What the NIH’s Multibillion-Dollar Research on Alternative Medicine Reveals

[@jtx1975]

The pharmaceutical industry should not be allowed to advertise to the public, nor give kick backs to doctors based on the prescription given to their patients.

[@stshack]

They are only allowed to advertise on television in the United States and New Zealand

[@sirtaugs]

​@@stshack I see pill ads in magazines all the time

[@Gigemhorns2011]

Docs don’t get kickbacks from pharma. You must be from the 1970s

[@2uber]

​@@Gigemhorns2011Habibi, come to India

[@StoptheHateJustDebate]

@@stshackNot true, unfortunately, they also advertise in print. Btw, “only advertise on tv” is no small influence! Radio, TV, online, and print in the US is a complete coverage.

[@alanjackson1015]

"You know what they call alternative medicine that's been proved to work? - Medicine" Tim Minchin

[@moonshoes11]

Storm. ✌️

[@Bluebloods7]

"proved"

[@wjrasmussen666]

Ask him how to treat your cancer.

[@moonshoes11]

@@wjrasmussen666 He’s a pretty clever, and caring person. I bet he’d recommend seeing a doctor, a specialist in the field.

[@geraldineclarke5434]

The ever wise Mr. Minchin.....

[@coolbreeze5683]

There was a woman who was in the trial group for AZ and she had a severe adverse reaction. All of the AZ doctors and her own doctors refused to diagnose and treat her. They told her it's a psychological issue. Doctors at the NIH reviewed her case and flew her out to Maryland for treatment with IVIG, which helped her. The NIH doesn't mess around with the politics or follow what pharmaceutical companies want. They are interested in investigating and helping people without the nonsense other doctors are influenced by.

[@pamelaellis2291]

Too bad the FDA doesn't live by the same standards.

[@pappi8338]

​@@pamelaellis2291We're talking about the NIH

[@ecospider5]

We are talking about the medical industry at large with an expert from the NCCIH

[@jamesgrenier4639]

😅😅😮 2:18

[@jamesgrenier4639]

😮😮😮😅

[@SRKKM]

An ancient Tamil proverb goes, "In excess, even ambrosia is poison." And "Food is medicine" is pretty much the motto of the ancient Tamil Siddha system.

[@rickkwitkoski1976]

@SRKKM So is an excess of oxygen... or water!

[@jessejamez5985]

If food was medicine id be healthy and fat instead of just fat. Lol, jk. I know why im fat.

[@EchosJourneys]

My dad used to say “Too much of anything, is good for nothing.”

[@goonhoongtatt1883]

In excess, even water is poison.

[@karthikselva4548]

Dosage is the poison

[@voxp]

I completely agree with your point. Scientists provide clear, specific results and conclusions with defined conditions, probabilities, and certainties. Yet, the press often distorts this into sensational headlines like "Scientist suggests you eat this," which misrepresents the science.

[@cordellsenior9935]

Where was this objective rhetoric when they were mandating Covid shots? "Science suggests you take this vaccine. Trust me. I am science" - Anthony Fuci.

[@LogicAndReason2025]

I don't mind covering sugar pills for placebo, as long as they charge only for a sugar pill.

[@pandaprophetable]

Clinical trials are either free or they pay you

[@duzzzduzzz]

SciShow has an episode titled "$1 Placebo vs $10,000 Placebo (It Matters)" So, I hope insurance covers my placebos!

[@Shayzare]

You go to a restaurant and pay $75 dollars for a delicious chicken sandwich, you watch a news program that exposed that same restaurant for using $4.00 Chicken 🐔 sandwich from Popeye's Chicken. How does that chicken taste now.🤣😏😁😇🫡

[@scottmcelhiney323]

Price depends on if they are Free Range all natural, organic sugar pills.

[@baishihua]

One could argue that the higher price is what makes you take it seriously, hence enhancing the placebo effect. The same way people's enjoyment of wine goes up with its price, even though they can't actually taste the difference in a blind test.

[@garylewis4398]

I was genuinely surprised by this interview. From the little headline adorning the thumbnail of this episode, I expected a whole lot of negativity. I found Dr. Langevin to be open minded, very knowledgeable, and reasonable in her opinions. And for Neal, the things that I eat that are "all natural" don't come with "packaging"!

[@DoctorJack16]

Western medicine is very good in acute situations. Things like suddenly having a heart attack or if one suffered some type of trauma, I feel that we are very good at saving a life. In such circumstances. However, when it comes to chronic disease, it is where western medicine falls short. We mask the symptoms more than anything else. Combine this practice with a society that is increasingly sensitive to any criticisms about one’s lifestyle choices and it is a recipe for very poor long term health. Some patients want to learn but i have found that so many people walk in to a doctor’s clinic and do not want to hear what they can do to make their own situation better long term to treat the root cause of the problem but they simply want a pill. Then, if the clinician attempts to have a deeper conversation, the patient gets offended and files a complaint or threatens you with a bad Yelp or Google review if they do not get what they want. This is not sustainable. I have found complimentary medicine to be the answer to long term solutions combined with patient education and lifestyle modification. That is the answer to increasing one’s lifespan and healthspan. Wishing everyone the greatest wealth in life and that is your health. 😊

[@forgetful3360]

Thank-you Dr Langevin. It's comforting to know that there are people with your knowledge and wisdom at the NIH.

