Health Trends 2022: Expect a focus on gut health, mindful eating and plant-based diets

With the end of the COVID-19 pandemic seemingly nowhere in sight, health and wellness continues to be a priority for many Americans.

Health experts expect many people will seek to improve their mental health or their relationships with food and alcohol – health aspects hit hard by the pandemic – as 2022 begins amid a new coronavirus outbreak.

Here are seven health trends that are expected to take more shape in the new year.

1. Intestinal health

Google searches for “gut health” have increased by 83%, according to researchers from the international health insurance company BUPA. And they predict more people will concentrate there in 2022, according to Country Living.

Gut health is not a new term. It describes the balance of good and bad bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. When the intestine is healthy, it contains a high percentage of healthy bacteria and immune cells to fight off harmful bacteria and other harmful pathogens such as viruses and fungi.

Too many harmful bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract can lead to serious illnesses such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease. Poor gut health can also impact the immune system, heart, and brain. So, better gut health means better overall health.

Diet plays an important role in the health of the digestive system. That’s why it’s important to eat a variety of whole foods and fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as stay away from more processed foods, experts say. Good sleep hygiene and regular physical activity are also good for gut health.

2. Mental Health Tracker

The mental health crisis among adults and children in the United States has received a lot of attention during the pandemic. Fear of the unknown, stress, financial worries and grief over the loss of loved ones have exacerbated an already growing problem.

Some health experts predict that people will track their mental health more closely in 2022. Whether it’s keeping a mood diary or practicing relaxing strategies, like spending more time in green spaces or practice self-care to reduce stress, mental health will continue to be a priority next year.

3. Mindful drinking

The link between excessive alcohol consumption and stress cannot be denied. When people use alcohol as a crutch to deal with negative emotions, it makes them more prone to binge drinking, research shows. This is why a more mindful approach to alcohol consumption can be helpful.

The annual “Dry January” trend refers to more intentional drinking. The idea is that every time people pour a glass of wine or beer, they wonder why they are drinking. It is not a question of eliminating alcohol completely, but rather of consuming less of it.

4. Male Fertility Awareness

Traditionally, when a couple has had difficulty getting pregnant, the onus is on the woman to do so. In recent years, however, there has been more recognition, according to MindBodyGreen.

Reproductive health experts say more attention will be paid to declining sperm counts and other issues that can affect a man’s ability to have children in 2022.

5. Sound Healing

Can certain sounds help us heal? This is the belief behind another expected trend. Psychoacoustics is the study of how sound is perceived and how it affects the body and mind.

Dr. Ilene S. Ruhoy, founder of the Center for Healing Neurology, told MindBodyGreen that there is a strong connection between sound and healing.

The idea is that vibrations emitted by instruments or voice interact with a person’s cells or brainwave frequencies to promote healing.

Whether it’s using artificially created personalized soundscapes or using sound baths, more and more people will explore how sounds can affect their health, according to Ruhoy and others.

6. Plant-Based Diets

Plant-based eating will be a rising trend in 2022 as more people seek to reduce their meat intake, Esmee Williams, vice president of consumer and brand strategy, tells EatingWell. at Dotdash Meredith.

She said interest in plant-based items and meal plans increased by 31% in 2021 and is expected to increase further as more people choose to eat healthier and healthier. more sustainable.

7. Brain-food connection

People will also choose more brain-healthy foods, Williams said. People who worry about their risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s will look for ways to keep their brains fit as they age.

According to Harvard Health nutritionists, fatty fish, berries, and leafy green vegetables are among the best food choices for boosting brain power. They point out, however, that the most important strategy is to eat an overall healthy diet that “includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.”