Miracle health cures under the microscope How to prevent
Which? Archive
This article, Miracle health cures under the microscope, was last updated on 27 May 2008 and is now out of date and held in our online archive for reference. Explore our latest Home & garden articles.
If a treatment or ‘cure’ sounds too good to be true it probably is.
The government’s consumer advice line Consumer Direct says there is no product or dietary supplement available via email that can deliver on claims to shrink tumours, cure insomnia, cure impotence, treat Alzheimer's disease or prevent severe memory loss.
If you receive a letter or email promoting a miracle cure or promising huge weight loss, throw it in the bin or delete the email.
Spam filter
It is a good idea to use a spam filter on your PC to block unsolicited emails. See our security software report for current Best Buys.
Take medical advice from your doctor or pharmacist before you buy any medicinal product by mail order or over the web.
The best way to lose weight is to eat fewer calories and increase your physical activity so you burn more energy. There are no products that can instantly remove fat.
Parkinson’s warning
The Parkinson’s Disease Society raised concerns in July 2007 about the number of websites claiming either Parkinson’s doesn't exist or that it can be quickly ‘fixed’ by a pill or technique that the website is promoting or selling.
It said that information on these websites is not based on scientific evidence and it suspected that the websites had been set up to make money.
If you have any doubt about the validity of any such website or need support, contact your doctor or the Parkinson’s Disease Society Helpline on 0808 800 0303.