Wondering what’s trending in health and nutrition for the new year? We’ve gathered up some information on wellness trends you’re sure to hear about in 2022 and beyond!
Immune Health Remains Front and Center
It should come as no surprise that supporting immune health is more popular than ever. Consumers are becoming savvier on ways to boost immune system function, which is why certain dietary supplements—including vitamins D, A, C, and E, plus elderberry, andrographis, probiotics, and zinc—continue to see a surge in popularity. Consumers have also developed a new understanding of how certain foods and beverages can affect their energy levels, stamina, strength, and ability to support overall wellness. In many ways, shoppers have changed how they’re choosing the foods they eat, with a new focus on reading labels to understand what they’re eating, and what they should avoid to maintain optimal health.
Home Workouts Trend Up
Many people are still wary of working out in crowded gyms or fitness studios, but their exercise game isn’t suffering. If fitness-enthusiasts have learned anything over the past couple of years, it’s how easy it can be to stretch, strengthen, and tone right in the comfort of their own homes. The popularity of at-home workouts including cycling, barre, and HIIT has taken off in a huge way. Online workouts and fitness apps allow people the luxury of exercising at their convenience, rather than having to work around a set schedule at the gym. Plus, virtual classes are often more budget-friendly than a gym membership and users love the time-saving benefit of not having to commute. It’s no secret that maintaining an active lifestyle helps support physical health—or just plain boosts your mood—and now it’s more convenient than ever!
Mindset Matters More than Ever
To counteract occasional stress, research shows a healthy mind-body connection is more important than ever. Mind-body exercise, like yoga, tai chi, or Pilates trains you to use your thoughts to positively influence some of your body’s physical responses. For more ways to keep calm in the face of occasional chaos, certain supplements—namely adaptogens—are trending on the nutrition scene. Adaptogens are a popular group of botanicals highly respected for their unique ability to help maintain balance and support overall wellness throughout the body. Adaptogens help your mind and body adapt to your current environment, providing the special benefits you need when you need them. If you’re tired, adaptogens give you energy. If you’re feeling wired, they help relieve occasional stress. Lack of energy or trouble concentrating? These botanicals will maximize your energy levels and stamina, plus sharpen your focus and mental alertness.
Turmeric Stays Golden—But Curcumin is Key
Turmeric, the golden-hued spice that has taken the nutrition world by storm over the past few years, doesn’t show any signs of losing ground in popularity. A staple in Ayurvedic medicine and east Asian cuisine for thousands of years, turmeric can now be found in everything from milk to breakfast cereal to sparkling water to satisfy consumer demand for this health-supporting spice. The real magic of turmeric, however, is actually found in a component of the turmeric root, called curcumin. Turmeric actually contains as little as 2% curcumin, meaning many grams of turmeric need to be taken to equal the amount of curcumin that actually delivers powerful health benefits. If you’re thinking of jumping on the turmeric bandwagon, try curcumin supplements instead. The best supplements contain high levels of curcumin extracted from turmeric, plus turmeric essential oil containing ar-turmerone to boost absorption—making it up to 500 times more powerful than standard turmeric.
Intuitive Eating Feels Right
With the advent of the smartphone and social media, people have been increasingly looking outside their own realm of knowledge for the latest in health and diet advice. Now, however, turning inward and tuning into your inner voice is becoming a hot diet trend. A wellness approach called intuitive eating, created by two registered dietitians in 1995, is finally having its time in the spotlight. Intuitive eating encourages people to ditch restrictive ideas like counting calories and macros and teaches them to tune into their body’s innate signals. This can help people break free of chronic dieting and heal their relationship with food. Gone are the days of precise portion control and long lists of restricted foods. Instead, those practicing intuitive eating are taught to rely on their internal hunger and satiety signals.