Nature’s Ozempic and drug-free pain relief… Daily Mail tests latest wellness fads to reveal which ones are REALLY worth it

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As a health journalist, I am always on the lookout for the latest and greatest health gadgets or wellness products.

Whether it is a new ‘natural Ozempic’ to curb appetite and promote weight loss or the latest non-toxic and ‘clean’ beauty products, I will try anything (at least once) to improve my health and wellbeing.

And being a health editor means there is no shortage of products that come my way.

So, in the name of health journalism, I tried some of the newest (and, at times, the strangest) products.

Read below for my honest take.

Fitness 

Pvolve (pricing varies)

I was very excited to try the workout loved by Jennifer Aniston. After all, the 57-year-old is in great shape and often posts about her Pvolve sessions on her Instagram.

Dani Coleman, director of training for Pvolve and Aniston’s personal Pvolve trainer, described it to Daily Mail as ‘a clinically backed workout that focuses on building strength, mobility, stability… [with] focus of your longevity at the forefront.

‘Unlike most traditional workouts – think of doing one repetitive action or you’re tied to a machine – we’re going to do really dynamic movement patterns that not only [improve] body awareness and body mechanics, it’s really going to benefit you outside of the time you’re just doing the workout.

‘So it’s going to help improve your daily tasks, your daily life, and translate into really smart, sustainable strengths that carry you through every phase of your life.’

I was sent Pvolve’s Longevity Bundle, a great starter kit that includes 11 of Pvolve’s signature pieces, such as the numbered mat, the patented banded ball, resistance bands and gliders. 

At first, I’ll admit, I was a bit intimidated by all the pieces, so I attended an in-studio class to be taught the basics by a Pvolve pro before trying the workout at home by myself. 

The hour-long class consisted of moves I was familiar with, such as donkey kicks and planks, plus some Pvolve-exclusive exercises that utilized the gliders and ball. I worked up a sweat, my heart was pumping and my legs were shaking by the end. 

I was sore for days after – in a good way. 

Since then, I’ve been utilizing my at-home equipment and the digital subscription that gives you access to online classes. I really like the workout’s focus on stability and mobility in everyday life and after sticking to a routine for two months, I notice my legs aren’t quite as tired when trekking up over 100 stairs on the subway and I have nice definition in my arms. 

Pairing Pvolve a few times a week with some light cardio has noticeably improved my strength, posture and endurance. I’m a convert! 

Forme Power Bra ($178)

The sports bra made famous by Taylor Swift, Forme is the ‘posture-correcting bra engineered to immediately improve your posture in real time for better health and confidence.’

A few ladies on the Health team tried these out, and while we agree, they pushed our shoulders back and straightened out our hunched posture from bending over a desk all day, it also felt a bit restrictive, which limited our wearing time. 

Now, I wear mine every few days when I’m working out, but it’s not a daily habit I’ve formed. 

The company also offers men’s posture-correcting shirts, which the male Health members found were restrictive and the material was a bit itchy.

Our all around favorite Forme product was the Arch Booster Sock. It provided the perfect combination of compression and support while also being comfortable. 

Kane Footwear ($78)

I have to admit, when I first saw these, they reminded me of Crocs – a shoe I am not a fan of – but then I put them on and was pleasantly surprised. 

Despite the neon lemon lime color (they do come in more subtle and stylish colors), I was surprised by how comfortable they were. 

The company says the shoe was ‘designed by experts to help your body recover faster after workouts and provide support for the moments in between.’

I can’t testify as to a faster recovery after working out, but I find that when I wear them on walks with my dog, they keep me comfortable and feeling supported. 

I give them bonus points for their ease of being slip-on, which any dog owner knows is important when your pooch tells you they have to go outside ASAP.

Appetite control and weight-loss 

Hydroxycut Hunger Control + Weight Loss Drink Sticks ($25 for 14 packets)

These powdered supplements claim to boost weight loss and in one study cited by the company, healthy, normal-weight adults who consumed 3 grams of the product experienced a 75 percent reduction in hunger scores at 150 minutes compared to people who drank a placebo.

Another study cited found the average weight loss of someone taking the supplement after 60 days was nearly 11 pounds when combined with a low-calorie diet. 

The secret, the company says, is the product’s patented Slimbiome, a prebiotic fiber complex that the company claims ‘works with your body.’

