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How to Tell if a Health Trend is Worth Your Time

Don't Swallow the Hype

From “Sleepy Girl Mocktails” to chia seed detox waters, social media is packed with wellness hacks that promise better energy, deeper sleep, weight loss, and more. But with so many trending tips flooding your feed, how can you tell what’s helpful and what’s just hype?

Dr. Kimberlee Blyden-Taylor appearing on Arizona’s Family to tackle: How do you separate health fact from fiction? 

The answer? Critical thinking, and a method we love called the CRAP Test. 

What is the CRAP Test?

Originally developed by California State University, Chico, the CRAP Test is a quick way to evaluate the quality and reliability of health information you find online (or anywhere else). Here’s what it stands for:

C- Currency

  • Health science evolves quickly. Check the publish date or source to ensure the advice isn’t outdated or disproven.

R- Reliability

  • Reliable content often includes sources, citations, or comes from a credentialed expert, not just an influencer or anonymous blog.

A-Authority

  • Do they have credentials or background to speak on the topic? Are the affiliated with a reputable health organization or clinic?

P- Purpose/Point of View

  • Is it educational, or promotional? Be cautious of content pushing products or promising instant results.

Why One-Size-Fits-All Doesn't Work in Wellness

Even if a trend has some truth behind i, that doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. A sleepy girl mocktail may support someone’s wind-down routine, but it may not be helpful (or safe) if you’re already taking supplements or medications that interact with magnesium or cherry juice.

That’s why we always come back to personalized care over viral “cures”. What works for one person could be ineffective, or even harmful, for another.

If you’re curious about a new trend, supplement, or diet, and want to make sure it aligns with your body’s unique needs, we’re here to help. 

Be Curious. Be Critical. Be Cared For.

Wellness isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and it certainly doesn’t come with a trending hashtag. Ask questions. Use the CRAP Test. And reach out to providers who take the time to understand you.

At Sonoran University, our licensed naturopathic doctors and student clinicians work together to create custom treatment plans based on your health history, labs, and goals. No gimmicks. Just evidence-informed care that actually fits your life.

Seeing this before we go live? Tune in to Arizona’s Family at 3:10 Tuesday August 5th for more.