When the science was not settled
Science is about asking questions, creating hypotheses to look for the answers, and then building on research based on new data. As history shows, the science changes and evolves – as the saying goes “the science is never settled.”
There was a point and time in history when they said Fentanyl, lead paint, asbestos, GMO’s, glyphosate, Thalidomide and even smoking was safe. That we needed to trust the experts about the Covid vaccinations stopping transmission and infection, that a calorie is a calorie and natural salt is harmful. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, we all know that these things are simply not true. I cringe to think what the experts will also eventually realise is unsafe, 5g, new vaccines or vegetable oils perhaps?
Read below to find out what my top 9 picks are of the greatest mistakes that experts have made over the years.
Opioids such as Fentanyl and OxyContin are safe.
The reality is that in 2020 prescription opioids killed 56,516 in the USA with the majority being from Fentanyl. After an unprecedented number of deaths Fentanyl the government restricted doctors from prescribing it, however this has not stopped the illegal production of this dangerous drug.
Lead paint causes permanent damage to organs
Lead paint is especially harmful to children and unborn babies. Lead paint was only banned in paint in Australia in 2010, so it is important to consider this when undertaking renovations.
Asbestos being a ‘miracle mineral’
Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate mineral, there are 7 different forms with chrysotile being the most deadly. Due to asbestos being heat and fire resistant it was quickly adapted as a ‘safe’ building material for the construction of houses. However in reality it was a deadly fibre that causes mesothelioma a type of cancer.
Not being able to catch & pass on the virus if vaccinated
The director of the CDC, President Joe Biden and countless other experts in their field advised us early on in the pandemic that you could not get sick, pass it on, get hospitalised or die from covid if you were vaccinated. Unfortunately as we know only too well now none of those statements are true.
That there are no concerns about GMO’s
In reality most crops are genetically modified so that they can withstand higher levels of chemicals from herbicides and pesticides. The most popular herbicide is Round Up also known as glyphosate which the WHO has stated is a possible carcinogen. I have collated a large number of research articles on the dangers of glyphosate, from increased risk from cancer, infertility, disease and more sadly, you can read more about it here.
A calorie is a calorie for health
Counting calories has been the basic logic around weight loss for decades. To this day it remains a popular way that people try to lose weight. This is what the food industry wants you to believe so you think you can eat whatever you want and therefore buy their junk food / processed crap. As a holistic university qualified nutritionist, I would much rather that you counted chemicals and nutrients instead. Myself personally I have never counted calories I find it tedious, but then again, my primary goal has never been to be rail thin or aspire to a particular number on the scales. Being thin does not automatically good health.
Thalidomide being safe when pregnant
Thalidomide was a drug prescribed for the treatment of morning sickness to pregnant women back in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Many thousands of babies over this period of time were born without limbs, other disabilities or died as a result of their mothers taking this drug. It wasn’t until decades later that it was taken off the shelf.
Round Up solving world hunger
This has done nothing of a sort, it estimated that over 800 million people around the world are still going hungry in poorer countries. The complete opposite is occurring in richer countries, Westerners in particular have never been more overweight or obese and suffering with chronic disease.
That smoking doesn’t cause cancer
We all know this one is a big fat lie and requires no explanation.
In conclusion
This is why it is important to do your due diligence and not blindly trust the experts when there are no long-term independent studies.
Can you think of anything else? Let me know in the comments, I would love to hear from you!
Chrissy is a university qualified nutritionist who graduated with honours at La Trobe University in Melbourne. One of her favourite hobbies is to read the scientific literature on how to optimise health. When she’s not reading, writing or working she’s with her 3 children outdoors, practicing yoga, jogging or cooking up a storm in the kitchen. Chrissy has overcome some debilitating chronic health issues (low mood, adrenal fatigue, insomnia, very bad acne to name a few) with the power of nutrients and correcting gut health, at 39 she now feels better than she did in her 20’s.