Sarah Wilson: "Diet doesn't cure disease and it's irresponsible to say otherwise."

Sarah Wilson, author of the controversial I Quit Sugar book says it’s irresponsible to claim that diet can cure disease.

Sarah Wilson is no stranger to controversy when it comes to a new age approach to food. The author of I Quit Sugar believes people should cut all sugar out of their diet, and this extreme approach is criticised by many.

But today she’s telling her peers, “diet doesn’t cure disease and it’s irresponsible to say otherwise.”

And we’re applauding this dose of common sense.

Her comments come after the incredibly sad death of Wellness Warrior blogger Jess Ainscough, who called for the rejection of conventional medical when treating cancer, and instead sought to promote a natural alternative, namely Gerson Therapy – a plant-based diet that includes raw juicing and five coffee enemas a day.

Read more: A cancer surgeon on Jess Ainscough: “Deaths like this sadden me.”

Further, this week police have visit the home of The Whole Pantry blogger Belle Gibson, who has claimed to heal her own brain, liver, uterus, spleen and blood cancer through a healthy diet and alternative therapies.

Her cancer claims are allegedly false, and stories continue to surface of contradictions and holes in her narrative. She also allegedly failed to give hundred of thousands of dollars she raised to charity.

Read more: Another day, another ‘natural cancer treatment’ is proven to be a tragic lie.

Both bloggers had a cult like following. Their influence incredibly powerful.

Wilson’s comments address the huge influence these woman had over thousands of vulnerable people who may be facing similar diseases.

“There’s a bigger issue to chat about here and that’s the notion of an impressionable public being encouraged to believe food can fix chronic disease,” she writes on her blog.

Addressing her own role in the industry, Wilson says you can advocate for healthy living, but that doesn’t mean you should sideline medicine.

“Food is not medicine if you’re chronically sick,” she writes, as she explains her choice to be transparent about her use of medication to help manage her auto-immune disease.

“It should be appreciated and incorporated where appropriate, case-by-case.”

Although she does highlight her belief that food can be used in conjunction with medical treatment to manage some illnesses.

“Food can help prevent disease… Good, real, unprocessed food is highly effective (actually, non-negotiable) when managing chronic illness,” she writes.

We are incredibly happy to hear Wilson supporting the role of medicine in managing disease and we call for other “wellness” persoanlities to be responsible and do the same.

You can read Sarah Wilson’s post on her blog here.