From hot baths to pickle juice: 7 things science revealed about health and wellness in 2025

2025 was flooded with homemade health hacks and wellness shortcuts, many borrowed for traditional wisdom and grandma-approved remedies. While some practices have stood the test of time, several viral habits turned out to have little to no scientific backing.

This year, new research challenged many widely followed routines, prompting a rethink of what actually works. Here are some wellness myths that were put under the scanner in 2025 and what the evidence really says. You might recognise a few you followed or are actually considering adding to your 2026 health routine.

1. Hot showers and altitude training go hand in hand

A study published this year suggested that post-workout hot baths could improve performance in low-oxygen conditions. Researchers found that athletes who soaked in 42 degree celsius water after high-intensity training lasted significantly longer during altitude style endurance tests. While not exactly a relaxing recovering ritual, the findings indicate that a heat exposure may help the body adapt to altitude, a potential boost for runners and high altitude travellers.

2. Younger or not, Collagen might improve your strength

Collagen use for anti-ageing has become a viral trend, however, science states that its actual effect is overstated. A 16-week trial published in July found that collagen supplementation improved muscle-tendon stiffness in healthy young men. Researchers linked this change to better explosive strength.

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3. Beetroot juice is the magic potion

A study by the University of Exeter showed that drinking concentrated beetroot juice twice daily lowered blood pressure in older adults within two weeks. Participants in their 60s and 70s also saw improvements in their oral microbiome. However, little impact was observed on younger people.

4. Exercise your way out of internet addiction

In the age of doom scrolling, internet addiction is something nearly everybody is suffering from. In an analysis published in January, researchers say that exercise reduced internet addiction and improved mental health among college students. Activities involving quick decision making such as team sports or outdoor games were more effective than repetitive exercises like weightlifting or swimming.

5. Sex helps boost mood (for up to 2 days)

A study published in January analysing diary data from nearly 600 people found that the positive emotional effects of sex can last beyond the act itself. Researchers noted that a ‘sexual afterglow’ often continued for at least a day or two.

6. Pickle juice helps with cramps

Pickle juice went viral during this year’s French Open, with players turning to it mid-match to combat cramps. While it contains electrolytes like sodium and potassium, studies suggest that real anti-cramp effect comes from its sour taste. Research suggests that even gargling, can work wonders within seconds.

7. Eating fruits and healthy lungs are directly proportional

A study out in September, using UK Biobank data from about 200,000 people, found that a healthy diet is linked to better lung function regardless of air pollution exposure. It found that women who ate four or more portions of fruit a day appeared to have smaller reductions in lung function associated with air pollution than those who ate less.