Fox & Friends Launches Wellness Week to Test Social Media Health Trends

Fox & Friends has launched Wellness Week, a series examining social media health trends.

"The internet is jam-packed with millions of these trends that are promising you a healthier, younger and more energized life. But it's hard to tell what's a real hack or just hype," host Kayleigh McEnany said.

The team went to downtown New York City to try popular treatments, focusing on the science of red light therapy and hot-cold plunges.

At La Reserve Esthetics and Wellness, they explored red light therapy. One spa employee described the process: "The way that it works for our body is we're able to absorb the heat and the warmth from those red-light therapy light bulbs and give our body the space to help with recovery, help with cell production."

The treatment is promoted for reducing inflammation, aiding muscle recovery, supporting weight loss, fighting aging and boosting collagen production. McEnany likened the warmth to a tanning bed but noted it as "much safer" than UV exposure.

Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel explained that the devices use LED light, which is "close to infrared light" but visible and safer than sunlight. Consistent use can "promote healing of the skin and more collagen," he said, adding that visible results might take three or four weeks.

The team then tested hot and cold therapies. Adam Klotz spent 15 to 20 minutes in a 190-degree Fahrenheit sauna to trigger a stress response, followed by an ice bath at 46 to 48 degrees.

The cold produced an "immediate stress response" that demanded controlled breathing. Klotz called the aftermath "a rush" and "definitely a shot of life." "It clears your mind and ... really improves my mental mood," he said.

Siegel referenced a long-term Finnish study showing regular practice "decreases mortality (death rate) by about 40% to 50%." He warned, however, that people attempting cold plunges "better make sure you're in good shape."

While contrast therapy aids circulation and metabolism, "I want it to be people who have seen their doctor first and know that their heart is in good shape," Siegel said.

The team advised viewers to seek professional medical advice before trying extreme temperature therapies, even as many trends hold promise for muscle recovery and inflammation.

Wellness Week will continue with coverage of IV drips, wearable tech and sensory deprivation tanks.