Latest news with #DrMarkHyman
Fox News
30-07-2025
- Health
- Fox News
The watermelon diet has gone viral — here's what experts say about the weight-loss trend
Watermelon for weight loss is a new trend that's taking off on TikTok. The watermelon diet is billed as a weight-loss and detox method that is attempted for several days in a row – some people commit to it for three, five or even seven days. On TikTok, multiple creators have documented their experiences with this technique, marking several pounds of weight loss at the end of their "fast." While watermelon is great for hydration and can be a healthy snack option, some warn that limiting the body to low-calorie fruit can pose risks. Dr. Mark Hyman, a Texas-based physician and co-founder at Function Health, commented on this trend in an interview with Fox News Digital. "The watermelon diet is the latest in a long line of trendy quick fixes — and while watermelon is a delicious and hydrating fruit, turning it into the centerpiece of a restrictive diet is not only unsustainable, but it can actually backfire on your health," he warned. While watermelon can be a great addition to a diverse and nutrient-dense diet, eating only that fruit for days at a time can "become a problem," as it lacks balanced, necessary nutrients, according to the doctor. "There is no one-size-fits-all diet or advice, especially not when it's driven by social media algorithms instead of actual science," Hyman said. "Watermelon is mostly water and sugar, which means you're missing out on critical nutrients like protein, healthy fats and fiber that your body needs to function," he went on. "It may lead to temporary weight loss, but it's not fat loss — it's water and muscle." The goal in losing weight shouldn't be about a "quick drop on the scale," Hyman said, but a focus on lifestyle changes for a longer, healthier life. As the human body is designed to detox on its own, Hyman noted that eating "real food" will offer the right kind of support for weight loss and overall wellness. "Whole vegetables, clean protein, healthy fats and plenty of fiber," he listed. "Add in quality sleep, stress management and movement, and you've got a sustainable plan for lifelong health, not just short-term weight loss based on trendy internet fads." Hyman added that social media is a "powerful tool," but can be a "double-edged sword" when it comes to health. "What's popular online isn't always what's right for your body," he said. "Health is personal, and your body isn't an experiment. I encourage people to be curious, but also cautious." Los Angeles-based dietitian nutritionist Ilana Muhlstein noted in an interview with Fox News Digital that the water, l-citrulline and potassium found in watermelon could help detox the body. "Just one cup of diced watermelon contains about half a cup of water," she said. "From what I've seen on TikTok, people doing a 'watermelon detox' often consume 12 to 14 cups a day or more, which means they're taking in the equivalent of six to seven cups of water just from the fruit alone." "It may lead to temporary weight loss, but it's not fat loss — it's water and muscle." This amount of hydration can help stimulate bowel movements and urination, the body's "natural detoxification pathways." L- citruline, an amino acid found in the rind and flesh of watermelon, eventually converts to nitric oxide production, which Muhlstein said is essential for blood flow, circulation and lymphatic drainage. "That's why athletes sometimes like to consume watermelon to help boost muscle recovery, and why watermelon may help reduce puffiness and bloat," she added. Watermelon is also high in potassium, which helps to flush out excess sodium through urine and reduce water retention, the expert said. For someone coming off of a high-salt diet of fast food and processed snacks, the watermelon diet could trigger a "strong de-bloating." "However, they need to be careful that their sodium levels don't drop too low," Muhlstein cautioned. She recommends adding a sprinkle of good mineral salt to watermelon, "especially if they feel weak, tired or dizzy." Despite the fruit's detoxifying effects, Muhlstein agrees that a strict watermelon diet is not recommended. Eating only watermelon can cause muscle loss within the first 24 to 72 hours, as the fruit contains "almost no protein." "Your body will eventually start pulling essential amino acids from your muscle tissue to support your organ functions and systems," she said. "Watermelon is very high in potassium but very low in sodium, which can lead to an electrolyte imbalance and potential headaches and dizziness." As watermelon is mostly sugar and water, this can lead to blood sugar spikes and crashes, negatively impacting mood, focus and sleep. The nutritionist instead recommends eating watermelon as part of a balanced diet, which can include a cup or two of the fruit with a healthy meal.
