Social media routinely bombards us with peculiar tips and tricks to improve our health and well-being. Not all health trends are made equal, though. Some have kernels of truth wrapped in exaggeration, while others are simply unsafe. Let’s take a look at five 2025 social media health trends sweeping the Interwebs.
Online health misinformation
The rise of influencers, algorithm-driven feeds, and easy content sharing has made it easier for misinformation to reach large audiences quickly.
Unlike vetted medical advice, online trends often lack peer-reviewed evidence and ignore individual health differences. Everyone’s situation is different, yet these online trends try to engage millions of people with the same advice.
Combating this requires critical thinking, consulting reliable sources, and increasing public awareness about how to distinguish credible health information from viral myths. Take caution and, as always, don’t believe everything you read online.
Mouth taping
Mouth taping is a sleep practice where people place a piece of tape over their lips to keep their mouths closed while sleeping. The goal is to encourage nasal breathing rather than mouth breathing.
Proponents claim that it can improve sleep quality, reduce snoring, and even help alleviate issues such as dry mouth.
It comes with major risks and limitations, however. It can be dangerous for people with breathing difficulties, sleep apnoea, or nasal obstructions.
There’s limited scientific evidence out there backing its benefits. Only anecdotal evidence from TikTok and other social media sites supports the trends.
Improper use could lead to restricted airflow, discomfort, or even asphyxiation.
Experts generally recommend consulting a doctor before trying it, especially if you have any respiratory issues.
Chia seed water
“Chia water” is simply water that has chia seeds soaked in it. Chia seeds are tiny seeds from the Salvia hispanica plant that absorb liquid and form a gel-like coating. When you soak them in water, they expand and create a nutrient-rich drink.
Rich in fibre and omega-3s, chia seeds can be risky if not soaked properly, as they expand and may cause choking. For most, eating them in puddings or smoothies is a safer option.
The seeds are usually soaked for 15–30 minutes. The seeds absorb the water and form a gel-like coating, creating a slightly thickened drink. Some people add lemon, honey, or other flavourings.
Dry chia seeds expand quickly, so they should always be soaked before consumption to avoid choking hazards.
The drink resurfaced online as “internal sunscreen” in 2025 TikToks, but while it won’t protect you from UV rays, it can aid hydration if prepared carefully.
Carnivore diet
The carnivore diet involves cutting out all plant-based foods and consuming only meat and animal products. Advocates claim it can lead to rapid weight loss, improved energy, and better mental clarity.
The trend has been popularised online by “ancestral living” influencers, podcasters, and social media personalities, often framed with a rugged, macho aesthetic that appeals to certain audiences seeking a simple, high-protein approach.
Despite the hype, health authorities caution that the diet carries significant risks if followed long-term.
Eliminating fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains removes important sources of fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies, digestive issues, and an increased risk of heart disease.
There are also concerns about the impact of high saturated fat intake on cholesterol and cardiovascular health.
Nutritionists emphasise that quick fixes or highly restrictive trends rarely provide lasting results, despite the appeal of online testimonials and dramatic before-and-after stories.
Drinking urine
The most shocking trend is urine therapy. I am stunned to even be writing this. Proponents claim it can detoxify the body, boost immunity, or even treat illnesses, often referencing ancient or traditional practices.
Medical professionals strongly advise against the practice. Urine is a waste product, containing salts, toxins, and other compounds the body has already filtered out.
Consuming it offers no proven health benefits and can actually pose risks, including bacterial infection, kidney stress, and electrolyte imbalances.
Experts emphasise that the supposed detoxifying effects are myths: the kidneys and liver are far more effective at removing waste from the body than drinking urine could ever be.
While the trend persists online, it serves as a cautionary example of how wellness myths can resurface despite clear medical guidance.
Barefoot training
Exercising barefoot has gained popularity as a “natural” way to strengthen the feet and improve posture and balance.
Advocates argue that removing shoes allows the foot’s muscles, tendons, and arches to work more effectively, potentially enhancing stability and proprioception.
The trend draws inspiration from the barefoot running movement popularised by the book Born to Run, which highlighted how minimal footwear could alter gait and reduce certain injuries.
When done carefully in clean, controlled environments, barefoot training can offer benefits such as improved foot strength, better balance, and a more natural range of motion.
However, experts caution against excessive or unsafe barefoot activity. Constant barefoot exercise, particularly outdoors or on hard or uneven surfaces, increases the risk of cuts, abrasions, infections, and joint strain. Individuals with pre-existing foot conditions or balance issues should exercise extra caution.
Moderation and mindfulness are essential. While reconnecting with the ground may offer some postural and muscular benefits, footwear designed for protection and support remains essential for many forms of exercise.
As with other fitness trends, adopting a balanced approach and being aware of potential risks is crucial for long-term safety and effectiveness.
