There’s no way to control the season’s falling temps and snow, but you can control winter’s effects on your body and your immune system. Winter’s common negative impacts are an increase in illnesses and seasonal depression. Here are some ways to arm yourself for the long months ahead:
Vitamin D3 (or vitamin D): Known as sunshine in a bottle, it is just that – replacing what mother nature has suppressed during the winter. The body produces all of the D compounds naturally when it is exposed to sunlight, but during the times of low sun, you’ll need to increase your intake of D through foods or supplements. This magical vitamin helps strengthen bones, teeth and the immune system. It is also important in boosting your mood. Vitamin D deficiency is a leading symptom of depression.
Vitamin C is another crucial vitamin to help guard against the negative effects of winter. Vitamin C is required for the proper development and function of many parts of the body. It is most commonly used for preventing and treating the common cold and also plays an important role in maintaining proper immune function. During the winter months, less vitamin C rich foods are consumed, so you may need to find a good multivitamin that is high in Vitamin C.
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that help maintain a healthy digestive system. Usually we think of bacteria as causing disease, but our digestive system is also full of what is known as “good bacteria” – or Probiotics – which maintains our health, in more ways than just our digestion. Probiotics maintain the microorganisms that live in our digestive track known as gut flora.
Our gut is often referred to as our “second brain” because 80% of your immune system is in the gut. Keeping our gut healthy and stabilized is not just important in digestion but believe it or not, will help stabilize your mood. People who suffer from depression have shown low levels of gut flora. When we consume refined foods or antibiotics, we kill off the good bacteria. So, finding a good probiotic is so important to keeping our gut healthy this winter.
Immune Boosters: In addition to arming yourself with a good multi-vitamin, there are other immune-boosting supplements to help you fend off the common cold and flus. Immune boosting supplements could help you fend off other illnesses as well.
“Supplements are one way to get ready for winter, but you should also make sure you schedule regular adjustments with your chiropractor,” suggests Dr. Raymond Vactor of Wexford Chiropractic Centre. “Keeping your spine in proper alignment keeps your immune system working optimally. Stay healthy and happy through those long winter months!”
Dr. Raymond Vactor has been practicing for over 30 years in Western, PA and believes the key to wellness is the combination of exercise, nutrition and chiropractic care.
Vitamin D3 (or vitamin D): Known as sunshine in a bottle, it is just that – replacing what mother nature has suppressed during the winter. The body produces all of the D compounds naturally when it is exposed to sunlight, but during the times of low sun, you’ll need to increase your intake of D through foods or supplements. This magical vitamin helps strengthen bones, teeth and the immune system. It is also important in boosting your mood. Vitamin D deficiency is a leading symptom of depression.
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that help maintain a healthy digestive system. Usually we think of bacteria as causing disease, but our digestive system is also full of what is known as “good bacteria” – or Probiotics – which maintains our health, in more ways than just our digestion. Probiotics maintain the microorganisms that live in our digestive track known as gut flora.
Immune Boosters: In addition to arming yourself with a good multi-vitamin, there are other immune-boosting supplements to help you fend off the common cold and flus. Immune boosting supplements could help you fend off other illnesses as well.