After consuming the powder, which tasted sweet when I put it in water, the prebiotic dietary fiber expands in the stomach and delays gastric emptying – a similar claim to how GLP-1 medications work. This makes you feel fuller for longer and decreases hunger.

With decreased hunger, you eat less and can lose weight. 

I liked the taste and the individual packets made it easy enough to stir the powder into my drink of choice.  I haven’t been following a low-calorie diet so it’s hard to say if this has made me lose weight, but I did find myself not needing my usual mid-morning snack.

Calocurb ($89.99 for 90 capsules)

In a similar fashion, this pill claims to also decrease hunger and cut down on the amount of food you eat, therefore promoting weight loss. 

This weight-loss supplement comes in pill form and contains New Zealand hops flower extract called Amarasate.

The company claims this naturally supports GLP-1 activation, helping to reduce cravings and hunger within one hour to minimize snacking and overeating. 

The supplement is designed to be taken at an increasing dosage, starting with one capsule taken an hour before a meal for two days, then one capsule before meals twice a day on days three and four and then two capsules twice daily one hour before meals from days five and beyond. 

The company states only five percent of users reported mild digestive discomfort in the first 24 to 72 hours while their bodies adjusted to the increased GLP-1 levels. 

I was in this five percent and becoming uncomfortable so I stopped the pills. If you’re willing to push past frequent bathroom trips and bloating, maybe you’ll have more success.  

Beauty 

Marie Veronique Vitamins C+E+Ferulic Serum ($120)

Promising to delay premature aging by ‘scavenging free radicals,’ this triple-act of a serum contains both vitamins C and E, as well as ferulic acid.

While vitamin C brightens skin and boosts collagen and vitamin E aids in hydration, ferulic acid is a potent plant-based antioxidant found in bran, fruits, and vegetables that neutralizes free radicals to combat signs of aging, such as wrinkles and sunspots.

Bonus: it’s a pregnancy-safe retinol alternative. 

After using this for a few weeks, I do notice a brighter complexion and I like to layer it under my nighttime marula oil for extra hydration overnight and into the next morning. 

My only thing to note, is it has a very unique smell. I don’t mind it and my other products mostly mask it, but if you are sensitive to things that smell like beef jerky, you may want to reconsider. 

Additionally, while it’s a high price tag, a little goes a long way and you’re essentially getting three products in one. 

This product, as with all of the brand’s, is cruelty free. It is also vegan. 

Dieux Auracle Eye Serum ($44) and Air Angel Peptide Plumping Gel Cream ($34)

Dieux’s eye serum is a good in between of a gel-like serum and a creamy lotion. I prefer to wear it overnight as I find it layers better underneath other facial products rather than makeup and it doesn’t brighten as much as I’d like it to in the morning. 

If I’m not worried about looking bright-eyed and I do apply it in the morning, it does provide all-day moisture to the sensitive eye area. 

Meanwhile, the peptide gel cream glides on smoothly and creates a nice layer of moisture without being too oily or slick. The product’s peptides and amino acids are meant to plump skin and the company says it is ‘acne-friendly.’

That isn’t a particular concern for me, but given its light and airy consistency, it doesn’t feel like it would clog pores if someone is worried about pimples.  

It’s not heavy enough for my intense dry winter skin, so I’ve been layering it under my thicker lotion for the last few months, but for someone with oily skin or perhaps when the weather warms up and my face isn’t as dried out, this is a good option for a lightweight and breathable moisturizer.

I also appreciate the brand’s commitment to being vegan and cruelty free.

Worthyof Confidence Solid Serum ($48)

As someone who suffers from dreaded dry winter skin, this serum was a lifesaver during the cold months. 

I was initially surprised as it looks like a grainy gel upon first glance in the jar, but once you swipe it onto your face, it becomes silky smooth.

It contains bakuchiol, a retinol alternative for anti-aging, as well as herbs and vitamin C for a complexion boost and to soothe redness. 

Its gentle fragrance makes it a treat to put on every night and it leaves me glowing and hydrated by morning without making me feeling oily or greasy.  

Madison Reed The Gray Escape Hair and Brow Mascara ($19.50) 

I have about one gray hair on my head. What causes me more grief is all the baby hairs and flyaways that plague me as I strive for the perfect sleek ponytail. 

