Joseph Mercola 3902499 226026110 2008-07-16T14:26:06Z Keepcalmandcarryon 7015792 [[WP:UNDO|Undid]] revision 226014321 by [[Special:Contributions/Madmagrider|Madmagrider]] ([[User talk:Madmagrider|talk]])rv OR and SYN {{Articleissues | advert = June 2008| primarysources = April 2007}} '''Joseph Mercola''', D.O. (born 1954), is an [[Osteopathic medicine in the United States|osteopathic]] [[physician]], health activist, and [[entrepreneur]] practicing in [[Hoffman Estates, IL]]<ref>[http://www.mercola.com/forms/nptour/index.htm#locdir]</ref> (near [[Chicago]]). He is the author of two ''[[New York Times]]'' best-sellers, ''The No-Grain Diet'' (with Alison Rose Levy), and ''The Great Bird Flu Hoax'', together with several other books. He is best known as founder and editor of the website Mercola.com. On his website, he advocates [[diet (nutrition)|diet]]ary and [[lifestyle]] approaches to health. He criticizes many of the practices of [[medicine|mainstream medicine]] and the [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA), particularly [[vaccination]] and the frequent use of prescription drugs and surgery to treat diseases. On the website, he also promotes and sells a variety of products. Mercola has received a pair of warnings from the FDA for marketing nutritional products in a manner which violated the [[Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act]].<ref name="fda1">[http://www.fda.gov/cder/warn/cyber/2005/CL134e.pdf FDA warning 1: Living Fuel Rx, Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil, and Chlorella] issued to Mercola for promoting products on his website "for conditions that cause these products to be drugs", contrary to the [[Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act]]), Public Health Service of the FDA (February 16, 2005).</ref><ref name="fda2">[http://www.fda.gov/foi/warning_letters/g6034d.pdf FDA warning 2: Vibrant Health Research Chlorella XP, Fresh Shores Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Vitamin K<SUB>2</SUB><SUP>TM</SUP>, and Momentum Health Products<SUP>TM</SUP>, Cardio Essentials<SUP>TM</SUP>, Nattokinase NSK-SD, and others] 21 Sept 2006. issued a year later, sent following a personal investigation of facilities on April 24, 2006 by FDA authorities.</ref> He is a member of the [[conservatism in the United States|politically conservative]] [[Association of American Physicians and Surgeons]], as well as several [[alternative medicine]]-related organizations.<ref>[http://www.mercola.com/forms/background.htm Mercola.com: My Background]</ref> ==Website== Started in 1997, Mercola.com presents articles on health-related topics, sells products, and solicits for new patients. ==Background== Mercola is a 1976 graduate of the University of Illinois and a 1982 graduate of the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine.<ref>[http://www.nutrition4health.org/NOHAnews/Biographies/MercolaBio.htm Nutrition4Health biographies: JOSEPH MERCOLA, DO World Renowned Dietary Physician ], Retrieved September 27, 2006</ref> According to Mercola's website, he is a former Chairman of the [[Family Medicine]] department at St. Alexius Medical Center in Illinois and served as editor of a book about HIV published in 1989 by Abbott Laboratories.<ref>[http://www.mercola.com/forms/background.htm My Qualifications], accessed 11 Jan 2007</ref> ==Diet== Mercola considers diet to be among the most important lifestyle changes for enhancing well-being and longevity. He claims that a well-balanced diet should include mostly natural, unprocessed foods, while excluding processed and artificial foods. He sees value in [[paleolithic diet]]s and advocates tailoring food consumption to individualized [[metabolic typing]], developed by [[William Wolcott]] and promoted in a book by Mercola.{{Fact|date=July 2008}}<!