The health concerns of today’s consumers have shifted greatly from 20, 10, and even 5 years ago. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, during which time consumers have experienced so many systemic changes to workplace culture, childcare, and health norms, this shift is no surprise.
Coming off such turbulent years got us thinking: What are the big health concerns of consumers today? To answer that question, we turned to Christina Rahm, MS, PhD, EdD, an internationally recognized entrepreneur, scientific leader, spokesperson, and innovator in the health and wellness space. Dr. Rahm’s mission is to dismantle the barriers blocking the way to optimal health by identifying the root causes of issues and then addressing them scientifically and holistically.
“In the current landscape, contemporary consumers are expressing a heightened level of concern for various health matters, indicative of an increased understanding of comprehensive wellness,” says Dr. Rahm. We felt Dr. Rahm was the best person to speak to since, over the past several years, she has traveled the world presenting, lecturing, and educating the private and public sectors about the bold new world of nutraceuticals, wellness strategies, and environmental solutions. Throughout her travels and studies, these are the top 5 consumer health concerns that Dr. Rahm has been able to identify.
1. Mental Health
We weren’t surprised to learn that the first key area of focus is consumers’ mental health. “There is a discernible surge in the recognition and reduction of stigma surrounding mental health issues,” states Dr. Rahm. “Consumers are actively looking for ways to alleviate stress, anxiety, depression, and to bolster cognitive health.”
Earlier this year, the American Psychological Association reported that mental care is in high demand. In fact, according to a 2022 survey conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation and CNN, “Ninety percent of the public think there is a mental health crisis in the United States today, with half of young adults and one-third of all adults reporting that they have felt anxious either always or often in the past year.” Some of this can be attributed to the immediate post-pandemic years when physical health and mental health were precarious at best. But it seems the mental effects of that unprecedented time have been lasting, as the high demand for mental health providers continues.
Historically, mental health services have been cost-prohibitive and time-consuming. Mental health leveraging digital tools is the way of the future. If traditional therapy is not a good fit for your lifestyle, look into therapists offering telehealth services or sign up for popular therapy apps like BetterHelp to connect with providers all over the country. Focused brief group therapy is another option, which brings together groups of like-minded individuals to practice mental health skills in a safe and supportive environment. Find more information about all of these options on the American Psychological Association’s website.
2. Immune Health
These days, everyone just wants to be healthy. “The worldwide health crisis has amplified the significance of robust immune health, prompting consumers to seek out foods and supplements that bolster immunity, such as vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and probiotics,” reports Dr. Rahm.
An article published by Harvard Health points out that there are still a lot of unknowns when it comes to the human immune system. Yet, according to the site, “Your first line of defense is to choose a healthy lifestyle. Following general good-health guidelines is the single best step you can take toward naturally keeping your immune system working properly.” Consumers should focus on getting a good night’s sleep, eating a balanced diet, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and exercising regularly. Beyond that, improved personal hygiene and decreased stress can also play a factor in improving immunity.
3. Gut Health
Says Dr. Rahm, “There is a growing acknowledgment of gut health as a cornerstone of overall health, which has sparked interest in probiotics, prebiotics, and foods rich in fiber that support digestive wellness and a balanced microbiome.” A quick Google search for probiotics yields an overwhelming amount of information, but not all supplements are created equally.
Dr. Rahm’s own line of gut health supplements, The ROOT Brands, offers a wide variety of tinctures and pills that support gut health and overall health from the inside out. To ensure a supplement will work for you, Dr. Rahm recommends checking with your healthcare provider and researching to make sure the ingredients will not negatively interact with your existing medications.
4. Sustainable and Ethical Consumption
“Today’s consumers are increasingly mindful of the environmental and ethical impact of their dietary choices, leading to a heightened demand for sustainable, ethically sourced products with consideration for animal welfare,” Dr. Rahm explains. A recent study published by researchers Silviu Beciu, Georgiana Armenița Arghiroiu, and Maria Bobeică on the National Library of Medicine’s website corroborates this claim. More and more, consumers are turning to independent sources to vet their favorite products, and they are not afraid to shift loyalties when they need to.
When shopping, check that brands and products are certified Fair Trade, meet Global Organic Textile Standards, or are produced by Certified B Corporations to ensure the use of sustainable and ethical practices and materials.
5. Chronic Disease Prevention
Finally, chronic disease prevention has become a hot-button topic for consumers. “As lifestyle-related conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease become more common, consumers are looking for dietary and lifestyle changes to prevent and manage these diseases,” says Dr. Rahm. Similar to the aforementioned health issues, chronic disease prevention is more of an art than a science. A healthy balance of lifestyle shifts, personalized supplement routines, and external support will improve the likelihood of fending off chronic illness.
Overall, Dr. Rahm’s findings show a clear trend of consumers seeking products and solutions that not only cater to specific health issues but also resonate with their personal values, preferences, and the collective aspiration for a healthier, more sustainable existence. Follow Dr. Rahm’s suggestions to address each major health concern and set yourself up to live your healthiest, happiest life.