[@boscoblack]

Don’t get too emotional

[@nathanclark2780]

Confirmation bias much? So this fringe doctor representing fringe science in a branch of the NIH founded for the express purpose to prove the benefits of SCAM’s is wise because she agrees with your ignorant and credulous gullibility because you don’t know what you’re talking about?

[@lewisdye1002]

"If some is good, more is better" has been my basic operating system for many years. I don't know how much actual benefit I have derived from this, but I immediately feel that I may have not achieved my overall goal of helping myself by adhering to an incorrect approach to living well. Thanks for updating (I have survived 77 years of it) my overall approach.

[@rickkwitkoski1976]

@lewisdye1002 Linus Pauling, SMART guy, promoted large doses of vitamin C. His ideas were wrong. Too much of anything is no good for you.

[@jr.6199]

This more is better, is a uniquely an American approach and very common in the US. It is why we have more people dying of supplement overdosing in the US.

[@reidloscidem3562]

What really needs to happen is the agency's need to have their own PR and THEY release the information about the study. That way when the public see's some discrepancies, they can have that agency comment on it and then show the people the portal of their studies. I think that would be a good start. And if there is a system like this in place, I do not know anything about it nor is it brought up in medical board meetings. The pandemic was the perfect example between the massive disconnect between the government's agenda, news and science. I know my field in Industrial Hygiene we had a lot of meetings and found that the institution's credibility were being deteriorated because of this. I know it's hard for agency's that are being funded by the government to be honest, but for critical institutions, they should be well insulated from the political spectrum. We're now in 2024 and many people do not trust these institutions at all. It really hurts at time to hear someone in a position of power to disregard a study because of whatever current President is in office. That needs to stop. And in judging by the current climate, it's not going to change any time soon.

[@Neurability]

I support your suggestion. It could start small and work within the scope of an agreed and accepted set of goals and objectives. The existing system of research, review and communication is clearly broken and there is a resulting information vacuum that is presently filled by profit-minded enterprises.

[@rattfink9]

I suggest that the StarTalk should absolutely get one of the people from the Science Based Medicine team, perhaps Doctor Novella, on to comment on many of these claims, especially accupuncture and placebo as "why not" treatments.

[@rattfink9]

It looks like Doctor Novella heard about this episode already. Anyone (should be everyone, really) interested in his resonse can search the Startalk Acupuncture, Universe scale, and other odd news episode of the Skeptic's Guide here on youtube.

[@tn_onyoutube8436]

I just made the exact same point! Get a real doctor on, not this quack.

[@rattfink9]

I think it is easy to see the NIH connection and trust that authority, but we all know what that fallacy is, I hope.

[@Veeefour]

100%

[@olafsimonse]

Fully agree! I usually really admire Neil for his science communication, but here he´s got it all wrong. Accupuncture does not work. Period.

[@Sularus92]

Acupuncture is real medicine. After 2 major back surgeries, shoulder surgery, dealing with anxiety after said procedures, acupuncture (Korean based) drastically changed my life forever in a positive manner. Got rid of the opiates I was prescribed, started a solid regiment of acupuncture, and started using cannabis high in cbd.

[@johnmichalski3402]

Glad you're feeling better, but I remember a widely-reported experiment in which they told the patients they were performing acupuncture when all they were actually doing was poking them with toothpicks. It worked exactly the same. That's a classic placebo.

[@captainzappbrannagan]

preventative medicine is what is missing from health care. I'm not sure this is what this is if it's not based on good studies. I like how direct Neil and team were on with tough questions!!

[@yamilletrivas8041]

I absolutely enjoyed learning about this. I am familiar with a lot of what NIH does, but was not really aware of how big and well funded Integrative Health . Also I love Dr . Helene. She was so fun. Great questions by the StarTalk team.

[@baddoodle6876]

If you are not stretching regularly. Get to it! It's necessary! 😁 I am a martial artist of over 20 years. Which is just exercise and paying attention. Everything in this video is SO IMPORTANT for feeling comfortable in life.

[@johnstevens3598]

What a GREAT(!) 'cast! Thank you Dr. Langevin! Thank you Dr. Tyson! And Gary! And Chuck! This was VERY informative! One thing that I would want Dr. Langevin to discuss the next time she comes on is "Adaptive response" to activity, medicines and complimentary medicines. PLEASE bring her back! Her explanations were so spot on, and so informative! As always, So Good!

[@EmergentStardust]

No mention of cold plunge? That was in the icon of the video...

[@sparksmcgee6641]

Yes there is.

[@squashduos1258]

As for some acupuncture there are X-rays showing multiple fragments in a patient from the tips of the acupuncture needles…not saying all are doing that wonder if NIH have looked into dislodged fragments of acupuncture needles….

[@Renatus_Eruditus]

Drinking is the new smoking, actually. In fact, in terms of overall health risk, it's worse than smoking.

[@rogeriopenna9014]

Drinking what? Dihydrogen monoxide?

[@mvic81818]

When it comes to straight up alcoholism, like 15+ drinks a day, this is absolutely true. The exact number of drinks a day to make this true depends on a lot of factors, so I just kind of randomly picked a pretty high daily consumption btw. The effects of such a large amount of alcohol effects is much more damaging to social and physical health than smoking. However if it’s like 5 or fewer drinks a day, while that wouldn’t be good for you (and once again specific amounts depend on many factors) will almost certainly not be as bad as smoking. But also, the amount of smoking is also a factor. Like I imagine 1 cigarette a day is not as bad as 5 drinks a day. So my this or that amount of drinks in a day I was pretty much going along the lines of comparing to an average pack a day smoker. Show me some research on any of this and I will gladly change my mind, especially because I have been hearing more and more from neurologists and doctors in general about how alcohol is never “good” for you for whatever topic they may be covering at the time.

