Medically reviewed by Kristine Batty, CRNP.
From detox teas to keto diets, not every wellness trend is safe for everyone. This is especially true if you’re managing a chronic health condition, like diabetes, COPD, heart failure or autoimmune disorders. While some of these habits may be beneficial for some, they’re not always safe or effective for others. “Healthy” fads can sometimes affect how well your medication works, which can make you feel worse and cause negative side effects. This article looks at five popular wellness trends that might be harmful to people with chronic diseases. There are safer, proven options that can help your health without the risks.
Why Don’t One-size-fits-all Health Trends Work for People with Chronic Conditions?
Health trends, also called “health hacks” or “viral trends,” often claim to be quick fixes for weight loss, improved energy or just better health in general. They are almost never backed by science, and they rarely work for long, if at all. And sometimes they can even be dangerous for people with chronic illnesses like heart, lung and autoimmune diseases and diabetes.
Most health fads don’t consider how diets or supplements interact with medications. They often assume a level of energy or mobility that those with chronic pain or fatigue may not have. General advice like “exercise more” can be unrealistic and harmful.
Additionally, health trends often offer simple solutions or quick fixes for health problems. But taking care of a long-term illness takes time and requires a unique plan that fits each person. These trends often don’t consider the issues and limits that come with chronic illnesses. What works for most people might make those with chronic illnesses feel frustrated or left out. A better way is to work with health care professionals to create a plan that fits your needs. This plan should focus on long-term health, not quick fixes.
IMPORTANT: Before trying any wellness trend, even if it seems harmless, discuss it with your healthcare provider. Your health depends on it!
“Wellness” Trends That Can Do More Harm Than Good
1. Intermittent Fasting/Skipping Meals
Eating a balanced diet is vital for people with chronic illnesses. Intermittent fasting, or skipping meals, can be unsafe. It might cause problems like not getting enough vitamins or protein. Fasting may also lead to low blood sugar levels or feelings of weakness.
2. Detox Cleanses
The term detox cleanse describes various approaches that “cleanse or detox” the body. They may include the following:
- Drinking only juice or similar beverages
- Cleansing the colon with enemas, laxatives, or colon hydrotherapy
- Reducing environmental exposures
- Using a sauna
Sometimes, a detox cleanse might not be unsafe for the average person, but it may be harmful for people with chronic diseases. It can cause serious side effects, such as dehydration, leading to problems with electrolyte balance.
3. Misusing Supplements
Dietary supplements have their time and place. But some supplements can mix with medicines, especially during or after surgery. They may also cause problems like increased bleeding. They can change how medicine works in the body, making it less helpful or causing more side effects. Thus, patients with chronic health problems should talk to their health care provider before using them.
4. Toxic Positivity
People often feel like they must “stay positive” all the time, especially when discussing self-care. Trying to be happy all the time can lead someone to hide their sad or tough feelings, making it harder to deal with those emotions. You may have a harder time reaching your goals or feeling better in the long run.
5. Essential Oils and Aromatherapy
More people have been using essential oils and aromatherapy. They can help with stress, sleep, and pain. But they may not always be safe for people with chronic diseases. For example, people with chronic lung problems (COPD, asthma, etc.) might feel worse after using essential oils because the smells can bother their lungs. It’s important for people with chronic illnesses, especially those with breathing issues, to avoid essential oils or use them carefully.
What to Try Instead: Safe and Realistic Wellness Swaps for Lasting Health
- Get health information from trusted sources—not social media. These sources include your health care team and reputable organizations, like the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association. Generally, websites associated with the government are regulated and can be trusted, such as the National Institutes of Health and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, we highly recommend that you consult your personal health care provider first because they know you and your condition best.
- Eat a well-balanced diet. There are many good diets you can try to maintain your health. Include fruits, vegetables, complex carbohydrates and proteins. Ultraprocessed food can worsen chronic health problems.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about supplements. They can help with many chronic diseases. But some can also cause unwanted side effects such as bleeding. You can also talk to the pharmacist about supplements. They can let you know if the supplements may interfere with your medications.
- Take a balanced approach to mental wellness. It’s important to accept and learn to process all of your feelings instead of always trying to be happy. Hiding sad or bad feelings can cause long-term stress and make it harder to feel better.
- Get regular exercise or move your body daily. Regular exercise is important. It can help manage chronic disease and pain. The exercise intensity will vary for every person based on their activity tolerance. Work with your health care team to create the right plan for you.
- Practice good sleep hygiene. Research recommends getting a minimum of 7 to 8 hours of sleep. Sleep is essential for mental and overall health. Get expert tips for better sleep.
Wellness trends often have big health promises. If you have a chronic illness, it’s essential to be careful and not believe everything right away. What works for most people might not be safe for you. Talk to your health care team about health trends to stay safe and make good choices for your health. The healthiest trend is the one that works with your body, not against it.
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