Forbes
18-07-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Apothékary Launches In Ulta As Wellness Booms—With $15 Million In VC And Exclusive Kyoto Retreat
Plant-based health and wellness brand Apothékary finds its footing amid the wellness craze. Apothekary Beauty routines no longer center at skincare. Today's experts tout that the best beauty routines actually start from within. In recent years, influencers and wellness professionals like Lauryn Bosstick, Dr. Mark Hyman, and Agatha Achindu have flocked to TikTok, showcasing their supplement routines and the foods they eat to achieve glowing skin, boost metabolism, and even reduce alcohol consumption. With more than 5 million posts on 'WellnessTok,' the market and demand are there for brands to engage and educate consumers. This, coupled with the fact that the wellness industry is projected to reach $9 trillion by 2028, indicates an ongoing demand for the products and services offered. Ulta, the largest beauty retailer in the U.S. known for its mass and specialty offerings, has taken note of this growing demand for beauty from within. Earlier this year, the retailer introduced its first-ever 'Wellness Week," where it discounted products ranging from tools to bath essentials by 30 percent off. In recent months, Ulta has been quietly building a wellness empire by hiring wellness-focused sales associates and expanding its assortment of sexual wellness and nutrition products. One wellness brand that is shaking up the Ulta shelves is the Japanese-inspired Apothékary, which quickly sold out on following its soft debut in November 2024. Now, the little bottles of herbal drops are entering 350 Ulta stores nationwide this Sunday. With this Ulta launch, Apothékary is being celebrated as one of the retailer's wellness hero products through a new Whole-Body Wellness Endcap (the displays at the end of each aisle, designed to celebrate a launch with extra eye-catching marketing) launching in stores this month, which will also feature Rosen, Blume, and BeautyStat. Ulta Beauty customers can now shop four of Apothékary's best-selling tinctures in-store: Wine Down, Take the Edge Off, Rosé-Tinted Glasses, and Blue Burn. Apothékary 'Ulta is having its own moment where they want to be the go-to wellness resource, and it's exciting to be one of their anchor brands,' says Shizu Okusa, who founded Apothékary in 2020. 'Ulta never had a non-alcohol and natural tinctures offering; they only had gummies, pills, powders.' The serial entrepreneur previously launched Jrink, a cold-pressed juice wellness chain inspired by her own experience with burnout after working on Wall Street at Goldman Sachs. She often refers to Jrink as her first step from 'Wall Street to Well Street.' When her cofounder left the company, she sold Jrink to Puree Juice Bar in 2019 (Okusa declined to comment on the deal size), primarily for its real estate assets, allowing her to retain the facility and team for their next venture. Okusa secured $500,000 in pre-seed funding from friends and family to launch her second business, Apothékary. Apothékary founder Shizu Okusa is a former Wall Streeter turned wellness entrepreneur. Apothékary With Apothékary, Okusa set out to reimagine wellness through the lens of ancient Eastern healing. Walking through the aisles of CVS and Walgreens, she found herself struck by how heavily the shelves leaned on pills for every health issue. It wasn't how she was raised. Growing up with clay pots, herbs, and mushrooms (her father was a farmer) Shizu returned to the traditional remedies of her upbringing. Her question became clear: 'How do we bridge the time-tested Eastern herbal medicine with the needs of modern consumers, making it both accessible and aspirational?' Known for Japanese-inspired plant medicine that appeals to the sober-curious consumer, Apothékary is ushering in a new era of beauty-from-within wellness. The brand has become a go-to for Gen Z and Millennials embracing less alcohol, more balance, and beauty from the inside out. One of its hero tinctures, Wine Down, a red wine alternative with adaptogenic herbs, first garnered attention on social media through the sober-curious movement. For Shizu, the Ulta partnership is deeply personal. 'I built this brand based on centuries-old Japanese traditions, tools my ancestors used to heal and de-stress holistically,' she said. 'Ulta Beauty's support signals that these ancient rituals can be just as relevant today, especially as younger generations reject extreme measures in favor of balance.' And balance is precisely what shoppers are looking for. Apothékary's Wine Down tincture, for example, recently completed its first clinical trial, with 86% of participants reducing their alcohol consumption, and over 60% reporting improved sleep. That same product is now sold alongside jade rollers and collagen powders. Apothékary is part of Ulta's Whole-Body Wellness Endcap. Apothékary "We're so excited to bring Apothékary to Ulta Beauty, offering our guests a fresh way to embrace wellness as part of their everyday beauty rituals," said Lisa Tamburello, Vice President of Merchandising at Ulta Beauty, said in an email statement to Forbes . "Apothékary's plant-based tinctures are a unique addition to The Wellness Shop, especially as more of us are looking for natural ways to support balance and beauty from within." Behind the