10/11/2025
Some trends really need to stop.
After almost twenty years of medical practice, I’ve developed what I like to call a doctor’s spider sense, that instinct that spots danger long before it strikes.
When your kids are sliding headfirst down the park slide, you might see fun and laughter.
I see F.O.O.S.H., “Fall On an Outstretched Hand”, the kind of accident that brings a child to the ER with a fractured forearm.
When you see long, fake eyelashes that enhance beauty, I see a lint trap collecting oil, bacteria, and cellular debris.
Over time, it often leads to blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids caused by irritation and bacterial buildup.
You only have two eyes that can’t grow back. Keep them out of harms way.
When you see someone who’s excessively thin, you might see “fit.”
I see someone undermuscled, possibly struggling with metabolic dysfunction.
Lack of muscle mass contributes to insulin resistance just as much as excess fat does.
I see elevated fasting insulin, impaired glucose tolerance, and early sarcopenia paving the way for later frailty.
Strong is the new sexy.
And when I see a patient with a cyst that’s been “drained” for years by a well-meaning spouse, I see skin that’s been thinned by trauma and bacteria waiting to infect.
Those infections are what end up on my surgical table.
I might be biased because I tend to see the bad and extreme cases, but these patterns have become increasingly common, and they’re not harmless.
So here are other trends that need to stop, because while they might look healthy, impressive, or cool, they often come with hidden harm.
Ice baths and cold plunges for everyone.
People see mental toughness and faster recovery. I see vasoconstriction, cardiac stress, Raynaud syndrome and in vulnerable patients, even arrhythmias.
Cold exposure can benefit some, but it’s not safe for everyone, especially those with heart or blood pressure issues.
Your nervous system can only handle so much shock before it crosses the line from biohack to medical emergency.
Tanning for vitamin D also needs a new safety review.
People see a healthy glow and natural vitamin D. I see DNA mutations, photoaging, and basal cell carcinomas that I’ll later see in the clinic.
UV rays don’t discriminate.
A few calculated minutes of sun exposure is enough for vitamin D synthesis; beyond that, you’re just damaging collagen and raising cancer risk.
Consider taking a supplement to get the best of both worlds.
Juice cleanses and detox teas are my pet peeves.
People see cleansing, renewal, and a reset.
I see fiber deficiency, electrolyte imbalance, and metabolic slowdown.
The liver and kidneys already detoxify the body naturally; what they need is fiber, hydration, and rest, not liquid starvation.
When you remove fiber, you remove the body’s best natural detox system.
Fasting without guidance has also exploded in popularity. In fact, just a week ago, I published a full episode, reviewing fasting, including its benefits and risks.
People see discipline and self-mastery. I see hormonal disruption, loss of lean muscle, and sometimes binge–restrict cycles that backfire.
Fasting can be therapeutic, but only when personalized and nutritionally sound.
Without protein, resistance training, and mindful refeeding, fasting becomes self-sabotage.
And don’t get me started on extreme fitness challenges in unprepared people.
The internet sees grit, progress, and pride.
I see overuse injuries, rhabdomyolysis, and burnout in people who confuse pain with progress.
Exercise is medicine, but the dose matters. Consistency beats intensity every time.
The “dirty” keto diet has also been in and out of style since I can remember.
People see rapid weight loss and better glucose control.
I see skyrocketing LDL cholesterol, constipation, and micronutrient deficiencies.
Keto done wrong, filled with processed meats, butter coffees, and little fiber, can increase long-term cardiovascular risk.
The best diets don’t eliminate food groups shown to reduce all-cause mortality, they prioritize quality, sustainability and balance.
Hustle culture and sleep deprivation is also causing irreparable damage.
People see ambition and productivity. I see cognitive decline, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation.
Sleep isn’t laziness, it’s maintenance for your brain and metabolism. The body keeps score, even when your calendar doesn’t.
Supplements are also often getting prioritized instead of lifestyle.
People see convenience and control. I see false reassurance. No capsule will replace the benefits of whole foods, sleep, exercise, or stress management.
Supplements can fill gaps, but they can’t fix habits.
I recently had a patient who attempted celery juicing. They hated every minute of it.
People see a concentrated green elixir filled with phytochemicals.
I see what’s missing: fiber, the most anti-inflammatory nutrient in the celery itself.
Fiber feeds the gut microbiome, promotes satiety, stabilizes blood sugar, and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and colon cancer.
If you love celery juice, by all means, go to town on it. But maybe consider blending instead of juicing.
Keep the fiber. Keep the benefits.
Sometimes what looks healthy on the surface hides a different story beneath.
It’s my job to see it, and your job to learn from it.
Health is 95% habits and 5% fads, hacks, and trends.
The internet on the other hand is 95% fads, hacks and trends. And 5% small lifestyle medicine communities like this one.
Thanks for being part of the 5%.
💚 Dr. Jules
