There are so many health and beauty trends out there. Some are great, some are awful, and some are just crazy!
Below is a list of health trends that I have personally tried and believe are worth trying. These are all very affordable, and some are even free!
And just as a disclaimer, I am not a doctor. So just be sure to do your own research before you try and consult with your doctor if necessary!
Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV has been known as a health miracle for decades, but I know many people avoid using it because of the way it smells and tastes. However, as someone who uses this daily, I highly recommend you give it a shot.
While there are a number of potential health and beauty benefits, the one that I experience is a stronger immune system.
I drink about one tablespoon of ACV diluted in a small glass of water with a powdered probiotic every morning. I just chug it in a few gulps. I was drinking this all throughout April and May, which is usually the time I get a really bad sore throat. I’ve gotten a sore throat every year around that time for the last 10 years. This time I didn’t get sick!!
After a while, the taste won’t bother you so much. Plus, you could add lemon to the water or even use it as a dressing for your salads. For the best results, be sure to use ACV with the ‘Mother’ like this one from Braggs.
Warm Lemon Water
Warm or room temperature water have several benefits alone, but when you add a bit of lemon juice you benefit even more! Lemon water helps aid digestion, boosts your immune system, increases your energy levels, clears your complexion, and more.
Just be sure to avoid using ice water, as the benefits are not the same. Also, the acidity of the lemon juice can cause damage to your teeth over time, so drink through a reusable straw, don’t brush your teeth right away, and use a strengthening tooth paste.
Mushroom Coffee/Drinks
You may be thinking, “MUSHROOMS??? In my coffee?” Yes, and it’s not what you would expect. Four Sigmatic is known for their plethora of shroom products, and each offers various benefits.
For example, the Lion’s Mane elixer (my personal favorite) supports concentration, memory, and nervous system function. I add a dash of almond milk creamer and it’s like a warm, chocolatey hug.
On the other hand, their Reishi Hot Cocoa helps you unwind and relax.
None of them actually taste like mushrooms, but you’ll benefit from the compounds of the superfood!
All their products are vegan and very low in sugar/calories. If you use my code LivinglikeLeila you get 10% off or you can use this link for $10 off your purchase, whichever is a better discount!
Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is just a fancy term for swishing about 1 tablespoon of oil around in your mouth for about 20 minutes. You then spit it out, never swallowing it. Most people use coconut oil, which prevents bad breath, whitens teeth, reduces sensitivity and plaque build up, and may help with other internal health issues.
Oil pulling is said to draw toxins from your body, and many people have experienced some extreme benefits including, hormone balance, reduced inflammation, and less headaches.
Personally, when I was oil pulling consistently for a couple of weeks, my breath literally smelt like NOTHING. Even when I woke up my breath didn’t stink!
Armpit Detox
It may sounds crazy, but an armpit detox is super beneficial. First of all, I definitely recommend you switch over to an all natural, aluminum free deodorant.
Why?
Common deodorants such as Secret, Dove, and Degree contain toxic chemicals such as paraben, phthalates, and aluminum. These chemicals are readily absorbed into your armpits and can cause potential adverse health effects. Plus, many of these block sweat glands, but our body is meant to sweat.
When you make the switch, you’ll want to detox your armpits too! And definitely continue to detox regularly. All you need is some bentonite clay (1 tbsp), apple cider vinegar (1 tsp), and water (1-2 tsp)!
An armpit detox will reduce odor, irritation, the amount of sweat, and dark pigmentation. This simple mixture actually works and it’s pretty amazing. For best results detox your underarms every couple of weeks or so.
Cold Showers
I know it sounds awful, but cold showers are actually amazing…once you get over the anticipation. The water should be COLD, like you just jumped in a river. When you get out of the shower, your body will feel warm and tingly and it’s such a good feeling.
It’s best to avoid cold showers if you’re sick, but otherwise try standing in the cold water for a couple of minutes at the end of your shower. Some benefits of cold showers include increased alertness, increased circulation, improved mood, strengthened immunity, better sleep, and faster muscle recovery.
Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting is when you eat all of your calories for the day within a shortened time frame (usually within 8 hours). Meaning you will fast for the rest of the day (including your sleep of course).
IF is highly personable, you can try different time periods (16: 8, 20:4, 12:12) and you can choose which time of day to break your fast. Most people eat their food around the time they are most active.
This style of eating has helped many people lose weight fairly quickly.
CBD Oil
CBD oil has exploded recently. CBD oil is extracted from buds of marijuana or hemp, however most of them do not contain THC. Meaning it is non-psychoactive and completely legal.
If you suffer from any body pain, anxiety, depression, seizures, or insomnia, it’s definitely worth trying because it just may change your life. Many people rave about the benefits.
You can even buy topical CBD balms for further pain management or face masks to treat acne.
Ritual Multivitamins
If you’re a regular reader of my blog you know I love and recommend Ritual multivitamins. I love the brand, the team, and the vitamin itself.
