Staying on track with health trends and your gut health can be confusing and sometimes daunting. What’s on trend today, can quickly be out tomorrow. The range of scientific and nutritional research into health trends is growing and what works for some may not work well for others. We break down popular health trends and bring you up to speed on which you should try and the ones to avoid.

Health trends that are in:

Gut health

Well documented and supported by many health professionals, looking after your gut health has far reaching health benefits for your mind, body and soul. A healthy gut can improve digestion, increase your metabolism and boost your overall immunity. Gut health is closely linked to mental health, with the gut often referenced as our second brain. The gut and the brain is linked via the gut-brain axis. This allows the gut to send and receive signals to and from the brain. Together they have a direct influence on our moods, anxiety and even the quality of our sleep. To keep your gut health in top notch, include supplements such as apple cider vinegar, fermented vegetables and yogurt into your meals.

Intermittent fasting

The strong trend for intermittent fasting (IF) is continuing to grow. A period without food has shown to benefit our body and brain. IF mimics how our ancestors ate and lived. Without a refrigerator to poke around in, our ancestors would go for some time without a full meal. IF has been linked to a balanced blood sugar level, weight loss, decreased inflammation and cognitive brain function.

Health trends that are on the way out:

Fat free diet

Getting rid of fat altogether in your diet is not healthy. In order for your body to function properly, it needs a decent level of healthy fats. This means healthy fats that are polyunsaturated and monounsaturated, such as avocado, olive oil, fish and nuts. These fats are linked to increased brain function, lower cholesterol and triglycerides, and a boost in antioxidants and nutrients. Stay clear of fat free commercial products. Manufacturers of these products replace the fat with other, potentially more harmful, chemicals and added sugars.

Extreme calorie counting

A diet that jumpstarts your weight loss by cutting your calories in extreme measures will throw your body into a starvation response, meaning it will hold onto fat and slow down your metabolism. As well as counteracting any weight loss plan, a body in starvation response is susceptible to nutrient deficiencies, depressive moods, increased anxiety and organ problems. A balanced diet of 5 vegetables and 3 fruits daily, plenty of water and regular exercise will have a longer lasting effect on your overall health and wellbeing.

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An overall healthy wellbeing requires balance and regular exercise. Trying the health trends that are in can help enhance your health, and can be incorporated with recipes listed here.