[@baishihua]

But there is a pretty big area between occasional drinking to full on destructive alcoholism, while in smoking it doesn't take much to be hooked. So yes the worst version of drinking is worse than the worst version of smoking, but it takes much more to get there with drinking.

[@SFiz-b3f]

If you willingly place your hand on a hot flame, you're going to get burned, no matter the type of flame. How much data do you need to prove this theory?

[@humanbean3]

@@baishihua drinking kills other people though if we're talking about physical and mental effects. that should be taken into consideration along with the different levels of smoking and drinking.

[@peterz53]

Neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki, who researches brain plasticity, supports morning exercise topped off with a cold shower for brain health and mood. I do the same and it works for me. Exercise helps a lot in the morning but if I dial down the shower temp to cold for a bit it makes me feel even better.

[@marksandsberry4190]

I believe it was the book 'Life Extension' (author?) which mentioned that having some cold-shower time (within your full shower) invigorates your lymph system. This is thirty-year-old knowledge, of course, and may be suspect.

[@reidloscidem3562]

I naturally do this since the shower at the gym only has cold water. 🤣

[@GeraldH-ln4dv]

My sister has a "PhD" in "natural medicine" and complains that she isn't allowed to call herself a doctor. She got the degree online, of course. I told her that I could go online and get a PhD in underwater basket weaving and it would be just about as valid as her degree is. We don't talk much anymore.

[@TurdBoi-tf5lf]

Your sister's a quack no offence

[@loniwilliams82]

It's easy enough she can change the label to practitioner. It's sounds like it's best she doesn't talk to you. It sounds pretty toxic. 😒

[@GeraldH-ln4dv]

@@loniwilliams82 What's toxic is the BS homeopathic foists off on people as actual medicine. They aren't tested by proper quality double blind studies. When quality studies are done, they always end up showing that the homeopathic supplements are no better than placebos, such as recent double blind studies of gingko biloba and echinacea, both of which have been proven ineffective but are still touted by "natural medicine" quacks. And the manufacturers are completely unregulated. A recent study of multiple melatonin brands found that the inconsistencies in a single batch ran from zero melatonin in the dose to over 10 times the stated melatonin in the dose. That can certainly be toxic. I have no doubt that the same horrible quality control exists in every supplement. Why? Because they are touted as "medicines" by homeopathic sellers but aren't regulated and tested like real medicine. Toxic? Yes, almost certainly, if you mean the homeopathic snake oil sellers and the snake oil itself.

[@nickstoned8660]

Bruh🤦🏾‍♂️, if getting an actual degree was so easy I wouldn't be wasting my time here in the university. You did nothing wrong by pointing out the obvious. 🤷🏾‍♂️And if she really got into that online stuff while thinking that she would be able to call herself a doctor, then they pretty much scammed her if that is what they promised them at the beginning😂.

[@danneerrr]

Historically people have grossly underestimated the difficulty of underwater basket weaving. It’s not just an art, but a science that I think a little more respect could be shown upon

[@katherinemartinez5260]

This is such an amazing interview!!! 👏🏽👏🏽 Coming from a newly licensed nurse fully supportive of complementary and integrative medicine education and care. Thank you!

[@cathycorrigan7106]

I find a lot of podcasts use initials for different departments, institutions, drugs etc thinking that everyone knows what you are referring to. Yes, I am only one country over and I can and do google acronyms but that does interfere with flow of information for me and maybe others. Enjoy the conversations you have!!

[@makellyjt]

Vitamin D dose must be based on consideration of baseline level, kidney health, "health conditions - aka covid" and residential location. Bottom line though, people in the north and south do not go outside, in the hours required to catch those Vit D rays. 😢

[@lovevsmoney6821]

Fantastic Voyage was a great movie! It’s what got me interested in the medical field when I was young, even though it was kinda out there.

[@michaelccopelandsr7120]

Got me interested in Rachel Welch. ;-P

[@lovevsmoney6821]

@@michaelccopelandsr7120 Also a valid reason! I mean-Who could resist? She was the bees knees! 😉

[@annwagner5779]

I’m from Bethesda, Maryland, home of NIH. I’m always thrilled to learn more about their work. Thank you!

[@davidt3956]

My favorite example of the placebo effect was long ago. Hospitals wanted to know if pot really worked for chemo anti-nausea. They gave pills. In a blind study, pot was rated as helping, but not as much as the regular drugs. When it wasn't blind, and people knew that's what they were getting, it was rated as helping more than the standard drugs.

[@shannonbarber6161]

Great example of how subterfuge science is enacted and how an intelligent agent can build extreme bias into a study to legitimize their manipulation - You do the pot to build appetite in-spite-of the nausea.

[@davidt3956]

@@shannonbarber6161 No, you take the THC to control the nausea so that you can eat. This is science, not magical thinking. From the NIH site, in 2023, an article abstract, "One of the first documented medicinal uses of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) was for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), and recent evidence is accumulating to suggest a role for the endocannabinoid system in modulating CINV."

[@elliottgussow9555]

In all scientific research other than health, going from conjecture to hypothesis to theory can take decades or centuries. Since health research can affect current health problems, there is a motive for rushing from hypothesis to clinic.

