15 Aug Common Misconceptions about Stem Cell Therapy
A lot has been said regarding stem cell therapy and while a few of these facts are true, others are misunderstandings that require clarification. For example, although cells used in stem cell therapy have indeed been used to treat many ailments, currently, these cells cannot be used to cure all medical conditions. Stem cell therapy is a relatively novel method that involves the use of stem cells (i.e. cells capable of dividing into many several types of cells of tissues in the body) to treat several disease conditions by replacing the dying cells and/or tissues with these undifferentiated cells. This article aims to clarify certain major misconceptions about this field of modern medicine.
Here are five common misconceptions to stem cell therapy
- Stem cells used in Stem Cell Therapy are obtained using unethical techniques
The issue of the procedure used to obtain stem cells for therapy has been a source of many controversies in stem cell research. Critics argue that because stem cells can be obtained from blastocysts, a very early stage of an embryo, stem cell therapy is unethical as it dishonors the sanctity of human life.
However, this is simply a misconception about stem cell therapy. First off, it should be noted that not all stem cells are harvested from blastocysts. Certain research on stem cell therapy has shown the effectiveness of using stem cells derived from the umbilical cord to treat diseases. In usual conditions, the umbilical cord is disposed of after birth; however, instead of disposing of this structure, researchers have found that cells within the cord could be useful in treating certain disease conditions. Additionally, stem cells can also be obtained from adult bone marrow and this procedure does not raise any ethical concerns.
- Stem Cell Therapy is not safe
Contrary to this misconception, Stem cell therapy is by far one of the safest and most effective treatment options for disease conditions. Procedures in stem cell therapy such as using stem cell therapy to treat carpal tunnel syndrome are in-office procedures and as such can be performed right there in the doctor’s office. Additionally, certain stem cell supplements are approved by the Food and Drug Administration FDA. The FDA uses high standard tests to ensure that food and drugs consumed by the general public are safe as such supplements and procedures approved by the FDA are not harmful. Before taking a stem cell supplement or performing a procedure, confirm if it is an FDA-approved stem cell supplement or procedure to ensure maximal safety.
- Most religions are against the use of Stem Cell Therapy
Due to the ethical concerns stem cell therapy has raised since its inception, most people believe that most if not all religions are against stem cell therapy. The truth, however, is contrary to this notion. Stem cell therapy is supported by all the major Jewish denominations including Orthodox, Reform, Conservative, and Reconstructionist. Additionally, in 2007, Pope Benedict XVI expressed his support for adult stem cell research. According to him, this form of stem cell therapy has not only yielded “favorable results” but also respects “the life of the human being at every stage of his or her existence”
- Stem Cell Therapy can be used to cure every disease condition
Although stem cell therapy has been effective in managing several diseases, currently, stem cell therapy has not been applied to cure all diseases. This treatment option is promising; however, there are still certain stem cell research facts and statistics we do not know, and many more which are still unexplainable. Thus far, stem cell therapy has been used to effectively treat certain conditions like osteoarthritis, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, stroke, diabetes, heart failure, and many more. Using stem cells to treat other conditions is still under research.
- Stem Cell Therapy is not approved in the United States
This statement is far from the truth. Some centers in the United States have advanced stem cell research centers authorized by the FDA and as such are not only legal but also safe. For example, with funding from the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine, stem cell research in California has taken the lead in stem cell research worldwide. Several advancements in modern medicine have been made in this field and with the results so far, there’s no telling what direction stem cell research takes the country and the world at large, in a few years to come.
Misconceptions usually create doubts specifically with stem cell therapy. Thorough studies and research prove that stem cell therapy procedures are not just effective, but are safe for patients longing for a better quality of life. When in doubt, call Advanced Stem Cell Institute at 855-937-7836 now.
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