Social Media Health Trends: Hype or Real Benefit?
Social media is full of health and wellness advice. From mouth taping at night to cold plunges and other viral wellness hacks, it can be difficult to know what’s beneficial and what’s a fad.
Before trying the latest health trend, it’s important to look beyond the views and likes and consider what medical experts and research have to say.
Mouth Taping for Better Sleep
Mouth taping has become a popular nighttime trend, with people claiming it can improve sleep, reduce snoring, and encourage nasal breathing.
While there’s some research exploring mouth taping, evidence supporting the broad health benefits often promoted online is still limited. It may also pose risks for people who have difficulty breathing through their nose or have certain sleep or breathing conditions.
If you regularly snore, wake up gasping, or have trouble breathing at night, mouth taping shouldn’t replace talking with a healthcare professional.
Is Your Cortisol Really “Too High”?
Cortisol has become one of the biggest buzzwords in wellness content, with social media posts linking high cortisol to everything from weight gain and bloating to poor sleep and fatigue.
Cortisol is a real hormone that helps regulate the body’s response to stress and plays an important role in metabolism, blood pressure, and other functions. The problem is that social media can make cortisol sound like the explanation for almost any symptom.
You may also see the term “adrenal fatigue” online. Despite its popularity, the Endocrine Society says there’s no scientific evidence that adrenal fatigue is a medical condition, and there’s no test that can diagnose it.
That doesn’t mean stress and sleep are unimportant. Chronic stress and poor sleep can affect how you feel and your overall health. But instead of assuming your symptoms are caused by high cortisol, talk with a healthcare professional who can help determine what may actually be causing them.
Cold Plunges
Cold plunges have also become a major wellness trend, with claims that they can improve recovery, boost energy, and strengthen the immune system.
Cold water immersion may provide some benefits, including temporary relief from muscle soreness after exercise. However, it isn’t a cure-all and can put significant stress on the body. People with certain medical conditions should talk with a healthcare professional before trying it.
The Problem With Viral Health Advice
Not every health trend on social media is necessarily harmful, but popularity doesn’t equal proof. A wellness trend can sound convincing while leaving out important information about who should avoid it, potential risks, or how much evidence actually supports the claim.
Before trying a viral health hack, ask yourself: Who’s making this recommendation? Is there reliable research behind it? And could it be harmful for someone with an underlying health condition?
When it comes to your health, a trend isn’t a substitute for expert medical advice.
Want to hear more about the health trends taking over social media? Listen to our On Call, Off Script podcast episode, “Social Media Hype or Real Benefit? Jackson Expert Debunks Common Health Trends,” where a Jackson expert breaks down what is worth trying and what may be better left on your feed.