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As a journalist focusing on health, I am constantly in search of cutting-edge health devices and wellness items that promise a better lifestyle.
From chemical-free products designed for safety to innovative, drug-free solutions for easing joint pain, or even the latest in health-conscious snacks, I’m willing to try just about anything at least once to enhance my well-being.
Being at the helm of health editing, I have the privilege of encountering a wide array of products regularly.
In the spirit of thorough health journalism, I’ve tested some of the newest offerings. Read on for my candid reviews.
Read below for my honest take.
Non-toxic solutions
Biom wipes are made without plastic from 100 percent plant-based fibers and come in sleek tube-like dispensers that blend in well on my kitchen counter
Knowing all the harmful chemicals lurking in common household cleaners and wipes, I was elated to find a non-toxic brand that offered alternatives.
Biom states that 90 percent of wipes are made with plastic fibers, which are a major source of microplastics.
When exposed to these microplastics, which are too small to see with the naked eye, they can enter our body, posing health risks like inflammation and an increased risk of cancer.
So, Biome makes its wipes with 100 percent plant-based fibers, and ships refills for their stylish canisters instead of customers needing to buy new plastic dispensers.
Along with being plastic-free, they are also free from BPA and toxic ingredients like parabens, fragrances and phthalates.
I am constantly reaching for them all throughout my apartment. Whether it’s the all-purpose wipes to rid my table of a coffee ring, the hand wipes to sanitize after a subway ride or the disinfectant wipes to clean my counters after preparing a meal.
And I love the dispensers. The sleek design and muted color tones blend right in on my counters. I also appreciate that the canister is a magnet and I don’t have to worry about clicking it closed each time to keep the wipes from drying out.
In a few months, I’m excited to add the baby wipes to my routine as I welcome to the world the newest member of my family and work to keep her exposures as toxin-free as possible.
NATPAT Outdoor Adventure Kit ($80)
As the weather heats up, summer’s most annoying pests are appearing – mosquitoes – and there is nothing worse than a giant red welt on your leg or arm that itches incessantly.
There are many options when it comes to mosquito prevention, including sprays with harsh chemicals like deet, which has been linked to adverse health effects, or large candles that emit a strong odor and smoky flame.
As more research comes out on the side effects of exposure to these ingredients, people want safe alternatives, especially parents who are trying harder than ever to protect their little ones – while still allowing them to enjoy the outdoors.
So NATPAT set out to create non-toxic repellent stickers formulated without chemicals, including deet.
In its newest Outdoor Adventure Kit, which NATPAT says is a ‘must-have for families on the go,’ customers can find BuzzPatches for adults and kids, which repels the insects with essential oils and MagicPatch for any bite-related itch relief, which helps remove the substance that causes itching from a mosquito bite.
Not mosquito-related, but just as useful, SunnyPatch is also included. It is a sticker that changes color when exposed to too much UV, signalling it’s time to reapply sunscreen.
While on vacation recently in Puerto Rico, where hot and humid weather create the perfect atmosphere for mosquitoes, I wore the repellent and am happy to report I returned with zero bites.
Food and drink
Pure Protein Fruity Pebbles and Cocoa Pebbles protein bars ($6.48 for a four-pack)
Craving some nostalgia of your childhood but want a healthier version? These protein bars could be the answer.
Pure Protein has put out two new flavors based on popular cereals: Fruity Pebbles and Cocoa Pebbles.
Fruity Pebbles bars contain 20 grams of protein, 190 calories and 3 grams of sugar. The Cocoa Pebbles bar contains 20 grams of protein, 180 calories and 4 grams of sugar.
Both varieties are easily accessible via Amazon and Walmart.
Pure Protein says the bars are ‘designed for game day convenience, traveling well between fields and delivering sustained energy for athletes, parents and coaches alike.’
‘They are delicious, high-protein snacks with high-quality protein, an essential part of a nutritious, balanced diet,’ the company says.