This ‘mascara’ can be a bit sticky so I wouldn’t use it on a daily basis if I had a lot of grays to cover up and I still wanted my hair to flow in the wind. However, when using it to keep hairs in place or tame my eyebrows, the product did a good job. 

It also washed out easily and didn’t leave residue after a quick shampoo.  

Supplements

Rizz Supercharged Superfood Gummy ($80 for a month’s supply)

These individually packaged gummies claim to contain more than 60 nutrition essentials, including vitamins A, C and K, as well as calcium, iron, antioxidants, phytochemicals, fiber and probiotics. 

Together, Rizz says the ingredients work to support immune function, reduce inflammation, decrease cholesterol, protect heart health, reduce cancer risk, reduce bloat, improve digestion, help with weight management and regulate blood sugar. 

What I like about the gummies best is that they provide all those nutrients while also satisfying my afternoon candy craving. 

I take a multivitamin and a probiotic, so these were appealing because it felt like I was combining those in a handful of gummies instead of in five hard-to-swallow pills. 

I had a bit of stomach upset as I first got used to them but then my bathroom habits became more regular as my body adjusted.  

The price tag is a bit high – $80 for a month’s supply – but considering everything you’re getting in a single product, it’s not terribly expensive compared to each separate supplement.

Tushy Reboot Fiber gummies ($25 for a month’s supply)

If you’re just looking to up your fiber intake, these gummy supplements by Tushy – a company that makes bidets – are a great option. 

Tasty and easy to pop in your mouth daily, one serving (two gummies) contains 4 grams of fiber – as much as is in a stalk of broccoli. To test these, I stopped taking my probiotics and the Rizz gummies so I could see how the fiber in these compared. 

Again, I had a bit of upset while my body adjusted to them, which is normal, but after a few days, I was on a regular bathroom schedule and feeling less bloated during the day.

Again, they also satisfied my afternoon sweet tooth craving thanks to their candy-like taste and texture. 

Grüns OLIPOP ($80 for a month’s supply)

I first tried Grüns last year and was instantly a fan. Grüns claims the gummies improve digestion (specifically, leading to ‘better poops’), reduce sugar cravings, increase energy, strengthen immunity and give you glowing hair and skin.

Grüns gummies have a long list of ingredients, including herbs, super mushrooms, vitamins, minerals, vegetables and fruits. They even claim to have the same amount of fiber as two cups of broccoli.

I can see where the reduced cravings come from; these little pouches of gummies are almost like a candy and I really enjoyed their taste after my lunch gave way to a sugar craving.

And while I was a fan of the original flavor, I am a huge fan of their new flavor – a crossover with the probiotic soda OLIPOP. 

Grüns said: ‘We took the comprehensive nutrition of Grüns and paired it with the sweet Strawberry Vanilla taste of OLIPOP’s classic flavor.’

Sweet it is. I enjoyed the fruity taste while still reaping all the benefits of the original gummy.  

Energy Rocks ($29.99)

Taking me back to my childhood days, these energy supplements channel Pop Rocks candy as they fizzle and pop in your mouth. Their sweet and slightly sour flavor will have you wincing a bit, but they’ll satisfy not only a sweet tooth, but a craving for nostalgia.

The product promises smooth, clean energy with no crash or jitters, coming from its caffeine, L-theanine and B12 ingredients. 

I can’t tell you if the rocks gave me any more of an energy boost than my normal cup of coffee, but it was fun to eat them, and nice that they’re individually packaged for easy on-the-go energy. 

Altar Native ($55 per bottle)

Advertised as herbal alcohol alternatives, Altar Native offers three different blends: one for endurance and energy, one for pleasure and connection and one for calm and clarity.

Each product contains a blend of adaptogenic plants meant to, depending on the specific blend, provide mental clarity, sustained energy and stress resilience, promote connection, play and gathering or support creativity, calmness and reflection. 

Designed as an alternative to alcohol, it can be added to mocktails, juices, water or simply dropped on the tongue to be consumed by itself. 

I tried the Lucid tincture, which claims to contain blue lotus, a water lily ‘long cherished for its serene and meditative qualities,’ Altar Native writes on its website.

It is used to promote calm clarity and creative flow. 

I took a few drops before bed – mixing it into a drink probably would have been better as it did not taste good – and slept soundly through the night but had very weird, lucid dreams.  

