Vitamins and minerals are considered to be vital nutrients for keeping the human body in good working order. However, as the seasons change certain vitamins can be more impactful in giving us a better boost. People can source a lot of these through foods as well as vitamin supplements. This can be helpful to know which ones to pay extra attention to over the winter months.
It might be tempting to worry about how warm your hat will be and how puffy your coat will be. However, it’s just as important to think about what you’re putting in your body as to what you’re putting on it during the winter season. The nutrients in your diet allow your body to function normally and protects it from outside threats, such as germs.
Food should provide you with nutrients, but we all know no one is perfect when it comes to eating. This is where vitamin supplements come into play. Within this article, I’ve compiled a list of vitamins you can take this winter to boost your health. If you plan to add a new vitamin supplement to your diet then it’s important to consult with your GP before doing so.
Vitamin D
Firstly, when it comes to vitamin D, your body produces vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight. This can be more difficult within the winter season as the days are shorter as well as it being very cold outside which leads to people being inside more. Taking vitamin D supplements has a majority of health benefits like healthy bones and improved resistance against certain diseases. As well as fighting the winter blues.
There aren’t many foods that contains vitamin D, however the ones that do are fish, dairy products and mushrooms. Even consuming these products, it can be hard to meet your recommended daily requirement. The recommended amount of vitamin D has fluctuated over the years, however, you should consume between 600 to 2,000 of IU of vitamin D daily.
Vitamin C
Although vitamin C can provide you with many benefits during the winter season, it cannot prevent you from getting the flu, although it can reduce the severity of the illness. This is because vitamin C strengthens your body’s immune system. If you would prefer to consume your vitamin D from food you can get it from cranberries, citrus fruits, leafy greens and bell peppers. An apple a day won’t keep the doctor away, but an orange might (if it doesn’t well hey, at least it tastes good).
Iron
Within the UK population anaemia is estimated to be 23% in pregnant women and 14% in average people. Having low iron can be problematic since it’s the mineral that produces haemoglobin. This is the protein responsible for carrying oxygen to your tissues. It can also help with regulating your body temperature, which can definitely come in handy when you’re trying to stay warm this winter.
If you are feeling fatigued, experiencing cold hands and feet or are dealing with headaches, get in touch with our pharmacy or your local GP about adding an iron supplement to your diet.
Overall, vitamins and minerals are crucial nutrients to your overall health and well-being, not just during the winter season but also year-round. When it comes to maintaining a healthy immune system, staying warm and fighting the winter blues, supplements can help.
It’s also important to remember there are no magic pills, and that goes for vitamins too. Eating a healthy diet should give you the vitamins you need. Vitamin supplements should do what they are designed for, supplementing. Speak to your doctor about any deficiencies you may be experiencing. They will decide what dosage is right for you.
