Today, you might see ads for detox teas, liver cleanses, and even hydrogen water. These products promise energy, better health, and a longer life.
But strange health trends are nothing new.
In the 1920s and 1930s, people paid good money to drink radioactive water. They believed it gave them energy, cured pain, and even helped them live longer. One brand, called Radithor, was sold as “perpetual sunshine in a bottle.”
Yes—people drank water mixed with radium, the same element now used in cancer treatments and nuclear reactors.
At first, radium looked like a miracle. It glowed in the dark, and doctors were just beginning to understand radiation. Companies saw a chance to make money. So they started selling radium in toothpaste, face cream, chocolate, and, yes, bottled water.
One famous product, Radithor, was sold as a cure for everything from tiredness to “low manhood energy.”
People believed it worked. Why? Because it came from science. It looked exciting. And it was easy to believe a glowing bottle held glowing health.
Even doctors promoted it, just like some do with today’s wellness fads.
Read more on Radithor from the Oak Ridge Associated Universities
One man named Eben Byers became the face of this trend. He was rich, well-known, and loved Radithor. He drank it every day—three bottles a day for years.
For years, he said he felt great. But soon, the side effects started.
Eventually, his body became so radioactive that they had to bury him in a lead coffin. It took years for this to take effect. But during the years he was drinking his deadly potion, he claimed improved health and vitality.
This helped end Radithor, but the public didn’t learn the bigger lesson.
Even though we know better, we still fall for bad science with a shiny label.
Let’s look at a few modern examples:
These trends all follow the Radithor formula:
Most modern products won’t melt your jaw. But they can waste your money, give false hope, or delay real care.
Worse, they can make people distrust doctors and trust influencers instead.
Just like Radithor, these products often look scientific, but they skip important steps—like peer review, clinical trials, and safety data.
If you need a liver cleanse, your body already has one.
It’s called your liver. And it works 24/7—no powdered beetroot or milk thistle needed.
Instead of chasing magic drinks or secret pills:
