Doctors, do most of them really want you to get better?

[boxingfan30]

I like my Doctor a lot and I think she's one of those types that is very open minded about natural methods instead of medication. Most MD's these days however though just say "in pain? here, take some hydrocodone for a while". So, heroin is ok, but an anabolic steroid is illegal? Why?

Besides the steroid point. It seems that most Doctors DO NOT WANT you to improve. You walk into their office and theres ads for Zoloft, or Viagra or whatever... it's just more money for advertising IMO. I know that diet is what makes one feel the best. Sometimes I just cannot get over the way that some of these docs out there just don't want us to improve unless it came from something they did.

Thoughts?

[MuscleInk]

I like my Doctor a lot and I think she's one of those types that is very open minded about natural methods instead of medication. Most MD's these days however though just say "in pain? here, take some hydrocodone for a while". So, heroin is ok, but an anabolic steroid is illegal? Why?

Besides the steroid point. It seems that most Doctors DO NOT WANT you to improve. You walk into their office and theres ads for Zoloft, or Viagra or whatever... it's just more money for advertising IMO. I know that diet is what makes one feel the best. Sometimes I just cannot get over the way that some of these docs out there just don't want us to improve unless it came from something they did.

Thoughts?

I don't think it's that simple. Most doctors (in North America, at least) are trained to practice "evidence based" medicine. Meaning, they treat based on published data of what is proven to work. Many of the naturopathic remedies may lack the rigors of controlled studies to provide evidence based alternatives. In the absence of empirical data, many physicians are extremely skeptical of any alternative therapy.

Moreover, the majority of doctors have very limited education on nutrition and fitness. Sure, they'll say diet and exercise is best, but beyond published guidelines for recommended daily intake of various food groups, doctors know very little about good nutrition. I spend a lot of time with doctors and some of them have the worst nutrition habits and don't exercise enough (if at all in many cases).

Another negative influence are the pharmaceutical companies and their dogma of "one pill for every ill". This view is tethered to the "treat the illness" belief instead of preventing disease.

Lastly, the population at large doesn't take enough ownership over their own health. All too often, people are sedentary, have very poor eating habits, and would rather have a pill to make them skinny or healthy instead of being disciplined enough to exercise regularly and eat better. Last week in fact, when I finished at the gym and walked outside, two guys I had seen earlier doing some weight training, were sitting outside each smoking a cigarette after their work out. Really???????

Many of our members here are far more educated on fitness and nutrition than the general public, and many on this board are taking ownership over their health and fitness.

[cherrydrpepper]

I have had bad experiences with doctors and some good of course but the bad I took to heart so much I rarely will go into a doctors office without already having diagnosed my issue and knowing what treatment I desire. I truly believe most doctors are like the rest of us. Its just a job. Then some are the special human beings we have made them up to be in our minds in real life not just in our mind. We've all had this doctor. We come in with a serious issue and we think the worst, maybe surgery maybe life threatening whatever. He tells us exactly what is wrong and how to treat it. Thats the doctor we wish they all were. The reality is we come into some of those rooms and they have no idea whats wrong with us. We know what treatment we need - doctor won't give it for whatever bull shit reason. Doctors are pretty much hit or miss. I love how people rail against using google to figure out whats wrong with you. You should always use google first. The only exception is if its risk of death or serious injury, then defer to the doctor. Guy has too much to lose to just give you some quack answer in that scenario. Doctors are in the business of caring for your health and well being. But you have to entertain the idea that maybe some of them are in it almost strictly for the money.

[MuscleInk]

I have had bad experiences with doctors and some good of course but the bad I took to heart so much I rarely will go into a doctors office without already having diagnosed my issue and knowing what treatment I desire. I truly believe most doctors are like the rest of us. Its just a job. Then some are the special human beings we have made them up to be in our minds in real life not just in our mind. We've all had this doctor. We come in with a serious issue and we think the worst, maybe surgery maybe life threatening whatever. He tells us exactly what is wrong and how to treat it. Thats the doctor we wish they all were. The reality is we come into some of those rooms and they have no idea whats wrong with us. We know what treatment we need - doctor won't give it for whatever bull shit reason. Doctors are pretty much hit or miss. I love how people rail against using google to figure out whats wrong with you. You should always use google first. The only exception is if its risk of death or serious injury, then defer to the doctor. Guy has too much to lose to just give you some quack answer in that scenario. Doctors are in the business of caring for your health and well being. But you have to entertain the idea that maybe some of them are in it almost strictly for the money.

I don't know many people that would work and not ask to be paid. Why would/should doctors be any different? The other factor often overlooked is that in some cases, treatment is determined by your insurance, not always the doctor. In some cases, the doctor may prefer a more radical treatment yet insurance companies won't authorize that treatment. From the patient view point, I certainly understand the frustration, however, if a therapy is going to cost several thousands of dollars and no one is willing to pay, any doctor offering free medical services would quickly find himself/herself going bankrupt. The situation is infinitely more challenging in cases of the terminally ill where therapeutic costs can exceed hundreds of thousands of dollars.

[MuscleInk]

This thread is becoming more of a lounge topic don't you think? Unless we redirect it back to nutrition somehow, I think we are going off on a tangent.

This is a great topic for discussion, but better to be in the lounge than the nutrition section.

[boxingfan30]

It's an interesting discussion either way. I can see the points of view from both sides, but for instance... as MI has said we're getting off topic so let's try this.

What foods do those who are highly educated in this area think are the best for overall disease prevention?

For instance pancreatic cancer runs on my mother's side of the family. What (above taking good vitamins) are the best foods for me to eat and what should one avoid? Every website says something a little different. Turmeric is one that I have seen a lot of however.