While the Millennials on the health team appreciated the throwback to our favorite childhood cereals, we found the bars tasted a bit too artificial for us. Maybe we would turn to them as an occasional treat, but with all the other choices available for protein bars, we are keeping our options open.
Joolies Date Pops ($5.69)
The cinnamon bun bites are my personal favorite, satisfying my sweet tooth enough to keep me from giving into an afternoon candy craving
Billed as ‘the perfect grab-and-go snack,’ these date pops are 100 percent vegan and gluten-free.
They also have fewer than seven ingredients and don’t contain anything artificial or processed.
Joolies says it makes its date pops using date paste from their ‘imperfect’ leftover dates, which also helps to utilize 100 percent of their harvest and prevent food waste.
They come in three delicious flavors: Brownie Bite, Lemon Bar and Cinnamon Bun.
The cinnamon bun bites are my personal favorite, satisfying my sweet tooth enough to keep me from giving into an afternoon candy craving, while the lemon bars were quite popular with others on the health team.
While considered a healthier alternative to actual brownies, consumers should still be aware of the date snacks’ nutrition facts, as just three pieces contain 120 calories and 14 grams of sugar – though it is all natural with zero added sugars.
Amasar breadfruit baking mixes (prices vary)
About 30 million Americans are gluten free, meaning they avoid gluten for medical or personal health preference reasons, and the market for gluten-free foods and ingredients is booming.
Looking to help meet that demand is Amasar, a woman-owned business ‘pioneering’ breadfruit as a natural gluten-free ‘pantry staple.’
The company offers three varieties – flour, pancake and waffle mix and protein pancake and waffle mix.
Breadfruit is a plant-based high-fiber alternative to refined flours and is rich in amino acids and potassium. Amasar claims it promotes gut health, reduces inflammation and supports a healthy gut microbiome and balanced blood sugar.
While it is little-known, food experts are predicting breadfruit to become ‘the next global superfood,’ the company states.
And buyers are praising Amasar, with reviews describing the mixes as having a ‘great taste.’
Others say it blends seamlessly into their favorite recipes and even their kids ‘cleaned their plates.’
Another added it made the ‘best pancakes ever!’ and the mix was agreeable with their highly sensitize stomach.
WaterOuai! ($48 for a 24-pack)
As a health journalist, I am far too aware of the toxins lurking in our water and the microplastics lining bottles and cans, slowly leeching into the water and entering our body undetected.
Enter waterOuai naturally filtered and mineralized water from an aquifer in Texas that comes in a can free of bisphenols, phthalates, PFAS and volatile organic compounds, all chemicals linked to major health effects.
These toxins have been linked to birth defects, fertility problems and cancers. So, WaterOuai! sought to create its SUPERCAN, a ‘clean’ can.
According to the company, its founders ‘started with sheets of aluminum and lined them with solid, dry-laminated PET film for incredibly even, safe protection.
‘Then, we molded them into the cans you know and love. The energy-efficient end result is the SUPERCAN, which is better for your body and the environment. And that’s what we call a win-win.’
The result is water – as you know and love it already – in a nontoxic can. The water tastes like any other, but it’s nice knowing it’s not contaminated with harmful chemicals.
LEVL ($34.99 for a 12-pack)
These refreshing beverages received high marks when shared around the office, especially the pineapple and coconut flavor
LEVL bills itself as a ‘functional hydration beverage’ with a ‘new perspective on hydration.’
The company states: ‘Made with pure water, organic fruit juice, functional adaptogens, and all-natural electrolytes, LEVL delivers clean hydration, supports faster recovery, and promotes mind [and] body balance.’
It is organic, claiming to use nothing artificial, and contains zero added sugar, all natural electrolytes for ‘clean hydration and faster recovery’ and functional adaptogens to ‘support mind and body balance.’
Some of the ‘plant-based functional ingredients’ include ashwagandha, promoted as a mood stabilizer; goji berry, an antioxidant; aloe vera; pink himalayan salt to balance the body’s minerals; nopal for all-natural electrolytes; and of course, water.
These refreshing beverages received high marks when shared around the office, especially the pineapple and coconut flavor.
