6 Health Trends That Doctors Admit Are Worthless Fads

Some Health Trends That Doctors Admit Are Worthless Fads

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Every week, a new “miracle” health trend hits social media, promising glowing skin, a perfect body, or a detoxed soul. From viral green powders to ice baths in backyard trash cans, the wellness industry has turned self-improvement into a full-time job. But here’s the secret doctors wish more people knew: many of these trends are more hype than help. Beneath the glossy Instagram posts and influencer testimonials, some of the hottest health fads do absolutely nothing for you—except maybe drain your wallet.

So, grab your matcha (if you must) and get ready to roll your eyes with us as we expose six wildly popular health trends that experts say are completely, undeniably, medically pointless.

1. Detox Teas and Juice Cleanses

Ah, the “three-day detox cleanse”—a favorite of influencers and anyone who loves the idea of starting over every Monday. The marketing sounds magical: sip your way to a clean liver, flat stomach, and glowing skin. But according to doctors, your liver and kidneys already do all the detoxing your body needs—and they do it 24/7 without the help of overpriced kale juice. In fact, some cleanses can leave you dizzy, dehydrated, and low on essential nutrients. So, unless your goal is to pay a lot of money for colorful sugar water and frequent bathroom breaks, you can safely skip this trend.

2. “Alkaline” Diets

The alkaline diet claims that you can change your body’s pH balance through food, preventing diseases and even cancer. Sounds science-y, right? Except… It’s not. Your lungs and kidneys tightly regulate your body’s pH, and no smoothie or lemon water can override that. Doctors say the idea that eating certain foods can “alkalize” your blood is pure pseudoscience—what it really does is alkalize your urine, which has zero impact on your overall health. So go ahead and eat your veggies, but do it because they’re healthy, not because you’re trying to become a walking chemistry experiment.

3. Collagen Supplements for Wrinkle-Free Skin

Collagen powders and gummies are everywhere, promising eternal youth in a scoop or chew. The theory is that consuming collagen helps your body rebuild its own supply, making skin firmer and joints stronger. But here’s the reality check: when you digest collagen, your stomach breaks it down into amino acids, the same as any other protein. There’s no guarantee those amino acids will magically travel back to your face and rebuild your skin like a repair crew. Dermatologists agree that sunscreen, hydration, and genetics have a much bigger say in how your skin ages than any pink drink ever will.

4. “Ear Candling”

You might have seen this one on TikTok: people sticking hollow candles into their ears and lighting them, claiming it pulls out wax and “toxins.” Spoiler alert—it doesn’t. The only thing ear candling removes is your dignity and possibly your hearing if you’re unlucky. Doctors have repeatedly warned that this practice is not only useless but dangerous—it can cause burns, ear infections, and even blockages if wax from the candle drips into your ear canal. If you feel like your ears are clogged, you’re better off seeing a professional instead of turning your head into a birthday cake.

5. Infrared Saunas for “Detoxing”

Infrared saunas have become the new “it” wellness obsession, promising detoxification, weight loss, and radiant skin all in one steamy session. But the truth is, sweating doesn’t remove toxins—it just cools you down. Your liver and kidneys are still the real MVPs of detoxing, and no amount of sweating can replace their work. While saunas can be relaxing and help with muscle soreness, there’s zero scientific proof that they eliminate toxins or melt fat. So, enjoy your sauna session for the vibe, but don’t convince yourself it’s a medical miracle.

Image Source: shutterstock.com

6. Celery Juice “Cures”

For a while, celery juice was everywhere. Celebrities and wellness influencers called it a miracle drink that could cure everything from acne to anxiety. But doctors have since made it clear: celery juice is just… celery. Sure, it’s healthy, low in calories, and hydrating—but it’s not magic. It won’t reset your gut, heal your liver, or fix your skin. Most of its benefits come from basic hydration and nutrition, which you could just as easily get from water and a balanced diet. So, unless you genuinely love the taste (questionable choice, but okay), don’t force yourself to chug it every morning.

When It Sounds Too Good to Be True, It Usually Is

Health fads have a way of making people believe that one magical product, diet, or habit can fix everything. But if you look past the glossy marketing and viral videos, most of them fall apart under actual science. The truth is, good health doesn’t come from detox teas or “miracle” powders—it comes from balance, consistency, and evidence-based habits. Eat real food, move your body, and get some sleep—that’s the real wellness formula.

Have you ever fallen for one of these fads or discovered one that turned out to be a total dud? Share your story or your favorite health trend fail in the comments below.