There is certainly no shortage in wellness trends. And in the last few years, via social media, we’ve seen a surge in wellness trend advice that hasn’t exactly been on the up and up.
Kitty litter facials, anyone?
Social media has given a gigantic megaphone to everyone, from web influencers to random people on Facebook who don’t have actual medical or research experience.
Few experts stand by many of these trends, which often have disappointing results — or worse, jeopardize a person’s health. So, while it’s exciting to think that something as simple as ice water or charcoal can help quicken your goals, it’s critical to research before hopping on the bandwagon.
We did a deep dive into some 2022 wellness trends making the rounds on the internet. Below we share with you our conclusions.
Alkaline Water – 👎
Advocates claim that because alkaline water purportedly has a higher pH level than tap, it can neutralize the acidity in your body.
Generally, drinking water has a neutral pH of 7. Alkaline water typically has a pH of 8 or 9. However, pH alone isn’t enough to impart substantial alkalinity to water.
While I had trouble finding solid proof that alkaline water is healthier than regular water, I also couldn’t find any evidence that it is harmful. However, some have suggested that drinking alkaline water might disrupt stomach acidity, disrupting your digestion. (1)
Intermittent Fasting – 👍
Diets focus on what you eat, while intermittent fasting focuses on when you eat, switching between fasting (not eating) and eating on a regular schedule.
Practitioners eighter limit the number of hours they eat each day, or they fast 2 out of 7 days a week. Intermittent fasting prolongs the time your body burns calories consumed from your last meal, so you begin burning fat. Research shows that intermittent fasting, healthy eating, and regular exercise can assist in weight management and loss. (2)
Cold Water Plunge – 👎
Advocates claim immersing yourself in frigid water helps circulation, boosts the immune system, and even spikes your libido. Aside from a few small studies, there isn’t much evidence backing up any of these claims. However, the shock of immersing your body in freezing water can trigger a heart attack and lead to drowning. (3)
Cryotherapy – 👎
Cryotherapy is a blanket term that represents everything from ice packs to liquid nitrogen chambers—using extreme cold to heal sports injuries, make you “forever you,” and a host of other conditions. The idea comes from the simple premise that extreme cold can help reduce soreness. (4)
While spot-applying cold has its benefits for muscle injuries, whole body cryotherapy is another story. Anecdotal evidence suggests it may help various concerns. However, those with heart disease, high blood pressure, lung disease, neuropathy, allergies, and poor circulation are advised to avoid it.
Facial Exercise – 👍
You have 42 muscles in your face that actively form your expressions. Facial exercises are face movements using stretching and repetitive motion to prevent sagging and promote younger-looking skin. Facial muscles are just like your body muscles —if you don’t work them, they will become saggy and worn out. (5)
Teatoxes – 👎
Teatoxes are becoming increasingly popular with people looking for extra help in losing weight. Teatoxing is drinking tea spiked with a laxative that purportedly helps wash toxins out of your body by way of diarrhea. Simply put, losing water is not losing fat, and diarrhea is not a healthy way to lose weight. (6)
Nootropics – 👍
Nootropics are natural and synthetic compounds that may improve the brain’s cognitive function, including memory, creativity, motivation, concentration, and mood. Prescriptions such as Modafinil used to reduce fatigue and improve memory are also considered nootropics.
Researchers have established several ways that nootropics may work to impact the brain. One way is by supporting cellular energy production in neurons and other brain cells by stimulating or increasing energy metabolism. Another way is through protection from oxidative stress and increasing blood flow to the brain.
One of the best ways to experience the benefits of natural nootropics is through a quality brain health supplement like Stonehenge Health® Dynamic Brain™. It contains Bacopa Extract, Huperzine A, and 37 clinically proven brain health ingredients, including Choline Donors, Adaptogens, Amino Acids, Neuro-Minerals, and Vitamins.
A daily dose of Dynamic Brain™ fully supports your brain health. It promotes optimal cognitive function to help keep your memories intact, enables you to think more clearly, and boosts your mental energy. (7-8)
Sources:
1. “Is alkaline water better for you than plain water?” 2022. Mayo Clinic | mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/alkaline-water/faq-20058029
2. “Intermittent fasting combined with calorie restriction is effective for weight loss and cardio-protection in obese women” Nov. 21, 2012. Nutrition Journal | link.springer.com/article/10.1186/1475-2891-11-98
3. “The Science Behind Cold Water Plunges” May 10, 2021. Discover Magazine | discovermagazine.com/health/the-science-behind-cold-water-plunges
4. “Should You Try Whole Body Cryotherapy?” Jan. 31, 2019. U.S. News and World Report | health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/should-you-try-whole-body-cryotherapy
5. “Association of Facial Exercise With the Appearance of Aging” March 2018. Jama Network Research | jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/article-abstract/2666801
6. “Should You Try a Teatox?” May 15, 2018. Consumer Reports | consumerreports.org/dieting-weight-loss/should-you-try-a-teatox/
7. “Effects of a standardized Bacopa monnieri extract on cognitive performance, anxiety, and depression in the elderly: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial” 2008. National Library of Medicine | pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18611150/
8. “Neuroprotective Effects of Huperzine A” 2005. Karger | karger.com/Article/Abstract/85387