People appreciated the refreshing and crisp taste but weren’t entirely sold on the ‘functionality’ of the drink, though we were all admittedly sitting at our desks, so it’s unclear just how much mood-boosting recovery we needed in that moment.
Without taking tests that measure levels of things like hydration, mood or electrolytes, it’s tough to comment on the science behind the drinks, but we all liked them enough to keep drinking – and if it really carries all those benefits, all the better.
Pain relief
Arnicare Roll-On by Boiron
From minor aches and pains to chronic conditions, millions of people suffer from joint pain and turn to prescription medications, over-the-counter relievers and at-home remedies.
Enter Arnicare’s roll-on product, a fragrance-free gel with cooling metal roller that provides an ‘on-the-go solution to help calm muscle pain, stiffness, swelling and bruises.’
The active ingredient in the product is arnica montana, a common over-the-counter homeopathic treatment.
Also known as leopard’s bane, mountain tobacco or mountain arnica, it is a flowering plant used topically to relieve muscle aches, reduce inflammation and speed up healing of bruises and sprains.
It is most often found in ointment, cream or gel form, but is also available to be taken orally.
I deal with some low-level knee pain and found Arnicare easy to use and mess-free. It was quickly absorbed and didn’t have the sterile scent some other topical pain relievers have.
The roller provided a cooling sensation on my knees, which also helped with the soreness.
Overall, I found it a good option for fast, temporary pain relief on the go.
Cadence OTC UTI Emergency Relief Kit ($24.95)
For just $25 – less than a typical co-pay for a medical visit – you can grab a kit either online or in convenience stores when you really need it
For millions of women, frequent urination and a burning sensation are familiar signs signaling a dreaded urinary tract infection (UTI).
This usually means a trip to urgent care or your doctor’s office for medication. However, anyone who has experienced a UTI knows how painful they can be and waiting hours or days for an appointment can feel unbearable.
And if you’re traveling, you face the challenge of taking time out of your trip to find care and get treated.
That’s where Cadence comes in, a company working to make reproductive healthcare products like birth control and emergency contraceptives more accessible.
Cadence’s emergency UTI kit includes tablets of methenamine, a medication used to prevent and suppress UTIs, and its proprietary pH Power Flush, a drink mix that contains vitamin C ascorbic acid, cranberry proanthocyanidins (PACs), and D-mannose ‘for use… during the urgent window when a UTI infection is first trying to take hold.’
The company states: ‘Early interventions can work synergistically to help your body prevent infection if used quickly at the very first signs: water mechanically flushes out loose bacteria; D-mannose acts as a decoy that bacteria grab instead of bladder walls; cranberry PACs block bacterial adhesion; methenamine converts to an antibacterial agent in acidic urine.’
The kit also includes strips to test for a UTI and tablets of phenazopyridine HCl, an oral medication used for urinary pain relief.
For just $25 – less than a typical co-pay for a medical visit – you can grab a kit either online or in convenience stores when you really need it. Not only is it easily accessible when symptoms come on, but it has the added bonus of being available even before it’s needed.
Because it is available over the counter, you can buy a kit to keep on hand in case a surprise UTI strikes.
Luckily, I haven’t had to use the kit since I got it, but I refuse to travel without it now and it’s one of the first things that gets packed in my suitcase.
Pregnancy and parenting
CHITA Vinca Modern Power Swivel Glider Recliner with Power Lumbar & Headrest ($899.99)
I love the customizability of the chair – with options to adjust the footrest, headrest and lumbar support
As a mom-to-be, I’ve been getting bombarded with plenty of content for all things baby and nursery. Any person who has ever set up a nursery knows that a recliner and a rocker is a necessity for late-night feedings, soothing fussy babies and crucial bonding time.
My little one isn’t here yet but pregnancy fatigue is real and I’ve already fallen asleep in this chair multiple times (My dog is also a huge fan and I often find him curled up on this chair napping).
I love the customizability of the chair – with options to adjust the footrest, headrest and lumbar support.
