Do you experience low energy, a weakened immune system, or hair loss? Which vitamins do you take in different seasons? How do you support your daily energy levels on seasonal changes?
Fatigue, frequent illness, mood swings, and hair loss are common physical and psychological effects of seasonal changes. Taking the right precautions can help prevent deficiencies and improve overall well-being. Addressing these concerns with proper nutrition and supplements is the key to maintaining a healthy and balanced life.
One of the most enjoyable moments is drinking a cup of hot chocolate with vapour rising from it as winter approaches. However, a cold season also means dry skin, the common cold, and the well-known winter blues. It needs a proactive approach to protect our health.
During cold weather, the number of common cold, bacterial, and viral infections also increases. Especially, it easily spreads and turns into an outbreak among students in schools and kindergartens. We may strengthen our immune system to protect against these infections or recover our health after an infection by using some supplements. Zinc, vitamin C, beta glucan, citrus flavonoids, omega-3, and iron are some of the main supporting supplements.
1. Strengthening Your Immune System in Autumn and Winter
Vitamin D is known as “the sunshine vitamin” and plays a crucial role, from fighting against infections to strengthening bone health. The body needs this vitamin all year round. However, especially in winter, our vitamin D stores deplete due to the lack of sunlight.
Doctors emphasize the effects of Vitamin D deficiency on the immune system. According to studies, in Vitamin D deficiency, some symptoms occur, such as aches in the body, muscles, and bones, tiredness, skin paleness, hair loss, headache, and sleeplessness. Do you know the daily doses you should take to relieve these symptoms? Unfortunately, the nutrients we consume are not enough to provide sufficient Vitamin D. After receiving approval from your doctor, experts recommend that you should take a vitamin D supplement with your breakfast.
Consuming oily foods in your diet is important for the absorption of beneficial fats and fat-soluble vitamins, such as Vitamin D. Did you know that with strong supplements for seasonal changes you can support your bone health, immune system, cardiovascular health, and protect your metabolism?
Vitamin C – You can help strengthen your immune defense against common colds and influenza with Vitamin C. Also known as L-ascorbic acid, this powerful antioxidant plays a crucial role in immune function. In addition to supporting overall health, it is essential for preventing dry skin problems caused by winter and contributes to collagen synthesis, which nourishes the skin’s moisture and elasticity.
Zinc – Another way to prevent the common cold? Zinc. This essential nutrient naturally supports immune health. It helps prevent skin problems, alleviates chronic fatigue, supports children’s growth and development, reduces inflammation, and enhances DNA synthesis and protein metabolism. Even if we incorporate zinc into our daily diet through natural sources such as fish, meat, poultry, cereals, peas, and dairy products, it may still be necessary to take it as a supplement under expert guidance to prevent deficiencies.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Winter depression is real. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) may affect some adults. Due to reduced sunlight exposure in winter, symptoms such as mood changes, altered eating habits, fatigue, difficulty waking up in the morning, and increased sleep duration may occur. At this stage, seeking psychiatric support is important. Treatments such as phototherapy, antidepressant therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy are commonly recommended. Additionally, these treatments may be supported with dietary supplements. Vitamin D and omega-3 rank among the top choices.
Epidemiologic and laboratory studies have naturally led to clinical trials, as research indicates that omega-3 levels tend to be lower in individuals with depression. Although omega-3 fatty acids are still being investigated for their effects on mood disorders, some studies suggest they may promote mental clarity. Thus, Vibrant Health’s Trilogy combines omega-3 fatty acids with multivitamins and probiotics to support brain and body health.
2. Boosting Your Energy Levels in Spring
We need more daily energy in spring and summer, and taking B-complex vitamins and multivitamins may help meet these needs. Sodium, potassium, and magnesium supplements can also help restore electrolyte balance and replenish lost fluids during hot summer days.
3. Protection Against the Effects of Sun and Heat in Summer
Collagen and biotin supplements for seasonal changes are also considered effective in protecting the skin from aging caused by sun exposure and environmental damage.
Zinc is one of the beneficial minerals that helps protect the skin from sun damage. As we mentioned before, zinc supports DNA synthesis and contributes to healthier skin. We can nourish the skin with elastin while also strengthening our hair and nails with keratin and biotin, helping us get ready for summer.
4. Supplement Recommendations for Weight Management During Seasonal Transitions
On the other hand, physical transformation becomes noticeable at the end of winter. As people start a diet and exercise to lose weight, they often support their efforts with supplements. There are various weight management supplements that can help achieve a fitter body for summer. Some of these include chromium picolinate, bromelain, black seed oil, probiotics, and apple cider vinegar supplements.
These supplements may help balance blood sugar levels, boost fat burning, rejuvenate the body with their antioxidant properties, and increase the number of beneficial bacteria in the intestines. Besides all these benefits, other supplements that may aid weight loss include turmeric extract, black pepper extract, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and L-carnitine.
Chromium exists in various forms. While some of its dangerous forms are used in industrial production, its nutritional form occurs naturally. One such form is chromium picolinate. It enhances the effect of insulin, a hormone synthesized in the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. This hormone plays a crucial role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats obtained from food. However, chromium has low intestinal absorption, with an absorption rate of only about 2.5%. The picolinate form, on the other hand, is significantly better absorbed.It has been shown to be effective in balancing blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. Additionally, studies indicate that taking 1 mg of chromium picolinate daily can help reduce appetite, hunger, and overall food intake within 8 weeks.
Bromelain is a protein-digesting enzyme derived from the stem, core, and fruit of the pineapple. It has been shown to support the recovery of various conditions, including asthma, chronic heart disease, osteoarthritis, chronic sinusitis, and burns.
The primary role of bromelain in weight loss stems from its ability to reduce edema. Animal studies have shown that bromelain affects leptin, the hormone responsible for regulating appetite. In human studies, diabetic patients taking bromelain twice daily along with diabetes medication resulted in significantly greater weight loss compared to those who only took diabetes medication.
Conclusion: Be Prepared for Seasonal Changes!
Strengthening your health with the guidance of a doctor or healthcare professional will better prepare you for seasonal transitions, helping you cope with cold weather, heat, mood changes, and skin issues. To find the most suitable supplement for you, be sure to consult your healthcare provider!
References:
https://www.webmd.com/diet/supplement-guide-bromelain-bromelin
https://draxe.com/nutrition/bromelain/