[@kathrynsamuelson1983]

O e problem is that, because of modern farming methods, our soils are nutrient deficient, so our food is as well.

[@ecospider5]

It is a big problem

[@kathrynsamuelson1983]

@@ecospider5 Yes indeed

[@reidloscidem3562]

Is there anything we can do to fix that?

[@kathrynsamuelson1983]

@@reidloscidem3562 You might want to read Gabe Browns book Dirt to Soil. It's a movement among farmers to use what's called regenerative agriculture. Once they convert, it's actually cheaper as they aren't buying herbicides and pesticides.

[@JohnBrookes-n7y]

In my high school chemistry class (1960) it was stressed that when a formula called for a specific amount of something, adding more was not necessarily better and often harmful.

[@athanatic]

I love watching Chuck go right for the science! Every episode he is more born again Hard (Scientist!) NIH: When I google for any health-related thing, I get a good NIH page more often then not!

[@davidt3956]

Chuck is the Greek Chorus. He's us, only funnier.

[@zackf3688]

Im a certified Rolfer and notice that autonomics and appropriately stressing tissue seems to be reliably helpful.

[@CliffSedge-nu5fv]

People just like being touched.

[@johnanderson290]

5 minutes in and I had to comment already… Chuck Nice is a riot!! 🤣😂

[@rarephoenix]

Been there 😂

[@oftenlucid]

Can not agree. He just throws the whole conversation off the rails for really dumb jokes. He is the sole reason I don't watch more of these. . . .

[@rarephoenix]

@@oftenlucid weird - the show wouldn't have a profitable audience without Chuck.

[@oftenlucid]

@@rarephoenix Huh? And where did you pull that bit of wisdom out of? Who is the bigger draw, NDT or Chuck? I would argue it would be more "profitable" if he were not there. I would rather listen to NDT speak, who is funny enough on his own, than see the conversation be derailed constantly by sophomoric humor.

[@edwardhugus2772]

Chuck is EXHAUSTING, I would much rather watch without him, in fact I would watch MORE without him.

[@CrazyCuteThing]

Moderation in all things... including moderation

[@MuskyMarmot]

-Socrates

[@rforan12]

No. Worst saying of all time.

[@michaelccopelandsr7120]

Neil and Chuck for 2024!

[@brianstevens7241]

how do i get this channel to stop autoplaying?

[@pmc9941]

I went to see the 1981 movie Blade Runner last wednesday. A very slow paced, hypnotic movie that had the same effect on me as that cryochamber :) I felt relaxed and refreshed. Plus I saw a cinematic masterpiece :)

[@Russia-bullies]

You should see The Jungle Book cartoon show.

[@CASHEW44]

Do you believe that since 90% or more of the items found at GNC&other places that sell Supplement or companies that make claims to potential customers/consumers should by law be made to have every product sold tested by the FDA or Companies that have testing so the people who are buying any of that stuff should have a right to know not just what they are buying but putting into their bodies? I think it's not just the moral thing to do but as a company that claims to be natural and healthy should be tested&,if they aren't then not only should they be shut down till everything is tested but they should be held responsible if any product affects someone negatively. What are your thoughts?

[@notthere83]

In my opinion, she didn't point out some important things about multivitamins. The amounts of vitamin A and E are usually just what you need per day and so far away from the TUIL that regardless of what you eat, you won't hit it. Oily fish - yeah right, load up your body with toxic crap that's in them as well, that'll help. Vitamin D level can vary widely and it's not feasible to test them like every other month. About 90% of the times that I've been tested, I was deficient. Which means that I was likely deficient most of the time because I only got prescribed vitamin D for a few weeks and then I apparently soon go into deficiency again. Most nutrients are never tested for unless you have a deficiency that's so severe that you exhibit distinct symptoms. But that doesn't mean that the levels of various nutrients in your body are optimal (or even sufficient). Which can cause all sorts of problems. For example, I repeatedly saw specialists due to throat pain. "Well, some chronic inflammation - if the symptoms don't get worse, it's nothing to worry about." But they did worsen, my body also started to suffer from being bad at regulating temperature. One thyroid specialist then told me to remove all iodine from my diet and take selenium. Fortunately, bad experiences with doctors have made me very cautious over the years. So when one pill of selenium was enough to trigger additional problems, I did research on this and realized that my problem is likely iodine DEFICIENCY (I'm a vegan and don't use iodized salt) - during which one should absolutely NOT take selenium. An iodine test confirmed this, I started taking multivitamins that supplies 100% iodine (multivitamin because I've also been deficient in folate twice in the past - which the first time was only discovered by the FOURTH doctor I saw about my shortness of breath problems and who called it "a lucky guess"!) and after a few weeks, the throat pain disappeared. After around half a year, my body temperature had normalized.

[@allUCmazda]

Your anecdotes and opinions mean little when you consider objective science and medicine.

[@notthere83]

​@@allUCmazda All of my claims are backed by science and medicine. (Although - I'm admittedly not absolutely sure about whether heavy metals were the problem with fish. Could've been something else. Been a few years.) Your comment however, is totally useless, since you don't present any counter arguments, never mind sources.

