What does the crystal ball say about health trends in 2022?
It’s the New Year and everyone is focused on restoring their health, body and mind. Flaunt the holidays and celebrations, this burst of energy is starting to subside everywhere! As a global entity, there is much more focus on well-being, and I’m happy to share that more and more practitioners are entering this space, hoping to make a difference in the lives of many. What will emerge by 2022 in terms of health trends?
1. Herbal diet
There is a lot of movement towards a plant-based diet. This includes the practitioners who defend it, environmental reasons, herbal products, and several herbal ingredients available today for optimal health. It’s not a passing trend, but it’s definitely here to stay on a global scale.
If you are thinking of jumping on the herbal bandwagon, or if you have already done so, remember that you need professional advice if you want this to work.
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Many people start to eat a plant-based diet and are misguided by someone who is unfamiliar with the nutritional intricacies of that diet or the individual body. This causes them to start with enthusiasm, then gradually feel the detrimental effects of improper implementation, and sometimes give up or persist. If you find that it doesn’t work for you, you don’t owe anyone an explanation. If you find yourself forcing yourself to stay that way and suffering symptoms in silence, get the guidance you need so your ethical choices can safely last for a long time.
2. Age of the microbiome
The last decade has drawn much attention to the role of the microbiome healthy, and 2022 promises the same. The research on the microbiome’s connection to different systems, symptoms and conditions has been phenomenal! As research develops, it provides us with valuable information on how we can support our health and create dynamism and serenity.
The balance between beneficial and pathogenic bacteria is necessary to maintain homeostasis and for several functions to occur. This balance prevents them from becoming pathogenic and they stimulate the growth of the intestinal lining and thus protect the immune system. They are also structural. This means that they are part of the intestinal barrier and prevent intestinal permeability.
They also help to synthesize biotin, folate and vitamin K. Without them there is muscle activity in the gut and this leads to constipation, the root cause of most health problems. They are also your lifelong antimicrobial.
What happens with most people is that this bacterial relationship can become pathogenic, where the harmful effects outweigh the benefits. It causes you damage.
Several elements are needed to build a robust microbiome, rich in beneficial bacteria as well as diversity and variety, so that it can be deeply protective. You need soluble fiber, insoluble fiber, resistant starches, prebiotics, probiotics, and polyphenols. The best way to build a healthy microbiome is to eat vegetables with every meal.
3. Mental health awareness
It’s great to see mental health awareness growing every day. Mental health around the world has shifted to a more integrative approach, where therapy, medication if needed, understanding physiological causes, and correcting the body’s terrain all come together to provide the patient with the best possible outcome.
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Examining inflammatory laboratory markers, understanding the patient’s protein intake, examining the nutritional status of iron, vitamin B12, omega-3, zinc and D3, assessing liver health and the exploration of hormonal balance provide the patient with the best results.
I don’t know if India is still there. Let’s call this my Crystal Ball Trend Health Wish for 2022. Even if you are on medication, you can still be your own advocate, asking your doctor to investigate these areas further. You can also ask a nutritionist to work alongside your psychologist, as your health requires teamwork!
4. Less alcohol and more exercise
As is usually the case after the whirlwind of celebrations at the end of a year, anyone who has gone mad and mad will be trying to restore balance in the New Year. The year always begins with people consuming less alcohol, engaging in mindful eating, and reestablishing exercise regimes. It’s common for people to gain weight in the last month of the year, and once they get back to work and the kids are back to school, the schedule is reset. This disrupted end-of-year circadian rhythm is starting to get back on track, guided by school timetables. The extra weight is suddenly noticed and the food is on the right track. The opportunities to drink are diminishing. The exercise and fitness studios are full in the New Year.
5. The keto craze may start to wane
Keto is something that was important in 2021. However, several keto-speaking practitioners are not advocating strict keto. Sometimes it’s a general low-carb diet that they’re promoting. Plus, there’s a world of difference between healthy keto and dirty keto. A keto diet high in cottage cheese, especially in a plant-based keto, may start to wear off as people notice an increase in inflammatory symptoms.
Strict keto isn’t very practical either. Strictly adhering to a keto diet is restrictive and difficult for many. The trend is likely to fade, especially as those who have not seen an improvement in their weight and symptoms gradually drop it and switch to other sustainable diets. You might let go yourself, as it hasn’t made much of a difference to your health.
(Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of YourStory.)
