By Dr. Muna Ather
You’ve heard them. You’ve maybe believed a few. And if you’re like most of my patients (and—let’s be honest—a few relatives), you’ve definitely forwarded them on WhatsApp.
As a critical care physician, I’ve seen life-and-death scenarios daily, but it’s the casual, confidently incorrect health advice on Instagram that gives me actual palpitations.
So, from my ICU to your Explore page: here are the myths that drive me crazy—and what actually works instead.
⸻
“Drink a glass of lemon water every morning to detox your liver.”
Let me save you ₹500 in lemons: your liver already knows how to detox. That’s literally its job.
Do this instead: Support your liver by eating less processed food, staying hydrated, and limiting alcohol. No need to make your kitchen smell like a spa.
⸻
“Carbs are evil.”
Tell that to your brain—which runs on glucose. Cutting out carbs entirely can lead to fatigue, mood swings, and late-night “accidental” cookie binges.
Do this instead: Focus on complex carbs like oats, millets, fruits, and legumes. Carbs aren’t the villain—portion control is.
⸻
“If it’s natural, it must be safe.”
Natural doesn’t always mean harmless. While many herbal or ayurvedic remedies can support health, they may interact with prescription medications or affect your body in unexpected ways—especially when taken without guidance.
Do this instead: Before starting any supplement or remedy, check in with your doctor. A quick chat can help ensure it’s safe for your health context.
⸻
“Detox teas help with bloating and fat loss.”
Translation: they help you poop… a lot. They don’t burn fat—they just dehydrate you.
Do this instead: For bloating, check your gut health, hydration, and hormones—not your tea subscription box.
⸻
“You don’t need a health check-up until something goes wrong.”
Wrong. Most ICU patients didn’t know they were sick—until they really were.
Do this instead: If you’re in your 30s, book an annual health check: CBC, thyroid, vitamin D, sugars, and lipid profile. Prevention > panic.
⸻
“Doctors just want to give you medicines—try lifestyle first.”
We’d love for you to try lifestyle first. But when your BP is 180/110 or your sugars are 300+, we’re not being “pushy”—we’re being responsible.
Do this instead: Combine lifestyle changes with medications when needed. Your body deserves both care and strategy.
⸻
“Sleep is for the weak.”
No. Sleep is for the hormonally balanced, emotionally regulated, productive version of you that you’re trying to manifest with journaling and smoothies.
Do this instead: Prioritize 7–8 hours of sleep. It supports immunity, mood, weight, and even skin health.
⸻
“Matcha will boost your metabolism and give you glowing skin.”
Matcha does contain L-theanine and EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate)—antioxidants that may support metabolism, focus, and skin health. But it’s not a miracle powder.
Yes, it’s a great coffee alternative (less crash, more calm), and it offers a concentrated dose of green tea’s benefits. But those health claims? They only work when paired with a balanced diet, hydration, and sleep—not when taken alongside three gulab jamuns and a Netflix binge.
Do this instead: Enjoy matcha for its antioxidants and gentler caffeine—but don’t rely on it alone for fat loss, detox, or glowing skin. Think of it as a plus, not a pill.
⸻
Final Word from the ICU
Health isn’t a reel or a hashtag. It’s not glamorous, and it’s definitely not found in a bottle of gummies.
It’s consistency, common sense, and care.
So next time you see a trend on Instagram that promises “flat belly in 3 days” or “foods to cure cancer,” remember:
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. And if you’re unsure, ask someone who’s seen what real health crises look like—like your friendly ICU doc with WiFi.
By Dr. Muna Ather
You’ve heard them. You’ve maybe believed a few. And if you’re like most of my patients (and—let’s be honest—a few relatives), you’ve definitely forwarded them on WhatsApp.
As a critical care physician, I’ve seen life-and-death scenarios daily, but it’s the casual, confidently incorrect health advice on Instagram that gives me actual palpitations.
So, from my ICU to your Explore page: here are the myths that drive me crazy—and what actually works instead.
“Drink a glass of lemon water every morning to detox your liver.”
Let me save you ₹500 in lemons: your liver already knows how to detox. That’s literally its job.
Do this instead: Support your liver by eating less processed food, staying hydrated, and limiting alcohol. No need to make your kitchen smell like a spa.
“Carbs are evil.”
Tell that to your brain—which runs on glucose. Cutting out carbs entirely can lead to fatigue, mood swings, and late-night “accidental” cookie binges.
Do this instead: Focus on complex carbs like oats, millets, fruits, and legumes. Carbs aren’t the villain—portion control is.
“If it’s natural, it must be safe.”
Natural doesn’t always mean harmless. While many herbal or ayurvedic remedies can support health, they may interact with prescription medications or affect your body in unexpected ways—especially when taken without guidance.
Do this instead: Before starting any supplement or remedy, check in with your doctor. A quick chat can help ensure it’s safe for your health context.
“Detox teas help with bloating and fat loss.”
Translation: they help you poop… a lot. They don’t burn fat—they just dehydrate you.
Do this instead: For bloating, check your gut health, hydration, and hormones—not your tea subscription box.
“You don’t need a health check-up until something goes wrong.”
Wrong. Most ICU patients didn’t know they were sick—until they really were.
Do this instead: If you’re in your 30s, book an annual health check: CBC, thyroid, vitamin D, sugars, and lipid profile. Prevention > panic.
“Doctors just want to give you medicines—try lifestyle first.”
We’d love for you to try lifestyle first. But when your BP is 180/110 or your sugars are 300+, we’re not being “pushy”—we’re being responsible.
Do this instead: Combine lifestyle changes with medications when needed.
Your body deserves both care and strategy.
“Sleep is for the weak.”
No. Sleep is for the hormonally balanced, emotionally regulated, productive version of you that you’re trying to manifest with journaling and smoothies.
Do this instead: Prioritize 7–8 hours of sleep. It supports immunity, mood, weight, and even skin health.
“Matcha will boost your metabolism and give you glowing skin.”
Matcha does contain L-theanine and EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate)—antioxidants that may support metabolism, focus, and skin health. But it’s not a miracle powder.
Yes, it’s a great coffee alternative (less crash, more calm), and it offers a concentrated dose of green tea’s benefits. But those health claims? They only work when paired with a balanced diet, hydration, and sleep—not when taken alongside three gulab jamuns and a Netflix binge.
Do this instead: Enjoy matcha for its antioxidants and gentler caffeine—but don’t rely on it alone for fat loss, detox, or glowing skin. Think of it as a plus, not a pill.
Final Word from the ICU
Health isn’t a reel or a hashtag. It’s not glamorous, and it’s definitely not found in a bottle of gummies.
It’s consistency, common sense, and care.
So next time you see a trend on Instagram that promises “flat belly in 3 days” or “foods to cure cancer,” remember:
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. And if you’re unsure, ask someone who’s seen what real health crises look like—like your friendly ICU doc with WiFi.
About the Author
Dr. Muna Ather is a GMC-licensed physician, health writer, and communicator who enjoys turning clinical insight into relatable, real-world conversations. She was part of the team behind ELSACON 2025, India’s national ECMO conference.
Outside the hospital, she channels her creativity into ColourYourDreams—a personal space for art and handmade candles that reflects her belief in the quieter forms of healing. Whether through words or color, her goal is simple: to make people pause, smile, and care a little more about their health.
Careers
Comments should be on the topic and should not be abusive. The editorial team reserves the right to review and moderate the comments posted on the site.