The allure of modern gurus and wellness myths

I feel like it’s been a while since I’ve “debunked” something, and I hope to have earned your trust in this space. This past week, I came across some posts by a guy I know from Southern California, who used to own a CrossFit Gym and has now reinvented himself as a kind of guru or spiritual leader, complete with a long flowing sage-like beard. The claims he and his fellow gurus make on social media are concerning. The most worrying aspect is that there are over a million people following this nonsense. It’s evident there are many people out there with some type of chronic physical or spiritual pain, and they must feel failed by the healthcare system to turn to things that were disproven by modern medicine hundreds of years ago.

It’s all well and good to say that this stuff is insane (which I am literally about to do), but it’s clear something is amiss that is funneling people to these charlatans for answers rather than to their doctors. Only when that is addressed can people find help. I am not, however, able to fix the global healthcare system, so my gift to you this week is to chat about supplements.

The misinformation surrounding supplements

On the aforementioned account this week, was a discount code for money off (also known as a kickback to the influencer) on pineal gland decalcification. According to the post, your pineal gland is very important in the production of melanin, which plays a role in skin tone and therefore how we interact with the sun. I want to say right here that this is FALSE. The pineal gland plays a major role in the production of melatonin. Though melatonin and melanin sound very similar, these hormones do completely different things, and just having a few letters in common doesn’t make them the same. This kind of thing is very common in pseudoscience, where people will mix genuine claims with false ones.

The pineal gland does indeed calcify, and according to a 2023 meta-analysis, 61.65% of the tested population had a calcified pineal gland. This occurs as we age, although it can occur in infants, so age doesn’t seem to be the determining factor. It appears to calcify based on individual metabolism. According to accounts like the one mentioned and many others of the same ilk, the pineal gland is the third eye and connects the physical and spiritual realms. The usual conspiracy theories follow, including that world governments put fluoride in the water that calcifies the pineal gland and prevents us from connecting to the spiritual realm.

Not to worry though—if you place indigo crystals over your third-eye chakra, like amethyst, chant, and gaze into the sun, while spending money on pineal clearing supplements, you’ll supposedly be able to access the quantum realm.

The reality and efficacy of supplements

So, to summarize: This gland, which is in your brain and serves biological purposes, supposedly plays spiritual roles for which we have no evidence. There’s also a supposed global conspiracy, for which we also have no evidence, designed to stop these spiritual roles, and you can buy a supplement, which has no proven efficacy, to cure a made-up problem. This got me thinking because the supplement industry is BIG. Apparently, in 2023, it was worth 177 billion dollars. The appeal of supplements is understandable. In our fast-paced world, the idea of a quick fix for better health is tempting. However, most experts argue that most supplements simply do not work as advertised, and they might not work at all for the average person who is not deficient in any particular nutrient.

A large-scale study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that multivitamin use did not reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer or cardiovascular disease. Similarly, a 2018 review of research on vitamin and mineral supplements found that they do not provide any measurable benefit in preventing heart disease or cancer. Over-supplementation can be not only ineffective but also dangerous, as high doses of certain vitamins can lead to toxicity.

Focusing on diet and lifestyle instead of supplements

The key is to focus on addressing problems at their root causes rather than trying to mask symptoms with pills. A well-balanced diet, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and stress management are crucial for maintaining overall health. Whole foods contain a complex matrix of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other beneficial compounds that work together to promote health.

Read also: What’s Up with “Food as Medicine”?

In certain situations, supplements can be beneficial, such as for people with specific deficiencies, during certain life stages, for individuals with certain health conditions, and for those on restricted diets. However, it’s important to use supplements only under the guidance of a healthcare professional to avoid inappropriate dosing and potential health risks. At the end of the day, supplements are not a substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle. The best approach to health is a holistic one, addressing root causes of issues rather than attempting to fix everything with a pill.

Always seek professional advice when needed and avoid getting health advice from social media, particularly when the advice ends with a disclaimer that it’s intended for ‘educational purposes’ only and not as medical advice.