HEALTH TRENDS TO LOOK OUT FOR IN 2022
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We’ve hit the ground running in 2022 and, as always, the new year has brought with it some new (and revived) health trends. And while we’ll always get those weird flash-in-the-pan health fads that come and go, the ‘trends’ that stand the test of time are the ones we always seem to come back to one way or another.
The global pandemic has played a big role in how people are defining (and redefining) health and wellbeing for themselves and their families, with a big focus on food being their fuel and their immunity.
More and more people are starting to take self-care seriously, which seems to be influencing their choices around what and how they eat, how they work, how they exercise, how they rest and how they design their lifestyles.
As people pursue mental, physical, emotional, spiritual and relational health, wellness and wellbeing, health trends that support those needs and slot easily into their lifestyles are showing the most potential.
Let’s unpack a few health trends that are standing out this year…
The global pandemic has played a big role in how people are defining (and redefining) health and wellbeing for themselves and their families, with a big focus on food being their fuel and their immunity.
More and more people are starting to take self-care seriously, which seems to be influencing their choices around what and how they eat, how they work, how they exercise, how they rest and how they design their lifestyles.
As people pursue mental, physical, emotional, spiritual and relational health, wellness and wellbeing, health trends that support those needs and slot easily into their lifestyles are showing the most potential.
Let’s unpack a few health trends that are standing out this year…
Here are 10 health trends that we will see in 2022!
1. Microbiome health
As more studies reveal the importance of a healthy gut and digestive system, the more we are seeing the value that good prebiotics and probiotics can bring to the delicate ecosystem that is our microbiome. This is impacting people’s food choices as they look for food options with live cultures or added probiotics. The link between digestive health and mental health is also a significant factor for those who are trying to manage mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
The gut microbiome actually functions as an organ in the body. So it’s important to look after it the way we would our hearts, skin or lungs. Prebiotics help feed good bacteria in the gut, and can be found naturally in foods like bananas, onions, berries, garlic, oats, apples and more. Equally important are probiotics - live bacteria commonly found in yoghurt and other fermented foods like kimchi, pickles, miso, kombucha and sauerkraut, which supports gut health.
The gut microbiome actually functions as an organ in the body. So it’s important to look after it the way we would our hearts, skin or lungs. Prebiotics help feed good bacteria in the gut, and can be found naturally in foods like bananas, onions, berries, garlic, oats, apples and more. Equally important are probiotics - live bacteria commonly found in yoghurt and other fermented foods like kimchi, pickles, miso, kombucha and sauerkraut, which supports gut health.
2. Immune Support
Immune support has always been important, but the global pandemic has placed a new emphasis on immune-boosting foods and supplements. People are opting for natural foods high in immune-boosting properties, and functional beverages that fill nutritional gaps and support stress relief, gut health, and cold and flu immunity.
High concentration, cold-pressed ‘flu juices’ and extracts, containing ginger, citrus, apple cider vinegar, turmeric, carrot, and cayenne pepper are a popular choice for those wanting to naturally boost immunity against seasonal sickness. Carefully formulated dried fruit, nut and seed blends are also a good daily snack option for immune support.
High concentration, cold-pressed ‘flu juices’ and extracts, containing ginger, citrus, apple cider vinegar, turmeric, carrot, and cayenne pepper are a popular choice for those wanting to naturally boost immunity against seasonal sickness. Carefully formulated dried fruit, nut and seed blends are also a good daily snack option for immune support.
3. Wellness Apps
Wellness apps have been around for some time, but as more people are able to access the internet and smartphones, the more they are discovering the value that health and wellness apps can offer.
People are particularly interested in apps that make fitness fun and feel more like a game, as well as reward-based apps that offer incentives and points, and apps that allow you to customise your health profiles and work towards personalised wellness goals. Ditching the gym and enjoying exercise at home or around the neighbourhood is a big benefit of many health apps.
Meditation apps like Calm and Headspace teach mindfulness, meditation and breathwork and are growing in popularity as people try and cut out the ‘noise’ of their busy lives. Some of these apps have been shown to help boost mood, and improve memory, focus and overall well being.
People are particularly interested in apps that make fitness fun and feel more like a game, as well as reward-based apps that offer incentives and points, and apps that allow you to customise your health profiles and work towards personalised wellness goals. Ditching the gym and enjoying exercise at home or around the neighbourhood is a big benefit of many health apps.
Meditation apps like Calm and Headspace teach mindfulness, meditation and breathwork and are growing in popularity as people try and cut out the ‘noise’ of their busy lives. Some of these apps have been shown to help boost mood, and improve memory, focus and overall well being.
4. Sobriety
Did you find that your drinking habits increased during the pandemic? You’re not alone. For many people, there were a number of factors that saw people consuming more alcohol than they usually would, including boredom, more free time, working from home, and increased stress and anxiety.
This year, as the smoke clears and we find ourselves trying to create a ‘new normal’, people are experimenting with sobriety or cutting back on their alcohol consumption. Some are calling it ‘sober curiosity’, embracing months like Dry January and Sober October. If you’re tired of how alcohol makes you feel, there are many health benefits to cutting back or cutting it out completely, including better sleep, weight loss, improved memory and better concentration.