[@allUCmazda]

@@notthere83 you say I didn’t cite sources… but I’m not the one making anecdotal claims and stating opinions as facts. You literally state in your opening paragraph, “in my opinion…” you told a literal anecdote about your experience which is great for you. But means little in the grand scheme of things. We (humans) know iodine is important. That’s why we started adding it to table salt many years ago. I’m glad you found a good solution for you. Heavy metals are filtered out of fish oil. So that claim is outright false. Nothing toxic about fish oil. DHA is very beneficial for your body in several ways, brain and cardiovascular health to name some. EPA probably not so necessary to supplement but that goes for most supplements. Vitamin D varies day to day. The best solution is to get sun exposure so your body can create its own. This process is much more effective than oral supplements of vitamin D but in some locations during winter it is harder to get naturally, so some may try to supplement.

[@NoWay1969]

This was excellent. I've always told the joke that what you call "alternative medicine" that works is just "medicine," but I like the framing here that if it works as a placebo alongside "medicine," then why not. I've re-examined my position, and that's always a good thing.

[@njones420]

i was halfway through typing that joke when I read your comment :) I decided to hit cancel.

[@Lonnie123]

Plenty of reasons why not. To sum it up, for people who seek it out It usually doesn’t sit along side the stuff that actually works it tends to replace it or delay it AKA people try acupuncture or homeopathy instead of chemotherapy, and only after it fails do they seek the real medicine when it may be too late Given that none of this stuff is shown to do anything, there is no benefit to advocating its use in any scenario. It’s all risk/cost with no benefit Here doctor Novellas response in a segment here for a deep dive: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmiclHd9fNGfaMk

[@NoWay1969]

@@Lonnie123 It is presented in the video as something to be used alongside actual medicine under the advisement of a doctor. Also, no one in the video above is arguing that it's anything other than subjective. If someone's subjective experience is that acupuncture lessens their pain to a degree where they can take less medication, good for them. It wouldn't work for me. Give me the drugs, but I would also expect that someone inclined toward acupuncture is also probably someone inclined toward abusing pain medicine.

[@stanleyandrew840]

The answer is balance! One size doesn’t fit all. Personal evaluation is what’s needed to be promoted!

[@danabee3775]

You said it!

[@wendykleeb2071]

So many whole herbs seem to have positive effects. Research is needed. Big pharma shouldn't control all research. Let's talk. Cost is a big issue. I really love major medical sites that do address herbs and plant medicinal information. Preparation and dosage is important too.

[@xxdReaMcHas3r913]

I wonder how much facilities/pharmacies would bill insurance companies for placebo treatments? And most importantly, what would my copay be?

[@tomespinoza3021]

Thanks Helene for the very interesting information.

[@kayfrick7129]

THANKS! for a wonderful discussion. An important health topic I would love to see you discuss is Toxicant Induced Loss of Tolerance. I and thousands like me have been sheltering in place and social distancing for over decade due to perfectly legal toxicants added to nearly every product. Personal care and laundry products are among the worse! We are human canaries that can't sing anymore, and nobody is paying any attention to the warning until they become a canary themselves. It has been about a decade since I have even seen a doctor, because avoiding toxicants is the only treatment for TILT and hospitals and doctors' offices are full of toxicants.

[@scenespin]

Pretty tough to watch. But glad I did. Now I understand where the wasted Billions went that could have gone into physics and epidemiology.

[@jaynine]

Right on. Very misleading at a time when people are already gullible to instant bogus cures touted by social media. I don't think she meant to do that but this interview cried out for a different expert in the field being present to issue some warnings on all these vague, uncritical generalities. Neil, et al, are smart but not in this field

[@JiggyPiggy-z2f]

Fr she couldn’t answer anything in depth…doctor 🙄

[@rarephoenix]

I still think the wasted billions are in the military sector. These guys in complementary medicine including NASA together have a fraction of the budget. I say double both medicine and complementary medicine budgets and reduce the military. ❤

[@ZedNebuloid]

​@@rarephoenixTrue, US spends as much as the next 9 countries combined on "defense spending" and half those counters are our allies.

[@TurdBoi-tf5lf]

​@@rarephoenix nah, this is worse than military

[@Elfmonkeyjacks]

I'm glad this video discusses yoga, and I appreciate Dr. Langevin's point that yoga is not just about moving your body but also about paying attention, which is so true for anyone who has tried the practice. However, I wish they had delved more into the mental benefits of yoga. Another often-overlooked aspect is meditation. Many practitioners would argue that yoga isn’t truly "yoga" without meditation (depending on the practice). It’s said that the physical movement prepares one for meditation. Some research on this aspect would be incredibly enlightening. Additionally, yoga emphasizes self-acceptance and moderation, depending on the practice. For example, while it's true that increasing flexibility is a goal, it’s not the focus. If you can't stretch as far in one session compared to a previous one (or as far as someone else), it’s often taught that this is perfectly okay, and that you are enough just as you are. It’s about continuous improvement with patience along the way. I'd love to see some research exploring the effects of this mindset.

[@georgieh91]

she didnt like the grapes to french fries joke🤦‍♂️😂

[@jaynine]

I don't think she understood what he was getting at.

[@Chicago_Native]

She definitely didn't get it. I'm not sure how either. It was an easy one.

[@squirlmy]

she also said "french fries don't have many vitamins... let's stick to vegetables." Well, french fries are potatoes=vegetables, grapes are fruit, so ??? Also in trying to define "drugs" as "strongly affecting metabolic pathways" well, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients can do that too, in a variety of circumstances. Can't we just accept "drug" is a completely arbitrary term? People call different herbs and different substances "drugs" when it fits their definition in the moment. It's even more obvious with recreational "drugs". when someone starts talking that way, I get extra skeptical, they're lecturing, not explaining.

