Predicting the biggest health trends of 2021
This is the time of year when typically people are thinking of their New Year’s resolution, often focused on how they hope to stay healthy for another year. h Articles about upcoming health trends, new buzzworthy foods and diets often get their moment as the new “super food” answer to shedding a few pounds. However, 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic has shaken up many people’s health routines. Priorities and goals have changed, and things might be looking a little different in regards to how people are remaining health conscious moving forward into the new year. h Much of 2020 was spent educating the public on personal hygiene, from washing hands to remaining self conscious while out in public via wearing masks and social distancing. When people think about health trends, topics often include practicing a good diet and exercise routine. The shift in focus has kept many people at home, either seeking out alternative modes of exercise or, in a lot of cases, letting the physical side of personal health take a backseat to the current climate of quarantine isolation.
Looking ahead to 2021, the latest health trends are estimated to be more diverse than ever. Yet they all share the same goal of “getting back on track” after enduring a year that yielded arguably the greatest impact on the nation’s health.
Immune and mental health
Two of 2020’s biggest health concerns were ways to strengthen one’s immune system to fight off and prevent disease, while doing our best to keep it together mentally.
This led to many people shopping locally, spending money on organic foods containing natural immunity boosters and other nutrients. People were also reported to have taken more daily supplements, such as zinc, selenium, vitamin C, and vitamin D.
2020 has also made people more appreciative of their local growers and produce farmers, especially in the Southern Middle Tennessee area. Buying locally is a way to not only help boost the local economy, but is usually much fresher and causes less of an environmental impact.
Mental health has also been on the forefront of this year’s health trends, mostly due to the COVID-19 pandemic putting people out of work, locked up in their homes and out of the daily routine they had grown accustomed to. Add to that the fear of getting a virus, loved ones getting sick and dying. That doesn’t even include this year’s election and the ongoing political and cultural strife that’s in the news every day.
Maintaining one’s mental health goes hand-in-hand with developing a healthy immune system.
Products containing cannabidiol, or CBD, continue to be used as a daily supplement for anything from joint pain to stomach issues or stress. Beverages containing adaptogens are also being used to help the body adapt to stress and improve sleep.
Healthline stresses that, although certain diets and food products have shown benefits to maintaining good mental health, they should not be treated as a primary solution.
Online health care
Technology is constantly changing the way we view our personal health care, something that saw a huge increase in 2020.
Evidence of this includes patients opting for remote meetings with their doctors and personal physicians. This not only makes receiving health care much easier and accessible, but saves the patient time spent waiting in a waiting room and being around other potentially sick people.
Food with a purpose
2020 was a year where people began to shop more locally-sourced foods, which is not only fresher, but supports a local business. Buying locally can also be environmentally friendly by cutting down carbon emissions caused by food delivery trucks traveling long distance.
With more people getting outdoors, 2021 will likely see a wave of diet culture spike. However, this time it will be a more balanced, natural foods approach.
With increased online data resources, research and a growing social media presence, more are turning to finding a well-balanced, natural-based program they can stick to.