Low FODMAP—Gut health is a huge new trend. This is the new gluten-free diet for irritable bowel. FODMAP’s are a collection of short chain carbohydrates and sugar alcohols found in foods naturally or as food additives. FODMAP stands for Fermentable (they are broken down or fermented by bacteria in the large bowel); Oligosaccharides (“oligo” means “few” and “saccharide” means sugar); Disaccharides (“di” means two); Monosaccharides (“mono” means single); and Polyols (sugar alcohols – however these don’t lead to intoxication). When consumed FODMAPs can be poorly absorbed in the small intestine and pass through to the large intestine where they are readily fermented by bacteria in the large bowel, contributing to the production of gas as well as attract lots of water – both of which lead to symptoms of IBS.

Coffee—Coffee will never go away, but it is constantly taking on new looks.  For 2018, coffee combined with superfood ingredients such as MCT oil and ghee, collagen peptides, maca, and medicinal mushrooms (chaga, reishi, and cordyceps) is the new trend.

Healthspan—Healthspan is the new anti-aging. Intermittent fasting may improve longevity, optimal weight, and overall sense of wellness. Studies show fasting 14/16 hours of the day will improve insulin sensitivity. Natural beauty is the next “organic food”.  There is a new trend to qualify your hygiene and beauty products as Chemical / Toxin free. Taking serums that contain antioxidants, collagen, and essential oils orally vs topically. http://www.bendbeauty.com/

Cognitive Function—Biohacking is a huge trend. Nootropics are natural ingredients taken to enhance brain function. L-Theanine is major component of black and green tea. On its own, l-theanine promotes relaxation, alertness, focus, and attention; Bacopa is an herb that helps your body adapt to stress, improves memory in healthy adults, and enhances attention and mood; and Forskolin & artichoke extract enhance memory, focus, and learning. All of these are nootropics to look out for in 2018.

Stress Reduction—Boost your productivity, reduce stress, and increase happiness with a mindful meditation routine. Biofeedback devices like Muse, emWave, Unyte are all trending.

Sleep Optimization—There is something to consider beyond sleep hygiene (optimal temperature, comfortable bed, black-out blinds etc), a recent study found that a weighted blanket lengthened average sleep time and decreased disruptive movement of people suffering from insomnia. Study subjects also reported that they “liked sleeping with the blanket, found it easier to settle down to sleep and had an improved sleep, where they felt more refreshed in the morning.