[@MiaAtSebs]

he should've went with Wine

[@isatousarr7044]

Alternative/complementary medicine offer various approaches to health and wellness, often focusing on holistic and natural remedies alongside conventional treatments. While these methods can provide additional options and support, their integration with mainstream healthcare requires careful consideration. How can we best evaluate and integrate alternative/complementary therapies to ensure they complement conventional medicine effectively and safely?

[@m6h3r]

Gary is awesome.

[@S.I.N.G.H]

What's the name of the movie?

[@miravlix]

People seem to forget that because one woman grew up to be a famous dancer, as her parents abused her, doesn't mean you make famous dancers by abusing them. It means that DESPITE the abuse a few exceptional people can become famous dancers, but the statistics is clear and more people become famous dancers with good parents. It's really important to not confuse DESPITE and BECAUSE...

[@TurdBoi-tf5lf]

You said it

[@andrewgjkgjk]

NIH should start doing some advertising about some of their findings of high popular interest, not just about the existence of the NIH.

[@SheSweetLikSugarNSavage]

12:24 Neil makes a very good point.

[@noway9081]

Increasing small stresses builds resilient as your body gets used to the stress. That's the current accepted theory as to how static stretching increases flexibility. It's the same way how when you put on socks that are too tight in the morning, you feel it right away, but as the day goes on, you stop noticing. You brain turns down the discomfort signal so you can focus on other things.

[@SinisterMD]

As a physician I think it's always important to be adaptive and accepting of alternative therapies...but the huge asterisk is that you have to prove that they work. Many believe that "alternative or complementary medicine" means that traditional medicine doesn't work or is just there to feed big pharma. Medicine is science, plain and simple. If you can prove a treatment works then it's medicine. If you believe that colloidal silver (oral) will treat or cure any condition then you are wrong. I also see that many will hide behind the title of a holistic approach or complementary treatments but in fact have no scientific basis for their treatments, sadly just doing wallet biopsies on unsuspecting people.

[@janesimpson8590]

Medicine is constantly evolving and complex. It resembles an art as much as a science. Science is involved in much of medicine. The $$ and business influence makes that difficult.

[@channelsusan7252]

I was skeptical of acupuncture and chiropractic adjustment until it worked on my dog. One visit and an acute problem from an injury was fixed.

[@dylanfell6975]

very cool guest and interesting topic.

[@laskatz3626]

Fantastic discussion! I just signed up for her newsletter. I’ve always known that food is medicine and have been skeptical of supplements. My sister’s doctor told her to eat tums every day for calcium. I don’t know if it’s a coincidence but she has so many allergies and stomach problems.

[@MondoLeStraka]

Chuck's funny with the impersonations!

[@cordellsenior9935]

I find him to be positively annoying. He's silly; not funny. His comments are simplistic. His jokes are childish. Not even sophomoric. I like the show more if he was not a part of it.

[@rbee6507]

"You're like the 50 Cent of back surgeries"...I laughed Chuck! Underrated science communicator. Underrated comedian! Hope to see another special soon if it feels right! You are funnier on this channel alone than most of the comics getting specials currently!

[@trashwebsite_user01]

Hes a great comedian but that is literally his worst joke... 😂

[@pamelaellis2291]

My doctor actually asked me what over the counter medicines and supplements I took.

[@ecospider5]

My kidney stone doctor looked at my chart and saw I was taking vitamin C. He said, that increases your risk for more kidney stones. So unless it is treating something specific, stop taking it. Yes it’s very important to have your OTC drugs and supplements in your chart. I don’t think that is done enough yet. There should also be a section on how you eat. Vegetarian, meat and potatoes only, large dessert every night, ect…

[@EndeavorsDnB]

Yes, tht is something ur dr. should know, if u do partake upon them.

[@Wildman-zh8lg]

For good reason

[@Sicram]

​@@ecospider5Only if you're male though. It doesn't seem to affect females.

[@KC53557]

Great discussion. If you want to really learn about the benefits of ice baths (which I now swear by). You should invite the Ice Man Wim Hoff on. There is way more to this than what this Dr has described. One unanticipated benefit / risk I’ve witnessed is weight loss. I went from 195 to 180 and I can’t add any more weight no matter what I eat. I have not really changed my exercise routine or eating habits but I have been taking daily cold showers for over 3 years.

[@smithtorreysmith]

At Endiatx we are making tiny robots that swim in the stomach. We just gave a TED talk for PillBot! 13:00

[@thecommentor4914]

Hey Neil, what do you think about the Karl Nell interview with salt. That guy has more credibility, credentials and obviously way more clearance that you have.

[@johnnylayton1672]

"The NIH's mandate does not include tolerating jokes, sir."

[@ecospider5]

She had a really hard time with that in the first half

[@HughMacLeod42]

Humour and laughing is healthy.

[@martinu.299]

I would like to have the job of Chuck Nice. Just listening without initial preparation and provide funny comments on every possible occasion. Dream job

[@SquidandCatAdventures]

I found this doc so interesting and easy to understand. Love this guest.

[@Russia-bullies]

Thanks for the info.Langevin.More of it,pls.

