Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
December 23, 2025
Doctor Claims Pharmaceuticals Are Leading Cause of Death, Advocates Diet Over Drugs
TLDR
- Adopting Ellen White's plant-based diet principles could provide a longevity advantage, as seen in Loma Linda residents living seven years longer than other non-smoking groups.
- Studies show adverse drug reactions cause hundreds of thousands of deaths annually, with a 2.7-fold increase from 1998-2005, making medical care a leading cause of death.
- Shifting focus from pharmaceutical treatments to preventive nutrition and healthy habits could save millions of lives and create a healthier society for future generations.
- Ellen White warned about tobacco's dangers in 1864, a century before science confirmed the link to cancer, highlighting her foresight in health advocacy.
Impact - Why it Matters
This news matters because it challenges the foundational assumptions of modern healthcare, suggesting that widely accepted medical treatments may be causing more harm than good. If Ruhling's claims about Adverse Drug Reactions are accurate, it implies that millions of people could be at risk from properly prescribed medications, raising urgent questions about patient safety and regulatory oversight. The emphasis on diet and lifestyle, backed by examples like the long-lived Loma Linda community, offers a practical alternative that could empower individuals to take control of their health without relying solely on pharmaceuticals. This impacts readers by highlighting potential dangers in routine medical care and encouraging a shift toward preventive, nutrition-based approaches, which could lead to better health outcomes and reduced dependency on drugs. In an era of rising healthcare costs and chronic disease, this perspective prompts a critical reevaluation of what true "healthcare" means and who benefits from the current system.
Summary
Dr. Richard Ruhling, an 83-year-old physician with a background in internal medicine and public health, delivers a provocative critique of modern medical practices, arguing that "medical care is not healthcare" but rather a system focused on diagnosing and treating disease with pharmaceuticals that he claims are a leading cause of illness and death. Ruhling, who taught at Loma Linda University, points to the longevity of the Loma Linda community—featured in National Geographic's "Secrets of Living Longer"—as evidence for alternative approaches, attributing their extended lifespans to the health writings of Ellen White, which emphasized plant-based diets and warned against tobacco and drugs long before mainstream science did. He highlights the tragic case of his wife, who died after complications from an antibiotic, and cites studies from the Journal of the American Medical Association and the Western Journal of Medicine reporting hundreds of thousands of deaths annually from Adverse Drug Reactions, suggesting that medical care could be the leading cause of death in the U.S., though these findings are not reflected in CDC reports.
Ruhling criticizes the pharmaceutical industry for rebranding medical care as "healthcare" in the 1970s as an advertising strategy, arguing that this shift ignores the importance of nutrition and healthy habits, which he says can add years to life. He notes that doctors receive little training in nutrition or herbal remedies, and that drug companies prioritize patentable products over natural solutions. Ruhling also shares his experience advocating in the U.S. Senate, where he was told that pharmaceutical donations influence policy, and warns that if death rates from Adverse Drug Reactions have continued to rise since 2005, millions may be affected annually. He promotes dietary changes, citing examples like avoiding evening meals and coffee, and references Ellen White's 1887 writings on the harms of stimulants. For those seeking more information, Ruhling's book, "Health Happiness and Destiny," is available in a special holiday gift pack, offering insights into his health philosophy and a bonus high-value video that sells on Amazon, providing a comprehensive resource for readers interested in alternative health approaches.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by 24-7 Press Release. Read the original source here, Doctor Claims Pharmaceuticals Are Leading Cause of Death, Advocates Diet Over Drugs
