The world of wellness influencers can be both inspiring and confusing. Recently, Netflix released a show called Apple Cider Vinegar, which looks at the lives of wellness influencers who use alternative treatments to fight cancer. One of the main characters in the show, Milla Blake, is shown using non-traditional methods to treat her illness.
Although Milla is a made-up character, her story is similar to that of a real person, Jessica Ainscough. Known as the "Wellness Warrior," Jessica’s journey, which ended tragically, helped shape the conversation around alternative cancer treatments.
In this article, we’ll look at the true story of Jessica Ainscough, the inspiration for Milla Blake, and the complex world of wellness culture.
Milla Blake is the main character in Apple Cider Vinegar. She is a wellness influencer diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. She becomes obsessed with alternative treatments, such as extreme diets and other methods.
Throughout the series, Milla grows famous by sharing her journey of using these unconventional treatments online. Even though her story is fictional, Milla’s character reflects a real trend of influencers who promote alternative wellness practices, sometimes with dangerous results.
About Jessica Ainscough
Jessica Ainscough worked as an online editor at Dolly magazine in Australia when she was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer called epithelioid sarcoma in 2008. At just 22, Jessica had to fight for her life. Doctors suggested she amputate her left arm to stop the cancer from spreading, but she decided to try chemotherapy first, hoping to avoid surgery.
When chemotherapy didn’t fully work and the cancer returned, Jessica had to make a difficult decision. Doctors once again recommended amputation to help save her life, but Jessica, looking for a more natural way, refused.
Instead, she turned to alternative treatments, particularly the Gerson therapy, which involved coffee enemas, a vegetarian diet, and various supplements. This was the beginning of her public journey with non-traditional cancer treatments.
Gerson therapy is an alternative cancer treatment that includes a strict diet of organic vegetarian food, fruit juices, and coffee enemas. It is based on the idea that the body can heal itself through detoxification.
However, there is no scientific evidence that this therapy can cure cancer. Despite this, Jessica believed in it deeply and shared her experience with her growing online audience.
Jessica’s fight with cancer became more than just her personal battle; it became a public movement. She started a blog where she documented her treatment, shared her diet plans, and talked about the emotional highs and lows of dealing with cancer.
Her openness and honesty attracted many followers who were looking for hope, especially those disillusioned with traditional medicine. Jessica became a strong advocate for alternative healing.
Despite her efforts with Gerson therapy, Jessica’s cancer returned and her health got worse. She passed away in 2015, at the age of 30. Her death marked the end of a controversial journey and raised important questions about alternative medicine, wellness culture, and the dangers of promoting treatments without proof.
Jessica’s followers were deeply affected by her passing, as many had believed in her journey and her message about alternative healing.
Netflix’s Apple Cider Vinegar series is based on the story of Belle Gibson, another Australian wellness influencer who falsely claimed she cured her cancer using diet and lifestyle changes. Although it was later revealed that Belle had never had cancer, her popularity in the wellness community helped raise awareness about the dangers of promoting unproven treatments.
The character of Milla Blake in Apple Cider Vinegar is inspired by both Jessica Ainscough and Belle Gibson. The series shows Belle’s obsession with Milla, who is using alternative methods to treat her cancer.
Milla Blake and Jessica Ainscough share many similarities, especially in their use of alternative cancer treatments. Both women reject traditional medicine in favor of more natural approaches.
However, Jessica’s real-life struggle and tragic loss are different from Milla’s fictional story. Milla’s character is meant to highlight the complicated world of wellness influencers and the dangers of following them blindly.
Jessica Ainscough and Belle Gibson's brief meeting
In reality, Jessica and Belle were not close friends. However, they did meet briefly at a conference in Melbourne. Belle approached Jessica to talk about her app called The Whole Pantry. Their conversation was short, and although both were influential in the wellness world, they didn’t form a significant connection.
In Apple Cider Vinegar, the characters of Belle Gibson and Milla Blake are shown as rivals. This is a fictional addition to the story, as there is no real rivalry between Jessica and Belle. The show exaggerates their relationship for drama.
The rise of wellness influencers like Jessica Ainscough and Belle Gibson has changed how many people think about cancer treatment and alternative medicine. While the idea of natural healing is appealing, it’s important to be careful.
Wellness influencers have power, and their stories can inspire people to make life-changing decisions. But it’s essential to consider scientific evidence and avoid taking unnecessary risks with unproven treatments.
The stories of Milla Blake and Jessica Ainscough are both emotional and thought-provoking. While Milla is a made-up character, her journey reflects the real-life experiences of many wellness influencers who advocate for alternative treatments.
Jessica’s battle with cancer, her use of Gerson therapy, and her eventual passing highlight the complexities of wellness culture and the risks of promoting treatments without scientific proof.
As wellness influencers continue to rise in popularity, it’s important to remember the responsibility they have to their followers. It’s crucial to stay informed and think critically about the information we receive, especially when it comes to health.
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