[@Jazzmaster58]

About the green powders with nutrients vs. eating proper food, lady doctor left out one of the most important aspects of eating food which is, chewing and the chemical advantage.of salivary input in digestion. Whole rice chewing from macrobiotic, that's what people should do before eating whatever else.

[@alswedgin9274]

41:50 that's me.. than again..i only stretch so much.. My nervous system tells me what's right..and i sometimes need to take it easy cause i'm hyper-flexible and sometimes take it easy cause i'm hypo..stiff...

[@kariannecrysler640]

A wholistic approach to our heath is the smartest thing we can do. We evolved from this environment, so everything we need for basic functionality should be readily available in our daily lives…. As long as we aren’t using too many human created substances. I would love more research into how preservatives & additives affect our bodies. Without increasing my physical activity, but eliminating overly processed foods, I lost 80 lbs & weight loss has never occurred through traditional calorie adjustments & exercise for me. My mental health is also tied to my weight loss abilities & it would benefit us to have a better understanding of how this can be utilized throughout the different expressions of human minds (I am neurodivergent with autistic tendencies). Such an exciting field to be working in and I hope it explodes in the future!

[@jac1111]

Congratulations on your success!

[@kariannecrysler640]

@@jac1111 🥰

[@tn_onyoutube8436]

Well done. But to be clear, you did what medical doctors tell us to do - eat less, eat non-processed foods. You might think this is some innovative holistic advice, but it’s what doctors have been saying for years - though they do suggest exercise too!

[@CliffSedge-nu5fv]

Fallacious reasoning.

[@tomtazio]

I don't think you guys went into this enough... And i think part of the reason for that was that you were approaching the subject with a "pinch of salt" attitude. I think the placebo conversation you were having is absolutely fascinating and i THINK could lead on to a conversation about how we receive gifts from people we trust (doctors, medical experts) versus receiving the same thing from people we do not trust or revere. The 'action of receiving' as it were. Do people who can trust receive more from peers than people who can't. Do another one!

[@marceloleal1957]

That look in Garys face when he talks about cold baths, I'm pretty sure he knows first-hand about the Wim Hof breathing method.

[@formulaic78]

I tried that and really liked it (just the breathing part). Then I read that many people have developed tinnitis as a result of doing it. So I stopped.

[@marceloleal1957]

@@formulaic78 I have no idea what you are talking about, but I've been doing the cold showers and breathings these past few years, and it has really improved my life a lot!

[@formulaic78]

@@marceloleal1957 that's good. For the tinnitus thing go look it up. If you haven't experienced it after two years you probably never will.

[@michael-bell]

Can you tell me, does this guest say if the cold plunge is worth it?

[@wordswords2094]

NgDTs question at about 12:30 was great.

[@Desaved]

I almost didn't watch this, but I'm glad I did. I want to try accupuncture for sleep and other things I heard. Will also share more with my doctor.

[@pooperman-oq8di]

I’ve been seeing an increase in the use of strange “exercising” supplements. Some of them are extremely specialized chemicals. I always worry for the workout supplements.

[@LauraoAirylea]

I tried acupuncture to treat my really cold feet and hands. It really helped improve blood. It involved sessions with needles in my legs and stickers on my ear that could be rubbed to stimulate areas of the body.

[@baishihua]

Highly recommend it for improving quality of life.

[@maryannbrown5762]

Acupuncture was one of the first modalities to be studied when the new department for the study of complementary medicine was added at the NIH (approx.20 yrs ago). My health insurance covers up to 20 acupuncture sessions per year. It is an ancient healing modality that has been used in China for thousands of years.

[@SiqueScarface]

@@maryannbrown5762 Actually, what you get as acupuncture is very young, as it was codified only in the 1950. The idea of poking needles into your skin is older, but none of the systematics are. In fact, in Germany, there was a big study in the 1990ies and early 2000 about the effects of acupuncture compared with randomly poking needles into the skin as a treatment for chronic pain, and albeit having a positive effect, they didn't differ in their outcome. You can scratch all that "ancient Chinese wisdom" stuff. Poking your skin with needles helps with pain (but so does rubbing and scratching and all the other treatments we as humans did already before we were humans).

[@YorkyPoo_UAV]

All great but the one thing I would like to have come up would have been acclimation/tolerances and how your body may make more receptors to accommodate.

[@undeadly1103]

it was kind of lovely to hear Neil get corrected on "alternative" medicine after correcting Gary on "stance" 🤭🥰 much love to y'all. listen all the time

[@ericwilliams2546]

I am a nurse and I love the placebo effect. People seem to think that placebo means it's false or doesn't work. I like to say it means, it works but we dont know how yet. And if we can heal someone or make someone feel better without using heavy pharmacological processes then why not? I will do what I have to do to help you heal, even if I don't understand or believe it. Of course that's if it doesn't harm anyone and it's ethical.

[@wjrasmussen666]

I use placebo effect for decades. It works.

[@vulcanfeline]

as long as you're not paying hard earned money for it...

[@wjrasmussen666]

@@vulcanfeline Any real medical treatment I get from the VA. While is sucks to get damaged in service, the VA has me covered medically.

[@sbabymoney3204]

How are you using the placebo effect? Can you give a practical example?

[@RunningWithSauce]

I have a rare disease called Systemic Mastocytosis. It’s like a form of leukemia but of my Mast cells. When I was doing a bone marrow biopsy the researchers at the University asked me if I wanted to do two Biopsies one from each illiac crest (hip bones). One for the university and one for the NIH/NIC. I did gladly.

