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The new year often sparks commitments to new habits and improved well-being.
However, these ambitious resolutions can quickly become daunting.
This is exacerbated by a constant flow of conflicting advice from news reports, advertisers, influencers, friends and even politicians.
However, this is not the case.
This year, the AP covered a variety of health and wellness claims and fads. The good news is that experts mostly say to keep it simple.
With 2026 just around the corner, here’s what you can skip, what you should pay attention to, and how to get reliable information when you’re inevitably faced with more confusing claims next year.
Protein and fiber are important, but you may not need to pay more
When it comes to your diet, experts say most people can skip the extras. If you eat enough, you’re probably getting enough protein and don’t need products that promise a big boost.
It’s true that most people could use more fiber in their diet. But give up on the “fiber maximizing” trend. Instead, eat whole foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.
A good skin care routine doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated
The 20-step skin care routine and $200 serum that TikTokers are trying to sell you? Dermatologists say you really don’t need it. Stay away from butter and slather on sunscreen (yes, even if you have darker skin), they say.
To keep things simple, the same rules apply to hour-long “everything showers.” Dermatologists say the best showers are simple and short, and don’t require “double cleansing.”
There are lots of easy ways to get in some exercise
If the gym and all its equipment seems intimidating, you can give up on the illusion that a good workout requires any of it. The comeback of aerobics this year has refocused attention on simple bodyweight exercises that can be done in the comfort of home. Research shows that aerobics can help increase muscle strength and aerobic conditioning. You may eventually need weights or other equipment, but this is a great place to build consistency and confidence.
Be wary of health fads and treatments – they are often too good to be true
Even if you drink too much on New Year’s Eve, doctors say you can get away with “IV therapy,” which consists of vitamin tablets that you can more easily and cheaply get in pill form — which is not possible if you even need more if you eat a balanced diet. You’re pretty much just paying for “expensive urine,” one doctor said.
The same is true for “health”-focused products like microbiome test kits, which produce information that doctors can’t actually act on. If you don’t have diabetes, there is little evidence that you need a continuous glucose monitor.
To improve your health, go back to the basics
The idea of a magic pill, product, or routine can be tempting. But science already knows a lot about how to improve mental and physical health, and these are proven methods:
- Whether you’re in the city or the countryside, walk more. Research shows walking is good for both physical and mental health. It’s so good for you that doctors are actually prescribing time for outdoor activities for their patients.
- Take steps to control certain health indicators, such as high blood pressure, which often goes undiagnosed and is known to cause a range of health problems. Make it a priority to get enough sleep and make sure your family does the same. Don’t just eat right—eat slowly.
- Give your soul some care, too. Set better boundaries for your technique and refresh and retrain your attention span. Build your social network and invest all forms of love into those around you.
These lifestyle changes do more than just make you feel better in the moment. Research shows they can reduce the risk of dementia and many other health problems that can affect your life for years to come.
Don’t know who to trust? Start with your doctor
Faced with compelling personal stories on social media from people who swear something works, or clever marketing and advertising from companies that scare you or promise easy solutions to your problems, it can be hard to know who to listen to about your health concerns.
This year, questions have been raised about existing medicine, including the safety of food dyes, fluoride dental treatments, hepatitis B injections for newborns, and menopausal hormone therapy.
Although the medical system is not perfect, your doctor is still the best person to talk about prevention, health issues, and potential treatments.
If you can’t contact a human doctor and turn to Dr. Google, be sure to follow these tips and never use it to diagnose yourself. Make the most of your appointment with your doctor by bringing a written list of questions and don’t hesitate to ask for any clarification you need.