Taking a supplement for bloating, exercising, and staying hydrated are important building blocks to any wellness routine, but what about those additional wellness habits people are promoting online? Are those habits worth considering and implementing in your own routine?
While researching wellness trends, it is important to keep in mind that each person is unique in their own wellness needs and what can be effective for one person might not work for another. Social media and the internet has increasingly driven our accessibility to wellness tips and hacks in an upward direction, but sometimes the overload of information can feel overwhelming. In order to mitigate the confusion, let’s break down some of the more recent wellness hacks people are sharing online.
Let’s Break Down Whole Milk Vs. Alternative Milks
Traditional whole milk has been a part of people’s diets for an incredibly long time, known for its protein levels and vitamin levels. Traditional whole milk offers an influential amount of essential vitamins such as calcium, vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. However, due to dietary sensitivities, a shift in nutrition considerations, and a desire to lead a more plant-based lifestyle, people have turned to a variety of different milk alternatives such as almond milk, oat milk, and soy milk.
Lactose intolerance is an extremely common dietary sensitivity that can cause stomach pain, bloating, and irregular bowel movements for many people. In order to avoid the unwelcome symptoms of consuming dairy, people with lactose intolerance have turned to milk alternatives to still enjoy various meals in which milk elevates the dish such as many pasta dishes. Whole milk has also gained an unpopular view due to its sutured fat content compared to milk alternatives which can offer fewer calories per serving, depending on the brand. In addition, for those looking to lead a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, milk alternatives offer these pelope the chance to reap the benefits of these milks in a similar fashion to traditional whole milk without compromising their lifestyle.
When it comes to alternative milks, each type has its own benefits. For example, soy milk offers a similar protein content level to that of traditional whole milk whereas almond milk offers a lower-calorie option to those looking to add milk to their meals. This being said, whole milk is not necessarily an unhealthy option if consumed in moderation and with your own personal health in mind.
If you are not sensitive to dairy, then switching to alternative milk options does not need to happen to better your reaction. Those concerned with the fat content of whole milk can consider low-fat alternatives that still offer the same benefits of whole milk.
Castor Oil Packs: Are They The Next Big Item To Add To Your Bedtime Routine?
Castor oil packs are a long-standing, traditional practice that has recently gained popularity in a new light. Castor oil packs are created by adding castor oil to the skin through a piece of cloth and heating source like a pad or water bottle. Recently, on social media people have shared they are using castor oil packs in the evenings to help with complications such as digestive ailments, bloating, stress, and inflammation.
In general, castor oil is known for its relaxing and stress-relieving properties so it comes to no surprise that it would compliment an evening routine. Using a castor oil pack by wrapping it around the abdomen area offers warmth and pressure onto the body in a way that can calm down your body after a long day. People generally participate in this practice in 30 to 60 minute sessions.
The warmth and light pressure on the abdomen can reduce bloating and promote bowel movements. When considering participating in this practice, it is important to note the potential health contradictions such as pregnancy. It is also important to understand that your skin might have a negative reaction to the castor oil. Be sure to do a patch test before using to ensure that your skin does not have a negative reaction.
This practice offers a sense of relaxation after a long day and can be a great way to practice living a slow life. However, it is crucial to consult your physician before starting any new health or wellness ritual.
Is the Animal-Based Diet Another Fad Diet or the Real Deal?
The animal-based diet is a way of eating that consists of animal products such as meat, dairy, fish, and eggs. This diet restricts the person participating from limiting or eliminating plant foods from their diet. Social media influencers have exposed and promoted this diet on their platforms, gaining interest from their followers about its potential benefits.
The ketogenic diet which allows for more plant foods in the diet is a less extreme approach to the animal-based diet. The animal-based diet was created with the claim that plant compounds might be lacking benefits to one’s health. Those who follow the animal-based diet claim that it can help reduce inflammation, boost mental clarity, and increase digestion. Anti-nutrients such as lectins are a part of the reason these people believe that plants are harmful to their health, however, many in the health world see the animal-based as extremely restrictive and a harmful perspective to eating/nutritional needs.
Plant foods offer us a load of essential nutrients and health benefits, and have been for as long as we can remember. Like many fad diets, animal-based diets gain traction through social platforms and offer a sometimes unrealistic option to solving common health issues such as bloating. It is important to understand the benefits of a well-balanced diet and the traditional ways of solving health complications. Instead of looking for the “new” and “quick” way to solve issues, we should turn to the safe and effective ways such as taking our probiotic supplements and eating a whole food, macronutrient rich diet.
Please consult your physician before switching to any diet in order to understand its potential harm to your health.