-- what book is this? --> He encourages using water filters, including the process of reverse osmosis, to purify drinking water, and opposes water chlorination and [[water fluoridation controversy|fluoridation]]. ===Dietary recommendations=== Examples of foods he recommends include fresh vegetables and [[vegetable juice]], wild [[salmon]], [[fish oil]], ([[cod liver oil]] in winter), fermented foods like [[kefir]], raw foods including [[raw milk]] products, raw [[Egg (food)|eggs]], [[grass fed beef]], [[ostrich]] meat and traditionally used fats such as virgin [[olive oil]] and [[coconut oil]]. Foods he recommends avoiding include [[pasteurized milk]], [[homogenized milk]], most [[fish]] (due to [[Mercury (element)|mercury]] content), [[trans fats]], certain processed vegetable fats (such as [[Maize|corn]] and [[canola]] oil), [[soy]] products, [[artificial sweetener]]s, [[sugar]], [[starches]], and for those with elevated insulin levels (such as anyone who is overweight, diabetic, or has high blood pressure or high cholesterol) he also advises avoiding all grain products (including "even whole unprocessed grains, and alternative grains like quinoa, amaranth, millet and teff"), [[fruit juice]]s (including fresh-squeezed fruit juices), and canned, packaged or artificial foods. This is very similar to what is often called a [[Paleolithic diet]] and the diet promoted by the [[Weston A. Price Foundation]]. ===Controversial dietary advice=== Joseph Mercola's dietary recommendations often put him at odds with mainstream dietary advice. The elimination of grains from the diet goes against the recommendation of the USDA food pyramid, where grains are viewed as a staple food. Mercola, however, points to theories on food intolerances involving [[gluten]], such as [[celiac sprue]]<ref>[http://www.mercola.com/2002/oct/9/gluten.htm Study finds enzyme to control Celiac Sprue (Gluten Intolerance). Oct. 9, 2002.]</ref> and [[wheat allergy]], and the relatively new introduction of grains into the human diet and theories that sugar and starch are associated with [[hyperinsulinemia]] and [[insulin resistance]].<ref> [http://www.mercola.com/2004/jan/3/carbohydrates_age.htm Scientific Proof Carbohydrates Cause Disease].</ref> Some dietary fats he promotes are also high in [[saturated fat]]s, including unrefined [[coconut oil]],<ref>[http://www.mercola.com/2004/jul/21/coconut_oil.htm Low-Fat Diet Myths and the Advantages of Coconut Oil, Part III]</ref> which contains a form of saturated fat called [[medium chain triglycerides]]. Dr. Mercola's claims in his book "The Total Health Program." that this particular type of saturated fat bypasses normal saturated fat digestive pathways in the body, and is turned into energy instead of clinging to arteries and veins. While saturated fats are considered by the [[American Heart Association]] as contributing to heart disease<ref>[http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4582 Fat - American Heart Association]</ref>, a number of scientists (such as those from [[The International Network of Cholesterol Skeptics]]) dispute this claim, stating that the [[lipid hypothesis]] has not been validated to scientific standards. Some other fringe nutritional groups beside Dr Mercola also advocate saturated fat consumption. Mercola.com has hosted negative articles<ref>Wayne A, Newell L. [http://www.mercola.com/article/microwave/hazards.htm The Hidden Hazards Of Microwave Cooking]</ref><ref>[http://www.mercola.com/article/microwave/hazards2.htm The Proven Dangers of Microwaves<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> about [[microwave oven]]s, calling them dangerous, citing accidents, lawsuits, biochemical changes and other health reservations about the [[microwave chemistry|chemical effects]] of microwaving food. He also offers non-microwave, convection ovens for sale in his store.<ref>[http://www.mercola.com/forms/turbo_oven.htm Aroma Turbo Oven]</ref> Mercola controversially<ref>[http://web.mac.com/david.vernon/iWeb/The%20Canberra%20Journal/The%20Scribbles/F5AB35A4-1184-46ED-87DC-9EFA86F1BF4A.html Article critical of the microwave claims made on the Mercola website]</ref> claims, "''Microwaves may also cause pathological changes in your body. Once a food's structure is altered, it cannot perform the desired function in your body. Clinical studies show that microwave heating of milk or cooking of vegetables is associated with a decline in hemoglobin levels. These reductions may contribute to anemia, rheumatism, fever and thyroid deficiency.''"