Rosanna Davison - Eat Yourself Wootiful

Ireland has something of a reputation for literature. The contributions of our playwrights, poets and dramatists far exceeds what one would expect from a nation of our size and it was likely with this cultural talking point in mind that the Independent chose to run an intolerably long advertisement for Rosanna Davison's foray into the world of pretend medicine: a book called Eat Yourself Beautiful.

"[Davison] cites research that shows gluten to be the bad guy responsible for a huge range of medical conditions from autism spectrum disorders to schizophrenia to arthritis."

 It seems this season that gluten is the new fluoride. Naturally, Arthritis Ireland have dismissed this tosh. Others greet this claim of research with a world weary sigh, confident that those in the field of pretend medicine use the term 'research' in a manner unrecognisable from the medical understanding. Twitter got quite upset.

"When I was earning my qualification in naturopathic nutrition and biochemistry at the College of Naturopathic Medicine Ireland..." - Rosanna Davison

I was unaware that Ireland possessed a College of Naturopathic Medicine. I certainly am unsure why we might desire such an institution. Some would see the place as humorous, offering courses in magic water and the belief you can diagnose illnesses by gazing into someone's eyes. The staff list is somewhat lacking but they do speak enthusiastically about Hermann Keppler, the principal and founder.

Have you had the pleasure of watching Saul Goodman? It's a spin-off and prequel of sorts to Breaking Bad. Do check it out. Without wishing to issue spoilers there is one character who believes that WiFi, mobile phones and certain other trappings of modern life emit a field which is hazardous to his health. He would find a welcoming ear in Davison's principal:

"Himalayan salt has been under high pressure for millions of years and formed crystals, like quartz. Those mineral crystals emanate frequencies which are specific to each mineral. In other words, each single mineral in Himalayan salt is a crystal with its own frequency and electromagnetic field. Himalayan salt can therefore strengthen weak frequencies in the body and balance out the strong frequencies... Environmental pollutions including electromagnetic and geopathic stress play an increasingly greater role in our society." Hermann Keppler

WiFi emits a magical field that will make you sick, it seems, but fear not - the magic of Himalayan salts is greater, and will sort you right out.


Society has reached an agreement of sorts with those who wish to pretend to do medicine. We'll tolerate pretty much any old nonsense as long as the spirit healer, shaman, nutritionist or phrenologist also recommends that those who fund their eccentricities contact someone with an actual medical qualification. Tell people to avoid mobile phones, if it makes you feel happy, but tell them to go to a real doctor to have their headaches checked out too, don't discourage real treatment, and we'll largely leave you to it.

Does Davison's principal hold up his end of this imperfect arrangement?

I have seen in my clinic lots of patients reacting negatively to vaccinations... Drugs, especially psychiatric drugs can have tremendously adverse side effects.

There are statistics which show that more than 60% of diseases are caused by drugs; that each 4th patient in America is delivered to a hospital because of the side-effect of drugs and that each 4th patient in America dies because of the side-effects of drugs… and these are drugs which are correctly prescribed and correctly taken. As a matter fact, fewer patients die in hospitals when doctors are on strike... Purify water, stay away from vaccinations and treat any health conditions naturally. -Hermann Keppler

His opposition to real medicine is clear. I encourage you to read the interview in its entirety for Keppler's opposition to the (real) treatment of ADHD and his unique take on the origins of Parkinson's. It is clear his views on vaccination are not unique within the organisation - see for example this anti vaccination conference organised by Davison's college's UK branch.

But this is a real college, is it not? Accredited and recognised? Surely Davison wouldn't have attached her name and considerable profile to anything other than the most impeccable of institutions?

It proved relatively easy to find details of the accreditation of Davison's degree in nutritioniology.You'll note that Irish accreditation is provided by the Irish Association of Nutritional Therapy. You'll also note that the website is down, surprising for a body described as both 'leading' and 'independent'. No matter, a look at solocheck.ie reveals that the organisation is run by Anne Darcy and Anna Land. But Darcy is head of nutrition in Davison's college's Cork branch, and Land is a graduate of the same institution. (Land is also a qualified PE teacher.)

In short, it enjoys the robust and unbiased accreditation of a current lecturer and a former pupil.

"If you have any questions you'd like to put to me, just get in touch!" - Rosanna Davison

Where could I possibly start? Do you feel your degree is valid and beneficial? Are you happy to have raised the profile of an organisation that opposes vaccination? Do you feel there's merit to iridology, homeopathy and the energy fields of Himalayan rock salts? If you answered no to any of these questions, why on earth did you do it?