To mark the first day of winter, we have our collection of season supplements that help to support your well-being during those frosty mornings. As temperatures drop and the holiday season approaches, it is essential to prioritise your health and vitality.
Our winter wellness newsletter brings you a selection of supplements that can cater to the unique needs of the season. From mood to immune support, we’ve got you covered to thrive in the cold embrace of winter, so let’s take a look.
Winter food supplements
During winter, certain supplements can be particularly beneficial to support overall health and address specific challenges associated with the season. Please do keep in mind that individual needs vary and it’s always recommended to consult with a healthcare practitioner before starting any new supplements.
Vitamin D
With limited exposure to sunlight during winter, some people experience a deficiency in vitamin D. This essential vitamin plays a crucial role in the following:
Immune Support
Vitamin D is known to modulate the immune system, helping it function normally. Having a good amount of vitamin D may contribute to a normal defence against respiratory infections, which are often more prevalent in winter.
Bone Health
Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, crucial minerals for maintaining healthy bones. During winter, outdoor activities and, therefore, sunlight exposure may decrease, so ensuring sufficient vitamin D intake becomes more important for bone health.
Energy and Vitality
Adequate vitamin D levels are associated with normal energy levels and overall vitality. Supplementing with vitamin D may help combat feelings of fatigue and sluggishness that can sometimes accompany the winter season. To ensure you are getting enough vitamin D during the winter, consider incorporating dietary sources like fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and egg yolks into your meals.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is known for its immune supporting properties. It is a crucial nutrient that offers a range of benefits and its role becomes especially important during the winter months. Here is how Vitamin C can help support you through the winter:
Immune system support
Vitamin C is known for its immune supporting properties. It is a crucial nutrient that offers a range of benefits and its role becomes especially important during the winter months. Here is how Vitamin C can help support you through the winter:
Antioxidant Defence
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Exposure to cold weather, indoor heating and other environmental factors during winter can increase oxidative stress and vitamin C helps counteract these effects.
Collagen Synthesis for Skin Health
Vitamin C plays a role in collagen synthesis, which is crucial for maintaining healthy skin. The cold and dry air during winter can take a toll on your skin and adequate amounts of vitamin C intake supports skin elasticity and overall skin health.
To ensure you get enough vitamin C during the winter, include a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet such as citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli.
Zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in supporting the immune system and overall health. During the winter months, the risk of colds and flu is higher, zinc can offer several benefits.
Immune System Support
Zinc is crucial for normal development and the function of the immune cells including white blood cells and natural killer cells. Adequate zinc levels support the body’s ability to mount an effective immune response against viruses and bacteria, helping to fend off infections.
Antioxidant properties
Zinc acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Winter conditions including exposure to cold weather can contribute to increased oxidative stress making the antioxidant properties of zinc particularly beneficial.
Mood and mental health
Zinc is involved in the regulation of neurotransmitters in the brain and it may play a role in supporting mental health. Adequate zinc levels can help with supporting your mood and cognitive function.
Elderberry
Elderberry has been used for its potential health benefits, particularly during the winter months. Here are ways in which elderberry is believed to help through the winter:
Immune System Support
Elderberries are rich in antioxidants, including flavonoids like anthocyanins. These antioxidants may help support the immune system by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Respiratory health
Elderberry has been used to support respiratory health. It may also help alleviate symptoms associated with respiratory infections such as congestion and coughing.
Anti-inflammatory effects
The anti-inflammatory properties of elderberries may contribute to their potential benefits during the winter months, especially when the body may be under stress from infections or environmental factors.
It is important to note to be cautious if using raw elderberries as they can be toxic if not properly prepared and, if pregnant or breastfeeding, to consult with a healthcare practitioner before using elderberry supplements.
Echinacea
Echinacea is an herb that has been used to support the immune system. Here is how echinacea may help during the winter months:
Immune system support
Echinacea is believed to stimulate the immune system by promoting the activity of white blood cells which play a key role in the body’s defence against infections.
Antiviral and antibacterial properties
Some compounds found in echinacea such as aklomides and polysaccharides are thought to have antiviral and antibacterial properties. These properties may help combat infections and reduce the severity and duration of colds and flu.
Anti-inflammatory effects
Echinacea has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation associated with respiratory infections, such as throat irritation and coughing.
Respiratory and Immune Support
We also now have a new product, which is featured in our December product of the month newsletter, which is our Respiratory and Immune Support. Metabolics Respiratory and Immune Support is a balanced food supplement featuring a blend of botanical extracts, vitamins, and minerals, designed to support respiratory health, the immune system, and combat deficiencies. It is particularly beneficial for individuals with weakened immune systems and those seeking to fortify their natural defences during the cold and flu season.
As the winter season unfolds, let Metabolics be your ally in staying healthy and vibrant. Embrace the warmth of wellness with our selection of winter supplements, crafted to support your well-being. We’re excited to journey through the chilly months together, armed with a power of health. Happy winter and stay well!
Stacie Henson has been working at Metabolics for two years and has immersed herself in learning more about Metabolics products and nutrition generally.
She has completed basic nutrition courses and recently completed a Level 4 Nutrition Diploma. Stacie is currently studying for a Level 4 Transformational Nutrition course to further her experience and knowledge to better support Metabolics customers.