Viral Wellness Trends: What’s Safe and What’s Not?

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Picture this: You open your social media feed and are instantly bombarded, post after post, with the “latest and greatest” viral health trends from top wellness influencers. You’re then faced with the decision of whether to ignore these trends or give them a try. Not to mention figuring out if what they’re saying is scientifically accurate or beneficial to your health.

Whether you use social media in your free time or as part of your job, it’s become an integral part of most people’s everyday lives. While it can be an amazing place to learn, unwind and connect with others, social media can also set unrealistic expectations and spread misinformation about health.

But we’re here to help you learn how to navigate viral wellness trends and determine what’s safe and what’s not. Keep reading to learn more.

The Basics of Viral Wellness Trends

Viral wellness trends are social-media-driven health fads, advice and claims that promise various health benefits. While sometimes they do promote science-backed health advice that truly leads to optimal outcomes, be mindful that there are wellness trends with unproven success rates, health risks and empty promises. Remember, don't believe everything you see online, and approach these trends with healthy skepticism and a good dose of critical thinking.

Since viral wellness trends typically originate on social media platforms, they spread far and wide quite quickly. This happens for several reasons. One of the main reasons is social media’s algorithms. If a post goes viral, the platform it’s on will begin feeding it to more users to increase its visibility. This triggers a snowball effect: People interact with the post, which further pushes it out on the algorithm and sparks public interest, prompting other influencers or users to begin posting similar content.

Another reason viral wellness trends spread quickly on social media is that most people prefer quick fixes or health hacks over adopting beneficial long-term health habits. When trends promote instantaneous health benefits rather than encouraging committing to a diet or running routine, it’s only natural to be drawn toward the path of least resistance. There are also always top wellness influencers who claim these trends work and will deliver on their promises.

How to Determine the Safety of Wellness Trends

When it comes to determining the safety of viral wellness trends, it’s a good idea to ask yourself the following questions:

  • Are qualified healthcare professionals involved?
  • Is there scientific evidence supporting it?
  • What are the potential risks and benefits?

Once you’ve done that, look for any red flags surrounding the trend. There are usually several warning signs to watch for with these trends, including:

  • Claims that sound too good to be true
  • Pressure to buy expensive products
  • Promises of rapid results
  • Recommendations to avoid medical care

Viral wellness trends that you should be wary of include:

  • Dry scooping supplement powder
  • Extreme detox cleanses
  • Garlic in the nose
  • Mouth taping
  • Self-administered injectable peptides
  • Supplement stacking

We recommend discussing all health trends with your doctor before trying them. At AdventHealth, our primary care providers are always here to answer your questions and ensure your safety in body, mind and spirit.

Viral Health Trends Backed by Science

While viral wellness trends can spread health misinformation on social media, some are backed by science and offer many benefits for your well-being.

Gut-Healthy Diets Over Supplements

One of the best ways to nurture your gut health is through your diet. Prioritizing fermented foods like vegetables, cheese, kombucha, and kefir, along with a high-fiber diet, offers many health benefits, including:

  • Easier digestion
  • Enhanced nutrient absorption
  • Greater diversity in the gut microbiome
  • Less inflammation
  • Reduced risk of chronic diseases

While gut-healthy supplements do provide some benefits, it’s best to meet most of your nutritional needs through whole foods. This is because whole foods offer a variety of other nutrients and minerals that aren’t present in supplements.

Regular Physical Activity

When it comes to physical activity, a little goes a long way. Incorporating regular physical activity into your daily life offers numerous health benefits that accumulate over time. Research shows that regular exercise can:

  • Boost your mental health
  • Improve muscle and bone strength
  • Improve your sleep
  • Possibly help prevent cancer
  • Reduce your risk of chronic diseases
  • Support healthy aging

Whether you pursue strength training, running or another form of exercise, try to find movement that you enjoy. Doing this will help you stay consistent. And remember, anything that gets your heart beating faster is a great way to nurture your whole health.

Sleep Hygiene

Getting regular sleep and prioritizing sleep hygiene are among the best things you can do to help your body heal, recover and rejuvenate. Benefits of regularly getting enough sleep include:

  • Better heart health
  • Improved cognitive functioning
  • Improved mental health
  • Reduced risk of chronic conditions, like Type 2 diabetes
  • Stronger immunity

Maintaining sleep hygiene means following daily practices that support better, more consistent sleep. We recommend going to bed around the same time every night to establish a routine. Try incorporating a 30-minute wind-down period before bed to calm your mind, and be sure to avoid screens.

Building a Life of Healthy Sustainability

Just as following a strict diet to lose weight isn’t sustainable in the long term, the same is true for most viral health trends. While they may provide brief health benefits for a short season, long-term health benefits are formed through sustainable habits. It’s healthy habits that, over time, lower your risk of developing cancer, keep your brain and cognitive functioning sharp and benefit your whole health as you age.

While forming a health habit can feel difficult at first, showing up consistently, even in small ways, is all it takes to support a life of wellness.

Are fitness fads effective?

Fitness fads can be effective for short-term results, but they’re often unsustainable. For long-term health benefits, it’s best to build sustainable habits that promote your overall well-being.

How do natural supplements work?

Natural supplements work by supplying your body with essential nutrients that may be lacking in your diet. Taking natural supplements can support your metabolic health and encourage normal bodily functions. However, speak with your doctor before taking them.

What are common health myths?

Common health myths that were critically reviewed by the National Library of Medicine include:

  • Hair and fingernails continue to grow after death.
  • Humans use only 10% of our brains.
  • People should drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
  • Reading in dim light ruins your eyesight.
  • Shaving hair causes it to grow back faster, darker or coarser.
How can I tell if a wellness trend is safe?

You can tell if a wellness trend is safe if research has been done on it and has shown positive health outcomes. If you notice any red flags around a trend, it’s likely not safe, and you should stay away from it. It’s always a good idea to talk to your primary care provider before trying a wellness trend to ensure it’s safe.

Helping You Live Well

At AdventHealth, we believe a life of wellness comes from nurturing your whole health — body, mind and spirit. Whether you need expert medical care or a guiding hand, trust that our compassionate care teams are here to help. Learn more about our wellness care and primary care services and how we can support you at every age and stage of life.

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