Social Media Health Trends Not Worth the Hype

Social media can be a really great thing for building community, for sharing information and finding your tribe. Some not so great aspects of social media is that there is too much information and a lot of time that information is inaccurate, especially in the health space, you an fall into the comparison trap and your self-esteem can take a hit. Anyone can get on Instagram and share whatever they’d like even if they have no formal training, education or experience. It’s so important to verify where you’re getting information on social media. 

It’s amazing to see what health trends start on social media and for seemingly no reason. Out of nowhere there are things like a vibration plate, drinking olive oil and other random health “tips” that aren’t rooted in facts. Sometimes these health "tips" can have very negative consequences. 

This is why working with a certified functional nutritionist with years of experience and the education to back up what we're focusing 

These are all the social media trends that just aren’t worth the hype from a functional nutritionist:  

1. Creatine Gummies: Creatine itself is amazing. It’s probably one of my favorite supplements of all time because of the muscle building and cognitive benefits. But these creatine gummies that are being promoted have too low of a dose to even make an impact. It's not worth your money! Want to know exactly what dose of creatine your body needs? Schedule an intro call now.

2. Colostrum Powder: The internet is alleging that colostrum, which is the first milk produced by a cow after it gives birth, helps your immunity, muscle recovery and supports gut health. If you are cutting dairy, this is a direct dairy product and you may experience side effects based on that. We do not recommend taking this supplement for anyone who is cutting dairy. 

3. Walking Pads: Don’t get me wrong, getting in your steps is incredibly important and walking is a wonderful cardio that aids in weight loss, has amazing mental health benefits and helps you stay on track. The problem with walking pads is they are expensive and the odds of them just sitting in your house taking up space are pretty good. You’ll purchase one with good intentions, telling yourself you’ll use it every day and hit your 10,000 steps, but the reality is, it will probably start collecting dust and you’ll be tripping over it more times than you actually use it. The best thing to do to hit your step goal is to get outside. And if you can do it first thing in the morning, that’s even better. That morning sunlight is great for Vitamin D, resetting your nervous system and starting your day doing something for yourself! If you want some added challenge, throwing on a weighted vest is a great option.

4. Alani Drinks: These energy drinks seem healthy because they have vitamins in them but the main sugar ingredient, sucralose, is artificial and can be really awful for your gut health. In fact, sucralose is 600 times sweeter than standard sugar, is known to alter your gut bacteria, triggers insulin resistance and contributes to weight gain. If you're someone who experiences frequent headaches, bloating, or gut health issues, we recommend staying away from these kinds of drinks. If you’re craving an energy drink, we recommend Gorgie. 

The lesson here is that you can’t believe everything you see online. Anyone can put any information out there without scientific information or even remotely understanding the consequences. We suggest always reaching out to a practitioner to find the right health trends and lifestyle changes that will work for you.

If you’re in a place where you feel stuck in your health and need a reset, this is a great time to schedule a 15-minute progress check in call with one of our practitioners. It doesn’t matter if it’s been years since your last visit or if you’ve never seen us at all. You will chat with a practitioner, share your goals and we’ll provide specific steps to get there!