Hello again, dear Sabah readers. Easy to say, as I approach the 50th anniversary of my medical profession, I am very happy to be with you again on these lines after a separation of nearly 20 years. I have left behind almost 25 years in my columnist journey, which I started to guide you to live a healthier and happier life. Wishing that 2026 will bring peace and health to our country, our nation and your households, it is truly exciting to embark on a new life journey with you in this section reserved for me in Sabah Newspaper.
I have absolute faith that 2026 will be more beneficial and fruitful in terms of health than 2025. Because developments in biotechnology, molecular biology, nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, digital health and similar fields are accelerating. Our new understanding not only diagnoses diseases early; A new and completely different approach to health that can identify, prevent, or at least improve them while they are still in design will become even more popular in 2026. In the first article of this year, sharing the possible health trends of 2026 will be the best “starting shot”. If you are ready, here you go.
Stay in health, peace and science…
TREND 1
MENOPAUSE MANAGEMENT TERM
Let’s agree. For years, we saw menopause as a fate for our women that “had to be endured, passed over silently, and opened a window to hot pressure.” Menopause is not just the end of the menstrual cycle. It is a serious health period that deeply affects sleep, mood, work efficiency, sexual health and metabolism, and therefore must be managed. That’s why, in 2026, the “keep quiet and get by” approach will become a thing of the past. It is replaced by the understanding of “know, understand, plan and follow”. The most talked about topic of this new era is undoubtedly “Bioidentique” hormones” will be. What is this bioidentical? The molecular structure of the hormone produced in the laboratory environment is as similar as a twin brother to the hormone your body produces itself, meaning that the body does not perceive it as “foreign”.
TREND 2
EARLY WARNING OF CANCER
We are entering an era of what I call “surprise-free medicine”, which is a game-changer in early cancer diagnosis. Our goal is no longer just to see the existing tumor, but to catch the cancer while it is still “in the design state”. At this point in 2026 Gallery and so on MCED You will hear about (multiple cancer early detection) tests much more frequently. The logic of these tests is tremendous. Using a single tube of blood, they scan fragments of cellular DNA (cfDNA) in the body, looking for signs of cancer. By reading the “methylation patterns” in those tiny pieces of DNA circulating in your blood, they try to predict whether something is wrong in the body or even which organ or system the signal is coming from. Why is interest in these tests increasing? Because while the cancer burden is increasing, unfortunately we do not have a routine screening program for insidiously progressing types such as pancreatic or ovarian cancer. Colonoscopy or mammography do great work, but there are areas where they are not enough. Galleri and similar tests are exactly in this “screening gap” area. These tests are not a “miracle diagnostic tool.” A negative result does not guarantee “there is no cancer”, and a positive result does not provide a definitive diagnosis. The rational approach is this. We will position these tests not in place of standard screenings, but alongside them, as an additional layer of security in selected individuals.
TREND 3
WITH OXYGEN CELLULAR RENEWAL
Inhaling high oxygen in pressurized rooms, that is, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), is no longer only associated with the treatment of diabetic wounds or burns. In 2026, this technology will be updated and will appear on the scene as a “cellular maintenance and repair” tool. The logic is simple but the effect is profound. By increasing the oxygen to the tissues under pressure, we give the following message to the body: “Oxygen increased, repair and maintenance teamin Get it on the field!”. It is a very powerful medical support tool if used correctly. In the right person, with the right dose, HBOT is a valuable tool. If used incorrectly, it is just an expensive oxygen break.
TREND 4
POSA, THE KING OF TABLES
Put aside COMPLEX diets and expensive supplements. In 2026, the biggest hero of the tables will be our old friend “pulp”, that is, fiber. The name of the new trend is a bit cool: Fibermaxxing. Fiber not only stimulates the intestines, it keeps blood sugar calmer, prolongs satiety, lowers bad cholesterol (LDL), and most importantly, nourishes the intestinal microbiome, which is our “second brain”. Our goal should be to consume at least 25 grams of fiber a day, and if possible 40-50 grams. Fibermaxxing’s rule of thumb is, throw a “fiber anchor” into every meal. Legumes such as chickpeas, lentils and beans, whole grains such as oats and rye, flax and chia seeds will be our favorites. Fibre-rich vegetables (artichoke, broccoli, leek, okra) and fruits (raspberry, pear, avocado) should be at the top of our list. Just a little tip. If there is “Shell + Core + Grain”, the fiber increases.
