Exploring the enduring allure of questionable wellness trends despite their pitfalls.
A family gathering from 15 years ago remains vividly etched in my memory. During that event, a relative proudly showcased a brand-new vibrating belt, promising users rock-solid abs for just $35—no exercise required. This is a classic example of a health fad.
Fast forward to today, that same vibrating belt now lies abandoned, collecting dust. Health fads are nothing new; they come and go, often with little lasting impact. Remember the peak of the Covid pandemic? Many parents were convinced that coconut water was a miracle cure, leading to a spike in sales before the claim was debunked.
Health fads thrive on promises of dramatic results, often amplified through viral videos or word-of-mouth endorsements. Misguided or not, these trends are pursued in the name of health—something many struggle to navigate in a world filled with conflicting information.
1. The Going with the Gut Gal
The Attempt:
Like many, I have subscribed to my fair share of health fads and even indulged in self-diagnosis. I often attributed my heartburn, bloating, and burping to various ailments, cycling through conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
I am an advocate for good food, even if it leads to discomfort. After meals, I often left restaurants feeling like a “lanky pregnant lizard,” as my friends jokingly put it. The sensations were both acidic and bitter, with an uncomfortable burning in my chest, making digestion feel like a battle.
Seeking relief, I stumbled upon the concept of Intuitive Eating, which encourages listening to your body and eating only when hungry. It sounded harmless but led to inconsistency in my eating habits. I found myself eating at odd hours, whether it was one enormous meal or several small ones throughout the day, from plain oats to spicy noodles topped with various ingredients. Ultimately, the approach failed, and I still felt like a bloated lizard most days.
The Professional Take:
According to Pooja Vig, a 52-year-old Clinic Director and Functional Medicine Nutritionist at The Nutrition Clinic, there are no shortcuts to achieving good health. She explains that bloating symptoms are common and can stem from various factors, including the status of one’s gut microbiome and undiagnosed food sensitivities. Pooja emphasizes the importance of data and factual knowledge rather than viral trends for making informed health decisions.
She suggests starting with a basic health test before diving into another fad. This can provide insights into one’s overall condition and dietary needs.
2. The Papaya Shake & Collagen Stan
The Attempt:
If you’re part of the “itty-bitty-titty club,” you may have heard of the Papaya Milkshake Theory, which claims to promote breast enlargement. This theory’s main ingredient, phytoestrogens, is believed to enhance reproductive development in women.
Fion, a 23-year-old, first learned about this trend through a Taiwanese variety show and was immediately sold on the idea. During her teenage years, she diligently prepared papaya shakes, believing they would enhance her self-image, especially amidst the pressures of growing up.
However, she now feels embarrassed looking back at her obsession. “Who decided that bigger breasts were better?” she questions. Fion also became fixated on achieving clear skin, investing her savings in beauty products and collagen-rich hot pots, hoping they would lead to the fabled “Fountain of Youth.”
The Professional Take:
Pooja remains unfazed by such fads, noting that the belief that aging necessitates a lower protein intake is simply false. While she hasn’t encountered the Papaya Milkshake fad before, she advises caution with any cure-all claims. She acknowledges that traditional remedies, like Bird’s Nests, can be beneficial for skin health but insists they should be viewed as part of a comprehensive approach to wellness.
3. The Avid Trend Hopper
The Attempt:
Much like a dedicated cafe hopper, 28-year-old Norah is well-acquainted with health fads, having jumped from one to another throughout her life. She attributes her fads to social media platforms like Tumblr and YouTube.
Norah experimented with diets like the Baby Food Diet and Apple Diet, even purchasing pre-made baby food jars to replace meals. The idea of thinness had captivated her, leading her to avoid dining out and meticulously plan social events around her restrictive eating habits.
However, as she matured, Norah realized these trends were seldom about health. “I learned there’s only so much you can sleep hunger away. The more you deny yourself, the more your body craves,” she reflects.
The Professional Take:
Pooja warns against dangerous misinformation perpetuated by such diets, which can lead to severe nutritional deficiencies. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on the quality of food rather than merely counting calories, advocating for a holistic approach that considers individual needs and metabolic factors.
Too Good to Be True
The proliferation of health and wellness myths is ever-growing. Many of these myths have become ingrained in popular culture, despite lacking scientific backing. With celebrity diets often praised, it’s challenging to discern what’s genuinely beneficial for our health.
To navigate this landscape, seek out reliable sources of information and consider registering for a health screening. Instead of chasing after fads that promise miraculous results, focus on making informed dietary choices. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Name has been changed for anonymity
