| Your points are fair. I just want to say that I'm completely aware of these criticisms on naturopathy, gaps, and Joe Mercola in particular. And I can agree with the argument that many who identify themselves as "alternative practitioners" are scammers or just ignorant. But. 1. Just because there are scammers among naturopaths or gaps practitioners it doesn't mean that those practices are completely worthless. A "real" naturopath's or gaps practitioner's approach to chronic disease can be immensely helpful, arguably much more than an ordinary hospital doctor. 2. If you don't trust naturopaths or gaps practitioners that's completely fine because the concerns you raised are fair. That's why I recommended a "functional medicine practitioner" before them, so check that out. 3. Mainstream medicine has its own share of problems, which in turn pushes people like me to naturopaths and gaps practitioners because they were the ones that helped me greatly. (the right ones) Mainstream medicine especially fails in diagnosing and curing chronic diseases, like food allergies. Alternative medicine is in dangerous waters; while I argue that it has great value, one should be armed with proper knowledge in order to tell right from wrong, scammers from real practitioners, thus get the benefit. If you are in doubt, check out "functional medicine" which was the first thing I mentioned. It is an approach that combines the good parts of both mainstream and alternative medicine as far as I understand. |