Quick Fix - Caveat Emptor

A few months back, I have read an article on the "Dr. Coconut" theory, which described the virgin coconut oil as the "healthiest oil on earth." Since its discovery was originated from the coconut land, such controversy is creating a wistful outlook on the Philippine coconut industry. Likewise, it is an inspiring tool for scientists to explore on the beneficial effects on people with immune-suppressed health (such as AIDS). However, as we look at the overall populate world, we must also take into account the many other factors that affect people's health.

In reading that article over and over, it made me realize how it amplified one purpose - by advocating and lobbying for one's financial benefit, but grievously least focused on the populate world's health benefit. Although the substance contained in Vitamin E found in coconut oils provides healthful benefit on the immune system, the effects on the coconut oil's saturated fat properties remain as contributing factors in heart disease. To this date, the health scientific arena has not shown its definite findings that support the "Dr. Coconut" theory.

Let's look at the many fad diets and examine how much this "fad diet power" becomes a phenomenon that engulfed the world. Because of its strong advocacy through media relations, it produced a monumental financial pyramid growing into the bank accounts of the "fad diet" founder or originator. Again, such phenomenon is grossly focused on "quick fix" as this particular notion easily triggers the society's "trick or treat" mental process.

The "fad diet power" has convinced millions of people around the world by adapting to this hastily formed theory that "high-fat high-cholesterol foods" which made up the Low-Carb High-Protein Diet has not essentially shown health risk. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) cited the Southern Medical Journal case report of a 16-year old Missouri girl who died while following a Low-Carb High-Protein diet. The report indicated that the girl's diet might have contributed to problematic cardiac (heart) rhythm that killed her. Another case reported was about a person from Florida who followed the same diet, which resulted in his skyrocketing blood cholesterol levels. That person suffered chest pain and required immediate heart surgery.

Let's take a look at different "fad power" phenomena - the magic diet pills. Many of these magic pills quickly became famous and thus creating financial pyramidal company growth. However, as people started dying and lawsuits increasing, the financial pyramid began to crumble as well. As clinician, I feel sad on mankind's behalf as many victims who suffered the demise of "quick fix" didn't realize its adverse effects until they face their own demise or an untimely death of a loved one.

Many people wonder as to how and why such phenomenon became too powerful? That is because "fad" spreads like a virus and it doesn't choose which area it should stay. Instead it spreads everywhere. The unfortunate "fall-out" on this phenomenon is that many who became grave victims of this menacing "fad" chose to ignore the warnings and signs of danger ahead.

The United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the American Heart Association (AHA), protect and safeguard the American population by working as regulatory watchdogs against "fad diet power." Without them, the health safety of the American population would desolate while the "fad power" produces a magnifying financial pyramid for its maker or founder. As a clinician, through the power of public information-education, I continue to caution people for their public outcry for "quick fix."

Many have asked me as to why haven't I have done something to help prevent such "fad power" from surging the public sphere? How could I? - when such work requires an outpouring government support. As a full-time clinical dietitian my time is spent on the daily patient care tasks, therefore, I leave the regulating to the appropriate government "watchdogs" to do the job.

The overwhelming public outcry for "quick fix" is hurting people instead of helping them. It is because without proper guidance from experts like us, the immediate solutions achieved are short-lived and thus, people will succumb to frustrations leading to failed goals, and ultimately suffer from the long-term adverse impact from the "quick fix" approach. For many years, I have advocated volunteer teaching the "young" to help shape a healthy world in my own little way. It is my professional and humane duty to provide the best and useful nutrition information to the public through this website. My endmost advice is "caveat emptor" - do not disregard the healthful warnings. It is your duty to assimilate, absorb facts and seek professional help that suits your concerns or conditions.

-- Ofelia B. Mutia, M.S.,R.D.,L.D.

Resources and Acknowledgments

• ADA - The American Dietetic Association
• AHA - American Heart Association
• FDA - Food & Drug Administration
• NIH - The National Institutes of Health
• PCRM - Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine