If there’s one thing celebrities love more than a close-up, it’s a healthy trend that costs more than most people’s rent. From freezing their bodies to flooding their systems with vitamins, they will try just about anything that promises revitalised youthfulness. And of course, the more ahead of the wellness curve, the better. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the more bizarre celebrity favourites. Does science back them, or are they just expensive marketing stunts?
Hollywood’s frozen obsession
Forget sweating it out in a sauna. The A-list health crowd is doing the complete opposite, sitting in chambers set to -200°F for full-body cryotherapy. The benefits of cold exposure have been studied for some time, most notably by Wim Hof. It decreases inflammation, encourages oxygenation that helps muscles recover from exertion and strain, and also has anti-ageing qualities. LeBron James and Mark Wahlberg have gone on the record as die-hard cryo fans, with some celebrities going so far as to own a personal chamber for exclusive use. But there’s a catch: Although science supports the physical and mental benefits of cold exposure, too many visits inside a glorified freezer may cause severe nerve damage. Verdict: It’s safer to plunge into an ice bath (or use an ice pack) to get the same health benefits.
Star-studded infusions
For most people who feel run-down, they commit to getting better sleep or maybe upping their water intake. But the rich and famous in Hollywood aren’t “most people”. They call a concierge nurse to administer an IV drip containing “miracle compounds”. These so-called miracles are usually just a blend of vitamins and antioxidants, but they do the trick. Stars like Harry Styles and Kendall Jenner have been seen getting nutrient infusions, most commonly after a big event or a long flight. Clinics that provide intravenous vitamin therapy promote immediate effects, including feeling energised, a stronger immune system, and glowing skin. The reality? Unless you’ve been diagnosed with a deficiency, your body won’t need the vitamin infusion. In these cases, it’ll simply pass through your system with no effect. Verdict: You have access to the same nutrients when eating a salad, and don’t experience any of the risks involved with IV use.
Health beyond water
Tap water in Hollywood? Never. In fact, bottled water doesn’t make the grade either. The elite’s water is imported from glaciers, alkaline, or hydrogen-infused. The promise is increased energy, detox properties, and better hydration than regular old water. Beyoncé is known to travel with her supply of alkaline water. And, bringing up Mark Wahlberg again, he loves it so much that he invested in a brand. Verdict: While the jury is out on whether these magical waters do what they claim, hydration is crucial to health and well-being. Any form that takes is still a good thing. The irony is that while celebrities are preoccupied with the fanciest, most expensive types of water, few are investing in efforts to combat the contamination of regular water sources.
The detox everybody needs
As celebrities chase the purest brands of water, a bigger issue is making waves: PFAS contamination. The chemical compound is found in everything from waterproof gear to nonstick cookware. That said, it has been detected in water sources across the country due to toxic runoff from substances like firefighting foam. In recent news, the AFFF lawsuit update has drawn attention to the serious health risks linked to PFAS exposure. Thyroid disease, immune system dysfunction, and various types of cancer are among the reported conditions. Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) is a firefighting foam used mainly at military bases and airports. According to TorHoerman Law, the PFAS chemicals present in this foam don’t break down at all. This means they will remain in human blood and water indefinitely. But that’s not all. Firefighters and military personnel aren’t the only ones at risk of serious health complications. People living in areas that share water sources with high-risk zones, like airports and military bases, face potential exposure, too. Needless to say, it’s this, more than imported glaciers, that should be the water topic on everyone’s lips.
High price tags aren’t science
The lesson we can take from celebrity splurging is that a health trend is not necessarily based on medical facts. Some may have limited benefits, but most of them are nothing more than really expensive placebos. So, before you hop on a celebrity health trend, do your research. It’ll save a lot of time and even more money to find out whether it’s science or just another Hollywood fantasy.
Article edited by Mark Webber