ActivatedYou Morning Complete ($80 per jar)

You may recognize this product from the many social media ads it has featuring its creator actor Maggie Q. 

The powder claims to support gut health, immune function, provide steady energy and improve digestion through its pre and probiotics, green superfoods and adaptogens. 

It is much like other powder supplements that promise to do the same. I liked the taste of the mixed berry variety and it was easy enough to mix into a glass of water and gulp down in the morning. 

Again, it takes the body a little getting used to, but after the initial discomfort wore off, my digestion was more regular and I didn’t feel as bloated post-meals as I usually am. 

Body Fortress Immune Support Electrolyte Powder ($15)

This easy-to-drink powder contains six essential electrolytes, three types of B vitamins, as well as antioxidants. 

It claims to provide rapid hydration and boost performance, with ingredients designed to support muscle and nerve function, help convert nutrients into energy, reduce fatigue, support immune health and reduce oxidative stress from exercise or dehydration.

Its strawberry lemonade flavor made it easy and pleasant to drink when mixed in with water. It also dissolves very well. 

Its taste is a major positive people highlight in online reviews. People also compliment its ability to hydrate, claiming it even has banished headaches and made them ‘instantly’ feel better. 

After incorporating the powder into their daily routine, one user said it works great at keeping them ‘hydrated, energized and feeling good.’ 

Food and drink

Manukora Manuka Honey Immunity Blend ($99)

This was sent to me right in the middle of cold and flu season and I am so glad it was. Manuka honey has been all over the health and wellness social media space. It is promoted as a ‘premium’ honey from New Zealand known for its antibacterial properties and ability to support digestion, skin healing and immune function.

Some people also use it as a natural sweetener option.

This particular blend of manuka honey by Manukora contained the honey plus elderberry and echinacea. 

Manukora describes the product as a ‘first-of-its-kind approach to immune support, built on bioactive Mānuka honey as a natural carrier to help herbs absorb and perform as intended. 

‘Each blend brings together a focused four-ingredient system, pairing raw herbs with bioactive Mānuka honey optimized for bioavailability, in a form the body readily recognizes—without fillers, harsh solvents, or shortcuts.’

It can be mixed into a beverage or even onto your favorite food, but I chose to take it by the spoonful when I started getting a runny nose and sore throat.

While I have my doubts when it comes to products that claim to ward off or shorten the common cold, I was pleasantly surprised when my cold symptoms stopped in their tracks after two days of taking half a tablespoon of this honey.

After seeing it help fight my cold, my husband then tried it and it worked for him as well. Now, he has even become a daily user, while I will definitely be adding it to my routine any time I wake up with a sniffle or scratchy throat.

ModifyHealth meal delivery service ($13.45 per entrée)

As a vegetarian with digestive issues, I am not a fan of tracking down recipes that won’t upset my stomach but also contain enough vegetarian protein, as well as vegetables. 

Enter ModifyHealth, a meal delivery service with meals that are certified low-FODMAP, meaning they contain low levels of FODMAPS, fermentable carbohydrates (sugars) that the small intestine absorbs poorly, causing gas, bloating, and irritable bowel syndrome symptoms in sensitive individuals.

I have to avoid onions, bananas, oats, mangoes, apples, couscous and dozens of other foods. If I do eat something high in FODMAP, instantly cue uncomfortable bloating and a painful abdomen.

Combine that with not eating meat and it can be hard to find something easy to whip up for dinner.

However, ModifyHealth offers a plethora of easy-to-heat-up meals ranging from low-FODMAP to vegetarian, GLP-1-friendly, diabetes-friendly and heart-healthy.

To be honest, when the meals arrived, I was a little hesitant. Their tightly shrink-wrapped frozen presentation made them look less than appetizing, but then I heated them up and was pleasantly surprised.  

I tried the Sweet & Spicy Tofu & Vegetable Stir Fry, Kale Pesto Pasta and Quinoa & Veggie Bowl with Chipotle.

They were flavorful and satisfying. If you struggle like me during the weeknights, this meal service could be a great option. I liked it more compared to other popular services because ModifyHealth allows more customization and convenience. 

Pop & Bottle ($3.79 per bottle or can)

As a matcha and tea drinker over a coffee lover, I thoroughly enjoyed Pop & Bottle’s new Strawberry Matcha Almond Latte and the Matcha Almond Milk Latte.