<ref>[http://www.mercola.com/nutritionplan/advanced_lifestyle_changes.htm Lesson 5: Get Rid of Your Microwave]</ref> In supporting [[Pasteurization#Raw milk|raw milk]], Mercola is very critical of requirements for [[pasteurization]], stating that it is unnecessary if cows are raised under healthy conditions.<ref>Mercola J, Droege R. [http://www.mercola.com/2004/apr/24/raw_milk.htm The Real Reasons Why Raw Milk is Becoming More Popular.] 24 Apr 2004. </ref> He claims that raw milk is one of the finest sources of protein and calcium available,<ref>[http://www.mercola.com/2006/dec/9/fda-continues-to-harass-raw-milk-providers.htm FDA Continues to Harass Raw Milk Providers,] 9 Dec 2006</ref> His main concern is that the high temperatures during pasteurization will destroy the valuable enzymes in milk and create converted proteins the body was never designed to handle.<ref>[http://www.mercola.com/2005/nov/3/lower_your_risk_of_colon_cancer_with_the_right_fat.htm] Lower Your Risk of Colon Cancer With the Right Fat,] 3 Nov 2005</ref> Mercola is also against [[homogenization]].<ref>[http://www.mercola.com/article/milk/no_milk.htm Natural Health Information Articles and Health Newsletter by Dr. Joseph Mercola<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> He asserts that it causes fat globules to surround the enzyme [[xanthine oxidase]] (XO), which prevents the stomach from breaking down XO and allows XO to be absorbed intact into the bloodstream. He relates this additional bovine XO as a possible source of harmful oxidative stress contributory to heart failure and increased uric acid levels associated with gout.<ref>[http://www.mercola.com/2002/jul/10/milk_heart.htm Milk May Worsen Heart Failure,] 10 Jul 2002</ref> ==Drugs and supplements== Dr. Mercola advises elimination of most [[prescription]] drugs [[Joseph Mercola#Flu shot controversy|and immunizations]] for treatment, and favors natural food choices, lifestyle modifications and energy psychology tools to address emotional challenges. He views these as safer and more effective options, because they address what he believes to be the 'root causes' of disease rather than simply treating symptoms by [[palliative]] means. He states that drug companies profoundly influence both government health agencies and the mainstream medical community, which in turn promote medical practices that are beneficial to drug companies but harmful to the patient.{{Fact|date=January 2007}} Typical supplements he promotes are [[krill oil]], [[fish oil]] or [[cod liver oil]], products containing [[vitamin]]s such as [[vitamin D]] (when lacking adequate sun exposure) and [[vitamin K]], [[probiotics]], and [[anti-oxidant]] supplements. ===Pharmaceutical industry criticism=== {{cquote|''I am quite confident that if gravity had to be approved by the FDA it would clearly meet strong resistance from the multi-national drug corporations.''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-Joseph Mercola}} Mercola is especially critical of new drugs, as well as the economic and political powers which might influence their acceptance.<ref> [http://www.mercola.com/2004/dec/8/fda_drugs.htm FDA is "Virtually Incapable of Protecting You From Unsafe Drugs"]</ref> He wrote an early drug warning on [[rofecoxib]] (Vioxx),<ref>[http://www.mercola.com/1999/archive/painkiller.htm ''New Painkiller Might Be a Bitter Pill for Some Patients''] (Vioxx warning)</ref> a drug later withdrawn from the market by its manufacturer due to adverse reactions.