4 risky 'cures' making a comeback under MAHA
Key Takeaways
Industry Buzz
“I and other activists, scientists, have been speaking out against this lethal bleach product for more than a decade now. When chlorine dioxide is ingested, it causes serious, life-threatening illness." — Fiona O’Leary, an Ireland-based activist
Wild, often unproven “cures” for everything from obesity to COVID-19 are making headlines again.
Under HHS Secretary RFK Jr.'s MAHA initiative, there’s been a fresh wave of attention on alternative "treatments." This pattern of promoting unproven—and often toxic—chemicals has been seen before, with Trump’s prior endorsement of injecting disinfectants and ongoing vaccine skepticism playing into this narrative.[]
“I and other activists, scientists, have been speaking out against this lethal bleach product for more than a decade now. When chlorine dioxide is ingested, it causes serious, life-threatening illness,” said Fiona O’Leary, an Ireland-based activist.
Here’s what we’ve been seeing—and what it might mean for your practice.
1. Hydroxychloroquine
Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is a drug primarily used to treat malaria and certain autoimmune conditions, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.[]
In recent years, however, HCQ has been controversially touted as a treatment for COVID-19.
While initially promoted as a “miracle cure” with anecdotal evidence circulating on social media, the drug failed to demonstrate efficacy in clinical trials,[] and its use for COVID-19 was widely discouraged by the medical community.
The health risks of using HCQ outside of its approved indications are severe. These include potential heart arrhythmias, kidney damage, and retinal toxicity, particularly with prolonged use.[][]
2. Colloidal silver
Colloidal silver is a suspension of fine silver particles in liquid, and it has been marketed for decades as a "cure-all" for a variety of ailments.[]
Historically, silver has been used in medicine for its antibacterial properties, especially before the advent of antibiotics. However, the use of colloidal silver as an alternative medicine has persisted well into modern times.
Colloidal silver is being marketed as a treatment for everything from immune system support to curing viral infections like COVID-19. Some alternative health practitioners claim it can treat conditions like cancer, arthritis, and even eye infections.
The use of colloidal silver can lead to serious, irreversible health consequences. One of the most well-known side effects is argyria, a condition where silver builds up in the body, leading to a bluish-gray discoloration of the skin. Additionally, colloidal silver can interfere with the absorption of certain medications, cause kidney damage, and lead to neurological problems, making it a dangerous choice for patients seeking legitimate treatments.[]
3. Sunlight therapy (aka 'vitamin D therapy')
"Sunlight therapy" involves exposure to sunlight in an attempt to boost vitamin D levels, which is naturally produced by the skin when exposed to UV rays.
Vitamin D is essential for bone health and immune function. Sunlight exposure has been a traditional way to maintain healthy levels of this vitamin.[] Moderate exposure to sunlight can also improve mood and help combat seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
However, some proponents are pushing “sunlight therapy” as a broad-spectrum treatment for a variety of conditions, ranging from depression to chronic illness. The belief is that too many people are deficient in vitamin D, leading these advocates to recommend extended sunlight exposure or even unsupervised tanning as a remedy for all sorts of ailments.
While controlled sunlight exposure can be beneficial for vitamin D synthesis, excessive exposure carries significant risks. Unprotected sun exposure increases the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
Moreover, without proper monitoring, patients who are also taking vitamin D supplements may end up with dangerous levels of vitamin D, which can lead to toxicity, resulting in kidney damage, bone pain, and calcification of soft tissues.[]
4. Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS)
Miracle Mineral Solution, also known as chlorine dioxide, is a bleach solution marketed as a “cure-all” for numerous medical conditions, including cancer, malaria, and autism. It’s often sold as a detoxifying agent.[]
MMS has no legitimate medical applications. It is essentially a solution of sodium chlorite, which, when activated, turns into chlorine dioxide, a chemical used in water treatment and industrial bleach.
The solution is being sold online and promoted through word of mouth as a remedy for a wide variety of conditions, from autism to chronic illnesses. Some advocates claim that drinking MMS can "detoxify" the body, but this claim is not supported by any scientific evidence.
The health risks of MMS are dire. It can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration, and in severe cases, it can lead to life-threatening conditions such as respiratory failure, kidney failure, and even death. The FDA has issued multiple warnings about the dangers of MMS, but it continues to circulate in some alternative medicine circles.
What’s driving this? And how to talk to patients
It’s a perfect storm: catchy political messaging, lingering distrust of conventional medicine, and a population still reeling from pandemic fatigue.
A 2018 paper in Perspectives on Psychological Science noted that political polarization can shape beliefs about alternative medicine and conspiracy theories.[] Additionally, social media has created echo chambers that amplify these messages, regardless of scientific evidence.[]
We know shutting these claims down outright can alienate patients.
Instead:
Acknowledge the appeal: People want to feel they’re “in control” of their health.
Present clear data: Summarize reputable studies in plain language. For example, hydroxychloroquine was found ineffective for COVID-19 in a large-scale trial.[]
Know what’s out there: Be familiar with these headlines so you can pre-emptively address them in the exam room.
Pivot to safe practices: If someone’s excited about “sunlight therapy,” discuss healthy sun exposure and vitamin D levels, not unproven claims.
Related: 6 preventable health conditions likely to rise under Trump