Winter Holidays is just around the corner, and you know what that means. People are more inclined to stay indoors and enjoy family, friends, and the satiating feasts of comfort food. The winter months can also bring with it gloomy moods, a lack of exercise and extra weight gain. The lack of Sunshine during this time can really affect people and trigger a disorder called S.A.D. Seasonal Affective Disorder, is a type of depression that people experience during the fall and winter months. It affects about 40% of the American population and symptoms include sleeping more often, sadness, irritability, anxiety, overeating and constant fatigue. Those who live in high latitudes or areas with lots of clouds are more susceptible to this disorder.
In this article we will discuss how to stay healthy this winter by boosting the immune system with vitamins and exploring different lifestyle tips that promote mental health and wellbeing.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is one of the best vitamins to take in the winter because it is crucial for healthy mood balance, bone health and a strong immune system. Not to mention, we lose out on a lot of the vitamin D that the natural sunlight brings, so supplementation is important. Adults should be getting at least 4000IU everyday. Noor’s Vitamin D3 meets recommended daily requirements and can be a viable solution if deficiency is present. Vitamin D is fat soluble vitamin and isn’t found naturally in many foods. Sources include oily fish, organ meats and fortified foods like cereals and orange juice. Always get your levels checked with a doctor and discover different to avoid vitamin d deficiency this winter.
Omega 3
This essential fat isn’t found in the body but is just as important as the nutrients our bodies makes on their own. Omega 3 can be found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and tuna. It is also rich in avocado, raw nuts, and coconut oils. Omega 3 helps to nourish the brain, improving cognitive function and boosting mood. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties, which can help with joint pain that tends to be more prominent during winter in those who suffer from arthritis. Noor’s Ultra Omega is a balanced fish oil formulation that meets daily requirements, offering 1200mg in every serving. A convenient way to get your daily dose of this essential fat.
Vitamin C
As the seasons shift and the flu season arises, we become more prone to getting sick. Keeping the immune system strong in this time is important, and vitamin C can be your greatest ally. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that strengthens the body’s natural defenses, helping to fight off bacteria and infection. It also helps to lower blood pressure, fight free radical damage, and prevent chronic disease. Unlike Vitamin D, vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, which means it is not stored in the body for later use, so daily intake is crucial. Noor’s vitamin C chewable tablets offer a delightful citrus taste while delivering all the benefits of this immune boosting favorite.
Multivitamin
Multivitamins are great to fill nutritional gaps throughout the day. It’s important to keep the cells optimal with the nutrients they need to function at their best. Noor’s Energy + Multivitamin keeps you healthy and energized, helping to fight off the fatigue winter can bring. It offers an array of B vitamins and minerals, enriched with whole food extracts and natural sugars to top up your nutritional needs.
Winter Health Tips
Stay Active
Get outside and move around, especially on a sunny day. Look into winter activities like skating, tobogganing, skiing or even a brisk walk to stay active. Not all of us are as comfortable with the cold, but once you are dressed for the weather, it becomes more tolerable and can even be fun, especially when out and about with loved ones.
Drink Water
It is common for our desire for water to decrease during winter, as we perspire less often and prefer to stay warm with hot beverages. Did you know that you can drink your water hot? It’s not only hydrating but it aids digestion, improves circulation, and can even help loosen up that stuffy nose! Drinking hot or room temperature water will help your body maintain a normal temperature, while keeping your body healthy and free of toxins.
Manage Weight Gain
Eat in moderation. I know it can be tempting to eat all the chocolate, eggnog and festive treats this holiday brings, but it’s important to practice self-discipline and eat in moderation. Since many of us “hibernate” and might not be as active, we are more likely to put on some extra pounds during the winter months. Drinking a protein shake is a great way to keep you full and curb cravings. Taking digestive enzymes before a meal to assist with digestion, can avoid bloating and constipation. Incorporating some extra fiber in the diet to stay regular is also a smart way to manage weight. Our bodies can hold up to 20 lbs. of feces, so staying regular with adequate amounts of water and foods like prunes, pears, berries, and legumes are essential.
Conclusion
All in all, staying healthy this holiday season requires a couple of essential keys. A few minutes of sun exposure every day to have a positive impact on your mood. Taking winter supplements towards the ending of autumn to give the body and mind a head start during the shift of seasons. Being mindful of your water intake and creating a New Year’s Food Plan to keep you on track , as well as supporting the body with exercise and movement, is a recipe for a healthy winter.
Now that the world is slowly getting back to normal after an almost 2 year pandemic, check out different ways to keep you and the family healthy and safe this winter.
