The Risks of Dangerous Wellness Fads: Insights for Sacramento Residents

Understanding the Risks of Dangerous Wellness Fads

The world of wellness is an ever-shifting landscape. One moment, a new “miracle” trend is lighting up social feeds; the next, experts are scrambling to correct misinformation before it harms someone.

The intention behind most of these fads—better health, natural living, more energy—isn’t the problem. It’s how easily that good intention can turn risky when science gets replaced by speculation.

Sacramento’s vibrant wellness scene, filled with juice bars, yoga studios, and holistic workshops, reflects a genuine passion for well-being.

Yet in a city that embraces innovation, it’s just as important to cultivate discernment. From coffee enemas to raw milk to sungazing, some popular trends aren’t just ineffective—they can be genuinely dangerous.

In 'Scientist Reacts to the Most Dangerous Wellness Fads,' the discussion dives into concerning health trends, exploring key insights that sparked deeper analysis on our end.

The Coffee Enema Craze: When Detox Goes Too Far

It’s a ritual some followers swear by: brewing organic coffee, cooling it, and then administering it as a colon cleanse. Online, it’s described as invigorating or spiritually purifying. But beneath the glossy claims, there’s a darker reality.

“This is not a recommended therapy,” explains Dr. Samita Garg, gastroenterologist at Cleveland Clinic.
“Coffee enemas can cause colitis or rectal burns, and repeated use may disturb electrolytes or irritate the bowel.”

Medical professionals emphasize that the body already detoxifies itself naturally through the liver and kidneys—no extra “cleansing” required.

In Sacramento, where wellness experimentation thrives, the takeaway is clear: if you’re feeling sluggish or bloated, seek care from a licensed clinician, not a social media video.

Your body is already equipped with everything it needs to stay balanced.

Raw Milk: The Misleading Allure of “Natural”

At first glance, raw milk feels wholesome—fresh from the farm, unprocessed, and “alive.” Many market-goers praise its taste and claim it supports gut health. But nature isn’t always kind, and raw milk often carries invisible dangers.

“For children, the elderly, or pregnant individuals, the risk from unpasteurized milk is very high,” warns Dr. Nicole Martin, dairy scientist at Cornell University.
“You may not see contamination—but the bacteria are there.”

Health experts stress that the nutritional differences between raw and pasteurized milk are negligible, but the safety difference is enormous. Pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli can cause severe illness, even hospitalization.

Sacramento’s proximity to dairies and farmers’ markets makes it easy to find local, fresh milk safely—just make sure it’s pasteurized. Supporting small farms and supporting food safety can go hand in hand.

Sungazing: Finding Light, Losing Sight

It sounds poetic—watching the sunrise to “absorb healing energy.” In practice, sungazing can literally burn your vision. Staring directly at the sun can cause solar retinopathy—retinal damage that may be permanent and painless at the moment it occurs.

“Sunlight damages the eye as its light is focused onto the retina,” explains Dr. Joseph Chacko, ophthalmologist.
“It causes a burn that forms a scar, and the damage can be permanent.”

Some viral “sun-gazing challenges” have already led to documented cases of retinal injury.

Sacramento has no shortage of sunlight. You can safely get your vitamin D by spending ten minutes outdoors—take a walk along the river, enjoy one of the city’s parks, or step outside during your lunch break.

There’s no reason to risk your eyesight in the name of wellness.

Cooking with Cough Medicine: When Virality Turns Toxic

The neon-blue “NyQuil chicken” videos started as shock content, but heating medicine is not a harmless prank. Cooking with cough syrup can dangerously concentrate its active ingredients, raising the risk of overdose, hallucinations, or liver damage.

The FDA has publicly warned against this trend, emphasizing that “boiling a medication can make it much more concentrated and change its properties in unpredictable ways.”

Medications should only be used as directed—mixing them into food isn’t creative, it’s potentially toxic.

If someone ingests a medication in an unsafe way, call California Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for immediate help. When in doubt, treat online “food hacks” like they’re entertainment, not instruction.

The “Zero-Carb” or Carnivore Obsession

Extreme dieting trends come and go. The newest badge of discipline is the “carnivore” or “zero-carb” lifestyle—steak for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Advocates promise sharper focus and weight loss, but nutrition experts warn that such restrictive eating plans can lead to nutrient deficiencies, digestive issues, and higher long-term health risks.

“It’s not about eliminating one food group—it’s about the overall quality of your diet,” notes Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, nutrition scientist and dean at the Friedman School of Nutrition.
“When diversity disappears, so do essential nutrients.”

Research suggests that diets eliminating entire food groups may disrupt the gut microbiome and reduce fiber intake, which supports heart and metabolic health.

In Sacramento, where local produce and farm-to-table dining are abundant, there’s no need to fear carbohydrates. Food is meant to nourish, not punish.

Juice “Detoxes” and the Myth of the Reset

Every January, juice cleanses promise glowing skin, weight loss, and “toxin removal.” But experts agree that your body doesn’t need help detoxifying itself—your liver, kidneys, and intestines already handle that job beautifully.

“Your body doesn’t need help detoxifying itself,” according to Dr. Katherine Zeratsky, a Mayo Clinic registered dietitian.
“That’s what your liver and kidneys are for.”

Short-term juice fasts might help you refocus your eating habits, but extended cleanses can cause fatigue, nutrient deficiencies, and rebound overeating. You lose fiber, muscle glycogen, and often your good mood along the way.

If you love juicing, keep it part of a balanced plan. Pair fresh juices with meals rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. The goal isn’t deprivation—it’s sustainable nourishment.

Turning Awareness into Action

The thread connecting all these fads isn’t bad intent—it’s human hope. We all want to feel better, live longer, and look our best. But in Sacramento’s growing wellness culture, discernment is the real superpower.

Local health systems—like UC Davis Health, Sutter, and Kaiser—can play a vital role in separating hype from health through community talks and myth-busting campaigns.

Influencers and wellness professionals can also help by inviting licensed experts into the conversation.

“The best wellness strategy is one grounded in evidence and adapted to you,” says Dr. Laura Martinez, a Sacramento-based integrative medicine physician.
“Trends come and go, but science—and self-awareness—stand the test of time.”

Bottom line: Question boldly, research deeply, and choose wisely.
The best wellness practices will always be the ones grounded in science—and tailored to you.

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Authored by the Sacramento Living Well Editorial Team — a publication of DSA Digital Media, dedicated to highlighting wellness, local living, and inspiring community stories throughout Greater Sacramento.