Para bien (o para mal)

What an awesome idea to debunk pseudosience in a Netflix series. But these documentaries don't do anything to support a scientific worldview or combat pseudoscience. Such a missed chance!

Right of the bat, in the opening lines of each episode, there are judgments, but we don't need judgments based on who know whose opinion, we need a series like this to present products, highlight what's controversial about them, denounce any misinfirmation if it's out there, and present scientifically grounded and paracticle conclusions.

You can do better, Netflix!

I was pleasantly surprised the way they handled the subject. I did Ayahuasca three years ago and it changed my life. The stories are powerful and very moving, and different perspectives including the scientific is covered in a respectful way. I also really liked that they included the perspective of the natives that have shared their medicines compassionately with the west.

What I feel is missing very often concerning documentaries on aya, is the fact that you are responsible to stay off medicines, drugs, alcohol and to cleanse and fast before the ceremony. The other thing is that unfortunalely aya is not healing in itself, if you are not surrounded by experienced, grounded and loving guides! The third thing is that aya requires you to work on your self and make necessary changes in your life, it is you who needs to do the work, and some experience with introspection and reflection is very useful before you choose to do it.

When I heard about this new show, my expectations were high and I was excited about what they were going to say, but I have to say it's disappointing. I'd thought they'd delve deeper into the science, but the two episodes I've watched were quite superficial.

Fasting If you're gonna have an expert who talks about the dangers of fasting, don't get a "Health At Every Size" / body positivity / intuitive eating dietitian to talk about the science. Out of all the registered dietitians they could've asked they asked this woman. I've looked up her podcast and book and they're dangerous. The advice she gives in her book to people who are seriously allergic to certain foods but still crave the food is horrible. But I digress.. This isn't about the dietitian (though an episode on HAES and intuitive eating in S2 would be great!). The HAES types are about as anti-science as it gets in the confusing world of nutrition. When she makes claims about a study where fasting had a negative impact on cancer treatments, delve into the study. Don't just take her word for it. The same goes for the other side. There were some dodgy people making interesting claims on their side as well. I'd really hoped they'd thoroughly investigate the health claims. You can't debunk wellness myths without deep dives into scientific studies and their methodologies. I'm not sure anyone who has watched this has become any wiser on what exactly the science says, except for maybe the bit with the scientists from Italy. That part was kind of interesting, though also superficial.

Essential oils This is a topic I knew nothing about, so I was super interested to learn something new. A large part of the episode was about the history of Multi Level Marketing companies and how bad they are. Sure, they're bad. And sure, this whole essential oil thing is apparently a lifestyle for many of its users, but how exactly does it work? The cancer cure claims are nice and all but where's the proof. If you make a documentary, talk to her former doctors, find a way to collaborate the girl's story or don't use it. Now it's all claims, no proof, and we as watchers have to make up our own minds.

Conclusion Disappointed, but I'm hoping they'll make a second season where they do better. I'm giving it a 5 and not lower, because I did learn some things and it's entertaining.







(FYI, I'm from a country with a 1-10 grading system and a 5 is the first failing grade.. I've seen other reviews on other shows of people who gave a 4 and said it was a C, that's not how this works, in my opinion. :P)

My eyes came across this documentary and watched it without any expectations. It just got me interested in some things that are used for wellness and treatment as I did not know they existed. It did not get into the details of the directors background and other stuff that may influence the perspective provided the series, but from my point of view it tries to be quite neutral, show different opinions, some advantages and risks of one treatment or another. It does not say what is good or bad for us, it just shows that some people go too far and yes, there are some inspirational and phenomenal cases. It's all about to be smart and thoughtfull about yourself. In general - pretty good for a person without any expections or preconceived notions.

DoTERRA received a warning letter from the FDA for misbranding, false claims, marketing as cures. Do not trust this company.