Lessons From The Apple Cider Vinegar Story: The Dangers of Health Misinformation

Recently, I watched Apple Cider Vinegar on Netflix, and it definitely deserves a post. It tells the true story of an Australian influencer who falsely claimed to have cured her cancer with food. It’s a shocking and eye-opening story. I believe psychologists should analyze this series, but as a dietitian, I also have something to say. An influencer promoting various products and approaches may not seem very dangerous at first. However, what if they claim to have treated a serious disease like cancer with food or alternative methods? Wouldn't that lead many people to abandon their treatments or encourage the use of products that could negatively impact their health? Isn't this a public health issue?

Without giving too much away, we witness how people can deceive themselves and others about health issues, exploiting the hopes of millions and even causing harm—intentionally or unintentionally—through misinformation. As I always say and believe, prophylaxis is superior to all. Prophylaxis simply means protecting yourself before any damage occurs in your body. So the health professionals recommend a balanced diet, regular exercise, and managing stress levels to everyone else.

I'm sure everyone has come across at least one article about a so-called miracle food or an ancient traditional remedy that claims to cure every illness. Unfortunately, there is no magical food or single approach that heals everything overnight. True healing comes from an integrated approach based on logic, science, so modern medicine.

When it comes to your health, thinking beyond conspiracy theories like Big Pharma and learning how to read and critically analyze scientific research is essential. What does that mean? It means asking the right questions:

  •  Is this a randomized controlled trial?
  •  What is the sample size?
  • Have animal experiments been conducted before human testing?
  • What are the limitations of the study?
  • Has informed consent been obtained from the participants?
  • Is the p-value statistically significant?

Even after answering all these questions, modern medicine still cannot offer 100% certainty on most health issues. If that’s the case, how can people be so sure that a random product or unproven method will heal but never harm?

Let’s not forget: Medicines were originally derived from plants. If we don't randomly take a pharmaceutical drug to self-medicate, why would we so confidently consume herbal teas, supplements, or alternative treatments that use the same raw materials as medicine—without proper research? Our cure is in nature, yes, but without proper knowledge, nature can also be deadly.

Today’s modern medicine can cure many types of cancer, even though the process is difficult. So, let’s say:

✅ Yes to chemotherapy and radiotherapy when needed.
✅ Yes to a balanced and healthy diet.
✅ Yes to meditation and yoga or other alternatives to manage stress and improve physical activity.
❌ No to magic juice mixes and untested remedies.
❌ No to products that haven’t been proven safe for human use.

Everything you consume interacts with each other. What if I told you that simply drinking a glass of grapefruit juice affects the vast majority of treatments by increasing or decreasing the effect of many medicines? While you think you are healing yourself, you may actually be harming your body. So please if you are undergoing medical treatment, never try alternative treatments without discussing them with your doctor.


REFERENCE:

https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/grapefruit-juice-and-some-drugs-dont-mix

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