During the winter months our whole body kicks it into a lower gear. The days are shorter so we can immediately leave out the possibility of getting enough vitamin D from sunlight, considering the lower temperatures we are spending a lot more time indoors so our fresh oxygen supply is also depleted, and finally the availability of fresh produce is limited, thus the vitamins we are getting from fresh fruits and vegetables are visibly missing from our diet.
This is where we need to be smarter and find different ways of supplying our body with valuable nutrients throughout the winter months. And this article is here to help you find those precious nutrients sources without breaking a sweat.
Vitamins, vitamins and more vitamins
As we have previously mentioned lack of sunlight leads to deficit of vitamin D, so this is one of the main nutrients we need to replenish during the winter months. Some of the favourable properties of vitamin D are that it helps us absorb and metabolize essential minerals and aids in regulation of our immune system. In order to compensate the lack of sun rays we should include more vitamin D rich foods like mushrooms or fatty fish in our nutrition during the winter months.
With flu season being at its highest during the winter months, vitamin C will be our best friend. It gives our immune system a leg up and helps fight off viruses. We usually get sufficient amount of this nutrient through fresh fruit and vegetables, but considering these are scarce during the winter months, taking it in the form of supplements might not be a bad idea until spring brings us fresh produce.
Iron
Lack of iron can really slow our body down during the winter. Iron not only gives our immunity the greatly needed boost thus keeping the flu at bay, but it also helps keep our energy levels high despite the lack of daylight and limited physical activity. You can find iron in dark leafy vegetables and red meat, but you can also opt for iron supplements and have them delivered at your doorstep by an online pharmacy or a quick trip to your local drugstore will do the trick. That way you can make sure you are always supplied with the right supplements and that your adequate iron levels keep you energetic throughout the winter months.
Potassium
This is the one vital nutrient you might have overlooked. Potassium helps your heart function properly and it can also help your cells maintain their fluid balance. You can easily replenish your potassium levels by choosing the right food, from the potassium rich bananas to winter squash and kale. All of which can help your body maintain pH and acid levels.
Folic Acid
No, it is not just for pregnant women. Anyone who is stubbornly avoiding introducing sufficient amounts of leafy greens in their nutrition is potentially in danger of suffering from lack of folic acid. Especially since this types of vegetable are at an all time low during the winter months. Now if we want to avoid dry, flaky skin caused by taking an increased number of hot baths and showers, along with the low humidity levels, we need to supplement our body with folic acid. Otherwise there is a possibility that our skin won’t retain sufficient moisture which leads to its dryness and flakiness.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are chemical compounds that stop free radicals damaging healthy cells, and they can help boost our immune system so that it can fight off colds during the winter months. They can be found in different types of foods and vitamins and are essential for keeping our body healthy during the winter. So adding antioxidant rich fruit to your diet is a must if you want to keep the cold away and give your immune system a hand until spring shows up.
There you have it, the five essential nutrients you shouldn’t be without during the cold winter months. You can make sure your body functions like a well oiled machine just by switching up your nutritional habits and providing your immune system with everything it needs to keep you healthy and energetic whole winter long.
Guest Blogger
Luke Douglas mrlukeidouglas@gmail.com website: Ripped