<ref>[http://www.mercola.com/2004/oct/6/vioxx_recall.htm ''$30 Billion Vioxx Recall - The Dangers, Powerful Lessons & Safe Alternatives that Everyone Must Know'']</ref> He dismisses many conventional health concerns and medications as useless, prescribing [[exercise]], good diet, good [[sleep]], specially filtered water, [[chlorella]], [[omega-3 fatty acid|omega-3 fats]] focusing on [[fish oil]]s, and energy psychology methods like [[Emotional Freedom Techniques]] as cures for most ills. ===Vaccination=== Among Mercola's most controversial recommendations are his expressed concerns that too many [[vaccine]]s are used too soon during infancy.<ref>[http://www.mercola.com/2005/jan/5/vaccination_schedule.htm Vaccination Schedule]</ref> He believes that some subpopulations (e.g. neonates, elderly, chronically ill) may be less suitable for certain vaccines, and that flu vaccines are still formulated with [[thimerosal]] and other undesirable adjuvants unsuitable for use.{{Fact|date=January 2007}} He asserts that the slow phasedown for millions of existing doses of childhood vaccines containing mercury is against the public's greater interests. Mercola hosts vaccine critics on his webpages, advocates preventive measures <ref>(Rachel Droege, coauthor) [http://www.mercola.com/2003/oct/29/flu_shot.htm Six Ways to Avoid the Winter Flu--and a Flu Shot Isn’t One of Them]</ref> as part of an alternative immunization schedule, and strongly criticizes [[influenza vaccine]]s.<ref>[http://www.vernoncoleman.com/vaccines.htm Vernon Coleman Vaccines]</ref> He questions the projected epidemic threat and severity of influenza, the flu vaccine's safety <ref>[http://www.mercola.com/2004/sep/22/blaylock_vaccine_coverup.htm Blaylock Vaccine Coverup]</ref> and efficacy,<ref>[http://www.mercola.com/2004/jan/21/flu_vaccine.htm Flu Vaccine 1]</ref> and the possibility of harm to an individual's immune system.<ref>[http://www.mercola.com/2005/mar/5/flu_vaccine.htm Flu Vaccine 2]</ref> Mercola claims that some chemicals used to control [[fungi]] and [[bacteria]] within certain vaccines are toxic to infants and can harm young children if too many shots containing [[Mercury (element)|mercury]]-containing [[Thimerosal]] are given within a period of time. He also expresses concern about potentially cancer-linked components in vaccines such as thimersol, and historically, SV40 virus contaminating early polio vaccines. Medical research and views in this area are contentious. [[Thimerosal]] is an organic compound used as an antiseptic and antifungal agent in [[vaccine]]s, containing mercury which is classified as a poison in its pure form, and is used in small amounts as a preservative in [[vaccine]]s. [[Thimerosal]] is no longer ''recommended'' in vaccines given to young children in the USA, though it is still present in US-made vaccines exported to other countries.{{Fact|date=January 2007}} In his book ''The Great Bird Flu Hoax''<ref> J. Mercola, ''The Great Bird Flu Hoax: The Truth They Don't Want You to Know About the "Next Big Pandemic,"''Nelson Books, September 19, 2006 ISBN 0-7852-2187-5 </ref> he appears to take a stronger anti-pharmaceutical industry stance by accusing them of a fear-mongering marketing campaign against the public, as allegedly occurred with the [[Swine Flu]] scare of the 1970s.<ref>T. Stone, [http://www.mercola.com/1998/archive/tom_stone_letter.htm Open Letter to Pediatricians on Flu Vaccines]</ref><ref>The Flawed 1976 National "Swine Flu" Influenza Immunization Program [http://www.semp.us/biots/biot_177.html Suburban Emergency Management Project Biot #177, February 22, 2005]</ref> In supporting this stance, Mercola often has wholly critical views of those working in governmental health care, as well as towards international health organizations. Mercola makes an extensive argument that disease alerts such as [[swine flu]] and their resulting immunizations were actually false alarms put forth to terrify the public.{{Fact|date=January 2007}} ===Alternative medicine=== Mercola promotes treatments based upon methods that have not been accepted by mainstream medicine, such as [[metabolic typing]], the [[traditional Chinese medicine]] originated [[acupressure]]-based [[Emotional Freedom Technique]], [[herbalism]], [[naturopathy]] and [[chiropractic]] including [[vitalism]].