This year, as the smoke clears and we find ourselves trying to create a ‘new normal’, people are experimenting with sobriety or cutting back on their alcohol consumption. Some are calling it ‘sober curiosity’, embracing months like Dry January and Sober October. If you’re tired of how alcohol makes you feel, there are many health benefits to cutting back or cutting it out completely, including better sleep, weight loss, improved memory and better concentration.
5. Bringing nature indoors
We’re often told of the many health benefits of getting out into nature, but this year the trend is shifting to finding ways to bring the outside in. Lockdown has shown us the importance of getting out of the house regularly for fresh air, sun exposure and exercise. Yet many of us are quite housebound due to remote working, even though restrictions have been dropped.
While getting out and about is always first prize, it is possible to connect with nature from within your own home. Having natural things like plants, shells and flowers in your living area and work space has many benefits, including stress relief, improved air quality, better sleep, and a sense of overall well being.
While getting out and about is always first prize, it is possible to connect with nature from within your own home. Having natural things like plants, shells and flowers in your living area and work space has many benefits, including stress relief, improved air quality, better sleep, and a sense of overall well being.
6. Social media breaks
Social media can add lots of value to our lives in many ways, but without limits and boundaries, it can become a toxic space. Social media breaks are on the rise as more people are beginning to understand the impact that social and news apps can have on their mental health. Some big brands are even beginning to ‘take breaks’ by posting less content and encouraging users to do the same - all in the name of self-care.
Logging off for extended periods can improve your mood, boost focus and concentration, improve your quality of sleep, and more. Screen-free time can also improve relationships, as those distractions are removed and people engage with each other better.
Logging off for extended periods can improve your mood, boost focus and concentration, improve your quality of sleep, and more. Screen-free time can also improve relationships, as those distractions are removed and people engage with each other better.
7. Sustainable eating
Environmental consciousness is on the rise, with no signs of slowing down. More people are adopting lifestyles based on sustainable consumption, especially in terms of how they source, prepare and eat food. People are beginning to care about where their food comes from, how it’s processed and manufactured, and the impact that processing has on the environment.
Aside from the environmental benefits, the health benefits of sustainable eating is a big factor in this growing lifestyle trend.
Vegetarianism, veganism, flexitarian diets, meat-free days and plant-based eating all have significant health benefits including reduced risk of heart disease, cholesterol and blood pressure, reduced risk of diabetes and cancers, as well as weight loss and improved weight management.
Aside from the environmental benefits, the health benefits of sustainable eating is a big factor in this growing lifestyle trend.
Vegetarianism, veganism, flexitarian diets, meat-free days and plant-based eating all have significant health benefits including reduced risk of heart disease, cholesterol and blood pressure, reduced risk of diabetes and cancers, as well as weight loss and improved weight management.
8. Brain boosting foods
We live in a fast-paced world where it’s hard to keep up mentally. In previous years people would reach for the latest supplement or tonic to give them an energy boost to help them focus. But as more consumers are opting for more natural options, foods that offer brain health benefits are trending, especially ones with plant-based ingredients known for their brain boosting properties.
Blueberries, beetroot, spinach, sweet potatoes, walnuts and other ‘superfoods’ have been shown to support and improve cognition, concentration and boost mood. Healthy snacks that are formulated to support brain health are also gaining traction.
Blueberries, beetroot, spinach, sweet potatoes, walnuts and other ‘superfoods’ have been shown to support and improve cognition, concentration and boost mood. Healthy snacks that are formulated to support brain health are also gaining traction.
9. Foods with seeds
According to recent studies, nut allergies and food intolerances are on the rise. Seeds have been found to make an excellent replacement for those suffering allergies or other food intolerances. They’re incredibly versatile and packed with nutrients, helping to fill those nutritional gaps. And even if you don’t suffer from allergies, you still reap all the health benefits of these little nuggets.
While pumpkin seeds are especially popular, it looks like all seeds are on the rise as their high levels of fibre, protein and healthy fats make them an excellent option for those trying to live healthier lifestyles. Most seeds are excellent in health bars, crackers, breads, seed blends, granola, cereals, smoothies and other snacks.
While pumpkin seeds are especially popular, it looks like all seeds are on the rise as their high levels of fibre, protein and healthy fats make them an excellent option for those trying to live healthier lifestyles. Most seeds are excellent in health bars, crackers, breads, seed blends, granola, cereals, smoothies and other snacks.
10. Reduced sugar products
Reduced sugar and sugar-free products are increasing in popularity, as consumers try to make more health-conscious food choices. Not many people are willing to give up their sweet fix entirely, so snack options that allow people to ‘have their cake and eat it’ without the guilt are always a winner.
Rates of heart disease and diabetes continue to increase worldwide, and it looks like more people are willing to try sugar-free options in the name of better health, including sugar-free chocolate, natural sweeteners, and more.
Rates of heart disease and diabetes continue to increase worldwide, and it looks like more people are willing to try sugar-free options in the name of better health, including sugar-free chocolate, natural sweeteners, and more.
These are just some of the growing health trends we are seeing unfold in 2022 - have you tried any for yourself yet?