Unveiling 5 Questionable Wellness Trends You Should Think Twice About

New diets and workout methods constantly emerge, gaining rapid popularity before fading away just as quickly. While some are grounded in scientific research, others lack credible evidence. Here are five contemporary nutrition and fitness trends that deserve a skeptical look.

People are so focused on their health and appearance that they often embrace the most questionable diets and wellness practices. These methods spread like wildfire, particularly when celebrities endorse them. While certain diets offer scientifically backed health benefits, others are pure nonsense that could not only fail to improve your well-being but might even cause harm.

Let’s examine five dubious health trends along with scientific insights explaining why they may be ineffective or risky.

Bentonite Clay Detox

Some individuals, including celebrities, believe that bentonite clay helps eliminate toxins from the body. It’s important to note that this refers to bentonite clay sourced from regions like Greece, parts of Africa, and the western United States—not the ordinary red clay used for crafts.

Kendra Kattelmann
Registered dietitian and nutrition expert from South Dakota, USA.

This is a misconception. Your body has its own biochemical systems to neutralize and remove toxins.

Although bentonite clay contains iron, there is no scientific proof that it provides health benefits when ingested. Iron from food is easily absorbed by the body due to its association with protein, but it remains unclear whether minerals from clay are bioavailable. Therefore, it's best to avoid consuming dirt and focus on proven ways to supply your body with essential minerals.

Prison-Style Bodyweight Training

This workout method, developed in prison settings, involves various high-intensity bodyweight exercises. While such routines can build muscle and burn fat, they also carry risks.

Stasinos Stavrianeas
Professor and physical education specialist at Willamette University.

High-intensity exercise is a form of stress on the body.

Without proper preparation and technique, this can lead to injuries such as strains, dislocations, and tears. You might want to consider gentler training programs to avoid harm.

Activated Charcoal Beverages

Activated charcoal has been traditionally used to treat poisonings, but recently it's been added to sodas and juices as a detox trend.

While charcoal can prevent absorption of toxic substances in the gut, it may also block absorption of vital vitamins, minerals, medications, and other nutrients your body needs. Additionally, side effects like diarrhea, vomiting, and intestinal blockages are possible—not exactly desirable outcomes.

Consumption of Breast Milk by Adults

Some adults consume breast milk or use it to make products like cheese and ice cream, believing it boosts immunity as it does for infants. However, there is no scientific evidence supporting benefits of breast milk for adults. Moreover, obtaining breast milk from unverified sources carries risks of transmitting infections such as HIV, hepatitis, and other viral diseases.

Lunar or Werewolf Diet

This diet, followed by celebrities like Madonna and Demi Moore, involves scheduling meals according to lunar phases. Fasting days, allowing only water and fruit or vegetable juices, coincide with new and full moons.

Intermittent fasting can indeed aid weight loss and potentially improve health. However, deciding when to fast should be based on your body's signals rather than lunar cycles.

What are your thoughts on trendy diets and workout methods? Would you be willing to try them?

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