[@janerkenbrack3373]

Homeopathy is not a complementary medicine. It isn't medicine at all. It is a confidence game, separating suckers from their money.

[@TurdBoi-tf5lf]

Ayurveda too

[@janerkenbrack3373]

@@TurdBoi-tf5lf I had to google that to know what it is. It did say it includes yoga and herbal medicines, which can actually help the body, as opposed to homeopathy which cannot.

[@johnmichalski3402]

Once you educate yourself about the essential principles of homeopathy--you can find this on their own websites--any sensible person would have to conclude that it simply CANNOT have any medicinal effect whatsoever.

[@Eric1396]

Such a great topic and informative interview.

[@takingbacktheplanet]

wow. one of the most interesting health / star talks i've ever heard in my life. :) unfortunately it may take 10-25 years who knows until the whole system is able to deal with things at a level (and understanding, by that time's standard) that she does. amazing. 🤩 i will be sending that to my loved ones absolutely..... (addition: everyone should watch this, no matter their personal perspectives/opinions.)

[@markyboyclark]

I really liked the episode, thanks Team.

[@glenncurry3041]

"How my taxes are used!" Simple our taxes are used by the NIH and with coordination with Universities also doing the medical research, to find life saving chemicals. Once a life saving medicine is found using your tax money, the patent is given to some Corporation for them to make massive profits off of and deny that cure from the masses!

[@64lowlife]

It's time to have a sit down with Terrance Howard 😊.

[@whatabouttheearth]

😂😂😂 he's a lost cause

[@whatabouttheearth]

😂😂😂 he's a lost cause

[@NicholasNerios]

Very informative

[@patrick-quora]

I'm kinda disappointed with how you guys glossed over acupuncture.. Like really, last time I had a blood sample taken from a nurse it took like 4-5 tries before the nurse hit my vein, which is only like 100+ times thicker than any nerve a so called acupuncturist claims to aim at while they randomly stick needles into your skin, and at most if not all times never get deeper than the thickness of your skin.

[@Llyd_ApDicta]

"More is better..." is an american thing. Where I live, we get told "...that the degree of toxicity is only caused by the dose." At 25 litres per day even water becomes toxic.

[@z1berzerker]

Try some Blue Green Algae 🤷🍀

[@Paislywalls4767]

I believe its a Human condition. Extreme wealth is scattered All Over the world. Yet the majority is Lucky to be middle class. That thinking of ' what Americans are '? Is just propaganda ... look up honest statistics to base ones beliefs. 🕊

[@Llyd_ApDicta]

@@z1berzerker Which ones? The toxic variety or the ones in my salad?

[@adlockhungry304]

We have that saying in the US too. “The dose makes the poison.” It’s just that not many people abide by that wisdom.

[@ijanx]

Ear acupuncture was developed in France a couple hundred of years ago, not yet practiced for thousands of years

[@alswedgin9274]

32:00 excellent psychological point. You create your own goal and 'win'..

[@AmanBansil]

I’m glad they spoke about “greens powders” - I was wondering about that myself.

[@Nope-w3c]

What an incredibly well-spoken woman.

[@jgom4674]

Wow great video thank you all

[@auturgicflosculator2183]

I consented to suggested acupuncture for nerve pain, thinking that it was BS, but feeling desperate. My pain eased for days afterward. Might not be BS...or might be super sneaky unconscious placebo.

[@xantiom]

The doctor explains it in the video. It can be several causes, placebo can be one, but it may not be the full story.

[@auturgicflosculator2183]

@@xantiom Don't worry, I watched the video and I don't base my conclusions on personal anecdotes.

[@andy1977]

It is BS and also PS (pseudo science). There isn't single high quality study so far that shows acupuncture to work. In fact, if you ask ten random acupuncture practitioners, they can't even agree on where exactly to put the needle in and which acupuncture point does what. Google "Dr. Steven Novella acupuncture", he writes about that extensively on his science based medicine blog. He also does a great science podcast called The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe. It's possible that it was the placebo effect (just the experience of being treated, having someone to care for you for an extended period of time can do that), it's also possible that the pain would have went away on its own.

[@TurdBoi-tf5lf]

Definitely placebo

[@PrashantKarade-r4x]

This reminds me to ancient Sanskrit Proverb - "Ati sarrvatra varjayet" Translation - Too much of anything is bad. I'm glad in the west we're starting to have this conversation that brings us more in harmony with our eco system.

[@jorgelandois1163]

Having an "Alternative/Complementary" medicine department at NIH is like having a "Cheesology" department at NASA to study what kinds of cheeses the moon is made of...

[@ssssssstssssssss]

I think it is okay for scientifically validating alternative medicines because some of them are valid. But once they are scientifically validated, they are no longer alternative. Meditation is a good example. That was considered "alternative" in the 90s, I believe, but now it is scientifically validated and called "mindfulness" for some reason. It helps in the converse as well, by showing that an alternative medicine is not valid. Not that people who are into alternative medicine will listen though.

[@nomandad2000]

Doesn’t hurt to keep a toe dipped in the water…It’s a bit presumptuous to blanket dismiss the idea of exploring alternatives to conventional medicine. Many of our cures and modern treatments have roots in alternative and holistic treatments.

[@forgetful3360]

Listen again to the discussion around acupuncture, about 22 minutes in. Hopefully doing so will help you realize how dumb your comment is.

[@robertolobo6548]

Excelent interview! Thanks y'all!