<ref>Lerner B. [http://www.mercola.com/2004/apr/21/vitalism.htm Vitalism--Turn Your Power On!]</ref> Proponents of conventional medicine claim that these methods are unproven. While stating that he believes in the [[scientific method]], he distrusts many commercial and institutional applications of it in medicine. He has stated that the only value he finds in mainstream medicine is diagnosis and emergency accident survival.<ref>[http://vitalvotes.com/QA/When-Should-You-Use-Conventional-Medicine--2732.aspx When Should You Use Conventional Medicine]</ref> Mercola paints a picture of most medical science as being corrupted by the pharmaceutical industry, and the majority of medical doctors as being frequently deceived and misled by multinational corporate drug interests. Of homeopathy he says, ''"I have never been formally trained in homeopathy, and as a result I don't use much of it in my practice, but I am convinced it can be used as an effective tool for many conditions if properly utilized."''<ref>(Rachel Droege, coauthor) [http://www.mercola.com/2003/aug/23/impossible_cure.htm "Impossible Cure" book review]</ref> He has also contributed to the [[water fluoridation controversy]] and has published several anti-fluoride<ref> Masters RD. [http://www.purewatergazette.net/mastersfluoride.htm Why is the CDC Covering Up a Fifty Year Old Mistake?] Pure Water Gazette. September 20, 2001.]</ref> articles.<ref>[http://www.mercola.com/2002/feb/2/fluoride_safety.htm Is Fluoride Really As Safe As You Are Told?]. 2 Feb 2002.</ref> ==Religious beliefs== :''"When symptoms arrive as a result of how poorly you've neglected your body and mind, rather than taking personal responsibility for your own wellness (restoring wholeness) and trusting in the God-given recuperative powers of your body, many seek those who are now only too willing take on this role for you."'' Mercola was raised as a Catholic. Later in life he switched to evangelical Christianity, but now calls himself [[spirituality|spiritual]] rather than [[religious]]. Dr. Mercola was formerly a member of the Christian Medical Society but stopped his membership in 2002. He promotes religion and prayer as having health benefits, and focuses strongly on studies that advocate this position. Mercola hosts the theistic writings and beliefs of other website contributors such as Carol Tuttle,<sup>[http://www.mercola.com/2006/nov/30/the-most-important-step-to-know-to-create-the-life-you-want.htm] </sup>who speaks of angels among us,<sup>[http://www.mercola.com/2005/dec/8/angels_are_among_us.htm]</sup> that want to help everyone,<sup>[http://www.mercola.com/2006/mar/14/angels_want_to_help_you.htm]</sup> and can be petitioned to do so.<sup>[http://www.mercola.com/2006/jul/25/how_to_petition_your_angels_part_iv.htm]</sup> He refers to her as a ''master energy therapist'' of ''energy psychology'' and ''energy medicine''. Says Mercola: "''energy psychology is one of the greatest tools I have ever encountered in the healing modalities''." As with his involvement with [[Emotional Freedom Technique]], his support for these modalities gives such approaches value in his spiritual views, frequently presented on the website. ==FDA Warnings== The [[Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) has issued two warnings to Mercola related to misleading claims.<ref>[http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/gi_0199-6351151/Sweet-deceit-CHEMFUSION-adverse-effects.html Joe Schawrcz, Canadian Chemical News, 03-01-2007, "Sweet Deceit".]</ref> On [[February 16]] [[2005]], the FDA sent Mercola warnings on multiple products about misleading claims for products that he advertised on his website.<ref name="Gumpert"/><ref name="fda1"/> On Sept. 21, 2006 Mercola received a second warning letter from the FDA for claims made on his website in relation to "various product labels..."