scenes, Apothékary has been building the foundation for long-term growth. The brand closed a funding round in November 2024, raising over $15 million. Investors included Shiseido's VC fund, LIFT (Long Term Investments for the Future), alongside notable names such as Anne Mahlum, founder of Solidcore, and Stella Capital. It is currently closing a $10 million seed round. The round marks a key moment as Apothékary expands beyond its direct-to-consumer roots into retail. Besides Ulta, Apothékary's $39 tinctures are also launching in 500 Sprouts grocery stores nationwide. Okusa notes she is investing further in Amazon sales, 'which doubles year-over-year,' she says. Capitalizing on the sober-curious Gen-Z crowd: Take the Edge Off Stress Relief Tincture by Apothékary is a non-alcoholic white wine alternative formulated with powerful nervine herbs which target the nervous system to help calm high stress Apothékary 'We're one of the very few brands that can be in natural grocery, healthcare, and beauty at the same time,' says Okusa. 'We're in a unique position to scale this business and through various distribution channels.' In addition to Apothékary's retail footprint, she plans to expand headcount, which is currently at 60 employees. Although the brand boasts its modern clinical trials, Okusa aims to stay rooted in its Eastern roots. She is launching "Journey East" Experiential Retreats, a series of experiential nervous system resets in Kyoto, Japan, designed to help participants disconnect and reconnect with themselves. The first sold-out trip is scheduled for November 2024, with plans to pilot affiliated networks globally. These week-long retreats, priced at $10,000 per person excluding flights, aim to provide a unique healing experience immersed in nature. 'Consumers are redefining what beauty means to them,' said Okusa. 'It's not about perfection or quick fixes, it's about rituals, ingredients, and self-awareness.' As wellness continues to converge with beauty across retail, Apothékary is carving out a niche where functional wellness and ancient tradition meet mass-market appeal—and high-touch luxury events.
Daily Mail
13-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson reveals shocking battle with years-long health issue
For a guy who's known for his impressive physique, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson has always seemed indestructible. But behind the tough-guy acting and countless WWE appearances, the 53-year-old star was privately dealing with a gut health issue that stumped doctors and disrupted his daily life for years. In a conversation on The Mark Hyman Show, Johnson recently revealed that he had been suffering in silence from an ongoing digestive problem with no clear diagnosis. 'I feel great - and that's the odd thing - but I just can't crack it,' he told host Dr. Mark Hyman about how he felt prior to connecting with him. Despite feeling physically strong, something in The Rock's system just wasn't working right. But the turning point came in late 2023 during a conversation with his longtime business partner and former agent, Ari Emanuel, who encouraged Johnson consider trying functional medicine. Functional medicine is a field focused on addressing root causes rather than just symptoms. Emanuel connected him with Dr. Hyman - a leader in the field - who took a deeper look into Johnson's health with a virtual consult. 'I had no idea what functional medicine was,' Johnson admitted. But after hearing Hyman's approach - going beyond surface-level symptoms to tackle the root of the issue - he was all in. What followed was a mix of tests, including blood panels and stool analysis, to find what traditional medicine had missed. They uncovered something surprising: Johnson's gut was still recovering from multiple rounds of antibiotics, which had wiped out a key bacteria called Akkermansia. This bacteria plays a major role in maintaining the lining of the intestines and keeping inflammation in check. Without it, Johnson had developed symptoms of what's commonly referred to as 'leaky gut.' 'I was just getting ready to launch into what would become a nine-month workload for me - nonstop work,' Johnson said. The workload was his packed 2024 schedule that consisted of WWE matches, promoting Moana 2 and Red One, and shooting his upcoming biopic The Smashing Machine. Part of the workload included regular WWE matches, promoting movies, and shooting his biopic 'And I was thinking, "Holy s**t, how am I going to get through this with my gut issues?"' With Dr. Hyman's help, Johnson began a targeted treatment plan at the start of 2024. The approach included personalized probiotics, plant-based compounds like cranberry and green tea, and a custom gut-healing shake filled with more than 10 different ingredients. Slowly but surely, his digestive health began to improve. 'We basically rehabbed your gut,' Dr. Hyman said during the podcast. 'And now you're thriving.' Johnson hasn't returned to the ring since WrestleMania 40, but he's stayed busy - and notably healthier - behind the scenes. And while he was the catalyst behind John Cena's major WWE storyline shift earlier this year, it's clear that the real transformation was happening off-camera. He told Dr. Hyman that he shared his story to remind others that healing sometimes means looking beyond the obvious and digging deep, even when you're The Rock.
