Kevin Trudeau's Natural Cures

(Posted by Patrick Sullivan Jr.)

Kevin Trudeau's book, Natural Cures 'They' Don't Want You to Know About has sold over 1 million copies almost exclusively via infomercial.  It's not so much that the infomercial is well-produced or flashy in any way, it's just that the story Kevin is telling/selling is very convincing to a large audience. 

Essentially, Kevin tapped into an audience with a "worldview" that believes, "The FDA, Pharma cartel, etc. really doesn't want me to know about natural cures...but I want to know what they are!" and wrapped it in a nice, easy to purchase, "package" of a book.

UNFORTUNATELY, the book itself is garbage, according to the overwhelming majority of reviews on Amazon.com.  (Average rating is 2 out of 5 stars.)  Here's two examples:

"Natural cures I won't tell you about, unless you spend more money. That should be the title of this book."

"If you buy it after reading this, you are an idiot and deserve to have your money stripped away to fund Trudeau's next money-making scheme."

I have not read this book, but from what I know about it, there are really no answers that you couldn't find for free by doing a google search (or just going straight to JigsawHealth.com). 

Sadly, while the story itself sells well, the product delivered doesn't even come close to meeting expectations.  So the story itself is disingenuous.  And by being disingenuous, Trudeau has managed to piss off about 975,000 people!  (Who are now, of course, more suspect of those telling stories about "natural cures".)

As Seth Godin writes in his book, "All Marketers are Liars," effective marketers tell a story to an audience with a like-minded "worldview".  Mr. Trudeau has been a very effective at story telling, just not in book form!

Fortunately, there are no reviews like this for my book.  But I hardly expect to bat a thousand with positive reviews forever!

UPDATE 1/23/06: Since posting this 6 months ago, I have skimmed through Natural Cures, and I have changed mind slightly about Trudeau and his book.  As other commenters on this blog have mentioned, there are actually some good suggestions in this book (though I still contend that the same suggestions could easily be found for free online) and following these suggestions, several commentors on this blog have changed their health for the better.  That is wonderful!

Comments

[Kristy Ball]

The book is crap based on what other people have said? Have you yourself read this book? It does not list in alphabetical order a natural cure for everything that is ailing you, but it provides a wealth of information for those who are willing to open their minds to something other then a " quick fix". The people who are neggative about it weren't smart enough to open the cover before taking it the counter and buying it.
I found this book to be the best $30.00 I have spent.

[Patrick Sullivan Jr.]

Kristy, first of all, almost all of these books were purchased while watching an infomercial. So not much of a chance to pop open the cover and glance about what's inside it. In fact, that's part of the mystery that makes you want to buy it -- HE CAN'T TELL YOU WHAT'S IN THE BOOK!! But that's is also why there are so many negative reviews on Amazon...most people feel taken when they find out aside from his FDA-tirades, most of the information about natural cures are readily available for free online. (And oh yeah, to most people, the book feels like marketing propoganda for you to buy his monthly newsletter to REALLY get the natural cures he was talking about.) What bugs me is that he doesn't bother to cite any sources. Yes, we have a copy of Natural Cures in our office and I have thumbed through it. "Wear white clothing" is a natural cure that doesn't make much sense to me. There are NUMEROUS other natural cures (eat more organic fruits and veggies, don't drink tap water, etc.) that make total sense and I already follow. But what Trudeau is doing is an excellent job of packaging (or "story-telling") and the content just doesn't pass mustard. My Dad can comment further if he wants, but that's my take.

