Teen Influencer Challenges Established Norms on Wellness

An Instagram video begins with a stark warning: “If you believe ‘ignorance is bliss,’ don’t watch this video.” As the influencer cuts fruit, a stream of bold claims appears, discussing the contents of peanut butter, vanilla flavoring, rain, and more.

This type of content has become somewhat typical in the online wellness community, where many influencers question conventional wisdom and are open to various conspiracy theories.

What sets this influencer apart is her age—she’s just 17 and a junior in high school.

Ava Noe, a teenager from the Boston area, has gained over 25,000 followers on Instagram by criticizing ultra-processed foods and promoting products like colostrum supplements, mouth tape, and beef tallow. She has labeled iodized salt as “toxic” and referred to fluoride as “poison.” Admired on the platform under the handle @cleanlivingwithava, her significant following has led to paid partnerships with a fluoride-free toothpaste brand and collaborations with other companies selling “non-toxic” skincare items.

A self-described “crunchy teen,” Noe is part of a group of young influencers who resonate with other health-focused peers. Sometimes, their views echo those of figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, expressing skepticism toward the scientific community and major food corporations.

While some of these teenagers’ videos may not always be factually sound, they reflect a growing desire to avoid the chronic illnesses that have affected older generations.