Natural Cures "They" Don't Want You To Know About

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Trudeau's book Natural Cures – Updated Edition

Natural Cures "They" Don't Want You to Know About is a book authored by infomercial entrepreneur and convicted felon Kevin Trudeau. It is advertised on television infomercials as a book that claims to reveal information about drug companies as well as a variety of natural cures for serious illnesses. Some skeptics accuse Trudeau of exploiting consumers, as he has been convicted and jailed for misleading his customers and even misusing their credit card information in the past. He now claims to be on the straight and narrow, considering his book an act of consumer advocacy.

1 Premise
2 Versions of the book
3 Criticism
4 References
5 External links

[edit] Premise

In the book, Trudeau asserts that there are all-natural cures for serious illnesses such as cancer, herpes, arthritis, acid reflux disease, various phobias, obesity, multiple sclerosis, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, attention deficit disorder, muscular dystrophy, and others that are being deliberately hidden from the public by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission. Trudeau argues that these cures are being suppressed because the government cannot regulate and control all-natural cures. Trudeau alleges a pattern of payoffs, conflicts of interest, and bribery, as well as commissioners from the FDA going to work directly for drug companies upon leaving the FDA and use their clout to protect their companies' interests. Trudeau argues that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is also involved, shutting down alternative health care providers like Trudeau and others who advocate all-natural cures in order to protect the drug companies' profits.

The book has been the focus of much controversy since its publication and it has sold over 3 million copies and remained on The New York Times best-seller list for over nine weeks.

[edit] Versions of the book

The original book contained 271 pages. An "Updated Edition" was sold shortly thereafter, containing 563 pages. The Updated Edition adds a new introduction, a frequently asked questions chapter and a chapter on website information. It also adds three appendices, containing newsletter articles, "No-Hunger Bread: A True FDA Horror Story," and locations of several health care practitioners. The FDA article, originally a short letter and summary of the case in the original book, is included in its entirety in the updated edition. One omission in the updated edition is a Glossary section containing several New Age techniques. Trudeau claims that the chapter "The Cures For All Diseases" was censored by the FTC in the original book, but the chapter is included as "Natural Cures for Specific Diseases" in the updated edition due to making headway in court.

[edit] Criticism

Trudeau began selling his book after he had been legally barred from marketing any other product. The FTC has banned him from infomercials all-together,[1] for making dubious claims about past products.

The FDA has the ability to block individuals from selling drugs or medical devices that are not safe or effective, and the FTC has the ability to stop individuals from engaging in false or misleading advertising about a product. But neither agency can stop an individual from writing and promoting written works that do not advertise a particular product because of First Amendment protection of an individual's right to author and promote written works.

The book contains multiple references to Trudeau's websites: www.thewhistleblower.com, www.kevinfightsback.com, and www.naturalcures.com, as well as promoting a CD audio version and a similar book, Lose 30 Pounds in 30 Days: The Weight Loss Secrets They Don't Want You To Know About.

One of his claims cites an electromagnetic field around the body, evidenced by Kirlian Photography. He claims food irradiation and cooking with microwave ovens creates an energy field that is toxic to humans. Another claim revolves around "Acid-Alkaline" theory. Some of his statements are common sense facts (drink more water per day, quit smoking).

Trudeau claims that he will lead a crusade against the FDA and the FTC, and will make an effort to sue companies who promote false claims in advertising. He has filed a counter lawsuit against the FTC, claiming unfair practices.

The chief criticism of the book is that Trudeau is pushing a conspiracy theory with little apparent proof. He makes unproven claims such as that the FDA has purchased many drug companies in order to keep drugs coming to consumers so they do not look for other cures. He also claims that the FDA selectively targets small and medium sized companies. The book also claims that not only does the FDA push drugs, but that drugs cause such conditions as AIDS, headaches, bloating, indigestion, heartburn, nausea, allergies, asthma, fibromyalgia, arthritis, diabetes, constipation, yeast infections, dandruff, acne, halitosis, fatigue, depression, stress, and inability to lose weight. The book claims that AZT, in particular, can be linked to causing AIDS.

Some of his stated goals include using his publisher, Alliance Publishing Group, to promote natural cures. His website contains a number of references and articles, notably "FDA Horror Stories" such as "No-Hunger Bread," which describe past instances of the FDA suppressing natural cures. Another article addresses 714X, an alleged cancer treatment developed in Canada. For example, in the book the "No-Hunger" Bread recipe he says can be had on his website is only available to those who pay a monthly subscription fee of ten dollars for access to the site.

[edit] References

Trudeau, Kevin, Natural Cures "They" Don't Want You To Know About, Alliance Publishing, 2005. ISBN 0-9755995-1-8
Candice Choi, Associated Press, No Sure Cure, The Detroit News, page 3b, 25 Sep 2005, in court records. [2]