Hi Cleanish Squad!
There's no shortage of health products promising to change your life. Most of them won't. Today I want to talk about the ones I've looked into, tried, or researched — and decided aren't worth your money or attention.
Let’s start with the products that seem to be in our face every day, and then wind down to one of the biggest ticket items in the health world right now.
Fat Burners & Metabolism Boosters
Pro: Can give a temporary energy boost from stimulants.
Con: Don’t actually burn fat; can cause jitters, anxiety, or sleep issues.
Final Take: Skip them. Nutrition and movement are what matter.
Detox Teas & Cleanses
Pro: Marketed as a “reset.”
Con: Mostly just laxatives that dehydrate you.
Final Take: Your body already detoxes -- no tea required.
BCAA Powders
Pro: Provide amino acids for recovery.
Con: Redundant if you’re already eating enough protein.
Final Take: Save your money and focus on whole protein instead.
Superfood Powders
Pro: Dozens of trendy ingredients in one scoop.
Con: Usually underdosed and overpriced, with no clear benefit.
Final Take: Not worth the hype, stick to real food.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Pro: Some small studies suggest it can help with blood sugar control and mild appetite regulation. It can also be very helpful for those with low stomach acid if taken before a meal, since it may support digestion.
Con: The effects are subtle at best, and ACV gummies are mostly sugar with very little actual vinegar. Definitely not the weight-loss miracle they’re marketed as.
Final Take: Fine to use as a liquid before meals if it helps with digestion, but not a game-changer — and not worth spending on trendy gummies.
Turmeric / Curcumin
Pro: Research shows curcumin (the active compound in turmeric) has anti-inflammatory potential and may help with joint pain and recovery.
Con: Most supplements and “turmeric shots” are way underdosed and poorly absorbed unless paired with black pepper (piperine) or fat. So most trendy products don’t provide enough to actually make a difference.
Final Take: The science is promising, but most consumer products fall short. Unless it’s a well-formulated supplement, it’s not worth the hype.
Probiotics
Pro: Certain strains can help with digestion, gut health, and immunity when they’re well-matched to your needs.
Con: Most off-the-shelf probiotics are generic, underdosed, or the wrong strain for your body, which means people don’t feel much difference.
Final Take: Overhyped as a cure-all. If you want to try them, work with a professional who can recommend the right strain and dosage for you.
Lion’s Mane & Adaptogens
Pro: Promising for focus, resilience, and mood.
Con: Evidence is still early, and effects are subtle.
Final Take: Safe to experiment with, but don’t expect miracles.
Greens Powders
Pro: Can fill small gaps when traveling or busy.
Con: Don’t replace vegetables, fiber, or variety.
Final Take: Fine as a supplement, but never a replacement.
Amino Tablets
Pro: Convenient source of essential aminos.
Con: Not the same as 30g of whole protein, and often expensive for what you get.
Final Take: Real food or protein powders give far more bang for your buck.
Ozempic (Semaglutide)
Pro: Clinically proven for weight loss and blood sugar control.
Con: Many who’ve taken it regret the trade-offs (constant nausea, no joy in food, and weight regain after stopping).
Final Take: It may be a medical tool, but for most, the downsides outweigh the benefits.
The takeaway: Save your money for what actually works and sets you up for success.
The reality is that most hyped health trends are unproven, overstated, or even harmful. What should you focus your money and attention on? Eating mostly real food. Staying active in ways you enjoy. Sleeping well. Managing stress. And steering clear of habits like smoking or drinking too much.
It’s not flashy, but it works, and it always will.