Every rational person claims that they study, analyze, evaluate, and make decisions based on what he or she know to be true.
The sad fact of the matter is that what we believe often is not true. It should be a simple matter, though, to gather solid data and change our minds about something because the evidence is overwhelming. Our beliefs trump facts and it is all but impossible to alter a belief system.
To compound the problem, much of what we believe to be true was given to us without evidence. People we love and trust tell us something and it becomes part of our lives. It is often the case that anyone who disputes our beliefs is seen as automatically wrong and not to be tolerated.
It takes a major personal effort to first discover that not everything we believe is true.
We probably ought to examine our beliefs, especially the ones we are certain are true, and begin with the position that they might be wrong. Then, work from there to evaluate other data. Many truths we believe might be true and are left alone. Others demand more study and action.
Here’s a modest list of beliefs held by vast numbers of individuals, and, although they seem true, the evidence is not clear:
Women will remain “Feminine Forever” if they use estrogen.
Lab tests accurately can identify imbalances in hormones, which can be used to prescribe hormones and adjust amounts using repeat tests.
Type 2 Diabetes cannot be cured. Neither can high blood pressure, multiple sclerosis, cancer, osteoporosis, Irritable Bowel Disease, and allergies.
Fat and foods that contain cholesterol (eggs in particular) are unhealthy.
Salt can cause high blood pressure.
Diseases only can be cured with drugs, surgery, or radiation.
Adding fluoride to drinking water is useful and safe.
Dumping unwanted drugs in the toilet is a good way to get rid of them.
Synthetic hormones are safe and women should be comfortable taking birth control pills.
Testosterone causes cancer.
Excess stomach acid is the root cause of gastric reflux and the best way to eliminate the symptoms is to use a drug to reduce acid production.
FDA-approved drugs are safe and effective.
Drugs used in the United States are made in the United States.
The FDA determines if a drug will be available with a prescription.
Roundup is a harmless herbicide, except for the special plants we want to kill.
It is important to use toothpaste with fluoride.
Vaccines safely prevent disease.
Bisphosphonates prevent hip fractures.
Bread is the “staff of life”.
Margarine is a safe alternative to butter.
Daily use of non-prescription pain pills is a safe way to relieve chronic joint pain.
Tap water is clean enough to drink.
Postpartum depression is a psychiatric disorder that is treatable with drugs.
The gallbladder, tonsils, adenoids, and appendix, are useless vestigial organs and can be safely removed. After a point, the same applies to ovaries and uteruses, but not testicles.
Artificial sweeteners safely can help a person lose weight.
We are free to move through this life believing whatever we want, but is that always the best way? We are surrounded by so much inaccurate information that choosing to believe without asking questions can destroy us. I think seeking the truth is our best option, but I might be wrong.
Larry Frieders is a pharmacist in Aurora who had a book published, The Undruggist: Book One, A Tale of Modern Apothecary and Wellness. He can be reached at thecompounder.com/ask-larry or www.facebook.com/thecompounder.