We now exist in a world where things like Goop and green juice exist. And people are slowly coming to the realisation that expensive, dubious and pseudoscientific wellness trends no longer deserve the attention or advocacy they’re getting.
In a recent Tiktok interview, controversial wellness peddler, Gwyneth Paltrow has come under fire for her dangerous wellness routine.
It has since sparked massive online outrage, forcing doctors and nutritionists to come out of the woodwork condemning these practices calling them unnecessary and life-threatening.
And for good reason.
In the interview Paltrow says she gets glutathione and vitamin IV drips for breakfast, eats nothing but broth at lunch, before doing intermittent fasting.
This is but one example of dangerous (and expensive) health trends that do absolutely nothing for your health.
While Malaysia has its fair share of wacky wellness fads, here are some that you should definitely not waste your money on.
8 Wellness Trends That You’re Wasting Your Money On
Detox Diets
Sorry to burst your bubble, but yes, detox does not mean what you think it does.
It is a buzzword popularised by the wellness industry to market supplements you don’t really need.
In a nutshell, detox diets claim to help “detoxify” your body from things like heavy metals, free radicals and environmental pollutants.
This supposedly leads to an overall improvement of your health. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.
Your body naturally eliminates toxins through your liver, kidneys, and skin.
Just sticking to a healthy diet is enough to keep everything going smoothly.
Juice Cleanses
A spin-off of the detox trend, juice cleanses are one of many ways advertised as a fool-proof way of “resetting” your body. It has gained popularity in recent years as a way to detoxify your body and lose weight. The most recent one being the “Celery Juice Diet”.
While there is no denying the nutritional benefits of fruits and veggies, fasting on a liquid diet consisting of nothing else can be counterproductive or even downright dangerous for your health.
Our body relies on a consistent diet of macronutrients (carbs, proteins and fats) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals).
While fruits and veggies definitely supply the latter, they have little in the way of macronutrients. You’re also wasting all the fibre if you’re only drinking the juice.
IV Therapy
This wellness trend involves delivering vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients directly into the bloodstream through an IV drip.
It’s marketed to help with detox, boosting energy, weight loss and even used as hangover cure.
In Malaysia, IV therapy is more of a beauty trend than a health hack. People resort to it as a skin brightening treatment, to “plump up” the skin, giving a temporary antiaging effect.
While some studies have shown that IV therapy may help with certain medical conditions, such as dehydration or malnutrition, there is no evidence that it provides any significant health benefits.
The unregulated non-medical use of IV drips can actually do more harm to your health. Risks can include infections, nerve damage, allergic reactions, kidney damage, and electrolyte imbalances.
Alkaline Water
Proponents of alkaline water claim that it can neutralize the acidity in the body, improve digestion, boost the immune system, and even prevent cancer.
However, there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims. Some studies have shown that drinking alkaline water may help with acid reflux and indigestion, but there is no evidence that it can cure or prevent any disease.
In fact, excessive consumption of alkaline water may cause harm by disrupting the body’s natural pH balance, leading to metabolic alkalosis.
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is the practice of swishing oil, usually coconut oil, sesame oil or sunflower oil, around the mouth for several minutes before spitting it out.
It is believed to have oral health benefits such as preventing cavities and gum disease.
One of the primary concerns about oil pulling is the lack of scientific evidence to support its health claims.
While not necessarily dangerous, spitting oil into your drains can lead to buildup over time.
Which can result in an expensive plumbing bill. In any likelihood, oil pulling is definitely no substitute for regular oral healthcare.
Gluten-Free Products
Gluten-free products have become popular in recent years, with many claiming that a gluten-free diet can improve your health.
However, unless you have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, there is no evidence to support these claims.
Gluten-free products are often more expensive and may be lower in important nutrients such as fibre and B vitamins.
Instead of buying expensive gluten-free products, focus on eating a balanced diet that includes whole grains.
Vaginal Steaming
Much like its name suggests, the practice of vaginal steaming involves sitting over a pot of hot water infused with herbs or essential oils, allowing the steam to rise and come into contact with the vagina.
A staple in Malay postnatal treatment, “bertangas” is also a form of vaginal steaming involving the use of herbs aimed at accelerating vaginal healing, tightening the vagina and shrinking the womb.
It supposedly helps improve fertility, balance hormones and cleanse the vagina. It should be noted that the vagina is self-cleaning and does not need outside help to do so.
In fact, steaming can end up disrupting the natural pH balance and ecosystem of the vagina. Resulting in yeast infections, irritation, infection, or other complications.
Yoni Eggs
Often also known as jade eggs, yoni eggs are egg-shaped crystals inserted into the vagina for the purpose of feminine healing.
Some of the purported benefits include promoting pelvic floor health, increasing sexual pleasure, and balancing the hormones.
The eggs can cause vaginal soreness, irritation, infection, or other complications if not used properly.
There have also been reports of the eggs breaking inside the vagina, leading to emergency medical treatment.
Let’s Bust These Wellness Fads
This list is by no means exhaustive. There is no shortage of harmful health and wellness trends in and outside the country.
And no shortages of people to take advantage of when peddling new fads and trends that do nothing but jeopardise your health.
It’s crucial to be sceptical of health trends that promise quick and easy results.
Especially if there is no rigorous scientific study to back them up. Instead of wasting your money on fads and gimmicks, focus on a healthy diet, regular exercise, and getting your nutrients from whole foods.
Remember that the only way to achieve wellness is through consistent, sustainable habits.
Let’s bust these harmful wellness fads and strive for harmonious, holistic, and long-lasting health, for ourselves and our families!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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