Built-in pockets make great storage for wipes, burp cloths or books and the USB ports allow for phone charging or hooking up sound machines or night lights close by – not to mention its smooth rocking motion and soft fabric.
And something I didn’t even realize I wanted in a chair – arm rests that tilt outwards. It allows for more room if I want to cross my legs and more support for holding or feeding baby.
My favorite part, and something that has become very important to me – is all of its certifications ensuring safe fabrics free of toxic chemicals.
Among several safe certifications that it has, it is certified in low formaldehyde emissions for better air quality and made without phthalates, ozone depleters, heavy metals and some flame retardants.
It is also OEKO-TEX certified, meaning it has been tested against hundreds of harmful chemicals and is safe for humans.
Woolroom V-Shaped Washable Wool Pillow ($210)
Anyone who has ever been pregnant can relate to the struggle of trying to get comfortable while sleeping.
As a stomach and back sleeper, I’ve struggled to get restful shut eye because I can no longer sleep in either of those positions.
I’ve tried wedges and body pillows but they have ended up on the floor, on my husband’s side of the bed or squished under me in poor placement.
Enter this V-shaped pillow. It isn’t specifically marketed for pregnancy, but I’ve found that it keeps me tucked onto my side and prevents me from rolling over onto my stomach or back.
It also has the added benefit of coming with extra stuffing so I can customize it to my liking, depending on how soft or firm I would like it to be.
Similar to the recliner, this is also OEKO-TEX certified, so I feel good about using it while pregnant.
Lila sells maternity clothing, pregnancy-related accessories, labor and delivery gowns and post-partum clothing and accessories
As a pregnant Millennial, I was surprised at how hard it is to find true maternity clothing – clothing specifically made for pregnant people and not just normal clothes that you buy a bigger size of.
So I was delighted to discover Lila, which makes clothing specifically for pregnancy, meaning there is extra fabric around the midsection to accommodate a growing bump.
And, as a bonus, this is not your grandmother’s maternity clothing. The pieces are actually stylish and trendy.
Along with a personalized pregnancy box, Lila also sells pregnancy-related accessories, including a humidifier with relaxing essential oils, which has helped with my pregnancy rhinitis – a chronically congested nose – by keeping a comfortable dew in the air.
There are also pregnancy-safe essential oils that accompany the device, giving my bedroom a relaxing and fresh scent. What I really appreciate is that it is small enough to travel so I expect to take it with me to my labor and delivery rooms to make what can be a scary, sterile hospital environment more soothing for me and my new baby.
The brand also has numerous accessories for birth, like inclusive and stylish labor and delivery gowns, nursing accessories to help with breastfeeding and a TENS unit to provide drug-free pain relief by sending gentle electrical pulses through pads placed on the lower back.
The idea is that the pulses block pain signals from reaching the brain and trigger an endorphin release.
And while it’s still too early to get any use out of them yet, Lila has the absolute cutest – and softest – matching mommy and me sets and a very stylish diaper and nursing bag.
Beauty
Megelin Duo-Lux LASER&LED Light Therapy Mask ($799)
Megelin’s light therapy mask claims to reduce wrinkles, fade pigmentation, increase skin tone, calm redness and relieve inflammation
For people seeking the latest tech in anti-aging, they may want to turn to Megelin’s light therapy mask, which claims to reduce wrinkles, fade pigmentation, increase skin tone, calm redness and relieve inflammation.
The company says it is the world’s first Duo-Lux Fusion technology, ‘a single light unit combining laser precision with LED for deeper, wider, and faster results.’
It claims to boost shallow-to-deep collagen regeneration by 95 percent and lead to a 92 percent wrinkle reduction along the forehead, smile lines and crow’s feet in two weeks.
And its multi-spectrum LED system fades pigmentation and photo-aging, with a 94 percent improvement in two weeks.
I haven’t noticed any instant anti-aging impacts on my skin as of yet, but I am determined to stick with a routine given the rave reviews of the device online, with users posting before and after pics with noticeable improvements.
