As the wellness industry continues its relentless march forward, the Los Angeles Times has decided to grace us with a list of the "8 hot new wellness trends just in time for April 1." But what this really means is a collection of gimmicks and pseudoscience masquerading as innovation. Let's take a closer look at these so-called "trends" and why we should be highly skeptical.
Crystals for Productivity
The idea that placing a piece of shiny rock on your desk will somehow make you more productive is, frankly, laughable. BBC reports that the wellness crystal craze is built on little more than anecdotal evidence and confirmation bias. There's simply no scientific basis for the notion that crystals possess any kind of mystical powers.
Infrared Saunas for Detoxification
The New York Times has thoroughly debunked the idea that infrared saunas can "detoxify" the body. Our livers, kidneys, and other organs are already perfectly capable of removing toxins without the need for any expensive gadgets.
Fasting for Longevity
While there is some evidence that fasting can have health benefits, the wellness industry has taken this idea and run wild with it. Extreme fasting regimes are not only unsustainable but can also be downright dangerous, especially for those with certain medical conditions.
The bigger picture here is that the wellness industry is constantly seeking the next shiny object to sell us, regardless of whether there's any real science behind it. We would be wise to approach these "trends" with a healthy dose of skepticism.
As via alexanderaultman, the wellness industry's obsession with optimization and quick fixes often ignores the real, systemic issues that impact our health and wellbeing. Perhaps it's time to take a step back and focus on proven, evidence-based strategies for improving our overall health and happiness.