Discover the Latest Health Trend Unveiled…
Please note that Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may receive commissions or revenue from certain products via the links provided. The concept of what is considered healthy or not in terms of diet and wellness evolves every few years. While some trends, like opting for non-alcoholic beverages or increasing protein intake (as discussed in our top diet and nutrition trends for 2025), can benefit your health, others—especially many of the viral “health hacks”—might be misleading or harmful. It’s worth noting that many of these so-called “health” trends are often promoted by individuals who are not medical professionals, contributing to misinformation, particularly on topics like weight management.
“Some trends could potentially exacerbate the very issue you are trying to address,” explains Dr. Alfred F. Tallia, a professor and chair of family medicine and community health at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and a professor of public health and pharmacy at Rutgers Health. “For instance, diets that advocate for consuming only meat or indulging in whole sticks of butter lack essential nutrients crucial for good health.”
The allure of quick fixes is understandable, given our natural inclination for immediate results. Dr. Brooke Jeffy, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of the youth skincare brand btwn, notes that quick “hacks” tend to gain more traction on social media and spread rapidly, as they are perceived as easier and more enjoyable than committing to a healthy lifestyle.
It’s tempting to seek out novel or effortless methods to improve health. “The tried-and-true practices for weight loss, such as consuming whole foods, increasing physical activity, and maintaining consistency, may seem clichéd,” observes Jason Ewoldt, a registered dietitian nutritionist at Mayo Clinic. “This leads people to prioritize the latest fad promising quick, manageable outcomes.”
Below, you’ll find insights into popular health trends to avoid, along with explanations of their ineffectiveness or potential health risks:
Carnivore Diet:
While upping your protein intake can aid in satiety, the carnivore diet takes this to an extreme by excluding vegetables, fruits, grains, and beans. This diet primarily focuses on meat, poultry, eggs, seafood, fish, and some dairy products, and is not recommended by experts due to its high fat and sodium content, lack of essential plant nutrients, and minimal fiber intake.
“Internal Shower” with Chia Seed Water:
This trend involves mixing chia seeds into water, allowing them to absorb the liquid to create a gel-like coating around each seed. While this concoction may offer some fiber benefits, consuming excessive fiber without sufficient water intake could lead to digestive issues, caution experts.
By staying informed about these trends and understanding their potential impacts on your health, you can make more informed choices on your wellness journey.
Constipation can be a side effect of increasing fiber intake, warns Ewoldt. If your digestive system isn’t used to higher levels of fiber, you may experience gas, bloating, cramps, diarrhea, or constipation. To avoid these discomforts, gradually increase your fiber intake over time.
Drinking chlorophyll water has been promoted as a remedy for various health issues, from cancer to acne. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. While chlorophyll is naturally present in green vegetables, concentrated chlorophyll supplements have not been proven to provide any benefits.
Adding lemon juice to coffee in the hopes of weight loss is a popular trend, but it doesn’t actually aid in shedding pounds. Lemon juice has no magical weight-reducing properties, and the key to weight loss remains maintaining a calorie deficit.
The “Oatzempic” trend, which involves blending oats, water, and lime juice, is claimed to assist with weight loss. However, there is no research to support this claim. While oats can be a healthy addition to the diet due to their fiber content and lower calorie count, consuming them in this specific blend won’t have a significant impact on weight loss.
Mouth taping is a technique where skin-safe tape is used to keep the mouth closed during sleep, with the goal of reducing snoring, sleep apnea, and dry mouth. Experts generally do not recommend this practice, as it has not been proven to benefit sleep or breathing for most individuals.
Using beef tallow as a moisturizer for the skin is a concept supported by some influencers who prefer natural products. However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that beef tallow is more effective than traditional skincare products.
The solidified, rendered fat from a cow or sheep, known as tallow, is often applied to dry skin, particularly on the face. It is important to note that beef tallow carries a distinct beefy odor that may not be appealing to everyone. Dr. Jeffy emphasizes that while tallow contains moisturizing fatty acids, the presence of oleic acid can be irritating to the skin. Additionally, its occlusive properties may lead to pore clogging and breakouts. Despite containing vitamins that could potentially support collagen and elasticity, there are more efficacious, scientifically-backed skincare products available. Tallow lacks the ability to shield the skin from harmful UV radiation from the sun.
In the realm of unconventional beauty practices, the trend of using lettuce water for improved sleep has emerged among influencers. This involves steeping romaine lettuce in hot water and consuming the resulting liquid before bedtime. However, scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of lettuce water on sleep is scarce. While a minor study conducted on mice showed no sedative effects from lettuce, another study utilizing lettuce seed extracts does not directly correlate to lettuce water consumption. Dr. Kapur points out that the perceived benefits of sleep aids often stem from a powerful placebo effect. Although drinking lettuce water poses no known risks, it ultimately does not impact sleep quality. Establishing consistent bedtime routines, such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, holds more substantial scientific backing.
The viral hair training trend has gained traction, promoting the idea of washing hair less frequently to condition it for reduced greasiness. Influencers claim that this technique results in luscious hair and prolonged hair color vibrancy. However, Dr. Jeffy advises against fully embracing this trend. She explains that scalp oil production varies among individuals, making some more tolerant of infrequent hair washing. Nevertheless, prolonged periods between hair washes can lead to a buildup of dirt, oil, and pollutants, compromising the scalp’s microbiome. This imbalance may negatively affect hair follicles, potentially causing irritation, inflammation, and dandruff. While there is no universal guideline on hair washing frequency, it is advisable not to extend intervals beyond washing every third day.
On the subject of clearing congested sinuses, social media enthusiasts have endorsed the insertion of a garlic clove into the nostrils as a remedy. Videos circulating online depict individuals removing garlic cloves from their noses, followed by visible mucus expulsion. Contrary to popular belief, this practice is not recommended by medical professionals. Dr. Tallia cautions against inserting garlic cloves in the nasal passage, as it can trigger adverse effects. The sensitive mucous membranes lining the nasal cavity can react to irritants like garlic by producing excess mucus. This inflammatory response may result in complications such as bleeding, infections, and other undesirable outcomes. It is crucial to prioritize safe and evidence-based methods for managing sinus congestion and respiratory issues.
