We all take vitamins right? Well, ok we’re supposed to… Some of us opt for the quick and easy multi-vitamin while others rely on eating the “right” foods. Whichever way you choose, it’s important to be consistent. What’s more, is that it’s also important that you’re taking in the most important combinations of vitamins to help your body to perform at its best.
Regrettably, cooler days are ahead. And with that comes more of an interest for warm carbohydrate rich “comfort food” and less gym time. Not to mention, the beating our bodies go through when dealing with going in and out of warm homes and offices to the cold outdoors.
So here are a few essential vitamins that help your body stand up to the inevitable colder days…
- Zinc. The closest you can get to a “magic” vitamin during cold and flu season. Not only does Zinc boost your immunity, but it has been proven to shorten a cold when you already have one. An OSU study claims that even those with mild Zinc deficiencies are much more susceptible to “a variety of infectious agents.” The main ingredient in the over-the-counter nasal gel Zicam (which is supposed to shorten the duration of a cold) is none other than Zinc Gluconate.
- Vitamin C. Although other forms of immunity are emerging as effective, vitamin c is still crucial in the cold/flu season battle. Drink pure fruit juices, many of which contain 100% of your daily vitamin C requirement in a single glass.
- Vitamin D. Needless to stay, for a lot of us, winter brings some pretty dreary weather. Some of you guys won’t see the sun for weeks at a time! (Ouch?!.. We’ve got room here in Cali!) Since vitamin D is relayed through (but not limited to) sunlight, northern residents don’t get a lot of it. WebMD reports that vitamin D deficiencies can lead to cognitive problems, asthma, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer.
- Calcium. Not getting the usual amount of exercise during the winter can lead to muscle weakening. When our muscles aren’t up to par, more pressure is exerted on our bones. Calcium strengthens your bones in preparation for a potential rise in exercise with warmer temperatures. ScienceDaily even reports that calcium supplements reduce fracture incidences, regardless of age or gender.
- Fish oil. For some, a lack of outdoor exposure can often lead to a lot of brain fog and concentration problems. Depending on what part of the country (or world) you live in, fish may or may not be a substantial part of your everyday diet. For beef-lovers like myself, fish oil helps curb unnecessary attention-grabbers and stay on task. According to Mayo Clinic, fish oil also has many heart health benefits as well.
*Source: Yahoo Voices
