, raising concerns about monopolistic practices.
- Impact on Innovation: Critics argue that large mergers divert resources away from innovation and towards maximizing profits.
- Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Consolidation can lead to supply chain disruptions, affecting the availability of critical drugs.
9. Lobbying and Political Influence
Big Pharma wields significant political power through extensive lobbying and campaign contributions.
- Shaping Policy: In countries like the U.S., pharmaceutical companies spend billions lobbying for favorable policies, including opposition to drug price regulations or extended patent protections.
- Public Perception: This influence can lead to a perception that healthcare policies prioritize corporate profits over patient welfare.
What is Alternative Therapy or Alternative Medicine?
Let’s talk about alternative medicine and therapy. These are all those treatments and practices that don’t quite fit under the umbrella of traditional Western medicine.
Think of things like acupuncture, herbal remedies, yoga, meditation, chiropractic care, naturopathy, and even homeopathy. They’re often rooted in ancient traditions or holistic approaches that focus on treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—rather than just zeroing in on a specific issue.
While some of these have started to gain traction in mainstream healthcare, others are still the subject of heated debates.
Why People Love Alternative Medicine
- It’s All About the Big Picture: Alternative medicine looks at your overall well-being. Instead of just addressing symptoms, it tries to tackle the root causes of your health issues.
- Personal Touch: Many alternative therapies are super personalized. Practitioners often spend a lot of time understanding your history, concerns, and what you’re looking to achieve.
- Fewer Side Effects (Usually): A lot of these treatments, like acupuncture or herbal remedies, are known for having fewer side effects compared to some medications.
- Prevention is Key: Many of these approaches focus on lifestyle and prevention, helping you build habits that keep you healthier in the long run.
- Cultural and Spiritual Vibes: For some, alternative therapies connect deeply with cultural traditions or spiritual beliefs, which can be incredibly comforting and empowering.
The Flip Side of Alternative Medicine
- Where’s the Proof?: The big downside is that many alternative therapies don’t have the scientific evidence to back them up. This can make it hard to know how well they really work.
- Timing Matters: If you rely only on alternative treatments for serious conditions, it could delay getting the right diagnosis or treatment, and that’s risky.
- Not Always Regulated: The quality and safety of some alternative treatments can vary widely because they’re not always well-regulated.
- Mixing Can Be Tricky: Some herbal remedies or supplements can interfere with medications you’re already taking, which could cause unwanted side effects.
- Cost Concerns: While some treatments are affordable, others can get pricey, and insurance doesn’t always cover them.
How Does It Compare to Traditional Western Medicine?
Western medicine (what we’re most familiar with) is all about evidence-based practices, advanced technology, and tackling things like surgeries or life-threatening illnesses.
It’s amazing at managing emergencies and severe conditions, but it often focuses on treating symptoms instead of addressing the root causes.
Alternative medicine, by contrast, focuses more on prevention and holistic care. It’s great for promoting overall wellness but might not be enough on its own for serious or complex conditions.
The Best of Both Worlds: Integrative Medicine
Here’s the good news: you don’t have to choose one or the other. Integrative medicine combines the best parts of both.
For example, a cancer patient might use chemotherapy (a conventional treatment) but also try acupuncture to help with side effects like nausea. It’s about finding what works best for you and your unique situation.
Wrapping It Up
Alternative medicine and therapy offer some amazing perspectives on health and wellness. They’re all about treating the whole person and focusing on prevention, which is something we can all appreciate.
That said, they do have their limitations, especially when it comes to scientific backing and regulation.
By understanding the pros and cons of both alternative and traditional medicine, you can make choices that work for your health and well-being.
Sometimes, the best approach is finding a balance between the two.
*NOTE: This article was written in part using GAI / Chat GPT.
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Jason and Daniele
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