Brigham Buhler: Why We’re Sicker Than Ever (And Who’s Profiting From It) | Align Podcast #517
Align Podcast
Deep Dive
Why is alcohol legal while psychedelics are criminalized in the U.S.?
Alcohol was early enough to be monetized and accepted by society, similar to prescription drugs. It was integrated into the corporate system, making it socially acceptable despite its detrimental effects. Psychedelics, on the other hand, were associated with countercultural movements in the 60s and 70s, which were seen as threats to the established order, leading to their criminalization.
What role did the Sackler family play in the opioid crisis?
The Sackler family initially made their wealth by creating the Valium crisis in the 1970s, marketing it to women for anxiety. After facing congressional hearings, they shifted to opioids, introducing OxyContin, which is 10 times more addictive than hydrocodone. They prioritized profits over patient safety, knowingly releasing a highly addictive drug that led to widespread addiction and deaths.
How has corporate capture influenced the healthcare system?
Corporate capture has led to a system where profits are prioritized over patient outcomes. Insurance companies, pharmaceutical firms, and regulatory bodies are intertwined, creating a system that monetizes chronic illness rather than curing it. Clinicians are pressured to use pharmaceutical tools approved by the system, often at the expense of alternative, more effective treatments.
What is the gag clause in pharmacy contracts with insurance companies?
The gag clause prevents pharmacists from informing patients about cheaper cash-pay options for medications. If a patient has insurance, the pharmacist is contractually obligated to charge the higher insurance price, even if a cheaper alternative exists. This practice benefits insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers, who profit from the inflated costs.
Why are Americans chronically ill despite high healthcare spending?
The U.S. healthcare system is designed to treat rather than cure chronic illnesses, creating a profit-driven model. Insurance companies benefit from keeping patients sick, as treating chronic diseases generates more revenue than curing them. Additionally, the system is influenced by big pharma, which funds medical education and research, skewing the focus toward pharmaceutical solutions rather than preventative care.
What is the significance of the Women's Health Initiative in hormone therapy?
The Women's Health Initiative, funded by pharmaceutical companies, skewed data to discourage women from using hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This led to women avoiding HRT and instead relying on multiple expensive medications to manage symptoms of hormonal imbalance, such as osteoporosis drugs. The initiative exemplifies how corporate interests can manipulate healthcare practices for profit.
How did Bayer contribute to the HIV crisis in the 1980s?
Bayer knowingly shipped hemophilia drugs contaminated with HIV to third-world countries after discovering the contamination. Instead of destroying the infected batch, they prioritized profits, infecting thousands with HIV. This decision was documented and highlights the ethical failures of corporate-driven healthcare.
What is the impact of microplastics on human health?
Microplastics have infiltrated the human body, with 5% of brain weight now consisting of microplastics. This alarming statistic underscores the pervasive pollution caused by plastics and their potential long-term health effects, including endocrine disruption and chronic inflammation.
Why are peptides like BPC-157 becoming illegal while others remain available?
Peptides like BPC-157 are being targeted by the FDA due to pressure from big pharma, which is investigating over 200 peptides for patenting and monetization. This creates a conflict of interest, as pharmaceutical companies aim to control the market for these compounds, limiting accessibility and driving up costs.
What steps can individuals take to take control of their health?
Individuals can seek out cash-pay clinics focused on preventative care, such as Ways2Well, which offers comprehensive blood work and personalized health assessments. By investing in proactive health measures, individuals can avoid the pitfalls of the profit-driven healthcare system and take sovereignty over their well-being.
- Big Pharma, insurance companies, and the FDA profit from keeping people sick.
- The opioid crisis is a result of corporate capture and profit prioritization over patient well-being.
- Clinicians are pressured to use established drugs, limiting access to alternative treatments.
Shownotes Transcript