CBS Hires 'Functional Medicine' Doctor Mark Hyman, Accused of Germ Theory Denialism and Promoting Quackery

EXCERPT: CBS News has brought on a controversial doctor, Mark Hyman, as a contributor in Bari Weiss's revamped news division. Known for his claims of reducing biological age and reversing conditions like Alzheimer's, Hyman has been criticized for his denial of germ theory and promotion of alternative medicine.

CONTENT:

In a recent shake-up at CBS News, Bari Weiss welcomed a new group of contributors, one of whom is Dr. Mark Hyman. Hyman, a functional medicine practitioner, has gained notoriety for his claims of reducing his biological age by 20 years through various therapies, such as cold plunges, and selling nutritional supplements on his online store. However, his unconventional methods and controversial beliefs have drawn criticism from the medical community.

Hyman's approach to medicine, often referred to as "functional medicine," has been described as "pure quackery" by oncological surgeon David Gorski (Respectful Insolence, 2016). He has been accused of denying the germ theory, a foundational concept in modern medicine that explains how microorganisms cause diseases. This belief contradicts the consensus in the scientific community.

One of Hyman's most contentious claims is that cod liver oil can treat autism. He made this statement during an interview on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast (YouTube, 2020). While some proponents argue that essential fatty acids in cod liver oil can help improve symptoms, the scientific evidence is not conclusive, and it's crucial to note that there is no cure for autism.

Another controversial belief Hyman holds is that conditions like Alzheimer's and dementia can be reversed through nutritional supplements. He expounded on this idea in a YouTube video (2016). Again, there is no definitive scientific evidence to support this claim, and it's important to remember that these conditions are complex and require a multifaceted approach for management.

Despite these claims, Hyman continues to gain a following, and his influence extends to the media. With his appointment as a CBS News contributor, Hyman's unconventional views will reach an even wider audience. It remains to be seen how CBS News will address the potential controversy surrounding Hyman's beliefs and whether they will be subjected to fact-checking or scrutiny.

Sources:

• Business Insider. (2023). Morning routine and foods used by longevity doctor to reduce biological age by 20 years. https://www.businessinsider.com/morning-routine-and-foods-used-longevity-doctor-reduce-biological-age-2023-2
• Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Quackademic medicine: Wildly successful at the Cleveland Clinic. https://www.respectfulinsolence.com/2016/03/02/quackademic-medicine-wildly-successful-at-the-cleveland-clinic/
• Science-Based Medicine. (n.d.). Broken Brain. https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/broken-brain/
• Science-Based Medicine. (n.d.). Harriet Hall. https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/author/harriet-hall/
• YouTube. (2016). Reversing Alzheimer's with Dr. Mark Hyman. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cqz11RknsQ
• YouTube. (2020). The Joe Rogan Experience #1476 – Mark Hyman. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZjX_uMnSpg

Note: The original sources may include additional information not included in this article. For a more comprehensive understanding of the topic, it is recommended to read the full articles.