When it comes to health and wellness trends, it can be hard to keep up these days. Not to mention, how do you know which ones are simply a fad and which are here to stay?
From activated charcoal to pretty much any of the wellness products on the GOOP website, there’s a lot of “health” information out there that, if followed, may not be very healthy for us at all.
It can be tough to wade through all the goop — see what we did there? — so we’re here to help make things a little clearer.
Read on to learn about the top 8 trends we recommend for 2019 and beyond…
If you’ve been wondering what all the fuss is about, wonder no more. This nutrient-dense drink that started off as a Paleo fad and has since been adopted by a broad range of health-conscious folk. A fad no more, bone broth has become a popular “cure-all” due to its numerous health benefits. From protecting joints and alleviating fatigue to improving gut issues and maintaining healthy bones, this low-carb, high-protein option might just be the new “apple a day.” Just be sure you are getting the real thing. For bone broth to be truly effective, the bones must have simmered for at least 24 hours. Mainly because that’s how long it takes to extract all of those restorative nutrients and minerals.
Let’s get straight to the point about this one. Yes, CBD oil is found in cannabis. No, it does not have mind-altering effects like it’s counterpart, THC. What it’s known for altering is our health — in a good way. CBD oil can help relieve chronic pain, minimize anxiety and ease digestive issues. Plus, you don’t have to ingest it — it can be used as a topical treatment too. Since CBD oil is still relatively new, there’s still a lot to learn about its many benefits, but researchers are discovering it may have an important role in helping people quit smoking and give up other addictive substances.
We’ve all heard about the many (many, many) health benefits of coconut oil, but sometimes you can’t help but wonder: Is it too good to be true? Coconut oil has been hailed as one of the most effective moisturizers for hair and skin, a natural way to fight infection, and even a derivative of it can be the key to reducing seizures in children with epilepsy. So what’s the catch? First, it’s important to make sure that you’re getting the right kind of coconut oil. If it’s not unrefined (a.k.a., virgin oil), it won’t come with all the benefits. So make sure to avoid labels that say things like “partially hydrogenated.” And, like most things in life, don’t overdo it.
If you haven’t heard the term “femtech” yet, here’s the low-down: More and more female-led startups are popping up, resulting in innovative technologies that provide solutions for women specifically. One important market they are catering to? Women who are trying to conceive or are having difficulty getting pregnant. From ovulation tracking and ovarian reserve testing to affordable fertility care benefits programs that can be customized to an individual woman’s needs, this rapidly growing market is projected to grow to 21 billion by 2020. I think it’s safe to say this is one trend that isn’t going anywhere… but up!
For some, going to the gym is part and parcel with working out. It can be motivating to be amongst a group of like-minded individuals, and there’s a level of accountability that is non-existent if you are working out on your own at home. But for the 65% of people who would prefer exercising at home, the Home Fitness Revolution might just be the best thing since sliced bread — if it weren’t for space issues (Where to put my new smart rowing machine?) and affordability (Can I afford my new smart rowing machine?). While not cheap, MIRROR (a full-body workout that’s disguised behind an everyday mirror) certainly solves the first problem. And Aaptiv (an online community with access to thousands of workouts) is more affordable than a gym membership. Keep in mind that as the revolution really takes off, more and more smart options will flood the market, making these innovative exercise devices more accessible to all. The question is: Can you wait that long?
Not to be confused with juices cleanses or detoxes (neither of which we recommend), you might be surprised to learn that there are quite a number of health benefits linked to intermittent fasting. But I can’t go without my morning coffee, we hear you saying. Good news, you can still drink liquids — including coffee — as long as they’re free of calories and sugar. And if you’re worried about what your mom told you about missing the first meal of the day, worry no more. The reason skipping breakfast got such a bad rap is because it’s typically associated with those who lead an unhealthy lifestyle. But if you’re making an informed decision about this change to your morning routine, intermittent fasting could be the trend you’ve been waiting for. Intrigued? Check out the different methods here.
When it comes to the stuff we put on our face, it can be hard to believe that a number of skincare brands are using toxic ingredients that have been linked to certain cancers. But the sad reality is, it’s true. When you start digging deeper to learn just how many cosmetic items are essentially poison to our skin, it can be a tough pill to swallow — especially when you consider the price tag of non-toxic makeup. But here’s the thing: While clean skincare lines like Niu Body may not be as cheap as your go-to products, the more you learn about the harmful effects of these ingredients, the more inclined you might be to spend a few extra bucks on a brand that cares. And if money doesn’t buy happiness, let’s put it towards our health instead! For a better understanding of which brands to buy — and which to avoid — give the Think Dirty app a try.
8. Sleep deprivation is the new smoking
In our ever-connected world — where we sleep beside our smartphones and wear “I’m busy” a badge of honor — it probably won’t come as a surprise to learn that millions and millions of us just aren’t getting enough sleep. And like smoking, sleep deprivation has been linked to a myriad of health conditions, like Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, depression, diabetes and obesity, among others. With this knowledge, we should be doing everything we can to get our 7-9 hours of ZZZs each night. And if you tend to stay up late to get more done, keep in mind that the result of sleep deprivation is the exact opposite of productivity. So give yourself permission to have a full night’s sleep — it’s good for your health AND your to-do list! (Need help unwinding? Try pzizz, a scientifically backed app that helps you get the ultimate REM sleep.)
While the internet may still be using the word “trend” to describe what we’ve listed above, we’re pretty sure they’re here to stay. So the next time you’re looking to revamp your health routine, look no further! If want to learn more or have any questions, reach out to Health Concierge anytime.
