Policy For Discussing Non-FDA Approved Treatments

Elizabeth and I feel that it is very important to ensure that the advice given here is medically sound. When it comes to alternative treatments, there's a dilemma. Do we allow discussion of anything or focus instead on mainstream practices? We can never predict which oddball idea will turn out to be the next breakthrough. This decision is further complicated by the number of spammers trying to promote snake oil cures. The following rules attempt to strike a balance between maintaining a high quality of advice and exploring alternative methodologies.

Allowed

1. Discuss your personal experiences with a non-traditional treatment. This includes herbs, unusual diets, acupuncture, etc.

Not Allowed

1. Suggesting that others change their course of treatment without consulting their doctor. This is a MAJOR violation of board policy because it involves offering medical advice.
2. Discussing a specific brand of product or service. It is okay to talk about the benefits of cinnamon, but you cannot discuss a specific brand or source.
3. Linking to a website that makes a profit from the information posted. This includes online stores, authors, homeopathic medical practices, etc. It is okay to link to articles in mainstream medical and news sites like the ADA, JDRF, and New York Times.

I would also like to stress two very important warnings:

1. Supplements can cause interactions or increase your chance of disease. Just because something is called a vitamin or supplement does not make it harmless. For example, a study recently demonstrated that taking Selenium daily increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 50% (source). Grapefruit juice can cause life-threatening interactions with a wide-range of prescription drugs (source). It is important to let your doctor and pharmacist know what you are putting in your body.
2. Consult your doctor before changing your treatment regimen. The consequences of poor treatment decisions can be devastating. Be skeptical of anything you read on the Internet and run all changes past your doctor.

If you have suggestions or comments on the above rules, please reply or send me a private message.

__________________
David
Co-Founder of DailyHealth.net