How to Spot a Quacky Web Site

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This is a helpful site for people who are wondering about various

" treatments " for their health. How can one know if a web site has merit?

If you actually go to the site you can click on various words for better

understanding.

http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/quackweb.html " >Sign

s of a Quacky Web Site

http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/quackweb.html

How to Spot a " Quacky " Web Site

Barrett, M.D.

The best way to avoid being quacked is to reject quackery's promoters. Each

item listed below signifies that a web site is not a trustworthy information

source. The hyperlinks will take you to articles on Quackwatch that explain

why.

General Characteristics

* Any site used to market herbs or dietary supplements. Although some are

useful, I do not believe it is possible to run a profitable business selling

them without some form of deception. Deception includes: (1) lack of full

disclosure of the facts, (2) promotion or sale of products that lack a

rational use, or (3) failure to provide advice indicating who should not use

the products. During the past 25 years, I have never encountered a seller who

did not do at least one of these three things.

* Any site used to market or promote homeopathic products. No such products

have been proven effective.

* Any site that generally promotes " alternative " methods. There are more

than a thousand " alternative " methods. The vast majority are worthless.

* Any site that promotes " nontoxic, " " natural, " or " holistic " treatments.

False Statements about Nutrition

* Everyone should take vitamins.

* Vitamins are effective against stress.

* Taking vitamins makes people more energetic.

* Organic foods are safer and/or more nutritious than ordinary foods.

* Losing weight is easy.

* Special diets can cure cancer

* Diet is the principle cause of hyperactivity.

FALSE Statements about " Alternative " Methods

* Acupuncture is effective against a long list of diseases.

* Chelation therapy is an effective substitute for bypass surgery

* Chiropractic treatment is effective against a large number of diseases

* Herbs are generally superior to prescription drugs.

* Homeopathic products are effective remedies.

* Spines should be checked and adjusted regularly by a chiropractor.

FALSE Statements about Other Issues

* Fluoridation is dangerous.

* Immunizations are dangerous.

* Mercury-amalgam ( " silver " ) filings should be removed because they make

people sick.

* All teeth with root canals should be removed because they make people

sick.