From Asia to Seattle and many points between, it seems the world is turning into a giant petri dish these days for brewing potential pathogens that can wreak havoc on our health, our productivity, and our well-being. With travel for business and pleasure now just a commonplace part of life, both bacterial and viral infections are spreading far and wide in short periods of time just as we're seeing right now with the coronavirus. Fortunately, modern responses to these epidemics and outbreaks are happening quickly, and disease agents are identified at record speeds. And yet with all these threats to health and wellness, preparedness is not just wise but recommended.

Amidst all the anxiety relating to staying well in the context of heightened stressors, insights we've collected about “Core” health and wellness consumers offer inspiration, especially when it comes to how they think about achieving immunity through proactive resilience. We've mentioned Core wellness consumers both in a recent podcast specific to immunity-building behaviors in relation to the coronavirus and in the past and posited the idea that while they may be a minority group in terms of overall numbers, their influence over food and health and wellness culture is disproportionate. Take, for example, their approach to building immunity, which begins with a strong foundation of managing stress and cortisol, which helps to keep inflammation down and which they believe can contribute to a stronger immune system. 

What we hear from Core wellness consumers is that regimens that boost immunity begin with adequate rest and sleep, followed by a diet that is all about being proactive for the long term. Such regimens usually involve the overall avoidance of sugar and processed carbohydrates, which they think can increase inflammation and lead to a compromised immune system. So, what do Core wellness consumers eat? It might sound obvious, but lots of fresh vegetables, particularly alliums like garlic and onions as well as ginger. Core consumer shopping lists often contain foods and ingredients like cinnamon, raw honey, and even shiitake mushrooms, all of which are high in perceived immune-boosting benefits. Supplements and herbal remedies are also key to how Core consumers boost immunity, and particularly during this outbreak, they are likely incorporating additional botanicals and medicinal mushrooms into their repertoire for added functionality.

In uncertain and anxious times, planning for the future in the context of health and wellness is extremely important, but it often feels difficult, especially when everyday life is so stressful. Consumers need help navigating the health and wellness pitfalls of contemporary life with an eye toward a more resilient future. When it comes to immunity and building resilience, Core wellness consumers are paving the way, sharing their enthusiasm and knowledge with mainstream consumers who are hungry for guidance and direction. 

To learn more about other specific behaviors Core wellness consumers are engaged in to build immunity, have a listen to our podcast here: