How To

The colder weather brings us colds our bodies have to fight. I will be changing my supplements and vitamins for this season. Be sure to check with your physician and do your own research into vitamins and supplement, as this is a general guide and recommendation. Here’s my list:

VITAMIN C

Immunity boosters — need I say more? Vitamin C has many more benefits when it comes to your health. Here’s a few big ones: protects your memory and thinking as you age, helps prevent iron deficiency, may lower your risk of heart disease, and helps manage high blood pressure. 

This vitamin is an incredible antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrient that improves skin. How? It is known to improve skin tone and texture, hydrates your skin, and reduces signs of aging. Adding this vitamin to your skincare routine, but also as a supplement to work from the inside out, it can not only brighten your complexion but also protect against skin damage caused by sun expose and harmful free radicals. 

Too much dietary vitamin C is unlikely to be harmful, but large doses may cause diarrhea and nausea. 

ZINC

Zinc is requires for numerous processes in your body, such as immune function, DNA synthesis, wound healing, as well as growth and development. Zinc is an essential mineral but its one your body does not make on its own. For the colder weather, I take zinc for boosting my immune system. Because it is necessary for immune cell function and cell signaling, a deficiency can lead to a weakened immune response. Healthline mag quotes a review of 7 studies that demonstrated that 80–92 mg per day of zinc may reduce the length of the common cold by up to 33%. 

VITAMIN B12

Most B vitamins are available in foods, but Vitamin B12 is not available from plants. Especially those who eat vegetarian or vegan, monitor your Vitamin B levels and take supplements if you are required to. 

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause health problems. They usually develop gradually and worsen if not addressed. But low levels of Vitamin B12 are usually associated with SAD, mood swings and fatigue. This vitamin will raise your energy levels, especially in the gloomy, dark winter months. No one likes the dark evenings at 5pm, but the best we can do is be in good spirits and good energy levels. 

RHODIOLA

This supplemental herb has long been used to help prevent cold and flu. Introduce this supplement in a low dosage at first before increasing, or keep taking at a low dosage throughout winter. 

PROBIOTICS

Did you know about 70% of your immune system is located in your gut? Good gut bacteria is vital for a healthy immune system as well as for our bodies to function. Year-round, you ought to supplement your body with probiotics, but especially in the winter months to ensure your immune system is getting all the help it can get. With probiotics, start with a low dosage before increasing.