Michael Carlston, M.D. – Family Practice & Complementary Medicine
homeopathy . nutrition . herbs . sports medicine
Be wary of experts. Certainty creates and perpetuates ignorance. Expert “opinions” are usually influenced by self-interest, either monetary from one source or another, or self-interested because of the expert’s underlying prejudice.
A recent review of studies comparing exercise as medicine to prescription medication got some attention, but far from enough. Everyone accepts that we should exercise to prevent disease but research and clinical experience teach us that it is more powerful than prescription medications, even for those who are seriously ill.
If you have been reading my thoughts for some time, you know that I am not a big advocate of mammograms. I really wish they would do the job they are supposed to do, but they just don’t. Another study appeared recently, documenting the unpleasant consequences of well-intentioned mammographic screening. It is not the […]
If you read about vitamin supplements you must be confused. Actually, it would be hard not to be. Vitamins are, by definition, essential to health. Studies of hundreds of millions of people confirm that truth. However, a rash of recent studies have linked taking vitamin supplements to higher rates of a variety of diseases, especially […]
The widely disseminated comments of many organizations and authorities would lead one to believe that any possible linkage between vaccination and autism has been entirely disproven. That is not so. The theory that there might be a connection is biologically plausible. One of the most consistent biological abnormalities among children with autism is their limited […]
It is nice to report good news. In this case, the good news is that a recent study of prostate cancer found that drinking coffee reduced risk. It is always essential to view dietary studies skeptically. There are so many reasons they can be misunderstood, or just plain wrong. The world is too complicated to […]
Forgive me for rattling on about vitamin D, but it is VERY important. The latest news is even more important than usual, and it is notable for at least three reasons, maybe four, if we count the fact that Mother’s Day is fast approaching. The most meaningful studies are designed as interventional trials, where people […]
A classic study was recently released warning heart patients to avoid essentially all herbal medicines. One commentator recommended that instead of buying herbs patients should save their money and “buy a pair of shoes”. As this publication walks all over herbal medicine with callous regard, the shoes seem to be on the other pair of […]