14 health and wellness fads to avoid in 2025
As we enter a new year, the focus on health and wellness is more prominent than ever. Many people are striving to improve their diet and lifestyle, with a growing concern about diet-related illnesses like obesity and type 2 diabetes.
While this renewed interest in health is positive for global well-being, it also brings about a challenge. The complexity of human biology and medical science, coupled with the potential for financial gain, creates a breeding ground for wellness scams, misinformation, and gimmicks.
The global wellness industry is projected to reach $7.32 trillion this year and nearly $9 trillion by 2028. With such a lucrative market, there are plenty of unscrupulous individuals looking to capitalize on the trend.
However, navigating the realm of health and wellness can be confusing for most people. The abundance of conflicting advice and quick-fix promises can be overwhelming.
In this article, we will explore 14 health and wellness trends that are either ineffective, harmful, or both. We will also provide additional resources for further information on each topic.
At the end, we will offer insights into what truly works for achieving health and wellness.
1. Bovine colostrum
Colostrum has gained popularity among wellness influencers on social media, with claims of boosting the immune system, supporting gut health, and more. However, there is currently insufficient evidence to support these claims for adults. Additionally, the commercial production of bovine colostrum can be considered cruel as it deprives baby cows of this essential nutrient.
Summary: Contrary to marketing claims, bovine colostrum is unlikely to provide benefits for immune or gut health in adults. Learn more about bovine colostrum here.
2. Okra water
Okra water, made by soaking okra overnight and consuming the strained juice, has been touted as a remedy for various health issues. However, while it is not harmful, the benefits of okra water are minimal compared to consuming the whole plant, which provides more nutrients and fiber.
Summary: Okra water is not a magical cure-all and is best consumed as part of a balanced diet. For more information on okra water, visit this article.
3. Celery juice cleanse
Celery juice cleanses have been popularized on social media, with claims of weight loss, reduced inflammation, and various health benefits. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims, and replacing a healthy breakfast with celery juice may have negative consequences.
Summary: Celery juice cleanses offer little to no health benefits and may even be harmful. For more insights on celery juice cleanses, read this article.
4. Collagen supplements for skin, hair, and nails
Collagen supplements have gained popularity for their alleged benefits on skin, hair, and nail health. While collagen is essential for maintaining the body's structure, there is limited evidence to support the efficacy of oral supplements and creams in improving skin health.
Summary: Collagen supplements may have minimal effects on skin health, and collagen creams are unlikely to penetrate the skin effectively. For more information on collagen products, click here.
5. Drinking borax water
Adding borax to drinking water has been promoted as a remedy for various health issues, but in reality, it can be harmful. Borax consumption can lead to adverse effects and should be avoided.
Summary: Drinking borax water is not recommended as it can have negative health consequences. Learn more about borax and its potential risks here.
6. Detoxes
Detox products and programs claiming to cleanse the body and improve health have flooded the market, but there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. Detoxes are unnecessary and can even be harmful.
Summary: Detox products are ineffective and potentially harmful. Avoid falling for detox scams by understanding how the body truly deals with toxins.
7. Calorie counting and low-calorie diets
Calorie counting and low-calorie diets are common weight loss strategies, but research suggests that they are ineffective in the long term. While they may initially lead to weight loss, most individuals regain the weight over time.
Summary: Counting calories is not a sustainable approach to weight management. To learn more about why calorie counting fails in the long run, read this article.
8. Gluten-free
The gluten-free trend has become increasingly popular, but for individuals without celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, cutting out gluten is unnecessary. Most gluten-free products are heavily processed and lack essential nutrients found in gluten-containing foods.
Summary: Unless you have a medical condition that requires avoiding gluten, there is no need to eliminate it from your diet. Learn more about the gluten-free trend and its implications here.
9. Avoiding seed oils
Seed oils, often vilified for their omega-6 fatty acid content, are actually beneficial for health when consumed as part of a balanced diet. There is no evidence to suggest that seed oils are harmful, and they can contribute to overall health.
Summary: Contrary to popular belief, seed oils are not detrimental to health and can be part of a healthy diet. For a detailed examination of the science behind seed oils, check out this article.
10. Brain foods
While some foods are touted as "brain foods" that enhance cognitive function, the reality is that a well-rounded, plant-heavy diet supports overall health, including brain health. Focusing on individual foods for specific body parts is unnecessary.
Summary: A diverse diet rich in plant foods nourishes the entire body, including the brain. Learn more about foods that support brain and body health here.
11. Electrolyte drinks
Electrolyte drinks are often marketed as essential for daily hydration, but for most people, they are unnecessary. While electrolyte drinks can be beneficial in certain situations, they are not required for general hydration and may pose risks for individuals with specific health conditions.
Summary: Most individuals do not need electrolyte drinks on a daily basis, and for some, they may be harmful. Learn more about electrolyte drinks here.
12. Drinking urine
Drinking urine, a trend promoted by some wellness influencers, is not recommended as it can introduce harmful bacteria into the body. Urine is a waste product that the body eliminates for a reason, and consuming it is not a safe or beneficial practice.
Summary: Drinking urine is not a healthy or advisable practice. Read more about the trend of drinking urine and its potential risks here.
13. Raw milk
The consumption of raw milk has gained popularity, with claims of superior nutrients and health benefits compared to pasteurized milk. However, raw milk poses a significant risk of infections, especially for vulnerable populations, and does not offer substantial advantages over pasteurized milk.
Summary: Raw milk is not safer or more nutritious than pasteurized milk and can increase the risk of infections. Learn more about the rise of raw milk and the misconceptions surrounding it here.
14. NAD+ supplements
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is essential for metabolism, but there is limited evidence to support the efficacy of NAD+ supplements. While NAD is crucial for good health, taking it as a supplement may not provide significant benefits.
Summary: While NAD is important for health, there is no strong evidence that NAD+ supplements are beneficial. For more insights on NAD+ supplements and mitochondrial health, check out this article.
What should you do?
With a multitude of wellness trends and health fads circulating, it can be challenging to discern fact from fiction. At ZOE, we aim to provide straightforward, evidence-based guidance to help you make informed decisions about your health.
If you're looking to understand how your body responds to food and how to optimize your diet for your unique needs, take our free quiz today.
For additional resources on eating well and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, explore the content below:
