2017 was another year where Australians continued to rely on search engines to query their health problems and learn more about trends in the comfort of their own home.

VIVA! Communications has taken a look back on the year and put together our top five trends.

Topping the list was the keto diet, a high-fat, adequate protein, and low carb diet assisting the body to produce ketones in the liver to be used as energy. Generally, those on the keto diet can eat fats and oils from natural sources, use organic, pasture-raised and grass-fed meat where possible, as well as vegetables, dairy, nuts and seeds.

Touted as a super fluid, apple cider vinegar developed a cult following as a cure for much health related conditions. While there was little research showing evidence it had any benefits, the wider public watered it down with a ration of two tablespoons of vinegar to a glass of water in the hope it enhanced weight loss, lowered cholesterol and improves skin health.

Collagen based products gained popularity in 2017 with multiple uses such as for skin and hair, as well as soreness and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis related knee pain. However, minimal research has shown it actually boosts satiety to improve bone and joint health.

Natural deodorants have gained popularity with new brands introducing innovative formulations into the Australian market. While not necessarily as affective as chemical-laden varieties, it is thought they will be as good or better than current options in the near future.

Finally, microbiome testing has generated interest by those seeking to lose weight or cleanse their gut bacteria. To determine an individual’s healthy bacterial balance, patients send a small stool sample to a lab where doctors compare the make-up to that of a “healthy stool”. From this sample, a doctor can determine factors affecting your weight. While many trends will carry into 2018, there’ll be an abundance of new trends throughout the year ready for an audience daring to be the first to try it out.