The wellness industry originated in the 19th century: how it all began.

'Wellness' is a term used by influencers in videos where they add collagen to smoothies, and in the topic of a new cookbook by a famous chef. It has even become one of the favorite topics of the U.S. Secretary of Health. But what does it actually mean to be healthy? This is the question we are answering this week in our podcast 'Explain it to me', where we respond to questions that matter most to you.

According to Vox: And while this multibillion-dollar industry may seem new, it has more than a century of history. Clinical psychologist and author of 'Mind the Science: Saving Your Mental Health From the Wellness Industry' Jonathan Stea believes that many trends in the wellness field fill gaps in medical care. And while cold showers or 'super' foods may be safe, the scientific foundations behind these trends can often be questionable. 'The problem is that one way wellness promoters push their material is by spreading so-called 'science' or 'research' that supports their claims,' he says. 'Some research supports any treatment or claim.'

How did the wellness trend start?

Today we can trace the modern wellness industry back to the late 19th century. At that time, two prominent figures set the stage for what we see today. One of these figures was John Harvey Kellogg. His brother Will Keith founded a company that made corn flakes, and John was a doctor and bestselling author. He promoted health ideas and treatments for diseases that combined a biological lifestyle with Christian religious beliefs.