Dr. Brown here, creator of **Atrantil and Re:flux.** After 25 years in medicine, I’ve learned that the wellness trends that spread the fastest are usually the ones that promise the most with the least amount of proof.

Here are the trends I don’t recommend.

Coffee enemas

I don’t recommend coffee enemas for “detoxing,” liver support, constipation, or gut health. Your colon was not designed to absorb coffee, and there is no good evidence that putting coffee into the rectum improves detoxification.

There are real risks, including irritation, colitis, burns if the liquid is too hot, infection, and electrolyte problems. If someone is constipated or having urgency, I want to know why, not irritate the colon and hope that fixes it.

Juice cleanses

Juice cleanses look healthy because they usually involve fruits and vegetables, but they remove one of the most important parts of those foods: the fiber.

Fiber helps slow the blood sugar response, feeds beneficial bacteria, and supports normal bowel movements. When you strip that away and live on juice, you are not “cleansing” your body. You are usually giving it a lot of sugar, very little protein, very little fat, and not much staying power.

If you want the benefits of plants, just eat the plants.

Parasite cleanses

Parasites are real. Random parasite cleanses are where I get concerned.

If I actually suspect a parasite, I want testing and targeted treatment. I don’t want someone taking a harsh herbal cleanse because a video told them that bloating means they are full of parasites.

Bloating, fatigue, cravings, skin issues, and digestive symptoms can come from many things. Guessing “parasites” can delay the diagnosis you actually need.

Activated charcoal for everything

Activated charcoal has a legitimate role in certain poisoning situations in the emergency setting. That does not mean it belongs in your daily wellness routine.

Charcoal can bind to medications and supplements and may interfere with absorption. It can also worsen constipation. I don’t recommend using it casually for bloating, “detox,” hangovers, or everyday gut symptoms.

Apple cider vinegar for everything

Small amounts are probably fine for many people, but I don’t recommend using it as a cure-all for digestion, weight loss, reflux, blood sugar, or “detoxing.”

For some people, especially those with reflux, gastritis, sensitive teeth, or kidney issues, it can make things worse. If vinegar fixes everything, we are probably not asking the right question.

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