Why Everyone’s Obsessed With Foundational Health in 2025 🧬

Fact-Checked By a Nutritionist MD

Published on August 14, 2025

If you’ve been hearing the phrase “foundational health” everywhere lately, you’re not imagining it. In 2025, the wellness industry has shifted — away from biohacking gimmicks and toward something more… well, foundational.

But this isn’t just another wellness trend. It’s a long-overdue return to science-backed basics: supporting the core systems of your body every day, so you don’t crash and burn later.

Whether it’s through products like AG1, IM8, or newer brands like GRNS, foundational health is now at the centre of most people's daily routines. But what does it actually mean?

Plant cell and foundational health through microscope

What Is Foundational Health?

Foundational health refers to the consistent support of the body’s key operating systems:

Gut Health: digestion, nutrient absorption, microbiome balance

Immune System: defence against illness and inflammation

Energy & Metabolism: cellular energy, blood sugar regulation

Brain & Mood: focus, memory, mood stability

Recovery & Detoxification: liver support, inflammation management

When these core functions are well-supported, your body has what it needs to perform and recover — not just survive. That’s why many people are moving away from isolated supplements and building a daily foundation that covers the essentials.

Why It’s Surging in 2025🌟

There are three big reasons foundational health has exploded this year:

1. Burnout & Stress Are at an All-Time High

In a post-pandemic, high-stress world, people are realising that feeling “normal” isn’t good enough. They want real energy, stable moods, better sleep, and resilience — which all start with internal balance.

2. Supplement Fatigue Is Real

Taking 6 different pills and a gut powder every morning isn’t sustainable. People want one comprehensive product that replaces multivitamins, probiotics, adaptogens, and more — which is exactly what greens powders aim to deliver.

3. Ingredient Quality Is Being Scrutinised

Consumers are getting smarter. They read labels. They research. That’s why brands like GRNS (with fully transparent, real-food ingredients) are gaining loyal followings — while others hide behind proprietary blends.

What Dr. Andrew Huberman Says About Foundational Health

One of the loudest voices in the space right now is Andrew Huberman, a Stanford neuroscientist who’s built a massive following by breaking down how brain health and physical health are intertwined.

In multiple podcast episodes and interviews, Huberman emphasises that you can’t optimise performance without a solid foundation — including:

- Consistent daily nutrition

- Gut health and digestion

- Cognitive resilience through micronutrients and adaptogens

- Daily movement, sleep, and light exposure

💬 “You don’t earn the right to optimize until your foundation is solid.” — Andrew Huberman

Here’s a clip you can watch that perfectly breaks it down:

What to Look for in a Foundational Health Supplement ✅

✅ Real, whole food ingredients (not synthetic vitamins)

✅ Pre/probiotics for better gut absorption and microbiome support

✅ Organic plant-based adaptogens like ashwagandha and ginseng

✅ Mushrooms (Lion's Mane Mushroom) for immune and brain support

✅ Adaptogens for stress, focus, and brain health

✅ Low or no sugar — monk fruit or natural sweeteners preferred

✅ Transparent labelling — no “proprietary blends”

A brand like GRNS ticks all of these boxes — it’s built around real ingredients, no artificial fillers, and specifically designed to support gut, brain, and overall wellness.

AG1, IM8, and GRNS: Three Foundational Health Powerhouses 🧬

AG1 (Athletic Greens)

- Popular, global brand

- Contains 75+ ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and adaptogens

$149 AUD/month for a subscription

- Great formula but can be overwhelmingly expensive

IM8

- Another comprehensive greens product, marketed with a focus on athletic recovery

Includes mushrooms and nootropics

- Still a premium product with a higher price point

GRNS

- Focused on foundational health: gut, brain, immune & energy

- Includes the most comprehensive list of foundational health ingredients for the price

- Clean, real-food ingredients — with no artificial fillers or synthetic vitamins

- Around half the price of AG1, with similar or better daily support

How to Build a Foundational Health Routine That Sticks

Here’s a simple 3-step framework you can follow:

1. Start with a Daily Anchor

This could be your morning GRNS scoop with water or in a smoothie. Making it a ritual — not a chore — is what helps it stick.

2. Stack Your Habits

Once your base is set, add other healthy habits like a short walk, hydration, or journaling. Don’t try to overhaul everything at once. Start small.

3. Review and Adjust Monthly

Your needs may shift. Maybe you’re more focused on recovery or stress. Foundational health isn’t rigid — it’s flexible and should evolve with you.

🌿 FAQ: Foundational Health

1. What is the best greens powder in Australia for foundational health?
GRNS offer a strong mix of gut, brain, and energy-supporting ingredients in one scoop. AG1 is also popular, though more expensive.

2. What makes GRNS different from AG1 or IM8?
GRNS focuses on real-food organic ingredients, superfood greens, and antioxidants — and it’s more affordable than AG1.

3. Can I use a greens powder instead of a multivitamin?
Yes, if it’s a comprehensive blend. Just make sure it includes a wide range of nutrients, not just greens.