[Anthony]

It is the best $30 I have spent too. I have never seen the comercial, I bought mine at the whole foods store. He says in the book if you try out his ideas that you may never get sick again. I have a 4 year old in day care and my family was sick at least a day or 3 or 4 every month. We have been using his ideas and have not been sick for 3 months now. Um! I finish the book 3 and a half weeks ago. Anyone who gives an opinon on something and has not actually read it, is just as bad communicator.
Tony

[Tracey Smith]

I'm not saying that everything Kevin says is the truth. But it just makes plain sense that nutrition, all natural and organic is the best cure of illnesses. I work as a pharmacy technician and I find it very strange that many pharmacists will not take prescription or non-prescription medication. A lot of what his book mentioned about the fact that finding a cure for these diseases would mean less money for the health care field. I notice that high blood pressure can only be cured by change in diet. Working in the pharmacy and being an insider it is all about the money. Nobody really cares if anything is cured because as long as the symptoms are being treated the patient is happy, especially if they don't notice any immediate side effects, which means every month they are going to get their medication refilled. It wouldn't surprise me if Pat Sullivan himself had a motive behind bad mouthing Kevin. It just doesn't make sense that all these organizations have been collecting billions of dollars for research and cures for diabetes, cancer, and other illnesses and still have nothing. Obviously the cure is not man-made, meaning a prescription. I beleive that God made everybody and everything and everything that he made is sufficient for living. It's just a matter of finding what God created and putting it to use without manipulating or changing its structure. All man-made drugs have side effects which leads to other problems, meaning more doctor visits and more prescriptions being filled and more money for the government and for the health care industry. You can not honestly believe that a man made drug can cure anything. That's just absurd. Take it from me I've seen nobody ever get cured from anything due to drugs. The symptoms may have disappeared and caused them to be able to live a normal life, but I bet you their body is full of toxins waiting on a way to cause another problem in their health. I've seen people taking 20 or more prescription drugs, month by month and none of these people look healthy or vibrant, simply because they are prescription drug addicts. As long as the doctor tells them they are doing fine with the medications, they continue to pay for them. There was one old man who came in the pharmacy and insisted that he was not going to take his blood pressure medication because it made him feel sick. The pharmacist insisted that he take his medication and that the side effects would eventually go away. The old man said he'd been doing fine this long, and that he could live with his pressure being up, but not with the side effects of the medicine. Unfortunately pharmacist can only suggest drugs as remedy, it would be nice if there were farmacists who could suggest what nutrition could help with his high blood pressure. It's just a shame what the health care industry has come to. It's crazy. Wake up and smell the coffee. Go see a medical doctor who has changed his profession to use natural treatments, then you'll see the truth. I will never take a prescription or non prescription drug again.. it makes no sense you are what you eat. that's the bottom line. I know you gotta believe that mr.Pat sullivan and any others who are criticizing kevin trudeau.

[Patrick Sullivan Jr.]

Tracey, thanks for commenting. Based on your comments, I don't think you read much else of PatSullivan.com or you would know that this site is a major proponent of healthy living through natural means. (It also goes toe-to-toe with Darwinists supporting the Creation/Intelligent Design theory.)

I'm typically defensive of products sold via infomercials. Something about the medium turns me off in most cases. But since posting this in August of 2005, my mind has changed somewhat about "Natural Cures".

There are other books that are better "first steps into the world of natural cures" out there, but Kevin Trudeau is doing a FABULOUS job of advertising this book, which is continuing to point the spotlight in the major problems with our medical system, and the problems associated with consumers expecting to get health benefits from pills alone.

Fortunately, there is a major paradigm shift that is happening thanks to people like Kevin Trudeau, Dr. Joe Mercola, Mike Adams (aka. The Health Ranger), and many others. While I don't always agree with everything these guys say or their methods (in Trudeau's case, his "sell you a $30 book that sells you on subscribing to $$ monthly content"), I do respect that they are speaking out about this problem and increasing awareness among consumers.

[Erik Nanstiel]

My brother (a born again health nut) gave me a copy of Trudeau's book. I'm not impressed with it.

While it does have some good information in there, it's certainly nothing that you couldn't get for free elsewhere (as Patrick mentioned). The book also appeared to be a huge advertisement for other stuff he's selling.

