Longevity does not come from 'hacks': Top heart doctor warns against 3 wellness trends he 'would never recommend'

Wellness fads often dominate social media, promising quick fixes for better health and even longer life. But according to U.S.-based cardiologist Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj, those trends may be more harmful than helpful when it comes to heart health. In a recent Instagram post, the interventional cardiologist, who has practiced for more than two decades, explained why viral shortcuts can do more harm than good.

“Longevity comes from rhythm and consistency, not hacks,” he wrote.

When Wellness Becomes a Risk
From detox teas to biohacking gadgets, wellness culture has exploded into a multi-billion-dollar industry. But not everything marketed as healthy truly supports the heart. “Wellness trends spread fast,” Dr. Bhojraj wrote. “But here’s the truth: not everything that goes viral is safe for your heart.”

He highlighted three specific habits he believes people should avoid:

• Mindless biohacking gadgets: Trackers and test panels, he explained, are only as good as the context in which they are used. “Data is only useful if you know what to do with it,” he cautioned.
• Extreme fiber loading: While fiber is essential, fiber-maxxing or overloading on chia seeds, beans, or powders without balance or hydration can stress digestion. “Your heart won’t benefit from extremes,” he noted.
• Detoxes and cleanses: Far from resetting the body, Dr. Bhojraj said they disrupt recovery and raise cortisol levels. “Your liver already has a detox system,” he emphasized.

A Culture Addicted to Shortcuts
The cardiologist’s warning adds to a broader conversation around modern wellness. In another recent post, Bhojraj pointed out how cultural habits—like surviving on poor sleep, relying on trendy snacks, and treating minimal movement as exercise—exhaust the cardiovascular system. “Our heart isn’t confused,” he explained. “It’s exhausted.”

His perspective underscores a growing concern: that wellness has become more about performance and appearance than true health. The rise of six-hour sleep schedules marketed as “good enough” and supplement stacks costing hundreds of dollars per month shows just how far the industry has shifted.

A Call for Rhythm, Not Extremes
Instead of chasing what’s trending, Dr. Bhojraj advocates returning to the basics: quality sleep, balanced nutrition, hydration, movement, and stress management. These, he argues, are the true foundations of a long and healthy life.

The message is simple but powerful: stop blaming your body for not keeping up with unsustainable trends, and start supporting it with what it really needs.

As Bhojraj reminded his followers, “Your heart has been working nonstop for you since the moment you were born. It’s time to return the favor.”