Many wellness trends are driven by a desire to take an active role in health and well-being. There is a plethora of products and practices, sometimes driven by social media and directed advertising to wellness enthusiasts.
But not everything out there is backed by science. Some popular trends have little to no evidence behind them. In certain cases, they may do more harm than good.
At Eterna Integrative, we strongly support evidence-based, lifestyle-based approaches to health. Nutrition, sleep, exercise, and stress management all play vital roles, along with the use of objective laboratory data to drive specific decisions on the use of conventional and some non-conventional approaches backed by evidence.
For patients, it’s worth being skeptical of trends that promise quick fixes or magical transformations without credible research supporting their use. Here are five wellness practices that sound appealing but lack meaningful support in the medical literature.
1. IV Vitamin Therapy
Intravenous (IV) vitamin drips are often advertised as a cure-all for fatigue, hangovers, aging, and more. The claim: bypassing the digestive system and infusing vitamins directly into the bloodstream leads to better absorption and faster results. But the truth is, for most healthy people, there’s simply no need for vitamin infusions.
The human body is remarkably efficient at absorbing the vitamins and minerals it needs from food. Water-soluble vitamins like B and C are excreted in urine if consumed in excess. Fat-soluble vitamins like A and D can accumulate—and, in some cases, cause harm if overdosed.
Importantly, eating nutrient-rich whole foods is often all that we need to get the vitamins our body needs. Oral supplements may sometimes be indicated, for example, in the case of low vitamin D levels. There is also a role for oral vitamin B12 supplementation in vegetarians. But it’s important to be strategic when using specific supplements.
Nevertheless, there’s no robust evidence that IV vitamin therapy for general wellness improves energy levels, boosts immunity, or aids in recovery better than hydration and proper nutrition. These infusions also aren’t risk-free. They can cause bruising, infections, or even more serious complications like vein inflammation or electrolyte imbalances. In rare cases, improper administration has led to hospitalization or worse.
So, unless you’re treating a documented vitamin deficiency or recovering from a condition like severe dehydration, IV vitamin therapy is more hype than help.
2. Earthing (Grounding)
Earthing, also known as grounding, is the practice of physically connecting with the Earth. This is usually achieved by walking barefoot on grass, dirt, or sand. The theory is that the Earth’s electrons can “rebalance” the body’s energy, reduce inflammation, and improve sleep and stress.
The concept is attractive: a simple, free intervention with no side effects. A handful of small studies have explored grounding. But the evidence is extremely limited and methodologically weak. Moreover, the underlying mechanism of the intervention, that humans are deficient in Earth’s electrons and need a recharge, isn’t supported by established biophysics or physiology.
This doesn’t mean spending time outdoors is a bad idea. On the contrary, walking barefoot on the beach can feel fantastic, reduce stress, and encourage movement. But any wellness benefits are likely psychological (which is good!) or due to environmental exposure, not any electrical realignment. Ultimately, grounding may make you feel good, but it’s not a proven medical intervention.
3. Detoxes and Cleanses
From green juice fasts to herbal teas to colon cleanses, the detox industry is thriving. Influencers and celebs tout cleanses as a method to “reset” your system, clear toxins, and promote rapid weight loss.
The problem is that there is no credible evidence that detoxing products actually eliminate toxins or improve organ function. The human body already has a built-in detox system. The liver, kidneys, skin, and lungs work 24/7 to remove waste and maintain balance, without the help of lemon-cayenne water or activated charcoal.
Some cleanses can also be harmful. Extreme fasting may cause nutrient deficiencies, blood sugar swings, and metabolic disruption. Laxative-based detoxes can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. And colon cleanses carry the risk of bowel perforation and infection.
How about weight loss? You may lose a few pounds on a detox. But it’s often water weight, and the pounds return once normal eating resumes. Instead of a cleanse, the body should be supported with whole foods, hydration, and regular sleep.
4. Crystal Healing and Energy Medicine
Crystals are often sold in wellness shops and on social media. They’re said to vibrate at certain frequencies, “align chakras,” and promote healing in body and mind. Proponents claim specific stones can treat anxiety, enhance fertility, or even support recovery from chronic disease.
But let’s get real. There is no scientific evidence that crystals have any healing properties beyond the placebo effect.
“Energy medicine” often relies on unmeasurable forces and vague terminology. It’s true that the human body has electromagnetic activity, such as the heart’s electrical rhythm or brain waves. But these are measurable with tools like ECGs or EEGs. Crystal energy isn’t.
This doesn’t mean crystals are completely useless. Holding a beautiful object that you associate with healing or tranquility can be comforting. Rituals, whether religious or secular, like those promoted in energy medicine, can play a meaningful role in coping. But that’s not the same as a proven treatment. The bottom line is that crystals or energy medicine won’t cure your illness. While they make you feel more mindful, don’t substitute the practice for evidence-based medicine.
5. Alkaline Water and “pH Balancing” Products
A persistent wellness myth is that specific foods and water can alter the body’s pH, leading to improved health and reduced risk of disease. Alkaline water is sold with claims that it neutralizes excess acid, boosts energy, and even prevents cancer.
But your body doesn’t work that way.
Human blood is tightly regulated at a pH of about 7.4. If it strays even slightly from this range, serious illness or even death can result. Fortunately, the body has multiple buffering systems (including the lungs and kidneys) to maintain this balance. Drinking alkaline water won’t change your blood pH. It will change the pH of your urine, but it doesn’t have proven impacts on systemic health.
Some studies suggest alkaline water may help with acid reflux, but these findings are limited and not enough to justify the sweeping health claims. As for “alkalizing diets,” they’re often healthy—but not because they change pH. They emphasize fruits and vegetables, which are beneficial for many other well-documented reasons
When It Comes To Wellness Trends, Buyer Beware
The wellness industry thrives on a powerful promise: that we can take our health into our own hands, avoid disease, and live better—naturally. And while the goal is admirable, some of that path is clouded by pseudoscience, marketing, and wishful thinking. At Eterna Integrative, we take medical evidence seriously when it comes to making recommendations for our patients.
Consumers should demand solid evidence when recommendations are made to engage in wellness activities. For the broader healthcare community and especially the physicians at Eterna Integrative, we must provide clear, compassionate guidance, grounded in solid research. Wellness isn’t about magic; it’s about habits grounded in science.