Also, when you read the book, it's full of absolute statements that could mislead people into a dangerous mindset. While I'm not one to never question my doctors... his book is NOT a replacement for all of modern medicine. (you really have to be careful with the word "cure") MAD TV did a hilarious skit making fun of his infomercials...

I've seen his infomercial too. This guy is unbelieveably arrogant. It amazes me that someone who spent time in jail for tax evasion is now allowed to clean up with such a mediocre book.

[Patrick Sullivan Jr.]

Erik, I think your point about the danger of Trudeau speaking in absolutes about "cures" is well put. When faced with a challenging medical condition these days, I think it is dangerous to not look at all sides (allopathic, alternative, etc.) that may offer compelling solutions. You eventually have to choose something, but I don't sure don't blindly follow doctors orders anymore.

[Gina Gomez]

Unbelievable!! I picked up Kevin Trudeau's book at Bed, Bath and Beyond while doing some shopping. I can't believe how many people are so brainwashed by our society into thinking that medications that can cause serious side effects {they even tell you that straight out on the commercials on t.v.}and we still buy them (which costs us more than what I paid for this book} to actually start a routine of MORE health problems from the first medication so we can buy another medication for the other side effect and so on, so on, etc..... Come on people, eating healthier is common sense and yeah, it took this one person to write a GREAT book and put it on a infomercial(because that's how products in this country are sold so rapidly} to spread this so simple and realistic thinking faster! MONEY--that's what medications are all about! We complain about health plans for our families, ourselves in this country is getting out of hand with the price we pay, our elderly live off medication and all their money goes to the pills. HELLO!!!! is anybody else out there realizing this??? Instead of putting this guy down, try it!! We listen to actors on t.v. in white coats telling us to take a certain medication and why do we listen, we are so brainwashed into that "white coat" symbol. I am not saying doctors are bad but maybe if we took healthier care of our bodies, it would make a big difference no doubt.

[Randy Newland]

Since I've read Kevin's book, my acid reflux is gone.I now have a regular bowel movement EVERY day.Kevin's right on the money[no pun intended] on just about everything in the book.It's just common sense for Gods sake.I've never seen so much corruption as there is now in our government.I live in Columbus.Ohio & I've never,ever seen so much obesity & sickness in one community & the most[morbidly]obese ones work at our hospitals!.If Americans don't/can't see there is a very serious problem[crisis] with the health of America,well they need to get their head out of the sand or come to Columbus Ohio & see for themselves.Did you see the N.Y. Times article's about diabetes last week for example?[Jan,16th,2006]Diabetes is now at pandemic levels in N.Y.City.I lived the prescription nightmare & I can speak with firsthand experience.Pills are garbage/crap.Having had to take 15 different prescription drugs at one time I got to pass a quart of bright red blood at each & every bowel movement every day for 6 months.No there's nothing wrong with prescription drugs.NOT.Go Kevin! I hope he sells 10 million books or more!.

[Randy Newland]

Merck & Co. has killed an estimated 30,000 people?, with there anti-inflamatory drug, Vioxx.And who's the bad guy?Kevin? People you need to wake up & smell the roses...and now there are 14 more potentially deadly drugs now on the market.Attorneys are already licking their chops..effexor,depo-provera,elidel,celebrex,crestor,etc.,etc.etc...the complete list on consumer reports.com

[Randy Newland]

rather than have you go to C.R. I'll give you the rest of the list & let me tell you ,this is just the tip of the iceberg for drugs that were rushed to approval by the F.D.A. & put on the market anyway even though they might have possible deadly side effects..Protopic,Premarin,Accutane,Ovide,Elidel,Lariam,Serevent,Meridia,Zoloft,Effexor,Zelnorm,Prempro and there will be many,many more to follow!

[Erik Nanstiel]

Look into Kevin Trudeau's history. The guy is all about the benjamins (money). He's a big phony, and the fact that some common sense nutritional and alternative medicine information is in his book...does not excuse him as a person.

