Bovine Colostrum, Dopamine Menus, and More Wellness Trends We’ve Tried Recently
Photo courtesy of Matthew Beedle/Stills
In the past few months, three new wellness trends have captured our attention: a new supplement, a high-tech massage style, and the concept of dopamine menus. (The fourth trend on this list is something we’ve talked about for years—but until recently, it hadn’t been a topic of conversation outside our wellness-obsessed circles.) We’ve tried them all and, anecdotally, found them helpful. Here’s what the research says.
1
BOVINE COLOSTRUM
Bovine colostrum is getting lots of buzz in the supplement world for its potential in optimizing immune, gut, and overall health. Colostrum—a mother’s first milk within the first two days of giving birth—has higher concentrations of fat, protein, antibodies, antimicrobials, growth factors, vitamins, and minerals than the milk that comes later. Its potency helps establish a resilient immune system for the offspring, creating a strong foundation for its health later in life. Bovine colostrum supplements, of course, are sourced from a cow’s first milk.
What the research says: Many research studies show that bovine colostrum supplementation decreases intestinal permeability (also known as leaky gut) and can improve other gastrointestinal complications.
When choosing this type of supplement, look for one that has no (or limited) additive ingredients and is manufactured at an approved GMP-certified and FDA-certified facility.
2
MECHANICAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE
Normally, our lymphatic vessels regularly move our lymph (fluid that’s filled with various substances like proteins, minerals, and white blood cells) throughout the body. They do this by using the contractions of our muscles as we move—the tightening creates pressure that allows the fluid to flow.
But if the lymphatic system is impaired—due to lymphedema (a chronic disease that leads to an accumulation of fluids in the body), surgeries, chronic inflammation, or lack of movement for long periods of time—excess fluids can accumulate in the body, which in turn impairs the immune and circulatory systems. A lymphatic drainage massage can potentially help with this, improving lymph flow, blood circulation, and immune function, too.
Manual lymphatic drainage massage has been an effective therapy for decades. What’s new is mechanical lymphatic drainage massage, where a machine (called Icoone) does most of the heavy lifting: A practitioner guides a device along the body as it gently suctions and massages the skin with thousands of microstimulations per minute.
What the research says: The research is limited on the use of Icoone technology for lymphatic massage, but data shows that manual lymphatic massage—done with a therapist’s hands—significantly improves lymphatic circulation and may progress recovery.
We’ve had great sessions at Ricari Studios and Well Studio with the Icoone device. If you’re looking for a manual one, finding a lymphatic drainage massage therapist with CLT (certified lymphedema therapist) or MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) credentials is ideal.
3
DOPAMINE MENUS
When I heard about the concept of a dopamine menu (also known as a dopamenu), I had to know more. The name sounds a little more exciting than the reality of it, but stick with me: It’s a list you create of activities that can potentially stimulate dopamine and make you feel more joyful during a time when you’re feeling down. The concept was created by Jessica McCabe, the author of How to ADHD: An Insider’s Guide to Working with Your Brain (Not Against It).
To make your menu, just write down the things that you enjoy doing, like drinking coffee, dancing, or hiking. This list should not include to-dos or errands—things you have to do. McCabe recommends building your menu using the acronym DOPA.
- Design your menu. Include activities that genuinely bring you joy. You can even categorize them as you would a food menu—like appetizers (quick activities), entrées (the most time-consuming ones), and sides (things that you can add to another activity to enhance it).
- Omit any items from your menu that you’re not ordering—that is, those that you’re not doing. For example, if you notice that you never choose hiking from the menu, remove it and make room for more enjoyable things you will actually do.
- Prepare your menu in advance. Gather the tools to do the things that bring you joy. For example, if you enjoy dancing, create a dance playlist that’s ready whenever you need it. Or if you enjoy drinking coffee, make sure you have one of your favorite beans in your pantry.
- Advertise your menu. Create descriptions of your menu items, make it visually appealing, and post it where you can easily see it—it can be in multiple places, like on your fridge and in your phone.
When you’re not feeling your best, choose an activity from your menu that can bring you into a more joyful space. Or you can plan a day where you pack in as many things from your menu as possible.
What the research says: Dopamine is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter that is constantly functioning in the brain. Its levels are higher at certain times than others, like when you are experiencing the pleasures of sex, eating delicious food, or listening to music. But there are other hormones and neurotransmitters involved with mood, like serotonin, norepinephrine, and oxytocin—which means the joyful effects from the activities on your dopamine menu may not be attributed solely to dopamine. Regardless, finding creative ways to shift your mood to a more positive state—however you choose—is a great idea.
4
MOUTH TAPE
Mouth tape is so beloved among our editors that it randomly seeps into our conversations (sleep-related or not) at least once a week. But only recently have we noticed that it’s risen to the level of a true trend.
The theory here: Gently taping your mouth closed before bed helps you breathe through your nose (rather than your mouth) throughout the night—and results in more restful sleep.
What the research says: Nose breathing allows inhaled air to be properly filtered, humidified, and warmed (or cooled, depending on the ambient temperature). It also increases the production of nitric oxide (a gas that improves blood flow and oxygen delivery throughout the body and reduces inflammation) and activates the parasympathetic nervous system—the rest-and-digest part of your nervous system that allows the body to repair more efficiently. And studies suggest that mouth taping, while sleeping, may improve sleep quality for some people.
If you have trouble breathing through your nose currently, this trend is not for you—you’ll want to work with a face, mouth, and tongue specialist (e.g., myofunctional therapy provider) first. It’s best for people who have no barriers to nose breathing and want to make sure they are breathing that way throughout the night.
We’ve found that mouth tape can take a few nights to adjust to. One with comfortable fabric—like VIO2’s Mouth Tape, made from a cotton blend with hypoallergenic, medical-grade adhesive that feels like a bandage—helps ease the process.
This article is for informational purposes only, even if and regardless of whether it features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. The views expressed in this article are the views of the expert and do not necessarily represent the views of goop.
