From Trends to Truth: The Wellness Industry’s Influence on Chronic Illness

The wellness industry has gained immense popularity over the past several decades offering a plethora of products, services, and lifestyle trends promising improved health, a cure for all that ails you, and eternal youth and beauty. While there may be positive intentions, not everything is as it seems; therefore, it is important to critically examine the impact of this industry on individuals living with chronic illnesses. While some aspects of the movement can be beneficial, there are also snake pits and challenges that must be considered to ensure that you are approaching wellness in a more balanced manner.

The appeal of the wellness industry is undeniable. I have been sucked in many times. What is not to love about methods that offer a “cure” for all of your problems? Now don’t get me wrong, the idea of wellness isn’t what is bad. Emphasizing holistic approaches, self-care, and lifestyle changes that can often align with the needs of individuals with chronic illnesses can be highly beneficial. Many wellness practices, such as mindful eating, regular exercise, stress reduction techniques, and natural remedies can indeed have positive effects on managing chronic conditions. I do still use different wellness practices to help manage the symptoms I experience. However, the challenge lies in distinguishing between evidence-based practices (practices that are grounded in scientific research) and trendy fads that may not provide any benefits or may be harmful to someone.

One of the major concerns surrounding the wellness industry’s impact on those with chronic illnesses is the abundance of unregulated advice and misinformation. Wellness trends often lack rigorous scientific validation and can vary greatly in terms of their effectiveness. That is one of the ways that they get you. They make claims that this is something that “Big Pharma” or the government, or your doctors, or whomever “don’t want you to know.” Yeah, totally legit. They use tactics like this to hide the fact that there isn’t any research to support their claims and if there is research then it most likely debunks whatever it is they are selling. They create an air of conspiracy to get people to buy-in and not trust factual and objective information. Also, these fad trends don’t work for the majority of people, or they only work for a short period of time, but by the time you realize that it isn’t going to work long-term for you, you have probably already purchased whatever thing they are selling or engaged with them on social media thereby helping them to make money off of your engagement. Individuals seeking relief from their chronic conditions might be drawn to unproven treatments or dietary plans that promise quick fixes, only to experience disappointment or potential harm. This has happened to me more times than I can count and the lack of standardized guidelines and oversight can leave people vulnerable to making choices that are not in their best interest.

Also, for individuals managing chronic illnesses, the journey is not only physical but also emotional. The wellness industry, while advocating self-care (which is a great thing), can inadvertently contribute to feelings of guilt, shame, inadequacy, and self-blame. If something didn’t work then it was you who did something wrong. You didn’t follow the protocol or you’re just not trying hard enough. So you sink more money, more time, and more energy, to try to compensate. In the end this is a losing battle because the system is designed to fail. It is designed to fail you and it is designed that way so that you keep pumping your hard-earned money into it. The pressure to adhere to specific diets, exercise routines, and other wellness practices can lead to heightened stress levels, which could, in turn, make you sicker. It is important to recognize that not all wellness practices are universally beneficial and that individualized approaches are necessary to address the unique needs of every person’s health situation.

Another aspect to consider is the accessibility of wellness practices for individuals with chronic illnesses. Certain activities and products within the wellness industry may not be feasible or safe for everyone. However, this is not what the wellness industry tends to focus on. The focus tends to be on broad sweeping generalizations that if everyone just follows this one thing, then everyone will be healthy, vibrant, and beautiful. It just doesn’t work that way folx. Not to mention that the focus on intense workouts, expensive organic foods, and exclusive books, programs, and retreats can alienate those who face physical limitations or financial constraints due to their health conditions. To make wellness truly inclusive, the industry should prioritize offering diverse and adaptable options that cater to various abilities and circumstances. But they don’t. They cater to the “generally well.” Why do they do this? Because generally well individuals can and do often feel better by eating healthier and moving more so the industry offers this as “proof” of their claims when the reality is that their specific product doesn't work; it’s more just a general healthier lifestyle effect and/or a placebo effect. But a generally healthy lifestyle doesn’t sell, trendy fads do, so that is what will continue to be advertised.

How can we use the wellness industry to our advantage? Well, a balanced approach to wellness for individuals with chronic illnesses involves collaboration between the wellness industry and healthcare professionals. Integrating evidence-based practices and guidelines into wellness offerings can provide a safer and more effective experience for those seeking to improve their well-being. Healthcare providers play a pivotal role in guiding patients toward beneficial wellness practices while cautioning against potential risks and unproven methods. In addition, it is helpful to learn the warning signs and watch out for them when being bombasted with wellness trends from all angles. Some of the warning signs that a trend is snake oil can include:

1. They state that one product will do it all. Be suspicious of products that claim to cure every disease known to man.

2. They only rely on personal testimonials. Simply stating ‘it worked for me!” is not a substitute for scientific evidence and it is easy to just fabricate these claims.

3. They promise a quick fix. Lose 30 lbs in 30 days anyone?

4. They claim that it is “all natural.” Some natural substances are poisonous, some interact negatively with medications, and these products are not tested. They can contain anything really, and some “natural” substances that have been tested have been found to just be rice flour or some have contained high and dangerous doses of prescription drug ingredients or artificial ingredients.

5. It’s a miracle! If they are offering this as a “miracle cure,” run. Run far. Other variations of this claim are “new discovery,” “scientific breakthrough,” or “secret ingredient.” If any of this was true, it would be widely reported by the media and prescribed by health professionals, not buried in some ad or someone’s social media account.

6. If they make conspiracy-style claims of “the government and the pharmaceutical industry doesn’t want you to know this…” it’s a lie. This is only to distract you from questioning anything.

7. You have to buy something in order to find out the “secret” because, of course you do. This is what it’s all about. Getting you to buy things and to help make them money.

Bottom line, the wellness industry undoubtedly has the potential to positively impact individuals with chronic illness, offering tools and practices that align with their health needs. However, it’s crucial to approach the industry with a critical eye and be discerning about the validity of trends and advice. By focusing on evidence-based practices, promoting inclusivity, and fostering collaboration between wellness and healthcare professionals, we can create a more supportive and empowering environment for those navigating the complexities of chronic illness. And remember, the wellness industry is worth approximately $4-5 trillion and is about 3 times larger than the pharmaceutical industry. So, who really holds more of the power? Remember, wellness is a journey unique to each individual, and its path should be paved with both compassion and scientific integrity.