Health Tips and Tricks

Health tips and tricks to get you through winter

Winter is sometimes tough on morale. It is often associated with seasonal depression and fatigue. Some people become irritable. However, there are several solutions available to us, including making small changes to our diet, to help us get through the winter! Here are some tips to make your life easier during the cold season.

Eat differently depending on the season
In winter, most people notice an increase in food intake. Did you know? Indeed, at this time of year, we tend to eat more calories. The end of year celebrations obviously have a lot to do with it. Many people find comfort in their depression in food, so they have many occasions (or pretexts) during the holiday season to eat more. Also, in Nordic countries like Canada, the availability and price of food varies from season to season, and this affects how we eat and what choices we have to make.

 "All the changes brought on by the seasons change our diet and, at the same time, the amount of vitamins and minerals we consume," said Hubert Cormier, certified nutritionist, author and speaker.

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What to watch for during the winter?
Vitamin D, also known as the "sunshine vitamin," is a priority when it comes to winter nutrition. When the sun is scarce, from October to April, we all suffer from a vitamin D deficit. As this vitamin plays an important role in the production of serotonin, it is often associated with mood. The effect of a vitamin D deficiency on the circadian cycle remains to be elucidated.

To counter stress and winter depression, magnesium is an ally of choice. This essential mineral in the body is crucial for a considerable number of metabolic reactions.

"For example, if you feel tired regularly, especially when you wake up, you may have a magnesium deficiency." adds M.Cormier
In addition, heavy consumption of alcohol, coffee or carbonated drinks can lower your magnesium stores and thus affect your energy. Researchers have found that the North American diet is rather low in magnesium compared to the rest of the world. To overcome the deficit, it is recommended to consume more fruits, whole grains, seafood, dark chocolate and nuts. One can also opt for supplements in the form of tablets or capsules.

Zinc could improve the immune response (colds only have to behave well!) And promote recovery in the event of general weakness, especially thanks to its antioxidant functions. In contrast, a zinc deficiency would affect the proper functioning of the immune system and energy levels in general.

Magnesium supplements come in different forms, they can help soothe headaches and migraines, boost the immune system and digestive problems, and keep bones and muscles working. explains Mr. Cormier
Nature's Bounty offers a range of magnesium-based products to help you easily integrate this mineral into your daily life. Its absorbable magnesium, which contains oxide, is available as a soft gel, easier to swallow and absorb for maximum benefit. Nature's Bounty also offers other products such as Magnesium Oxide, Magnesium Citrate and Magnesium Plus Electrolytes.

To make sure you have a healthy winter, you also need to do some form of physical activity, especially outdoors.

Exercise even helps prevent the onset of seasonal depression.