Today we explore wellness and wellness culture: what I like, and what I dislike about wellness as a concept. Also: the dangers of pseudoscience and general quackery. This is the first installment in my "Wary of Wellness Culture" series. Show notes: Herbal Remedies Cause Deaths of Two Children in Need of Medical Care (meningitis + strep) https://www.thestar.com/opinion/commentary/2016/12/13/alberta-mom-on-trial-after-sick-child-dies-at-home.html 'The food supplement that ruined my liver' https://www.bbc.com/news/stories-45971416 Science Vs. Antioxidants https://gimletmedia.com/shows/science-vs/v4hejk Science Vs Vitamins & Supplements https://gimletmedia.com/shows/science-vs/94hwnr/vitamins-supplements-are-they-worth-it Strep Infections and the Heart (Rheumatic Heart Disease) https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/rheumatic-heart-disease#:~:text=What%20is%20rheumatic%20heart%20disease,strep%20throat%20or%20scarlet%20fever. Towards more effective supplement regulation in Canada https://sciencebasedpharmacy.wordpress.com/2016/09/25/towards-more-effective-supplement-regulation-in-canada/ Green tea and weight loss: https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD008650.pub2/full Green Tea and Cancer prevention: https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD005004.pub3/full Green Tea / safety of supplements etc https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/green-tea ---"Although uncommon, liver problems have been reported in a number of people who took green tea products, primarily green tea extracts in pill form. People with liver disease should consult a health care provider before taking products with green tea extract. People taking green tea extracts, especially those with liver disease, should discontinue use and consult a health care provider if they develop symptoms of liver trouble (such as abdominal pain, dark urine, or jaundice). Green tea is an ingredient in many over-the-counter weight loss products, some of which have been identified as the likely cause of rare cases of liver injury. Green tea at high doses has been shown to reduce blood levels and therefore the effectiveness of the drug nadolol, a beta-blocker used for high blood pressure and heart problems. It may also interact with other medicines." Rooibos as a Medical Treatment: https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/rooibos-tea