Their texture and taste were less ‘earthy’ and ‘chalky’ than what the matcha lovers at Daily Mail were used to and the beverages earned high marks all around. 

My favorite was the strawberry version, which gave the matcha a subtle fruity flavor. 

Even better, the drinks are vegan, non-GMO and gluten-free, so I felt good drinking them.

They contain 60 mg of caffeine, less than the 95 mg in a typical cup of coffee. So our resident coffee-addict wasn’t buzzing like she usually is after her morning espresso, but she still appreciated the mid-afternoon caffeine hit. 

Earth Mama Organic Ginger Nausea Tea ($5.99 for 16 tea bags)

As any pregnant woman battling intense morning sickness in the first trimester of pregnancy will know, ginger has long been hailed as an anti-nausea remedy. 

Pregnant women dealing with nausea and vomiting have turned to ginger candies, chews, lozenges or crackers to try and get through the day without running to the bathroom to be sick. 

Enter Earth Mama Organic Ginger Nausea Tea, a pregnancy-safe tea that sells for just $5.99 for 16 bags. The product claims to help relieve occasional nausea with a hint of ‘settling minty comfort.’ 

Given how nauseous and sick some women get, it can be hard to keep food down. So, anti-nausea teas have been marketed as a milder way to soothe the ailment. 

People call this tea a ‘miracle elixir,’ claiming it completely took away their nausea (both pregnancy and over-indulging related). Users claim it helps so much with the nausea that they’ve gotten their appetite back and have been able to eat again. 

People, myself included, also compliment the mild and gentle taste, which helps with the product’s appeal as many pregnant women experience food aversions, making it hard to eat and drink. 

Wellness 

Truvaga Plus ($499)

The Truvaga device claims to work ‘with your body to balance your vagus nerve, creating a deep, natural relaxation response to calm your racing mind. Helping you think more clearly, sleep more soundly and live life more fully.’

The Truvaga Plus device, which sells for $499, claims its benefits are stress relief, working to calm the body’s fight-or-flight response, improved sleep, enhanced focus and better digestion. 

The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve in the body. It runs from the brainstem through the neck, to the chest and abdomen. It regulates heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, immune response and mood. 

Damage to the nerve can cause digestive issues, hoarseness and swallowing issues, but stimulation of the nerve has shown to help with depression, inflammation and even seizure disorders. 

Truvaga is meant to be applied to the vagus nerve in the neck for two-minute sessions twice daily. Trials done by the company showed people felt benefits from the device after seven days of consistent use. 

After 30 days, 94 percent of users felt happier and calmer, 85 percent felt more relaxed and 74 percent reported better sleep. 

The drug-free, non-invasive device is rechargeable, compact and portable and designed for an ‘unlimited number’ of two-minute sessions, making it a great choice for people seeking drug-free remedies for common ailments.  

Shakti Premium Acupressure Mat ($119)

This acupressure mat and pillow may look a little like a medieval torture device, but if you’re willing to give it a chance, it could provide some serious drug-free relief for common ailments. 

Consisting of 4,000 tiny spikes that not-so-gently poke into various places all across your body, Shakti Mat claims to pair ‘precision-engineered spikes with an organic Blissfoam inner to activate your body’s healing systems and melt inner tension faster than ever.’

The spikes are ‘guaranteed to get to the point, by nestling into tension and activating your acupoints instantly.’ 

Twenty minutes a day is all it takes, the company says. 

Like acupuncture, acupressure utilizes traditional Chinese medicine principles, stimulating body points to balance energy and treat conditions. 

I’ve done acupuncture countless times to treat my migraines, but it is expensive, often requires traveling somewhere for at least an hour session one or multiple times a week and is not often covered by insurance. 

So I was excited to try the acupressure mat. Though not exactly the same as a trained expert sticking small needles into precise points across my body, I liked the idea that I could do this wherever, whenever, in the comfort of my own home, while I’m traveling and for just 20 minutes. 

The mat came into use pretty quickly when I came down with a severe migraine that wasn’t responding to my medication. 

At first it was a little uncomfortable laying down when getting used to the pain, but after a few moments, I settled into the mat nicely and felt some relief in my headache. Now, it’s one of the first things I reach for when a migraine is coming on. It doesn’t completely cure it, but it provides enough relief so that I can function for the day.