Wellness “Trends” to Leave Behind in 2022

Every year we come across trends and concepts that people follow to improve their health and wellbeing. But what differentiates these from fads? Are they really the way to our health and wellbeing?

Being responsible for your health and wellbeing is necessary. But subjecting it to things you see or hear from sources that aren’t vetted or without a proper understanding of your body and mind can create more harm than good.?

Here are some of the trends/concepts that I want you to leave behind and adopt ones that suit your body and your needs appropriately.

1. Hard and Fast Rules on Eating

I do advocate people should consume foods that are less processed such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, pulses, dairy, nuts, seeds, and high-quality animal and plant proteins. But? a black-and-white approach to eat certain food groups and leave out others isn’t my strategy. This type of eating is not maintainable and can be too restrictive. Your diet should have a healthy balance of all food groups and you should enjoy what you eat as well. Such rigid thinking about food can lead to feelings of guilt and shame when you stray off and can be detrimental to people susceptible to eating disorders.?

2. Quick Fixes To Health

Even the healthiest people continue maintaining their health regimen. We need to stop looking at quick fixes to address our health. A ‘21 day challenge’ will not make up for years of neglect on your body. But finding the correct techniques, implementing them, and making them a part of your lifestyle will help you. You may notice those effects in 2 days, 2 months, or even after 2 years. Wellbeing is a never-ending journey.?

Another thing we need to be wary of is the challenges we see on social media and what social media influencers propagate. Oftentimes these people don't have the correct expertise to guide people. What works for them may not work for you. It is best to consult the correct people who can guide and mentor you in your health journey.

3. Extreme Fasting

Intermittent fasting has become one of the most popular methods to enhance health via reducing one’s calorie intake. With research showing positive signs of calorific reduction towards weight loss, improving digestion and gut health, disease prevention, and longevity, it is a no-brainer that people want to incorporate it.

While I do advocate intermittent fasting, I don’t advocate extreme fasts, in the uninitiated — especially without a doctor's recommendation and a monitoring of your vitals. There are some things you need to make sure of before you can incorporate it into your lifestyle such as

1. Chose a time restrictive window that fits in your schedule?
2. During eating periods ensure you are consuming all your micro and macronutrients so that your body isn’t deprived?
3. Extreme fasting can leave you feeling lethargic, hungry, more prone to gallstones, and so on if not properly planned and managed?
4. People who are malnourished, prone to eating disorders and disordered eating should consult with a doctor before trying this out

If you are just beginning the journey to intermittent fasting, try a 12-hour fast and then increase it to 16 hours gradually. It will give your body time to adjust to the fasting periods.

4. Taking any and all Supplements

Taking supplements can give your body the added boost of micronutrients it needs. But you need to be cautious with the kind of supplements you are ingesting as well. Before consuming supplements, it is important to discuss with your doctor the kind of supplement you require and the dosage of that as well. Your doctor will make sure that the supplements you ingest will be according to what your body requires based on a blood test, the company from which you will purchase will be safe and tested properly and will ensure that any of the ingredients present don’t endanger your health.?

These supplements include all from multivitamins to even protein powders which need to be a perfect fit to your requirements and not what the manufacturing company or social media influencers vouch for.

5. Medication vs Therapy

Though mental health awareness has increased over the past few years, many people need to be made aware of the benefits of medication and therapy. Mental health issues, unlike physical issues, have two other important factors that play a role in their development. These are psychological factors (personality) and social factors (stress, culture, family, and so on). Mental health disorders are never in isolation; thus, treatment needs to be holistic as well.?

Medications are an excellent way to address physiological symptoms and are faster in providing relief compared to therapy. But tackling the physical problems doesn’t solve the other issues that resulted in the disorder. This is where therapy comes in. Therapy can be an excellent way to understand yourself, your condition, and the situation at hand. It will also provide you with the necessary tools to tackle similar situations in the future, sometimes without the need for further medication. While addressing mental health issues, reach out to a psychiatrist and a counselor or clinical psychologist to help and heal you.

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If you’re wondering what else you can do to boost your health and make a few changes visit humanedge.co.

This newsletter is part of our ongoing series.

Resources

1. Extreme fasting: how Silicon Valley is rebranding eating disorders | Diets and dieting | The Guardian
2. Extreme Fasting Won't Work for Most People, According to Nutritionist (insider.com)
3. Supplements: Ask Your Doctor Before Taking Vitamins | The Healthy