A new study has revealed 61% of us are seeking wellness advice on social media, with the figure rising to 91% of Gen Z, as 1 in 5 say they trust social media over speaking to a doctor. The study also revealed that over a quarter of Brits are now turning to AI platforms like ChatGPT to get health and wellness advice.
52% are unsure about which viral trends are truly beneficial, and the same number say they have tried viral health trends that didn’t work. Nearly a third are still trying trends even when they feel hesitant about them and 1 in 4 report experiencing adverse side effects from online trends they’ve tried, according to the report by online supermarket Ocado and Holland & Barrett.
Ocado , has partnered with Holland & Barrett to make a range of over 300 of its science-backed health and wellness products available on its platform. T he retailers have enlisted the help of Dr Karan Rajan ( @drkaranrajan / dr.karanr ) to separate fact from fiction when it comes to a few of the more questionable health ‘hacks’ doing the rounds on social media.
Dr Rajan said: “Social media can be a great tool for learning about health, but not all trends are backed by science.”
Daniel Clarke, Lead Nutritionist at Holland & Barrett, said: “It’s great that people are engaging with their health and wellness more than ever before, but it’s clear from this research that there’s a lot of confusion and conflicting advice out there.”
Laura Harricks, Ocado Chief Commercial Officer said: “We’re on a mission to make it easier and more convenient for customers to access everything they need to achieve their goals and support their wellness in one place.”
Dr Rajan busts social media health 'facts'
Coffee Enemas for Digestion - Fad or Fact? Dr. Rajan says Fad.
"Coffee enemas are often promoted as a way to “cleanse” the colon, boost digestion, and improve gut health. However, there is no credible evidence supporting these claims. In fact, frequent enemas, especially with coffee, might damage the gut lining, disrupt the microbiome, and even lead to rectal burns or electrolyte imbalances," notes Dr. Rajan. Instead, he recommends adopting a diet rich in diverse plant-based fibers and incorporating fermented foods to nourish beneficial gut bacteria.
Parasite Cleanses for Weight Loss - Fad or Fact? Dr. Rajan says Fad.
Disputing the purported weight-loss benefits of parasite cleanses, Dr. Rajan instead champions proven approaches like prioritising a protein-rich diet and increasing fiber to manage appetite and metabolism more effectively.
Lettuce Water for Improved Sleep - Fad or Fact? Dr. Rajan says Fad
Dr. Rajan also tackles misconceptions about lettuce water as a sleep aid, citing the absence of clinical evidence and urging the adoption of scientifically validated sleep hygiene practices, including establishing a regular sleep schedule and reducing blue light exposure before bed.
