Navigating the Wild West of Wellness in Ibiza

Ibiza’s summer season is just a couple of months away and as well as preparing to welcome the partygoers, we also await the wellness influencer influx. Whether it’s the plant-based chef, the yoga retreat leader or the KAP facilitator, most of us are familiar with the Instagram pages of those purporting to hold the secrets to eternal vitality.   

Social media is where many people get their health education these days, but it can be a Wild West of wellness. On one hand, it can provide access to valuable information from credible experts. On the other hand, some of the trends and advice I hear of give me real cause for concern. 

WHAT WORKS FOR ONE DOES NOT WORK FOR ALL

What I’ve noticed over the years is that health influencers have often identified what works for them and become particularly focused on endorsing that. It may be a type of diet, a form of exercise or other approach to health. Time and again I have seen this with veganism (or ‘plant-based diets’ as they have been rebranded). This has been a huge trend on social media and yet I’ve had many conversations with people who have turned vegan and felt terrible, suffering with fatigue, gut issues and nutrient deficiencies.
 
As a qualified practitioner who has worked with hundreds of clients one-on-one, this is what I know to be true: we are all different and there is no one-size-fits-all. Let’s continue with the vegan diet example. Due to their genetic makeup, some people are particularly efficient at converting the plant forms of nutrients to the active animal forms our bodies require. (eg. converting beta carotene to vitamin A). Other people are not. Therefore, the person who is genetically efficient at utilising plant forms of nutrients may do relatively well on a carefully planned vegan diet. Someone with a genetic makeup that means they're less efficient at this would likely do much better consuming the active animal forms of nutrients in their diet.  
 
Another example is fasting. There is a lot of talk of fasting on social media and it undoubtedly has health benefits. However, while most of us can benefit from a daily 12-14 hour fasting window, fasting for more extended periods can be detrimental for some people, compromising their physical and/or mental health. A qualified, experienced practitioner who understands fasting will know who is suitable for extended fasting periods and who is not. 

EVEN PRACTITIONERS ARE NOT FREE FROM BIAS
 
But it would be naïve to say that, even as qualified practitioners with years of clinical experience, we are free from bias. We are humans after all. Being aware of our potential for bias is key. I was recently reminded of this in a conversation I had with my new dentist. I have been using fluoride-free toothpaste for around 20 years. Why? Because fluoride is known to be toxic to the body. Detailed information on how can be found in this journal article. Whilst it can be argued that a small amount won’t cause significant harm, I’d personally rather not take the risk of putting it in my mouth twice a day, every day, and also consuming it in my drinking water. I also work with a lot of women with underactive thyroids and fluoride is known to have a negative impact on thyroid function. Here’s a link to an interesting summary of an observational study looking at that.
 
My dentist, on the other hand, is of course focused on oral health. The benefits of fluoride in reversing tooth decay and remineralising enamel are well established. We had an in-depth conversation about the pros and cons of fluoride, and this prompted me to revisit the subject. At 40 my teeth are in pretty good condition, and I only have one small filling. I don’t eat a lot of sugar, I visit the dentist and hygienist regularly and I like to think I take good care of my teeth. Therefore, having looked into this again, I will still be sticking to my fluoride-free toothpaste and filtered drinking water.
 
My perspective is: that I don’t want to ingest any amount of fluoride due to its toxic potential. 

My dentist’s perspective is: that fluoride is important for maintaining tooth health.
 
Neither of us is wrong, and this is what can make navigating health so confusing. When you throw influencers with no formal training and no experience outside of their own personal journey into the mix, things get even more messy!
 
Can any of us ever be completely free from bias? It’s unlikely. What we can do is be aware of the potential for bias in both ourselves and others and be mindful of who we take advice from. Ask questions, do your own investigating, consider what you feel is right for you and never be afraid to seek a second opinion.