Recently I slipped into one of these wellness trends. My cousin suggested a “superfood” powder that should boost my energy levels and help my digestion. I was driven to give it a go, and after a few weeks, I noticed nothing — except for a much lighter wallet.
I learned that not all health trends live up to the hype, and in fact, some can even appear ridiculous if you observe carefully. Let’s take a look at 11 hottest new health trends that, according to experts, are less about wellness and more about marketing.
Featured Image Credit: Pexels.
Juice Cleanses
Juice cleanses are typically sold as a “detox” to get the body “ready for dieting”. Juices contain vitamins, but by eating them alone you’re missing out on nutrients such as fiber, protein, and fats that balance the body and keep you energized. What’s more, “detoxing” is misguided since our liver and kidneys are already really efficient at purifying toxins on their own.
Alkaline Water
Alkaline water has been touted as a way to “balance” the body’s pH, to ward off disease, and to improve health. But pH is tightly controlled in the human body and it doesn’t seem to change much from your drink. It is science-unsupported to argue that alkaline water helps to stave off cancer, osteoporosis, or weight gain. Aside from water hydration, there is no obvious benefit to alkaline water over regular water. It’s also a costly fad without scientific support.
Charcoal Detox Products
Charcoal detox powders and capsules promise to rid the body of toxins but can only be used in the case of acute poisoning or overdose. Activated charcoal is non-selective in its absorption and may block vitamins and medications when used for daily cleansing purposes. It does not “target” toxins, as they say, and it can even make you deficient in nutrients when used excessively.
Apple Cider Vinegar Shots
ACV is an old health supplement that claims to help lose weight, regulate blood sugar levels and even aid in digestion. Some people take a shot of ACV every morning, thinking that it’s going to cure everything. In moderation, ACV is healthful, but when ingested directly, it can break down teeth enamel, swell the throat and irritate the stomach.
Celery Juice Diets
Although celery is a great veggie with vitamins and antioxidants, juicing it does not provide any extra benefits over eating the vegetable raw. Celery juice is low in fiber, which is essential for digestion and blood sugar control. Moreover, any ascriptions that celery juice “dries up the poison” are far-fetched and unscientific. Rather, a varied diet rich in fruits and vegetables provides better nutrition.
Oxygen Bars
Oxygen bars provide customers with concentrated oxygen, promising an energy surge, mental clarity and hangover cure. But even if you’re breathing in oxygen at more-than-normal levels for a few minutes, it’s not likely to do much change, because our bodies already receive sufficient oxygen from regular breathing. Unless you have a particular medical condition that needs oxygen, this trend is more novelty than medical necessity.
Essential Oil “Cures”
Essential oils are often marketed as natural solutions to problems ranging from anxiety to headaches and even chronic diseases. Although some oils, such as lavender and peppermint, can be soothing and provide some mild relief, we don’t know for certain that they can cure or significantly alleviate disease. When used excessively or mishandled, essential oils can cause skin irritation, allergies, and even breathing problems.
Collagen Supplements
Collagen supplements are said to help boost the elasticity of the skin, the health of your nails, and the well-being of your joints. Collagen dissolves in the gut, and there’s little evidence that it directly improves skin or joints. And, of course, protein-filled meals will be no less healthy.
IV Vitamin Drips
IV vitamin drips are typically advertised as an effective and inexpensive way to get your immunity, energy, or hangover relief from soaking up vitamins directly into your bloodstream. For some people, these drips will be prescribed due to different medical conditions – but there’s no evidence that doing it outside of medical reasons has any benefits for the average person.
Raw Water
Raw water, or unprocessed spring water, is touted as a more “natural” solution that contains probiotics and minerals. However, raw water can be full of germs, viruses, and parasites that pose a major threat to your health.
Herbal Detox Teas
Detox teas promise to detoxify your body, stimulate metabolism, and help you lose weight. Many detox teas have natural laxatives or diuretics that can cause dehydration, electrolyte deficiencies, and addiction if consumed frequently. And even if you notice any loss of weight after drinking detox tea in the short term, it is typically water weight. A balanced diet that contains ample fiber and water is a far more effective “detox.”
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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