I just finished watching Apple Cider Vinegar on Netflix. Based upon a true story, it follows social media influencers and their promotion of alternative cancer treatments. As a person with Parkinson’s Disease, I completely understand the desire to seek out alternative solutions to help treat or relieve symptoms; the need to ‘fix’ things especially when there is no cure for whatever diagnosis you have heard. In my early days, I immersed myself in reading and researching everything out there; fava beans, CoenzymeQ10 and other supplements, gluten-free/dairy-free diets, red-light therapy, diagnosis reversals, hypnosis, and the list goes on and on. Sure, there is certainly a measure of success in how some of these things may help alleviate symptoms, but others have zero merit and the investment required can create a significant hole in one’s wallet. I believe it is extremely important that we carefully consider the source of the information we choose to engage with.

We are living in a moment where oligarchical buffoonery is derailing science and medicine and social media moguls have enabled anybody to control the narrative. Anyone, (myself included) can post their beliefs, experiences, and make suggestions about living with a disease. but ignoring and devaluing Science and Medicine is a dangerous game.

Please carefully consider and fact-check what you are reading. Beware the magic beans and snake oil.