Wellness

Which wellness trends are worth trying?

Presented by Prisma Health

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Cold-pressed juice (like this one from Columbia’s Good Life Cafe) improves your gut health. | Photo by @goodlifecolumbia

Search for “health trends,” and the abundance of wellness products and practices circulating online can be overwhelming.

To take the guesswork out of which are actually worth trying, we’re digging into four popular wellness trends. Which ones do physicians recommend, and how can locals try them?

Gut health

The trend:

The use of gut health supplements, like probiotics, has been a trending topic in recent years. This trend focuses on healing the gut microbiome (read: the bacterial environment of your gastrointestinal tract) to improve one’s digestion and overall quality of life.

The verdict:

Prisma Health gastroenterologist Andre Eaddy, MD shares how a healthier gut microbiome can help improve one’s health.

Many factors can negatively impact your microbiome, from an unhealthy diet to certain prescription medications. Probiotics, antioxidants, and a healthy + balanced diet are a few ways you can improve your gut health.

From kombucha to smoothie bowls, check out this list of local eateries and shops that offer immune-boosting products.

Intermittent fasting

The trend:

Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern that cycles between periods of fasting and eating. The most popular pattern is 16:8 — an 8-hour eating window during the day and a 16-hour fasting window overnight.

The trend is said to boost the metabolism, reduce the risk of diabetes, and help with fat loss.

The verdict:

In short, intermittent fasting is a fad. Registered dietitian Jessica Justice Reath recommends listening to your body and giving it the fuel it needs.

Looking to add more fresh, local ingredients to your diet? Here’s our guide to Columbia-area farmers markets.

Keep reading for more physician-backed advice on trending topics like mental health days and brain-boosting supplements.

The verdict on supplements + more

Asked

What other health trends would you like local physicians to weigh in on?

A. Keto diet
B. Collagen powder
C. Facial exercise
D. Detoxing
E. Mushroom consumption
F. Other ______

Let us know

Events

Active

Yoga on the Patio | Thursday, Oct. 12 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Richland Library Wheatley, 931 Woodrow St. | Free | Enjoy the fall weather with a guided yoga flow on the patio at the library.
Walk For Life and Famously Hot Pink Marathon + 5K | Saturday, Oct. 14 | 7:15 a.m. | Segra Park, 1640 Freed St. | $15-$85 | Register for the 33rd annual event in support of breast cancer survivors + those battling breast cancer, with proceeds benefiting the Prisma Health Breast Center.
Yoga in the Galleries | Monday, Oct. 16 | 6-7 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | $12-$15 | Flow alongside the art in the CMA galleries during this one-hour restorative beginner’s yoga practice.

Health

Medicare 101 | Thursday, Oct. 19 | 5:30-7 p.m. | Lizard’s Thicket Restaurant, 3147 Forest Dr. | Free | Prisma Health will have local licensed Medicare advisors on-site to explain Medicare and answer questions.

Outdoors

Camping 101 | Friday, Oct. 27 | 3-4 p.m. | Richland Library St. Andrews, 2916 Broad River Rd. | Free | Learn from an ultimate outsider how to pitch a tent, build a fire, and more to prep for your next camping trip.

Family

Harvest Festival | Saturday, Oct. 28 | 5-8 p.m. | Mt. Hermon Lutheran Church, 3011 Leaphart Rd. | Free | Bring out the whole family for trunk-or-treat, hay rides, live music, food, and more.
Accessibility Morning at the SC State Museum | Saturday, Nov. 11 | 9-11 a.m. | South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St. | Free, pre-registration encouraged | Families of children with a disability or who are neurodiverse are welcome to enjoy a quiet, sensory-friendly, and disability-adapted experience at the museum.

Drink

How matcha do you love coffee?

Try swapping out your daily cup of joe with a matcha latte from a local coffeeshop — like Curiosity Coffee Bar. | Photo by Curiosity Coffee Bar

Matcha vs. coffee. In the competition for caffeine, matcha comes out on top as the healthier way to get your daily boost. Why? Matcha provides energy without the crash, is antioxidant-packed, and has many other full-body benefits.

Get your matcha fix at one of these local coffeeshops:

Curiosity Coffee Bar | Ceremonial-grade matcha + your choice of milk.
As Well As | Try the “mucho matcha” wellness latte.
Drip Coffee | Mix it up with a lavender matcha lemonade.

Matcha-making 101

News Notes

Active

Get your running shoes (and costumes) ready — registration is open for the YMCA’s 2023 Pumpkin Run happening on Saturday, Oct. 21. This festive event features a 5K race and a one-mile fun run along a course with trick-or-treat stations, a costume contest, activities for kids, and more.

Holiday

Speaking of festive fun, Halloween is right around the corner. Check out these tips for five ways to celebrate the holiday the healthier way (no tricks here).

Stat

1 in 8. That’s the likelihood a woman will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, learn more about what factors increase your risk for breast cancer + what steps you can take to prevent it.

Coming Soon

In case you missed it, a new fitness studio is coming to Forest Acres. Level Fitness will bring a low-impact + high-intensity group workout concept, hot yoga, pilates, and private fitness classes to the area’s new Brentwood Park development. (The State)

Sports

The SEC unveiled its 2024 baseball schedule, with the Gamecocks’ first pitch on the road against Ole Miss in March. Check out the Carolina baseball schedule + grab your season tickets.

Seasonal

October brings all of the fall flavors to the table — including the fan favorite, pumpkin. Check out these tips for including pumpkin in your diet to get the maximum nutritional benefits + ways to lighten up traditional pumpkin sweet treats (looking at you, PSL).

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