Last week we mentioned 5 of the top 10 wellness trends we predict for the New Year. Here are 3 more of our trend predictions!

1. More Predictions for Wellness Trends in 2015
Last week we mentioned 5 of the top 10 wellness trends we predict for the
New Year. Here are 3 more of our trend predictions!
1. Plant-based Paleo Diet
Dr. Mark Hyman, MD, a well-known author who we credit for
popularizing Functional Medicine and bringing it into the consciousness
of the mainstream, recommends a plant-based paleo diet for optimal
health. Recently, he blogged about what he calls the “pegan” diet (a
vegan paleo diet). We’d be surprised if that name catches on, but more
people are beginning to realize that a paleo diet does not have to be high
in meat. Dr. Hyman eschews all meat, fish, dairy, and eggs because he is
a vegan. But for individuals who are not vegan, but only consume
animal products that were obtained in a humane way -- such as grass-fed
beef, pasture-raised eggs, and wild caught salmon -- these nutrient-dense
foods can be a part of a healthy diet. When the paleo (grain-free, real
food) diet first became popular several years ago, many believed it was a
meat-based diet. In 2015, we’ll begin to see a growing number of
individuals on a paleo diet who eat real foods diet consisting of mostly
plants, healthy fats, and only 4 - 6 oz. of meat per day.

2. 2. Tracking heart rate variability
Several weeks ago, we blogged about one mechanism in which
acupuncture has been shown to work. Acupuncture in Del Mar, CA
increases heart rate variability, the difference in the length of time
between heartbeats. It is well-recognized among scientists, meditation
experts, and elite athletes that a healthy heart should not beat in a steady
rhythm like a ticking clock. When the mind or the body is overly
stressed by racing thoughts, overtraining, illness, lack of rest, poor diet,
or other factors, the variability in the length of time between heartbeats
decreases. Meditation, good health, adequate rest, good nutrition, and
the optimal amount of exercise each day results in an increases in heart
rate variability. By tracking your heart rate variability either on a daily
basis or continually all day, you can become aware of whether your
health regimen is hurting or hindering you. If you’re training for a
triathlon, for example, if your heart rate variability decreases for two
days in a row, this is a sign that you need to take a day off from training.
Heart rate variability trackers vary in price from $35 up to $200, which
is easily affordable to most people.

3. 3. Chinese herbs
Chinese herbs have been safely used for centuries, as described in
ancient Chinese Medicine textbooks. In Japan, Taiwan, and China,
hospitals have herbal dispenseries where patients can get raw or
powdered Chinese herbs that are combined in a highly sophisticated way
referred to as polypharmacy. Herbs are combined in a way that
personalizes the prescription to the individual patient and reduces the
chances of any side effects occurring. What we do at Acuheart is make
sure that any of our acupuncture patients in La Jolla, CA and
surrounding areas inform us of any medications that they are taking.
Some herbs can interact with prescription drugs. If you are taking blood
thinners, any Chinese herbs that professional herbalists recognize as
“blood movers” are contraindicated and therefore not prescribed for you.
Many other medications such as Synthroid are usually not a problem,
though we generally recommend leaving a 3-hour window of time
between when you take your prescription drugs and when you take your
Chinese herbs. You should follow this same rule for eating grapefruit or
drinking grapefruit juice. A component of grapefruit slows down the
ability of your liver to metabolize caffeine, alcohol, herbs, and
medications; therefore it can cause a toxicity reaction.