Demystifying Wellness Trends with Medical Journalist Dr. Trisha Pasricha (Part 1)
Mar 4, 2025
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Dr. Trisha Pasricha, a medical journalist and neurogastroenterologist known for her work in The Washington Post, dives into the whirlwind of wellness trends. She unpacks the science behind health fads like magnesium supplements and leaky gut syndrome, debunking common myths. Trisha highlights the growing wellness industry's influence and the importance of patient-doctor trust. Plus, she sets the record straight on the role of cortisol and the nuances of seed oils, advocating for a balanced and mindful approach to health.
Dr. Trisha Pasricha stresses the importance of discerning scientific evidence behind wellness trends to avoid health misinformation and fads.
Emphasizing balanced diets over supplements, Dr. Pasricha highlights the limited effectiveness of many dietary supplements and the importance of whole foods.
Deep dives
Understanding Health Misinformation
Health misinformation has become prevalent, particularly with the rise of social media, making it challenging for individuals to discern credible health advice. Many wellness trends are propagated by influencers rather than healthcare professionals, often lacking scientific validation. This has led to a significant amount of conflicting information, which can create mistrust in medical authorities and make it difficult for individuals to make informed health choices. Medical journalist Dr. Tricia Pasricha emphasizes the need for better communication and understanding to ensure the public feels engaged and informed about their health.
The Limitations of Supplements
The use of dietary supplements is widespread, with many Americans believing they can fill nutritional gaps in their diets. However, Dr. Pasricha highlights that while certain supplements may benefit individuals with specific medical conditions, the majority show limited evidence of effectiveness. Over-reliance on supplements can lead to neglecting underlying health issues, wasting both time and money in pursuit of quick fixes. Instead, focusing on a balanced diet rich in whole foods is crucial for overall health, as natural food sources offer a complex array of nutrients that supplements cannot replicate.
The Role of Stress and Cortisol
Cortisol, often labeled as the stress hormone, plays a complex role in the body's response to stress and can be both beneficial and harmful. High levels of stress can lead to negative health outcomes, but it is essential to recognize that cortisol is necessary for various bodily functions. Dr. Pasricha encourages looking at stress management holistically rather than fixating solely on cortisol levels, suggesting that addressing lifestyle factors can significantly improve health. Emphasizing stress reduction techniques may yield greater health benefits than merely monitoring hormone levels.
Reevaluating Health Trends
Health trends, such as the use of continuous glucose monitors among non-diabetics and the vilification of seed oils, reflect societal anxieties around health and wellness. Dr. Pasricha notes that while tracking glucose can benefit some individuals and provide insights into dietary habits, it may not be necessary for everyone and can lead to undue stress. Furthermore, the demonization of seed oils oversimplifies discussions about nutrition and ignores the context of overall diet. A balanced approach that prioritizes whole foods and practical lifestyle changes, rather than singularly focusing on current trends, is vital for maintaining long-term health.
Full-body MRIs. Red light therapy. Vitamin B12 supplements. Seemingly every day, there’s a new wellness fad taking over the internet. But how do we know which health claims are backed by science – and which are just hype?
In this episode of Everyday Better, we’re demystifying the latest health and wellness trends with medical journalist Dr. Trisha Pasricha. Trisha discusses the pros and cons of magnesium supplements, breaks down the science behind ‘leaky gut syndrome’ and sets the record straight on seed oils. She also answers listener questions about cortisol, glucose monitoring and more.