Wellness trends come and go, and while some can be beneficial and promote a healthy lifestyle, others can be downright harmful or just plain ridiculous.
In 2023, we saw a variety of wellness trends that left us scratching our heads and questioning their effectiveness. Here are some of the absolute worst wellness trends we witnessed:
1. Breatharianism: The Extreme Fasting Trend
Breatharianism, the belief that humans can live on air alone, gained popularity in 2023. Followers of this trend claim that they can survive without food or water, relying solely on breath and sunlight for sustenance.
However, this extreme form of fasting is not only scientifically impossible but also extremely dangerous. The body requires nutrients from food and hydration to function properly, and depriving it of these essentials can lead to severe health complications.
2. Detox Teas and Cleanses
Detox teas and cleanses have been around for years, promising to rid the body of toxins and promote weight loss. However, in 2023, these trends reached new levels of absurdity.
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From teas claiming to “flush out fat” to extreme juice cleanses that leave you feeling weak and deprived, these detox methods often do more harm than good. The body has its own natural detoxification system, and there is little scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of these products.
3. Vaginal Steaming
Vaginal steaming, also known as “yoni steaming,” gained attention in 2023 as a supposed way to cleanse and rejuvenate the vagina. This practice involves sitting over a pot of steaming water infused with herbs.
However, there is no scientific evidence to support the claims that vaginal steaming has any health benefits. In fact, it can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina and lead to infections or other complications.
4. Raw Water
In 2023, raw water became a popular trend among those seeking a “pure” and “natural” form of hydration. Raw water is unfiltered and untreated water sourced directly from springs or other natural sources.
However, this trend poses serious health risks, as untreated water can contain harmful bacteria, parasites, and other contaminants. Drinking raw water can lead to severe illnesses and should be avoided.
5. Waist Trainers
Waist trainers, or corsets worn tightly around the waist, gained popularity in 2023 as a way to achieve an hourglass figure. These devices claim to “train” the waist to become smaller over time.
However, wearing a waist trainer for extended periods can lead to a variety of health issues, including difficulty breathing, digestive problems, and even organ damage. It is important to prioritize health and body positivity over harmful beauty standards.
6. Ear Candling
Ear candling, a practice that involves placing a hollow candle in the ear and lighting it, gained attention in 2023 as a way to remove earwax and improve hearing. However, this trend is not only ineffective but also dangerous.
Ear candling can cause burns, puncture the eardrum, and push earwax further into the ear canal. It is best to leave earwax removal to professionals and avoid this risky DIY method.
7. Extreme Fitness Challenges
In 2023, extreme fitness challenges became popular, with individuals pushing themselves to the limit in the name of fitness. From intense obstacle course races to extreme weightlifting competitions, these challenges often prioritize competition over safety.
Pushing the body to its limits without proper training and preparation can lead to serious injuries and long-term damage. It is important to listen to your body and engage in fitness activities that are safe and sustainable.
While wellness trends can be intriguing and enticing, it is crucial to approach them with a critical eye and prioritize evidence-based practices. The absolute worst wellness trends we saw in 2023 were not only ineffective but also potentially harmful.
It is always best to consult with healthcare professionals and rely on scientific research when making decisions about your health and well-being.
8. Relying On Influencers For Health Advice
This is an unfortunate physical health trend and mental health trend, both Lancioni and McMillian, health professionals said.
“Having a great body, a great following, cool workouts, and a nice clear camera does not qualify you as an expert,” McMillian said. “It only makes you an entertainer unless you’re certified.”
While certain workouts or practices may have helped an influencer on social media, it doesn’t mean it will work for you, McMillian said. “Everybody has different body types, they have different hip alignments, different heights, they have different strengths.”
“If you’re out here trying to do what I’m doing on Instagram, you may not get to your goal … So, always seek an expert and that will help you even more,” McMillian continued.
In terms of mental health, this is true, too. “I see a lot of accounts portraying themselves as mental health experts with no license or with no credibility,” Lancioni said. She stressed that it’s important to follow credible sources — as in experts with a license to practice mental health and psychology.
McMillian added that people should be able to speak on their experience and share what worked for them, but it shouldn’t be given as formulaic advice to their followers, too.
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