Did Belle in Netflix’s ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’ Beat Cancer by Dieting?
Apple Cider Vinegar came out on Netflix in February 2025. It tells the story of Belle Gibson from Australia, who beat terminal brain cancer. No, she did not opt for conventional treatment. Instead, what allegedly worked for her was clean eating and alternative medicine.
The series is inspired by a real incident that caused a sensation in 2009. Belle was a major influencer on social media, and thousands of followers tracked her updates. Some of them stopped their routine cancer treatment in the hope that her alternative ideas would do their magic.
So, how genuine is this situation? If dieting were all it took to beat cancer, so many of us wouldn’t lose loved ones to the dreadful disease. Here’s what transpired in Belle’s life. Trust us, it didn’t bode well for anyone involved.
Belle’s Real Diagnosis
In 2009, Belle Gibson announced that she had terminal brain cancer. She was pursuing standard treatments, which gave her distressing side effects.
Eventually, she stopped chemotherapy and started following a strict, clean diet documented in The Whole Pantry. Her book was full of anti-inflammatory recipes that did not contain allergens or additives. It apparently kept things in control.
Besides eating right, Belle discussed alternative treatments like Ayurveda and vitamin therapy. The show cleverly spans the spectrum of “miracle” healing agents, including snake oil and mistletoe injections. John Hopkins Center notes that the US FDA does not approve mistletoe extract for cancer treatment. Even so, another cancer patient on the show, Milla, strongly advocates for it.
Belle stayed free of cancer and the aftermath of chemotherapy and radiation until 2014. During this time, she experienced a wild rise to fame, signing book deals and raising funds to donate to charities. Among her fans is cancer patient Lucy, who embraces the suggested unconventional techniques to heal herself.
However, in the fateful year of 2014, Belle announced that her cancer had spread to other organs. Around this time in Apple Cider Vinegar, we see how Justin, Lucy’s husband, starts having doubts.
Belle denies her claims about the cancer spreading – confusion or deliberate lying? Medical experts assess that living beyond five years with a terminal brain cancer diagnosis is far-fetched – and Belle seemed incredibly healthy.
Eventually, Belle confesses that it had all been a lie. She never had cancer. The Netflix show beautifully shows how some influencers go to extreme lengths to attain fame, damaging people’s lives.
What Encouraged People to Trust Belle With Advice on a Serious Illness?
Getting influenced by the glamorous travel and fashion stories on Instagram isn’t a big deal – it happens to many of us. We see our friends’ recommendations for television shows to watch next. However, Apple Cider Vinegar explores the psychology behind trusting an influencer on something as grave as cancer.
The dread that a cancer diagnosis evokes is partly to blame for making people gullible and prone to jumping on any beacon of hope. In Apple Cider Vinegar, Lucy has cancer but prefers alternative treatment to a medically approved plan. In her vulnerable state, seeking a sisterhood of wellness must have been comforting.
Moreover, cancer seems to have become much more common. Recent data indicates that more people under 50 are facing cancer diagnoses.
Malignant tumors seem to come from everywhere – from processed foods and plastics to contraceptive injections like Pfizer’s Depo Provera. The latter has raised brain tumor risks so steeply that Depo Provera lawsuit settlements may reach up to $500,000. In such troubling times, the promise of peaceful healing can be hard to resist.
There could be another force at play. The eagerness to believe in “other options” shows a lack of preventative and lifestyle treatment in the US. In many regions of the world, cancer patients often sense a lack of empathy and don’t feel heard.
What is Apple Cider Vinegar’s Takeaway for Viewers?
The most vital takeaway is better decision-making without being swayed by unverified influencers and the temptation of self-guided research. The show hints at a more balanced approach to treatment, demonstrating that modern and alternative treatments can coexist. For example, Lucy embraces chemotherapy with alternative methods like yoga and cold plunges.
The series also brings positivity (excuse the triteness) to those suffering because of misinformation. According to TruLaw, those diagnosed with cancer due to dangerous products can take legal action to receive support for medical treatment. After all, the manufacturers are accountable for not issuing the required warnings.
The role of a support system for cancer patients becomes apparent through the six episodes. Lucy has the love of her husband, Justin, who labors to reveal Belle’s deception. Milla has Chanelle, her best friend, who is always there to fight for her.
Likewise, medical experts advise using a triangle of trust to avoid making decisions in an emotional rush. It is best to check with at least three trusted sources like a physician, a university, or a medical journal.
What Can You Watch Next to Dig Deeper Into False Wellness Claims?
Clean eating and alternative medicine seem to be cure-alls. Modern influencer culture promises that diet can fix pretty much anything, from poor skin to troubled relationships. Check out The Search for Instagram’s Worst Con Artist. You can peek into Belle Gibson’s childhood and assess if it may have impacted who she became.
Another great pick is the sarcastic Australian show Wellmania. It was an astute take on the obsession with consuming clean foods and working out. It’s upsetting that the show didn’t return for another season, but the current content is hilarious and relatable.
We live in confusing times. Every day brings an information overload, but we must wade through murky waters to figure out what’s legit. Shows like Apple Cider Vinegar are a clarion call to help us see straight. The fast-paced episodes move along snappily, keeping the audience hooked until the end.