Were You Disappointed With Your Last Juice Cleanse?
Throughout our health journeys, we try to stay on top of the latest trends that can help us reach our goals. The problem is differentiating between which health trends are rooted in science and will produce results, and which are dubious and will only set us back. Here are 10 dubious health trends and 10 that were actually true.
1. Juice Cleanses
Not long ago, everyone at the gym was on a juice cleanse that promised to detoxify the body. In reality, your liver and kidneys are capable of doing this on their own. Juice can provide nutrients and vitamins, but often lacks fiber and healthy fats. Also, they made a lot of people hangry.
2. Waist Trainers
A social media health fad, waist trainers claimed to slim your waist while shaping your body. The reality is that they only offered temporary results by compressing organs and limiting lung capacity. In fact, they were more harmful than helpful.
3. Alkaline Water
The alkaline diet, including the consumption of alkaline water, claims that raising your body’s pH prevents certain diseases like cancer. Scientifically, your body tightly regulates blood pH regardless of your diet. This trend was safe but as effective as drinking water.
4. Ear Candling
Ear candling is the trend where you insert a hollow candle into your ear and then light it to draw out the wax and toxins. It’s no surprise that this trend actually deposited more wax in your ear.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar “Detox” Shots
Apple cider vinegar was widely promoted as a daily detox cure-all. It features some antimicrobial properties, but its ability to burn fat is grossly exaggerated. Furthermore, drinking it straight can damage tooth enamel and is bad for your throat.
6. Charcoal Detox Properties
Active charcoal was a huge health trend. You could find it in juices, face masks, and even ice cream. Touted as a detoxifier, it doesn't selectively remove toxins, and regular use can interfere with nutrient absorption and medications.
Christopher Campbell on Unsplash
7. Crystal Healing
Supporters of crystal healing claim that certain stones carry energy with healing properties. While crystals may provide relaxation and comfort, they rely on the placebo effect. There’s no scientific evidence to prove that crystals provide healing.
8. Colon Cleansing
Colonics and enemas have been marketed as a means to boost your health by removing toxins and waste from the intestines. However, excessive cleansing can disrupt gut bacteria and cause dehydration.
9. “Fat-Free” Processed Foods
People turned on fat very fast in the ‘80s and ‘90s. “Fat-free” snacks were everywhere, but they were often filled with sugar and refined carbs to paper over the lack of flavor. Sadly, they actually contributed to weight gain, insulin resistance, and metabolic issues. Now, we know that healthy fats, like those found in nuts and avocados, are essential to our diets.
10. Tapeworm Diet Pills
This fad was bizarre and dangerous, and has mostly disappeared, thankfully. Tapeworm pills were heavily marketed in the early 20th century as a shortcut to weight loss. People were encouraged to ingest live tapeworms, which would then consume calories inside the body. Many got dangerous infections and were malnourished.
1. Yoga
Yoga was once dismissed as a hippie fad that did little to shape our bodies and improve our health. This couldn’t be more wrong, as regular yoga practice improves flexibility, balance, and strength. It can also reduce stress and anxiety.
2. Meditation and Mindfulness
Westerners once treated meditation as spiritual nonsense, but science has confirmed that it can improve focus, reduce stress, and enhance emotional resilience. Regular mindfulness can also lower blood pressure.
3. Probiotics
Eating “good bacteria” was initially dismissed as being weird, but probiotics have scientifically backed health benefits. Probiotics are found in kefir, yogurt, and fermented foods, and are proven to support gut health.
4. Plant-Based Diets
Vegan diets were once relegated to the fringe, but evidence shows that plant-based diets can reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
5. Green Tea
Westerners were slow to adopt drinking green tea, thinking it was too exotic. Science has since backed many of its assertions. It’s rich in antioxidants, supports cardiovascular health, and can improve brain function.
6. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Fish oil supplements and omega-3-rich diets have grown in popularity among the health community. Research supports its ability to reduce inflammation, improve heart health, and support brain function. Try adding fatty fish like salmon and tuna, flaxseeds, and walnuts to your daily diet. Its centuries-long use in Asian cuisine aligns with modern research, proving that it’s much more than your run-of-the-mill health fad.
7. Standing Desks
This quirky office fad was dismissed by many who thought it was too hipster and uncomfortable. Research shows that standing desks reduce the negative impacts of our sedentary behavior. Prolonged sitting is linked to obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Standing desks won’t cure these diseases, but they are a practical way to combat the risks of desk jobs. It’s worth trying one out to see how it feels.
8. Interval Training
This health trend was once considered too extreme for even the most diehard gym rats. Over time, we’ve come to realize that it can effectively improve cardiovascular fitness, burn fat, and boost metabolism. Don’t be intimidated by interval training, as it’s recommended by health professionals and trainers and can be quite time-efficient.
9. Gluten-Free (For Celiac and Sensitivities)
The gluten-free fad was overhyped, but it’s medically necessary for people who actually have to grapple with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Gluten-free diets eliminate the painful digestive symptoms and can prevent serious health complications.
10. Hydration
Hydration is often shrugged at as too generic for wellness advice, but proper hydration is imperative for cognition, energy, digestion, and overall health. Even mild dehydration can cause poor focus, fatigue, and headaches. The “eight glasses a day” rule is arbitrary, but by simply increasing your daily water intake and replacing sugary beverages with water, you will experience undeniable benefits.
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