Natural Health: The Next Generation’s Next Big Trend

“Gen Zers’ growing interest is multifaceted,” says pediatric dietitian Lauren Mahesri, RDN, LD. “They have unprecedented access to so much information about natural health, which is reaching teens and young adults as a new audience.”

Social media is a big driver of this, adds dietitian Trista Best, MPH, RD, LD. The amount of health and wellness content on TikTok―whose core demographic is those aged 13 to 24―skyrocketed to 1.5 billion users in 2023.

Similarly, psychologists found that posts about general wellness and fitness were some of the most popular content categories on Instagram (about half of all Canadians use Instagram, and those under the age of 34 make up the largest user group).

But as Mahesri said, it’s truly multifaceted. Factors such as peer influence, societal pressures, and concerns about body image also contribute to this trend, says Best. Meanwhile, Mahesri points to social justice and environmental concerns, noting that Gen Zers may “feel a sense of responsibility, and natural health can be their small part in a bigger goal of helping the planet.”

Defining natural health for the next generation

“For teens and young adults, it’s all about dietary choices, herbal remedies, mindfulness practices, and holistic lifestyle habits,” says Monika Wassermann, MD.

She explains that Gen Zers are focused on prevention and self-care rather than merely treating symptoms, in part due to their “growing disillusionment with conventional medicine’s reliance on pharmaceuticals and invasive treatments, plus a desire for sustainability as young people prioritize products and practices that align with their values of eco-friendliness and ethical sourcing.”

What teens and young adults say bears this out. A global study conducted by Meta (parent company of Instagram) asked Gen Zers what their three priorities for 2024 would be. No surprise: “staying healthy”―including investments in nutrition and exercise―was the top result.

Specific areas of natural health that are top of mind for Gen Zers include the following:

●                   healthier, better sleep, including interest in sleep supplements and sleep-tracking apps

●                   apps, tools, and wellness services or treatments to improve mindfulness

●                   personalized wellness, such as personalized nutrition (vitamins and supplements tailored to a teen or young adult’s personal health metrics)

●                   methods, tools, and diets for managing stress and improving mental health, including therapy

●                   natural recovery services, such as acupuncture and massages

In each of these categories, popularity among teens and young adults outpaces that of most other age demographics, and that interest shows no sign of slowing down.

Make a difference and support Gen Zers’ rising interest in wellness

Social media and easy access to natural health information online is a double-edged sword. While it’s driving Gen Zers’ soaring investments in wellness and health, studies have found that those same platforms are full of misinformation and unfounded health claims, especially in relation to nutrition.

“Parents can support their children by encouraging education and evidence-based practices,” suggests Mahesri. “There is a great intention in wanting kids to learn and practise natural health, but in a world of misinformation, parents should advocate for guided education.”

And don’t forget how you define and live out the values of natural health. After all, the next generation is watching us and how we embrace―or don’t―our own wellness values.

“Open communication and leading by example are key in promoting a healthy lifestyle,” says Dr. Johannes Uys. “Support your child’s engagement with natural health by fostering a positive relationship with food and encouraging regular physical activity.”

For instance, he recommends having your Gen Zer help you with grocery shopping and cooking, or showing them how you use mindfulness techniques when you’re stressed or anxious.

The “Greatest Generation” typically refers to those born in the early 1900s. But when it comes to interest in natural health, Gen Zers might be giving that term a run for its money, and our collective encouragement can make it a reality.

Gen Zs’ go-to supplements

Monika Wassermann, MD, names collagen as one of the most popular supplements for teens and young adults. That may be due to a tie-in with Gen Zers’ interest in beauty and skin health. She says other go-to supplements include some the following:

·         exercise supplements, such as amino acids and protein powders for endurance and muscle recovery

·         greens powders (“They’re widely popular among teens, and now there are greens powders targeting even toddlers and kids,” adds Mahesri.)

·         herbal teas and melatonin for relaxation and sleep; and bone broth for gut health

It’s recommended, though, that parents consult their health care provider to make sure the supplement they choose is right for their child.

Gen Zers’ attitudes toward alcohol

Their child’s alcohol use is one of the top five concerns among parents today. But Gen Z poses an interesting statistical anomaly that has both its pros and its cons.

Gen Zers’ sobering data

Unlike other age demographics, Gen Z gives a thumbs down to alcohol. Nearly a third say they have little to no interest in drinking, and 25 percent of teens and young adults say they never drink.

The binge flipside 

Unfortunately, when Gen Z drinks, they drink. Among those aged 12 to 20, an estimated 90 percent of all alcohol consumption is via binge drinking. Binge drinking in youth is roughly defined as three drinks for girls and three to five drinks for boys within a two-hour span.

The problem with binging

The risks are numerous. Your child’s brain doesn’t mature until their mid-twenties or later, and early alcohol use can negatively affect brain development. It can also lead to riskier behaviour when alcohol is paired with the fact that the decision-making part of your teen or young adult’s brain is still not fully developed.

How to help your Gen Zer 

If you’re concerned about your child’s alcohol use, avoid being judgmental. Ask them about why they drink, and try to understand the true reasons they turn to alcohol. Then, provide them with factual information about the problems with binge drinking. If you need help, talk to your doctor, phone Canada’s Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868), or reach out to groups like CAPSA Peer Support or Alcoholics Anonymous.

This article was originally published in the August 2024 issue of alive magazine.