News surfaced this week that NCI is redirecting resources from serious cancer research into a highly speculative study aimed at showing ivermectin can “kill cancer cells.” Let’s face it. In matters of health, including public health, there is demand in certain corners of the public right now for baloney. Fact-based dialogue about evidence or risks can do little to dissuade people.
Ivermectin cancer research provides a vivid illustration of this.
For Parasitic Worms, Not Cancer
Ivermectin has been studied and proven effective for curing parasitic worm infections in both animals and humans. But not for curing cancer. And yet, influencers have latched onto it. We have a health secretary who is willing to feed the thinking that there’s “an aggressive suppression” of evidence for a whole host of things that can improve our health. His list includes “psychedelics, peptides, stem cells, raw milk, hyperbaric therapies, chelating compounds, ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine, vitamins, clean foods, sunshine, exercise, nutraceuticals.”
Belief that ivermectin can work miracles for cancer recently led an adolescent in treatment for cancer to self-medicate with ivermectin. All it took was reading social media posts to persuade this teen to do so. The result was neurotoxicity and issues with kidney function.
Feeding the Protein Fad
New dietary guidelines make a point of feeding the protein fad that was already well underway before the guidelines came out in January. Starbucks will sell you protein lattes and other drinks boosted with protein cold foam. Dunkin’ is doing the same.
In fact, the entire food industry has jumped on this protein binge. Give the people what they want. Any worries about downsides can wait.
Who knows? Demand for the iconic bologna sandwich might even make a comeback.
Click here for more on the ivermectin boondoggle and here for perspective on the protein binge.
Bologna Sandwich, illustration created for ConscienHealth with Gemini image generation
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February 15, 2026 at 8:44 am, Mary-Jo said:
‘Do harm’ could be a more accurate slogan for the “MAHA” gurus, beginning with RFKjr. I cringe every time I see an X post extolling the ‘benefits’ of raw milk praising Kennedy and Rollins for giving people permission, even encouragement to consume raw milk through their ‘eat real food’ and pushing whole milk ad nauseum posts and campaigns. These two people are misleading and endangering the public! I have treated children for very bad failure-to-thrive as well as hemolytic uremic syndrome from consuming raw milk, resulting in some of those kids having growth issues, gastrointestinal issues, and kidney failure that lasts their whole lives! Moreover, the ‘baloney’ that both RFKjr and Rollins post that their DGs, their actions have improved the health of Americans in the past year, is beyond the pale. RFKjr constantly smugly dismisses experts and rigorous scientific studies, but where are HIS studies with data to back up his claims?!!! Why are not more hi-profile nutritionists than me not mad as hell and speaking up against him?!!
February 15, 2026 at 7:55 pm, Kevin James McHugh said:
Great work as always Ted. Montreal has the best bologna sandwiches. http://www.wilenskys.com/ENG_TABLE_WELCOME.htm
You coming for the Canadian obesity conference in the March?
All the best
Kevin
February 16, 2026 at 3:49 am, Ted said:
I’ll be there briefly. Hope to see you!