Winter Supplements – Part 1
A good time of the year to consider taking winter supplements is as soon as the warmer summer days are over. It is important to prepare our body for the colder days ahead of us, and vitamin D is one of the most important vitamins our bodies tend to lack during the winter.
While our nutrition should come mainly from natural sources and nutrient-dense foods, we should be supplementing our diet with vitamins based on the time of the year and on our body’s demands.
During winter our diet changes. On some grey days, we just don’t feel like eating a cold, leafy green salad, and we probably prefer another cup of hot drink instead of snacking on an orange. This means that our vitamin intake can drop drastically, which is not what we need during the flu season. So let’s have a look at some supplements that will keep our immune system fit and fighting through winter.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is probably the most important supplement to take during winter. Vitamin D is vital for good health, growth and strong bones. It is important not only to help keep our bones strong, but it also plays a role in the life cycle of cells, it enhances our immune system and neuromuscular function, and it reduces inflammation.
A lack of this important vitamin is common, particularly in Ireland, as it is made in the skin by exposure to the sun. Sunlight is something we don’t see a lot of here during the colder months of the year.
Vitamin D Supplements
Because food tends to be low in vitamin D – unless it is fortified with vitamin D, such as breakfast cereal and some dairy products – the best second source after sunlight for vitamin D are supplements. Our daily requirement for Vitamin D can easily be obtained from a good quality Vitamin D supplement.
Vitamin C
Although it doesn’t really prevent colds, vitamin C pumps up our immune system. It is our body’s first defense against viruses. If we do get a cold, some extra Vitamin C can even help to dry up a runny nose and we get better quicker. Be sure to choose a good quality of vitamin C, such as Natures Aid Vitamin C 1000mg Time Release.
This Vitamin C supplement contributes to the normal function of the immune system and increases iron absorption. Vitamin C also contributes to maintaining the normal function of the immune system during and after intense physical exercise.
Zinc
There’s a reason why zinc is a popular cold fighter winter supplement. Taking zinc every 2 hours within the first two days of a cold can even shorten how long you’re sick. A good option for Zinc supplement is Natures Aid Calcium, Magnesium and Zinc.
This supplement also comes with Calcium and Magnesium, which together contribute to normal blood clotting, normal neurotransmission, the normal function of digestive enzymes, a reduction of tiredness and fatigue, electrolyte balance, normal functioning of the nervous system and normal protein synthesis.
Garlic
Garlic supplements work as well as fresh garlic, but no one wants to walk around with garlic breath. Garlic doesn’t stop colds, but it does speed up recovery because it is good for our immune system.
A good garlic supplement is Natures Aid Concentrated Garlic with 2000mcg of Allicin. Natures Aid concentrated Garlic is made using a unique cold-processing technique. The tablets are then coated to assist in further reducing the odor and aftertaste of garlic.
Please Note: If you take blood-thinning medications, check with your doctor before using garlic supplements.