Daily Mail
06-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Seed oils pose a major health risk, says leading doctor... but there is a food even worse for your well-being
A leading doctor has revealed just how bad cooking oils actually are for you - and listed the food that poses an even greater risk to your health. Seed oils, including sunflower, canola, corn, and grapeseed have recently found themselves at the center of a major health debate across the world. Numerous experts believe the oils increase inflammation, which in turn is linked to conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, depression, and Alzheimer's. During his short-lived presidential campaign, Health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr even waged war on seed oils, claiming Americans were being 'unknowingly poisoned' by them and asked citizens to use animal fat instead. However, Dr Mark Hyman, a practicing family physician has revealed that cooking with seed oils is actually safer than butter or bacon fat. While on a recent episode of the Huberman Lab podcast with Dr Andrew Huberman, he noted that data on how harmful seed oils are is 'mixed' and not clear. He said: 'The theory behind seed oils is that it's Omega 6 rich. It's imbalanced with Omega 3. It causes inflammation. The way they're produced and grown is problematic. They're usually GMO crops. 'Would I want to eat an industrial food product? Probably not. Do we know for sure that it's a problem? I think the data is mixed.' The physician added that eating saturated fats in the form of butter and refined sugars such as muffins and bagels is much more harmful to human health. He noted: 'Don't eat butter with a bagel, put it on your broccoli because the saturated fat-refined starch combo is what's killing us.' To stay healthy, Dr Hyman revealed that people should eat wholefood fats including avocados, coconut, fish, olive oil, nuts, and seeds - all major components of the Mediterranean diet. In March 2025, a 30-year Harvard University study of over 200,000 adults found people who choose to cook with seed oils over butter were less likely to die of any cause, including cancer and heart disease. Meanwhile, people who used butter had a higher risk of dying from cancer or any cause. The researchers were 'surprised' to find swapping less than a tablespoon of butter for the same amount of oil lowered the overall risk of death by 17 per cent, which the team called 'a pretty huge effect on health'. They suggested this could be because seed oils are lower than butter in saturated fat, which has been linked to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and some forms of cancer. Study author Dr Daniel Wang, assistant professor in the Department Of Nutrition at the Harvard TH Chan School Of Public Health, said: 'People might want to consider that a simple dietary swap - replacing butter with soybean or olive oil - can lead to significant long-term health benefits. 'From a public health perspective, this is a substantial number of deaths from cancer or from other chronic diseases that could be prevented.' Cardiovascular disease and cancer are America's two biggest killers, taking 900,000 and 600,000 lives every year, respectively. The average American consumes almost 100lb of seed oils per year, according to some estimates, which is up about 1,000-fold compared to the 1950s. Seed oils became popular in the U.S. after WW2 thanks to agricultural advances. Meanwhile, the latest data from the U.S. Department Of Agriculture (USDA) found most Americans ate 6.5lb of butter in 2023, which could signal a growing movement away from butter and toward seed oils. But despite clear proof, some of America's biggest restaurant chains are signing on with the RFK Jr's mission to get rid of seed oils and started changing how they cook. Earlier this year, burger chain Steak 'n Shake announced it was officially switching from vegetable oil to beef tallow for cooking fries in all of their restaurants nationwide. Popeyes, which uses oil to fry both their chicken and fries, has also switched to beef tallow. Outback Steakhouse noted that they have been preparing wings, fried mushrooms, fried shrimp, coconut shrimp, and their famous Bloomin' Onion in beef tallow since 1988 and have never stopped. Meanwhile, Buffalo Wild Wings reportedly now uses beef shortening made from beef fat to cook their French fries, onion rings, mozzarella sticks, chicken tenders, and wings. As for salad chain Sweetgreen, they've switched from seed oils to extra virgin olive oil and avocado oil for roasting vegetables and proteins. Those changes could go even further soon, as RFK Jr has also met with the CEOs of major food companies, including General Mills, Kellogg's, Kraft Heinz and Pepsi.
