Wellness Essentials for a Healthy Winter
Key Nutrients for Optimal Immunity
Wednesday, June 8, 2016 — Whether your affliction to the cold weather is physical, mental or emotional, there are wellness boosting, mood-lifting steps you can take to help you get through the season, immunity in check.
“According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, winter is a time when our energy goes ‘in and down’. It’s a time of introspection,” says nutritionist, naturopath, medical herbalist and Lifestream ambassador, Janella Purcell.
“Cook and eat meals that require a longer cooking time and add in wholefood supplementation for that extra nutritional boost. Prepare meals that contain more water, that cook over a lower temperature for a longer time. So a long simmer instead of throwing a quick salad together is ideal. Bake your veggies instead of a quick stir-fry. Pull out your slow cooker in winter and use your oven more. Everything should slow down.”
There are key nutrients to look for, which may support a healthy immune system, helping you to bounce back more quickly if winter lurgies have stopped you in your tracks.
Vitamin C
While Vitamin C and its benefits are well known, not all are created equally. Most commonly, Vitamin C is synthetically derived—a manmade, laboratory-made isolated vitamin, which may be not as bioavailable as natural vitamins, which contain other naturally occurring co-factors. Opt for nature-sourced foods and supplements that are rich in Vitamin C, such as acerola berries. Naturally sourced Vitamin C will be gentle on the stomach and contain all co-factors and other necessary nutrients for optimal absorption.
Vitamin D
Often referred to as a sunshine vitamin, Vitamin D is produced by the body through exposure to sunlight. Inadequate levels of Vitamin D3 can lead to bone complaints and may be associated with lowered immunity.
B Vitamins
Poor diet, high stress, alcohol and medications can interfere with Vitamin B absorption and can deplete the body’s stores. B vitamins are needed for strengthening natural immunity. Choose only supplements that offer optimum bioavailability.
Selenium
This is an essential trace mineral has been shown to be depleted in New Zealand and Australian soils. Topping up, as prescribed, is important for healthy immunity and thyroid function.
Ginger
A warming and soothing digestive and circulatory tonic that helps with the discomfort of ills and chills. Ginger warms the body, increasing circulation and enhancing absorption of nutrients into the blood stream. A ginger syrup, with apple cider vinegar and Manuka honey, is an ideal tonic to drink when feeling cold, tired and sluggish.
Spirulina
Containing a naturally occurring balance of nutrients including vitamins, minerals, trace elements, as well as all of the essential amino acids, spirulina has a rich spectrum of natural antioxidants, phytonutrients and co-factors, including B vitamins, zinc, chromium and calcium. Phycocyanin (which is exclusively found in spirulina) in particular helps support the immune system and its ability to function, in spite of stress, from environmental toxins and infectious agents.
Lifestream is available at pharmacies and health food stores nationwide. It’s nutrition to live by.
Find out more at www.lifestream.co.nz
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