We’ve got more than enough support and resources these days to find what works best for our unique health and wellness goals, including social media. There are many health trends on these platforms to choose from to boost your holistic health.
But the problem with social media is that sometimes the information being shared isn’t the most accurate, nor is it being shared by an actual medical professional.
It’s crucial to do your own research on health trends before implementing them. You can start with five of them in this article. Let’s explore the science behind their effectiveness.
Fad Diet Trends
Fad diet trends are incredibly popular on social media. TikTok, in particular, is home to almost every popular diet trend you can think of. Keto, calorie-counting, low-carb, vegan, and vegetarian diets are among the most popular ones promoted on the platform.
Each fad diet trend has supporters and people who’ve managed to get actual results. But it’s important to note that the success of each trend is unique to each individual that tries them.
For example, one person may be able to lose weight with Keto while another may not take well to a diet that’s 90% fats. And calorie-counting may cause one person to develop anxiety trying to stay below a certain calorie threshold every day, while another person may develop a healthy relationship with food.
Always consider your individual nutrition needs and look to your doctor for advice before implementing any diet.
Drinking Chlorophyll Water
If you haven’t watched videos of people drinking chlorophyll water and sharing their experience with it on social media, you will soon. Chlorophyll is the green pigment that gives plants their color.
People are putting it in water and drinking it with hopes of improving their skin, helping them lose weight faster, and detoxifying their bodies. Although this may be true for a few people, these results aren’t typical. Nor are they backed by science.
Most of the research on drinking chlorophyll is drawn from animal tests. So, you can’t use this as evidence of the potential benefits for humans.
Eating chlorophyll-rich foods like spinach, parsley, collard greens, and broccoli is a better alternative if you want to experience some of the above benefits.
Corsets and Waist Trainers
You can’t scroll your feed on Instagram or TikTok without seeing at least one influencer in a waist trainer. Some say they wear it all day long, while others use it strictly during their workout sessions. Corsets are also popular. People are turning to them for the ideal coke bottle shape.
The scary thing with waist trainers and corsets is that sometimes they’re strapped or pulled so tight that those in them can’t breathe. And when they’re worn that tight for long periods, it can cause issues to internal organs.
If you want to use a corset or waist trainer, be sure you can breathe in it first and foremost. Also, don’t wear them all the time for long periods. Limit your use to 30 minutes or so a day or just for workouts/special events.
Detoxes
Detoxes are growing in popularity on social media. Celebrities promote detox teas and liquid cleanses to reduce bloating and lose a decent amount of weight in a short amount of time.
There are also oral supplements, lollipops, and laxatives to help your body get rid of toxins. But these detoxes may be causing more harm than good because our bodies remove toxins on their own already.
There is such thing as a healthy detox, and we encourage you to explore this option instead of the detox methods promising a quick fix. Or, just let your body do its thing.
Extreme Exercise Routines
Extreme exercise routines are making their rounds on social media. There are passionate advocates for almost every extreme exercise routine, from workouts done in a pair of stilettos to acroyoga to electric muscle stimulation machines.
However, even with some people seeing results from these workouts, they definitely aren’t for beginners. Wait until you’re in peak physical condition before attempting anything deemed extreme. You should also work with a trainer with expertise in the specific routine to prevent a severe injury.
What to Do Instead of Jumping on the Latest Health and Wellness Trends
As tempting as it is to jump on the next trend to fast-track your health and wellness results, don’t do it. Instead, make well-researched lifestyle changes to sustain good health. For instance, stay active. Tend to your mental health. Drink lots of water every day and implement a balanced diet.
Also, lean on your primary care physician for support. They can help you articulate your wellness goals and health-related challenges. And develop a plan for ongoing care for your mental, physical, and emotional health.
Ultimately, it’s best to make healthy lifestyle changes and lean on science and medicine to achieve your health and wellness goals safely.
Conclusion
Continue debunking popular social media health trends and doing your own research before trying any health trend. Be sure to consult with your doctor as well to ensure you’re going about your health and fitness goals in the safest way possible. And regardless of any trend you decide to try, good nutrition and regular exercise will always be in.