It’s not only the coolest looking pill ever, but it only contains the 9 essential ingredients that women require. If you want to read a full review check out my post.
They now offer a prenatal too! If you are currently pregnant or want to prepare for motherhood, you only have to take the prenatal. It contains everything in the multivitamin as well!
Dry Brushing
A dry brush is typically made from bamboo and natural bristles and is used to brush the entire body. It’s best to start at your feet and work your way up, maintaining upward strokes toward your heart.
This technique helps drain the lymphatic system, remove dead skin cells, stimulates blood flow, tightens skins, and promotes digestion.
It’s important to be gentle on delicate areas of the skin, however more pressure can be applied around your butt and your arms/shoulders. Brushing is actually very relaxing and I find it gives me quick energy before my morning shower.
Blue Light Blocking Glasses
If you are in front of a screen all day, it’s worth it to try wearing a pair of blue light blocking glasses. Blue light is emitted by the sun, so it is impossible to avoid completely. However, the problem arises when you expose your eyes to blue light before bed, which most people do when they are on their laptop or phone. The light emitted by our devices has a higher concentration of blue light than natural light.
Exposure to blue light suppresses the production of melatonin, which leads to poor sleep. I wear my glasses from about 7 pm until I go to bed, I find that I sleep more soundly through the night and have less headaches. They’re really cute and you can buy them unmagnified or magnified if necessary.
Turmeric Lattes
Turmeric is a serious super spice that offers many benefits. Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory, it has antioxidant effects, it improves brain function, and can prevent heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimers, plus much more.
You can make your own like this recipe, or buy pre-made packets like this from Four Sigmatic (use code LivinglikeLeila for 10% off).
Charcoal Tooth Paste
If you’re looking for a safe, natural, and affordable way to whiten your teeth, definitely try charcoal toothpaste. Your teeth will be black while you brush them, but it’s buffing away stains. I noticed a difference immediately, but the best results come after a week or two of consistent use.
Kombucha
Kombucha is a fermented tea that has been around for years, but recently gained a lot of popularity. There’s many brands and flavors available to try, and the drink is quite beneficial to your health. The main benefits are that it contains probiotics and antioxidants.
This drink definitely isn’t for everyone, because it offers a bit of a sour/bubbly “kick,” but you may be able to find the perfect flavor for you! You could even make your own!
Just watch out for kombucha containing a lot of added sugar!
F45 Training
F45 is growing like crazy and for good reason! This HIIT-styled workout was created in Australia, but studios are popping up everywhere. You can even take an unlimited amount of classes for 2 weeks for free! Honestly, the classes are quite expensive after that, but you may just love it so much.
I tried the two week trial and the workouts kicked my butt. They’re also only 45 to 60 minutes long, which makes it more practical and effective. It’s a group workout, but about 2 people work at each station and rotate to each. Each day there is a different style of workout (cardio based, resistance training, etc.), but they were all quite challenging.
Natural Beauty Products
The products you put ON your body are just as important as what you put in your body. That’s because our body absorbs many of the topical ingredients through our pores.
Mainstream beauty products like Neutrogena, Secret deodorant, and Dove body lotions contain toxic chemicals and artificial fragrances/colors.
Switching over to natural, organic, cruelty free, and vegan beauty products is ideal and your skin will thank you for it. You’ll definitely have to do your research on the backgrounds of various brands, but here is a good list to start.
Social Media Detox
Social media can really effect our mental health. It’s easy to compare our appearance and lives to the seemingly perfect people on social platforms. Social media is addicting and many people look for validation through likes, comments, and follows.
Not to mention we’re spending way too much time hunched over staring at a screen, rather than living in the moment and interacting with REAL people. Seriously try detoxing completely from social media for a week or longer. See how you feel.
I also suggest taking at least a one day SM detox every month.
Social media can be a great tool, but it can obviously be very toxic. It’s important to use it more responsibly. Check out this video for some shocking truths about SM.
Meditation
Meditation is amazing because EVERYONE has access to it. You just literally sit in silence, focus on your breathing, and try your best to clear your thoughts.
I attend a weekly meditation group which I have grown to love. I also use the Insight Timer app for guided meditations when I am home. There are many meditation techniques to try out and you can find which one works best for you.
Meditating can be difficult and frustrating, but the key is to practice and be consistent. There are tons of benefits of meditation, and I’m so glad to see the practice is becoming more common.
Jade Rolling
A jade roller is a beautiful little tool that you gently rub over your face in an upward and outward motion. Not only is it really relaxing, but the pressure/motion increases blood circulation in your face which can reduce fine lines, puffiness, and inflammation. I find that rolling it over my forehead when I have a headache helps.
The stones are all unique and beautiful, plus it will naturally be cool to touch which increases the benefit. You could place it in the fridge though!
There is also a rose quartz roller that offers the same benefits and is so beautiful!
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Let me know if you try any of these!