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The Worst Health Fads of 2017

These are the worst health fads of 2017 that we are leaving behind for a healthy 2018.

By Kelsey LangePublished 6 years ago 6 min read
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Most health trends end up being more harmful than beneficial in the long run. That's why it's important to take a step back, and really become educated in the process of any health fad you are considering taking part in.

We made it easy for you, as this is a list of only the worst health fads of 2017. Stay far away from these and trends that have similar effects or processes. Ultimately trust your best judgment when following the crowd, especially when it comes to your body and your health.

Everyone wants to have a body that they are confident in, but achieving your goals should not sacrifice your well-being. Spoiler alert: the biggest fitness industry secret is eating healthy and working out.

Without further ado, these are the worst health fads of 2017.

Juice Cleanses

Though their popularity did not begin in 2017, juice cleanses are still unfortunately relevant this year. Let's get into why.

Cleanses and detoxes, in general, are typically not ideal for the average person. This is because they are low in protein and do not give your body the needed nutrients for a healthy immune system.

As one of the worst health fads of 2017, juice cleanses are not ideal because they tend to pack in a lot of sugar and not nearly enough protein. And if you're planning on working out during this time, you will likely hurt your body, even if you don't know it.

Your body needs protein to recover after any physical activity like lifting weights or cardio. Even if it feels like you're just a bit more hungry for a few days, you're doing much more damage than to your rumbling stomach.

Plus, most of the weight that you will lose due to this will be water weight, which is easily gained back once you return to your normal diet. This will result in lots of weight fluctuation, which is also unhealthy.

Human Growth Hormone for Weight Loss

Advertised as being a quick and easy way to burn fat and build muscle, what could possibly go wrong? If it sounds too good to be true, it often is.

With many side effects, HGH is not meant for aiding in your dream body. As something that was produced to fuel growth and development in children's bodies, it is being abused by the fitness world.

Some bad side effects include carpal tunnel, insulin resistance, swelling of the appendages, muscle pain, joint pain, high cholesterol, numbness, tingling of the skin, and nerve pain. Plus, for all that, it's not a cheap or painless process.

Colon Cleansing

Typically a fad with the word "cleanse" or "cleansing" is something you might want to stray away from. When it comes to colon cleansing, there are a few reasons why this shouldn't be a trend in the fitness community.

As one of the worst health fads of 2017, colon cleansing can lead to a few different risks if done too often or incorrectly. These include a risk of dehydration, infection, bowel perforations, and can change your electrolytes, which is terrible for both your heart and kidneys.

It is important to constantly stay hydrated when going through with this procedure, as well as being aware of the practitioner's experience and practicality.

Plastic Sweating

Another fad that seems like it could be a miracle worker, but could ultimately result in dangerous results, is plastic sweating. As one of the worst health fads of 2017, this process is typically done inside of a sauna or while working out.

As a way to produce a ton of sweat, the plastic sweat suits are advertised to be a way to control weight. However, it will lead to weakness, and even dizziness, confusion, and sometimes fainting.

This is because the weight that is lost is not long-term. To lose weight, you must burn the fat. The weight that is being lost is water weight, and this is entirely different.

Ultimately, this will only do your body more harm than good. Plus, you have a huge chance of overheating or even heat stroke.

Passion Dust

If you learn anything from this article, I hope that it's you that should never put a glitterbomb into your vagina. As one of the most obvious health no-nos, Passion Dust has created a sparkly pill that is meant to be inserted into your vagina to mix with your natural fluids to result in a sweetness and sparkle.

Well, that's not all that it will result in; for example, yeast infection. I don't think I have to elaborate much on the health risks for this product. Just don't do it, please.

Waist Training

Though they should have been left in the 16th century, corset-like devices are extremely harmful to our organs and bodies as a whole. With tons of side effects and not many benefits, the waist trainer became extremely popular due to Instagram models showing off their plastic surgery-made bodies, and giving the credit to cheap products such as these.

Here are just six of the most common risks: skin irritation, bruising, numbness, acid reflux, breathing restriction, and psychological toll. It's just not worth it.

Anti-Vaccination

Unfortunately, vaccination refusal is still a common practice in 2017. And as one of the worst health fads of 2017, we need to leave this behind. As a way to potentially save your child's life, vaccinations are effective and extremely safe.

As a way to both protect future generations and save yourself and your family's time and struggle, vaccinations should remain a part of everyone's lives.

Coconut Oil

For some reason, coconut oil has recently become a praised ingredient in a ton of different beauty and health regimens. However, it's typically not for everyone, especially in hair and on the skin.

Oil, in general, is not a great way to combat oiliness, and will often work on solely normal to dry skin that does not suffer from many complications. This also goes for hair; coconut oil should not be used on hair that is thin and gets oily often.

As one of the worst health fads of 2017, we need to leave the obsession with coconut oil in the past. This also goes for adding it to your diet, because it holds a ton of saturated fats, which are totally unhealthy. And coconut oil overall isn't healthy.

Vaginal Kung Fu

Though I have to admit, Vaginal Kung Fu sounds very intriguing, but it's definitely not healthy. As a form of vaginal weightlifting, the Kung Fu is done by lifting an object inserted into the vagina as a way to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.

If you are looking for an option to strengthen down their, I would suggest turning to therapy and a licensed professional's advice rather than following the newest health fad on Instagram.

Fit-Teas

To complete my list of the worst health fads of 2017, I couldn't forget to tell you to stop buying Instagram model's Fit Teas no matter how good their abs look. The only thing that these brands have going for their is their great marketing team. They know how to pinpoint their audience, and its naive Instagramers that are sick of scrolling through endless photos of perfectly photoshopped celebrities.

Surprise, they don't work. No matter how many of your favorite celebrities post holding the drink, their plastic surgeons do the hard work for them. And you better believe they have never tasted a glass. Any product that claims that they will burn calories for you is a hoax. Remember that! Instead, drink water and go for a walk.

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About the Creator

Kelsey Lange

Passionate about writing, animals, makeup, movies, friends, family, learning, exercising, and laughing!

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