TREND 5
IN HEALTH PERSONALIZATION WHEN
The era of “one size fits all” health recommendations and the era of “general truths” are rapidly coming to an end. People want to see “what’s right for me”, not generic advice. The engine of this change is wearable technologies and artificial intelligence. Smart watches on our wrists, smart rings on our fingers or smart arm bands no longer just count steps. It measures our sleep, stress, and heart recovery rate (HRV) and transforms these complex data into understandable scores. Health is no longer a “recommendation” but turns into an instant “feedback” mechanism.
TREND 6
YOUR MUSCLES INSURANCE PROTEIN
Protein has emerged from that “niche” shelf of gym culture. There are two reasons behind this new trend. First, individuals, especially those over the age of 40, want to feel fuller and slow down the muscle loss (sarcopenia) that comes with age. The second is increasing awareness of “metabolic health” and understanding the role of protein in balancing blood sugar. But be careful! Not every product labeled “with protein” means healthy. A similar revolution is taking place on the creatine front. Creatine, which was once feared as a “bodybuilding supplement”, has now entered the agenda of “everyone who wants to stay more vigorous” with titles such as brain energy, mental clarity, recovery and preventing loss of strength in old age.
TREND 7
CELLULAR YOUTH POTIONS
In the world of longevity, there are two molecules you will hear frequently in 2026. Nicotinamide ribosides (NR) ve Urolitin-A. Both promise “rejuvenation from within” because they both target mitochondria, the power plants of our cells. NR is a special form of vitamin B3. The energy currency of the cell NAD+ It helps to raise the level. NAD+, which decreases with age, disrupts everything from DNA repair to energy production. Refilling this pool with NR supplementation. Urolitin-A is an “intestinal metabolite”. It is produced in the body from polyphenol-rich foods such as pomegranates, walnuts and raspberries. His greatest talent is, “Toss” It triggers the process we call, that is, the cleaning and renewal of aged and damaged mitochondria. In short, it reactivates the cell’s “garbage collection system”. This means tremendous potential for muscle endurance and energy levels.
TREND 8
DON’T CONTACTLESS BODY
Technology has now advanced so much that smart mirror technologies are becoming “pre-diagnostic assistants” rather than just a beauty device. Systems such as Anura can analyze dozens of parameters, from cardiovascular risk to stress level, oxygen saturation to biological age estimation, just by looking at a camera. How? The camera reads that millimetric blood flow, the “microcirculation map” on your face. Artificial intelligence processes this data and reports your blood pressure, stress score and heart rhythm.
TREND 9
METABOLIC RESET REVOLUTION
Slimming injections (GLP-1 agonists: Semaglutide, Tirzepatid), considered the biggest medical revolution of recent years, will have a strong partner in 2026. The new partner of these drugs that “reset” the system by managing appetite and satiety, SGLT-2 inhibitors It will be (Dapagliflozin). This duo activates two mechanisms that complement each other perfectly. While GLP-1 agonists manage appetite and satiety by re-establishing the brain and intestinal axis, SGLT-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar load by removing excess sugar through the kidneys. The result? Not just weight loss, but lower insulin resistance, reduced inflammation and a significant decline in fatty liver.
TREND 10
BIOLOGICAL AGE MEASUREMENT
Keep your calendar age on your ID. The real question in 2026 will be this. “My body how old?”. Measuring biological age is no longer an expensive and difficult curiosity, but is turning into a faster, more accessible and more reproducible “health indicator”. Because data sources are increasing. The leap forward in this field will be accelerated by the transformation of tests from being a “one-time report card” to a “regular monitoring tool”. In addition, reports will now strengthen the “comment” section that tells whether aging is caused by metabolism, the liver, or lack of sleep.
