What are the facts?

How we fuel ourselves and how use our bodies has a huge impact on our physical and mental health. We all have slightly different needs and metabolisms but there are a few common things to consider:

• Our nutritional profile are highly linked to our consumption which in turn drives healthier mental and physical outcomes.  Diet is a major factor
• There is a huge amount of nutritional information available to help us ensure we have a well balanced diets
• Exercise promotes physical and mental wellbeing and helps us live not only longer, but also have a higher quality of life
• Nutrient-dense supplements can have additives that serve no nutritional purpose eg. fillers, binders, sugar and other agents.
• Removing every day toxins (BPA, chorine, mercury, phthalates, pesticides) from our bodies benefit both body and mind
• Access to affordable preventative and reactive health care is key for health outcomes

What can a business do?

Businesses in this sector can consider the following

• Emphasise health benefits but put sustainability out there as a priority in messaging. More and more consumers are looking at the back of packaging to satisfy themselves on the quality and sustainability of content
• For products, source healthy and source local where there is the option
• Avoid fillers and excessive sugar and fat in consumables
• Think about outcomes for people and for society. For technology, equipment and services make sure options are available at affordable prices and make premium content / functionality available for those that can and want to pay more
• Minimise environmental impact and maximise quality as part of a holistic offering
• Communicate areas where work us under way even if not complete. The road to sustainability takes time and product value needs to be preserved and even enhanced

What can an individual do?

Adapting our diets and gearing up our exercise regime goes along way. There are cases where supplements make the transition to a healthier diet easier and may reduce health risks. Everyone can benefit from a combination of approaches with some working better depending on individual needs and circumstances

• We should educate ourselves on common potential deficiencies in modern diets eg, Vitamin B12, K and D, Omega fatty acids, Iron, Calcium, Zinc, etc
• Include fermented foods in our diets wherever possible to naturally increase the quantity of gut positive probiotics. Consider Kombucha, sourdough bread, plant based yoghurts and kefir
• Consider whole foods such as flaxseed oil, turmeric, chia seeds, nuts, seeds, etc for additional nutritional benefits
• Think G-BOMBS (Greens, Beans, Onions, Mushrooms, Berries, and Seed) supported by scientific evidence to prevent cancer
• Look for powders and liquid forms over tablets and capsules when available
• Incorporate movement and exercise into a daily regime. Start small but start and be consistent
• Seek out health and medical information from trusted and reputable sources
• Support producers who minimise environmental impact, maximise quality, reject toxins and are transparent on how they produce their products.