Many have found themselves swayed by social media ads pushing wellness products, whether it’s a £45 green powder or a pricey red-light LED mask. With promises of boundless energy and youthful skin, it’s tempting to invest hundreds of pounds in these trends.
The desire for optimal health has transformed into a constant pursuit, where personal care intertwines with social status. The pressure to ‘optimize’ oneself has become a blend of hobby and competition.
Mental health therapist Shelly Dar explains that this need often roots itself in deeper issues than merely wanting to feel better. “The abundance of health information we have access to can paradoxically lead to anxiety about our own choices,” she observes. “The drive for optimization comes from a deeper search for self-worth, and when wellness equates to moral goodness, failing to keep up can feel like a personal defeat.”
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Next, explore 8 diets nutritionists advise against, 7 experts’ opinions on weight loss injections, and the demonization of carbohydrates.
What are common health myths?
As we navigate social media, mixed messages abound. “Platforms create a continuous highlight reel of wellness routines,” notes Dar. “We see influencers shining after their ice baths or ritual practices, leading us to believe they possess something we lack.” The wellness sector has adeptly capitalized on these trends, making them feel not only accessible but also essential.
Dar points out that these myths persist because they offer a semblance of control. “Such practices can offer structure, community, and the feeling of actively caring for oneself. The psychological benefits are genuine, but issues arise when fads become compulsive, costly, or replace genuine support for underlying concerns.”
Here are some prevalent health myths:
- MYTH 1: Regular detoxing is necessary. As highlighted by The Association of UK Dieticians, the notion of detoxing is unfounded. Our liver and kidneys are natural detoxification systems, rendering juice cleanses ineffective.
- MYTH 2: Carbohydrates cause weight gain. It’s well-established that carbohydrates are vital for a balanced diet, as emphasized by the British Heart Foundation. It’s the overall calories that matter, not cutting out specific food groups.
- MYTH 3: Apple cider vinegar can eliminate belly fat. There’s no scientific backing for this claim. The British Medical Journal even retracted a study suggesting apple cider vinegar helps with weight loss.
- MYTH 4: Everyone must drink three liters of water daily. The NHS advises six to eight cups of fluids each day, factoring in all beverages like water, tea, and coffee. The key is to ensure your urine is light yellow.
- MYTH 5: 10,000 steps are the ideal daily count. This number originated from a 1960s pedometer advertisement, not scientific research. Healthy adults typically walk between 4,000 and 18,000 steps daily, according to evidence.
Which health trends are worth your money?
Not every trending health practice is a fad. Registered nutritionist Zara Hiridjee asserts that some have a solid evidence base and can be seamlessly integrated into daily routines.
1. Mindfulness
As Hiridjee emphasizes, mindfulness is more than a trend; it’s one of the most studied practices in health psychology and neuroscience. Engaging in mindfulness or meditation has been shown to reduce activity in the brain’s fear center while strengthening areas responsible for emotional regulation. “Over time, this awareness alters your relationship with stress and cravings,” explains Hiridjee, which is why mindfulness-based stress reduction and mindful eating are increasingly utilized in clinical settings.
Dar concurs, noting that the emotional advantages of these practices are substantial. “They can counter the constant pressure to do more,” she adds.
2. Nervous system regulation
Hiridjee mentions that while “nervous system regulation” may sound like wellness jargon, it has scientific roots. Activities such as deep breathing, yoga, gentle movement, and spending time in nature can stimulate the parasympathetic system via the vagus nerve, fostering relaxation and recovery.
3. High-protein meals
One noteworthy trend that merits attention is the increasing emphasis on high-protein meals, particularly during breakfast. Hiridjee highlights that starting your day with a nutritious protein source can stabilize blood sugar, enhance energy, and keep you feeling full longer. Unlike previous dietary trends that focused on restriction, this approach encourages balance and moderation.
4. Gut health
Hiridjee points out that the gut’s influence on digestion, immunity, and mood is well-supported by research, though online information can oversimplify these complexities. “To thrive, the gut requires variety—adequate fiber, diverse plants, fermented foods, quality sleep, and regular movement,” she explains.
Which health trends are best avoided?
While some wellness routines may enhance well-being, others are nothing more than costly illusions.
1. Detox teas and juice cleanses
Hiridjee points out that detox regimes, juice cleanses, and ‘slimming’ teas are among the most persistent wellness trends online. “Despite their appealing marketing, these methods lack any physiological foundation,” she explains. Such products often lead to dehydration or extreme calorie restriction, resulting in transient weight loss that disappears immediately once normal eating resumes. “Your body needs support, not a reset,” she emphasizes.
2. ‘Fat-burning’ gummies and metabolism boosters
While the premise that certain ingredients might boost thermogenesis seems plausible, Hiridjee cautions that the actual effects are often negligible and overstated in marketing. “Even stimulating ingredients like caffeine or green tea extract have minimal impact on fat loss,” she says. “In reality, none of these ingredients lead to significant fat loss by themselves.”
3. Fearmongering food content
Hiridjee notes that fearmongering has become a damaging trend in online wellness culture. “Food is more than just energy; it encompasses connection, comfort, and cultural significance. You can focus on nourishing your health while still allowing for flexibility,” she remarks.
Dar adds that these trends often exploit anxiety instead of alleviating it. Labeling foods as “good” or “bad” can lead to feelings of shame and guilt.
Check out our video featuring the most outrageous health ‘advice’ on TikTok for examples of how this is manifesting.
So, where can you get information you can trust?
With a sea of influencers promoting countless wellness products, discerning what’s genuine can be challenging. The initial and most crucial step is to verify the source. Seek out credentials that are legitimate and relevant, such as registered nutritionists, dietitians, and healthcare providers,” emphasizes Hiridjee.
While social media has made wellness more accessible, it has also added layers of confusion. Certain trends, like mindfulness and gut health, offer real support for sustained well-being, whereas others, like detox teas, should be disregarded.
As Dar reminds us, “Sustainable wellness is about discovering what truly benefits your life, not performing health for an audience.” If a product promises miracles or comes with an affiliate code, it likely belongs on your For You Page, not in your cart.
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Further reading
15 weight-loss myths busted
What supplements should I consider?
25 foods that elevate your mood
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