Are you a sun worshipper that can’t help feeling sad when the clocks go back? Or do you spend your summer counting down to colder, cosier nights?
Love it or hate it, the experts at Healthspan, the UK’s number one direct vitamin company, have shared their top tips for staying well in the months ahead. After all; winter is coming…
Don’t depend on cold and Flu tablets
It’s no secret that coughs and colds are rife during winter, but this year why not try ditching the cold and flu tablets and opt for a more natural remedy instead.
Pelargonium is a traditional herbal remedy (THR) derived from the roots of a South African geranium, Pelargonium sidoides.
“Pelargonium contains several unique substances that have direct antiviral and antibiotic activity”, says GP, Dr Sarah Brewer. “It also boosts the activity of immune cells to neutralise infection, stops bacteria from sticking to cell walls and increases the rate at which mucus is cleared from the respiratory tract.”
Pelargonium is thought to be most effective in the early stages of cold, with trials showing that 78 per cent of people taking pelargonium were clinically cured after 10 days, in comparison with just 34 per cent who took a placebo.
Go easy on your cut
Winter is definitely the most overindulgent of the seasons, with the average person consuming an extra 19,381 calories throughout December alone. In fact, we eat and drink our way through an extra 644 calories each day!
“The odd treat over Christmas might not seem bad, but once you start adding everything up, it can play havoc with our digestion”, explains a spokesperson for Healthspan.
“Peppermint oil aids digestion by stimulating digestive juices, while its antiseptic and analgesic properties help to reduce spasms in the gut caused by IBS”, says Dr Sarah Brewer.
Turn down the central heating
A poll conducted by energy company E revealed the average temperature we keep our houses in winter, is 23 degrees.
But while your toes are left feeling toasty, spending lots of time indoors will leave skin feeling dry, rough and tight, due to the lack of moisture in the air. As a result, we are more prone to developing wrinkles and skin loses its vibrancy.
To keep your complexion looking cool, keep temperatures between 18 and 21 degrees, and always turn the heating off before you go to bed. A good skin-care routine is essential; the Nurture Replenish day – night duo pack includes both a day and night cream designed to intensively nourish and hydrate skin.
Cut down on sugar
Research has shown that the average person in the UK consumes around 101 grams of sugar each day, despite the World Health Organisation’s guidelines of 20 teaspoons or less per day.
If these stats aren’t enough to make you step away from that festive-themed beverage, those 644 extra calories consumed per day over the Christmas period might – most of which come from chocolate!
This season, “swap snacks (such as chocolate) for unsalted nuts and replace fizzy drinks for water and sugar-free squash instead”, advises Rob Hobson, Healthspan’s Head of Nutrition. “If you find yourself craving sugar, try a chromium supplement, which is thought to increase your body’s insulin receptors and suppress cravings.”
Get up and go
A chill in the air is often associated with aching or stiff joints, but while it can be tempting to stay inside and hibernate, avoiding activity will only make them worse.
Be sure to maintain your regular exercise routine, making sure you hit at least 30 minutes per day. Not only will it keep your joints supple, but it will help improve strength and balance, mood, digestion and even immunity.
To protect your joints inside and out try a supplement. “The first line option is to increase your intake of omega 3 fish oils (which reduce inflammation), and to try a glucosamine plus chondroitin sulphate(which when taken together have beneficial effects on joint cartilage) supplement”, suggests Dr Sarah Brewer.
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