Wellness shots have become very popular in recent years. You can find them at health food stores or checkout aisles. The tiny bottles make big promises: from boosting your immunity to helping you relax. But are they really doing what they are claiming to do? I reviewed the ingredients in KOR shots, and here’s what I found:

Digestive support

Gut health is getting more and more attention since it not only impacts your physical but also your mental health. Certain ingredients, such as apple cider vinegar and ginger have shown potential support for the digestive system. 

Apple cider vinegar, found in the Gut Check shot is a fermented product that could help maintain a healthy gut flora. However, there seems to be no significant amount of prebiotics in apple cider vinegar. The digestive benefits of apple cider vinegar could be attributed to its nutrient profile with B-vitamins and polyphenols supporting gut health. The acidity also seems to play a role. Even though our stomach produces acid naturally, the production can slow as we age or with certain conditions. Therefore, the acid in apple cider vinegar has the potential to help us digest food faster and better.

The Wellness shot with ginger is a good choice for digestive support too. Ginger’s most well-known health benefit is its digestive stimulant action, boosting the secretion of acid and several digestive enzymes. Studies have also found positive effects of ginger on improving digestive functions and abnormal gastrointestinal rhythm. Beside its gastrointestinal support, ginger is also found to have antibacterial, antiviral, pain-relieving, or fever-reducing properties.

Immune support

No matter if it's a common cold, seasonal flu, or even COVID-19, strong immune protection is always desired. Apart from ginger mentioned above, nutrients like zinc and vitamin D are included in the immune support shots. 

Zinc, found in the Elderberry Defense shot is known as the "gatekeeper of the immune system", and virtually all immune cells’ function depends on this vital micronutrient. To defend against invading germs or to protect our body against an overreactive immune system, maintaining zinc homeostasis (balance) is crucial. This means that both: too much and too little zinc can bring potential adverse effects. 

Another important micronutrient that supports our immune system is vitamin D, which is a nutrient of concern for many people.  The protective effects of vitamin D supplements against acute respiratory infections like common colds and flu are still being researched, but there is a strong connection between sufficient vitamin D levels and immunity.

The Intense Defense or Wellness Fire shots also include pineapple juice, which is rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C is important for the immune system and a higher dose could be a good addition to the diet if you feel a cold creeping in. 

In addition to these nutrients, traditional ingredients such as cordyceps mushroom and astragalus roots are also part of the Immune+ shot. In traditional Chinese medicine these ingredients have long been used to help support the immune system and fight infections. There is increasing evidence to support that these ingredients are in fact helpful in supporting the immune system function properly. Astragalus in believed to have antiviral properties and may help prevent colds. Keep in mind that these herbs seem to have pretty powerful effects and it will be important to consult with a health professional as they may  interact with certain medications.

Sweet dreams

You know how much emphasis I always put on sleep. It is a vital part of our health. If you have troubles falling asleep, the Sweet Dreams shot may be a helpful part of your evening routine.

Chamomile tea before bed may not seem too revolutionary. While it is always recommended, most of us never even questioned the effectiveness of chamomile for sleep. But scientists of course did and there are indeed studies supporting its function in improving sleep quality. In combination with melatonin, which is the hormone responsible for the sleep and wake cycle, having a Sweet Dreams shot will very likely help you sleep better. Keep in mind though that some people are sensitive to melatonin supplements, so test it out and if you feel strange, speak to your health care professional.

Anti-inflammatory

There is no food that can eliminate inflammation overnight, but the right choice of food can have a positive impact on how our body handles the inflammation process. Spices are an excellent addition to your daily meals and cooking, since they include powerful anti-inflammatory compounds.

One of the best choices is turmeric, which contains the active compound curcumin that helps reduce inflammation. The Vitality shot is one way to take in turmeric. Most importantly, it also includes black pepper that activates curcumin and increases absorption by the body. 

Calming and soothing effect

It is always good to have ways to calm down when we are constantly surrounded by high levels of stress. It could be an activity that you enjoy, a food that you love, or a food source that shows benefits for relaxation. One ingredient that seems to help calm the nerves is passion flower extract. It works by increasing GABA, a chemical that lowers your brain cell activity, and therefore makes you feel more relaxed. This ingredient is found in the De-Stress shot.

However, the extract may not have a very strong effect. In most studies, passion flower extract is combined with other herbal treatments so it is challenging to tell the extent of impact that passion flower extract has. If you are stressed, you are likely better off doing breathing exercises or journaling. But adding this shot to your routine is a good way to see how the ingredients influence you.

Bottom line

Wellness shots are very convenient and can be a fun, new way to get vitamins in. They could be a useful addfition in times of higher stress, or when you feel you need a little extra support. Because the ingredients are so concentrated, they will have a strong effect. These shots are not a magic bullet but I think they can be a great addition to an overall balanced diet.

Sources:

Probiotics: What You Need To Know

Ginger rhizomes (Zingiber officinale): A spice with multiple health beneficial potentials

Ginger on Human Health: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of 109 Randomized Controlled Trials

Zinc as a Gatekeeper of Immune Function

Cordyceps as an Herbal Drug

Astragalus

Therapeutic efficacy and safety of chamomile for state anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia, and sleep quality: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials and quasi-randomized trials

Curcumin: A Review of Its’ Effects on Human Health

Passionflower

Advertisement notice: This post was sponsored by KOR shots.

Written and researched by Tiffany Wei, specifically for Happea Nutrition. Edited by Paula Doebrich.