from ‘fibremaxxing’ THE everything packed with proteinhealthy eating has never felt so complicated.
And with welfare trends Flooding our social feeds, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction.
According to one nutrition expert however, many of the habits that Britons spend time and money on are based more on hype than strong evidence.
In a recent survey by Wild foodthree in five people said they are confused by the amount of health and wellness advice out there today – and more have felt misled after following something they saw online.
In response to these numbers, Isabelle Nunn, the supplement brand’s head of science and formulation, shares five common health myths she wants people to stop believing.
Ask Metro
Use AI to dig deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications.
“If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” she says subway. “The best approach is to rely on expert-backed evidence, trust your body’s signals, and focus on habits that stand the test of time.”
1. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day
While breakfast has long been considered the most important meal, Isabelle says it’s not a one-size-fits-all rule. Instead, it depends on your routine, lifestyle and individual needs.
If you aim to lose weight, for example. research from the Mayo Clinic has shown that intermittent fasting can help, in addition to improving cholesterol and blood sugar in the short term.
But for those who are diabetic or engage in regular exercise, breakfast is key to energy.
When should you eat first thing, recommends Isabelle porridge oatspacked with raspberries, nuts and seeds for an easy-to-prepare, high-fibre meal to start your day.
2. You need to detox after overindulging
In the Wild Nutrition poll, six in ten respondents said they believe they should ‘detox’ their body after a heavy period – but as Isabelle explains, your body already does this for you.
The liver and kidneys are part of the body’s natural systems for processing and removing waste, which means that post-holiday fluid cleansing is completely unnecessary.
Rather than restricting yourself to get your health back on track, the nutritionist recommends keeping it simple with a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and prioritizing sleep.
What do you think about these common health myths?
-
I find them surprising and insightful.
-
I already knew most of this information.
-
I am skeptical of some of these claims.
-
It makes me reevaluate my health habits.
3. Apple cider vinegar can burn fat
Apple cider vinegar it has become a regular feature on social media – with the ingredient gaining such a cult following it actually spawned a Netflix series.
Given that it is often marketed as a way to lose weight, it is not particularly surprising that more than half of Britons (54%) who took part in the survey believe that apple cider vinegar can help the body burn fat.
But Isabelle says there is no evidence to support this, adding: “It’s perfectly fine to use as an ingredient in sauces or salad meals, but it shouldn’t be treated as a shortcut.
‘Changes to your eating pattern and lifestyle are more likely to make a difference than focusing on one food or drink.’
4. You need electrolytes even when you’re not exercising
Electrolytes are often promoted online as hangover cures or hydration enhancersand 42% of respondents said they thought electrolyte supplements were necessary regardless of physical activity levels.
However, as Isabelle notices them can be useful after a workout or stomach upset, normal water and a balanced diet are sufficient otherwise.
She adds: ‘Between 2.5 and three liters of water a day, including water from foods such as fruit, should generally be sufficient.’
5. The highest dose supplement provides the greatest benefit
One final myth Isabelle wants to debunk is that when it comes to supplements, the bigger the better; something that a third of people surveyed said they believed,
Rather, she argues that people should choose supplements according to for their individual needs and lifestyle, rather than automatically going for the stronger option.
That means looking for “products that contain evidence-backed, bioavailable nutrients, meaning they can be effectively absorbed by the body,” and checking for unnecessary additives, sugars, and sweeteners.
This is particularly important given research which found that half of adults regularly diagnose themselves with nutrient deficiencies, despite only 23% seeking professional advice.
So how can we live a healthier lifestyle?
According to Isabelle, increasing the amount of fiber in your diet is one of the simplest changes you can make.
She says: ‘The fibers are not alone key to digestive health; has far-reaching benefits for mind, body and mood.
“It feeds trillions of microbes in our gut, responsible for supporting energy, hormonal balance and even how well we sleep, but is often easily overlooked.”
Although it has recently become a trend, Isabelle argues that it is not a fad and we should all treat fiber as “a fundamental part of a balanced diet and lifestyle”.
“Beans, legumes, oats, seeds, fruits, vegetables and whole grains are all easy ways to weave more of them into your daily life,” she adds.
More Metro health stories
Have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk
MORE: Woman’s tanning habit left her with a ‘hole in her face’
MORE: Should Brits be worried about mysterious ‘explosive diarrhoea’ virus sweeping the US?
MORE: Biohackers are oiling their balls in search of super sperm