<ref name="fda2"/>. ==Criticisms of Mercola== Some of the criticism of Joseph Mercola is similar to criticism made against non-mainstream and [[alternative medicine]] in general. Mercola is often viewed in this light by his promotion and marketing of non-pharmaceutical approaches. While certain advice, such as good diet and exercise, are not so criticized, he promotes a variety of [[alternative medicine]] that often take the place of the pharmaceutical approaches he mostly discourages. *In October 2000, [[Stephen Barrett]], operator of [[Quackwatch]], filed a lawsuit in Pennsylvania against Mercola (a resident of Illinois) for [[libel]]. This was in response to allegedly defaming comments quoted on his website from Tim Bolen, a critic of Quackwatch. Quackwatch is a site that is critical of Mercola. In June 2001, Barrett withdrew the suit <ref>[http://www.healthfreedomlaw.com/Court%20Documents/Mercola/Dismissal/Dismissal.htm First case withdrawal] (called dismissal by site)</ref> on jurisdictional grounds and refiled it in Illinois on July 30, 2001, at Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois. On April 17, 2003, the suit was dismissed by mutual agreement. <ref>[https://63.251.13.149/cookcounty/FindDock.asp?SearchType=0&Database=2&NCase=2001-L-009026&CDate=&PLtype=2&sname=mercola Case dismissed by mutual agreement on April 17, 2003. Judge: Casciato, Joseph N.]</ref> *In May 2006 [[BusinessWeek]] published an article <ref name="Gumpert">[http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/content/may2006/sb20060523_063274.htm?chan=smallbiz_smallbiz+index+page_today's+top+stories Business Week Online, May 23, 2006] </ref> about Mercola's aptitude as an online health and medical entrepreneur . Columnist [[David Gumpert]] writes: ' ''Mercola gives the lie to the notion that holistic practitioners tend to be so absorbed in treating patients that they aren't effective businesspeople. While Mercola on his site seeks to identify with this image by distinguishing himself from "all the greed-motivated hype out there in health-care land", he is a master promoter, using every trick of traditional and Internet direct marketing to grow his business.(...)He is selling health-care products and services, and is calling upon an unfortunate tradition made famous by the old-time snake oil salesmen of the 1800s.'' ' ==Publications== Mercola has authored sixteen health books and has published many [[alternative medicine]] related articles on his website. He has authored a review article in the ''Journal of the American Osteopathic Association'', as well as several letters to the editor in conventional journals.<ref>[http://www.mercola.com/forms/background.htm Background]</ref><ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?Db=pubmed&Cmd=Search&Term=%22Mercola%20J%22%5BAuthor%5D&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVAbstractPlus PubMed search for J. Mercola (author)]. Accessed [[July 7]] [[2007]].</ref> ==Affiliates and friends== Mercola employs several alternative medicine practitioners in maintaining his website, which he calls the Optimal Wellness Center.<ref>[http://www.mercola.com/forms/staff/index.htm Mercola.com staff]</ref> He helps other entrepreneurs to advertise and sell alternative treatments such as [[chelation]] therapy, [[acupuncture]], [[auriculotherapy]], [[cranial osteopathy]], [[homeopathy]],<ref>[http://www.annals.org/cgi/content/full/138/5/393 Homeopathy advocacy]</ref> laser-assisted [[detoxification|detoxifying]], and [[Emotional Freedom Technique]], as well as products related to bioenergy systems and [[Energy psychology|energy medicine]]. Mercola has voiced support for presidential candidate [[Ron Paul]], a Republican [[libertarian]] [[Congressman]] who is also a [[gynecologist]], for his stances on homeschooling, raw milk, and alternative health issues. == See also == * [[Health freedom movement]] ==References== {{reflist|2}} ==External links== *[http://www.drmercola.info Living a Healthy Life by Dr. Mercola] {{DEFAULTSORT:Mercola, Joseph}} [[Category:American activists]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:People in alternative medicine]] [[Category:Year of birth missing (living people)]] [[Category:Osteopathic physicians]]