20/20 did an exposé on Trudeau... Look it up...

[Paula Gomez]

What is wrong with what Trudeau is saying???
What happened to freedom of speech?????

I guess maybe the truth hurts about the companies he speaks about.

As far as money goes doesn't everyone need to make some and want to live a good life.

Isn't it ashame that viewpoints as his are attacked but books about killing are looked at as
entertaining.

He's just dealing with the BIG BOYS, and they don't like it.

Give me a break!!!!!

[gina]

the man if full of his self ,,,,,, he wants to start a class action suit becaue of low carb says it doesnt work ,,,,,,,lol BS he lost weight on atkins so he claimed on tv ,,,,,but then maybe he was lieing there too ... i know to many people that lost weight doing low carb.

[Patrick Sullivan Jr.]

I haven't heard about the latest class-action suit. But yes, many people will lose weight by cutting carbs because of the type of carbs they are cutting from their diet -- white starchy flour, which the body rapidly converts into fat. Read The Truth About Carbohydrates.

[Emmanuel Martinez]

I bought both books "Natural Cures 'They' Don't Want You to Know About - Updated Edition" and "More Natural Cures 'They' Don't Want You to Know About." I believe what Kevin Trudeau says because it makes sense. I also believe the testimonials of many people being cured of illnesses because of his book.

I didn't buy the books because there are illnesses I want to avail myself, my family or friends of. I also didn't buy the books because I anticipate an illness in the future. I bought the books because I think it's good information that everyone who is capable of reading should read.

I think everyone should read both books cover to cover before making any judgement.

I don't believe Kevin Trudeau is just trying to make money off his books. I believe him when he says that that's not his motive. His actions are also consistent with his words. He takes no advertisements and he puts the money he makes from the books back into promoting the book to get the information out there. Right now in his most recent infomercials, he's paying for airtime in many infomercials just to give both of his books away for free to everyone who calls. That does not sound like he's just trying to scam people for their money.

[iiojioujio]

YOU PEOPLE ARE MORONS, WHY DO YOU THINK KEVIN CREATED THIS BOOK, TO TELL YOU THE TRUTH ABOUT ALL OF THIS. LKE I TELL EVERYONE I SPEAK TO, THE WORLD IS DIVIDED INTO 2 TYPES OF PEOPLE, STUPID ONES AND SMART ONES, IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE KEVIN YOU FALL INTO THE STUPID CATEGORY. YOU THINK THIS GUY IS OUT TO TAKE YOUR MONEY JUST TO SELL YOU A BOOK, GIVE ME A BREAK. YOU SHOULD BE HAPPY HE SPILLED THE BEANS ON THE CRAP THEY DO TO US. WHY DON'T YOU READ SOME OF THE CHEMICALS THEY PUT IN YOUR FOOD, BHT/BHA, MSG, SODIUM BENZOTE, SODIUM NITRATE, AND ASPARTAME. YEA THESE ARE REALLY HEALTHY TO CONSUME, BUT KEVIN IS A LIAR. JUST KEEP EATING THIS STUFF AND FEED IT TO YOUR KIDS TOO.

[kenuto medrano]

please send me an free sample, of one of your books. thank you

4400 west arm rd#305
spring park, mn 55384

[lalalalalla]

I think it is absolutely insane about what he is saying on tv. Maybe some of these remedies work, yes, and maybe drug companies push drugs yes... BUT there is reps that push natural products and docs and Pharmacist learn about these things in school and alot of them affect thier prescription medication and cause (in some cases severe interactions). I am a pharmacist and couldn't stand to watch this on tv for 10 minutes. It's called non-pharm... these things apparently we don't learn about in school to help with pain, etc. We do learn about it and tell patients when applicable. Also, natural products are OTC; they are not checked by pharmacists for drug-drug, drug-medical condition interactions nor followed for labortory values by a doctor. You should have least studied medicine before writing a book!!!!!!!!