When I first sat down to watch Apple Cider Vinegar on Netflix, I expected a wellness documentary—maybe something about holistic health or diet culture. What I didn’t expect was a cautionary tale about the harm that unqualified individuals can cause when they position themselves as wellness “experts.”
As a therapist, I have worked with clients who have fallen prey to wellness trends that promise transformation but instead leave them feeling unworthy, unhealthy, and, in some cases, deeply harmed. This show brought to light the unsettling reality that anyone with enough charisma and confidence can gain influence, even without the necessary training or ethical responsibility.
The Dangers of One-Size-Fits-All Health Advice
One of the most harmful aspects of self-proclaimed “gurus” is their failure to acknowledge individual vulnerabilities. Health and wellness are deeply personal, shaped by genetics, medical history, trauma, and mental health factors. Yet, many self-styled coaches, influencers, and even some therapists push rigid ideologies without considering the unique needs of each individual.
In my own experience working with coaches and self-improvement programs, I have seen how damaging it can be when practitioners lack the skills to assess risk factors. Advice that might seem harmless—such as extreme fasting, detoxes, or mindset overhauls—can trigger severe consequences for someone with a history of disordered eating, trauma, or chronic illness.
The wellness industry thrives on a lack of accountability. Unlike licensed professionals, many “experts” operate in spaces where there is little oversight. Their recommendations often go unchecked until harm has already been done.
MLM Culture and the Promise of Transformation
Watching Apple Cider Vinegar immediately made me think of multi-level marketing (MLM) schemes, which have long preyed on people’s hopes for better health, wealth, and community. MLMs thrive on selling not just products but a lifestyle—a promise that you can be healthier, richer, and more successful if you just believe in the system (and, of course, recruit more people into it).
Like the unqualified wellness coaches in the documentary, MLMs exploit psychological vulnerabilities. They tell people that failure is a mindset issue rather than a flaw in the system itself. If you don’t lose weight, heal your gut, or make six figures selling supplements, it’s because you didn’t try hard enough. This mindset fosters deep shame, especially when people realize they’ve been sold a dream that was never meant to succeed.
The Psychological Toll of Wellness Culture
Many of my clients have struggled with the psychological aftermath of wellness scams—feelings of inadequacy, shame, and self-blame when the promised transformation doesn’t happen. Social media influencers and self-help “gurus” fuel this cycle by promoting an unattainable standard of health and success. The message is always the same: If you’re struggling, you’re just not doing it right.
This is why it’s crucial to seek guidance from trained professionals—whether for mental health, physical health, or nutrition. True experts will assess your unique circumstances and avoid the blanket claims that are so prevalent in the self-help and wellness industries.
A Therapist’s Disclaimer: Not Everything is for Everyone
I want to be clear: Not all self-help, coaching, or wellness advice is inherently bad. There are many skilled and ethical professionals out there. But discernment is key. Just because someone is confident, popular, or “successful” does not mean they are qualified to give advice that impacts your physical and mental well-being.
If you’re navigating health and personal growth, I encourage you to ask the right questions:
- What are this person’s qualifications?
- Do they consider individual risk factors?
- Are they selling a one-size-fits-all solution?
- Do they encourage shame or personal blame when things don’t work?
- Are they making claims that seem too good to be true?
Apple Cider Vinegar serves as a reminder that in a world saturated with quick fixes and wellness trends, we must stay critical and protect ourselves from narratives that could do more harm than good.
Please stay tuned for a follow up blog about mental and psychological well-being of the influencers who are perpetuating this behaviour.
