Five supplements to help keep you healthy and happy this Winter (AFF)
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Here are five supplements that will help keep your body and mind healthy this Winter
Winter is just around the corner, meaning darker evenings, colder mornings, and a heightened chance of getting sick.
Luckily, there are a number of steps you can take to increase your immunity in the weeks leading up to it.
Holland & Barrett has a huge selection of vitamins, minerals, and supplements that will help your body fight any unwanted illnesses naturally.
Below are five recommendations that can help with just that:
Ginger is a natural immunity booster and is even more powerful when coupled with turmeric, which is great for joint health.
Ginger contains several anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
Inflammation can damage cells, which can lead to a weakened immune system, while antioxidants fight free radicals that can cause stress and damge to your cells.
Turmeric works in a similar way, but is better known for its joint health properties.
It also helps to keep your gut and heart healthy.
Vitamin D3 is naturally produced in our bodies when we are exposed to sunlight, but Winter approaching means there is a lack of sun.
This can have a knock-on effect on your immunity, mood, and bone health.
“Winter blues” can be battled by incorporating the vitamin into your daily diet in advance.
“Vitamin D is your body's best friend, supporting the immune system, muscle function, calcium absorption and more,” the Holland & Barrett website states.
It also helps to keep bones healthy by aiding in the absorption of calcium.
Low Vitamin D levels are linked to fatigue, low mood, and “seasonal blues.”
3. Manuka Honey
Originating in New Zealand, Manuka honey is one of nature’s most powerful resources, a “superfood” as some describe it.
Manuka honey is rich in anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties, making is essential as the sickness season approaches.
People have used it for thousands of years, long before they understood its powerful benefits.
Methylglyoxal (MGO), the antibacterial compound found in Manuka honey, is a key measure of how effective the honey will be.
The higher the MGO, the more “activity within the honey,” according to the Holland & Barrett website.
Adding live bacteria to your diet will help to keep your gut healthy and alive.
The Holland & Barrett Live Friendly Bacteria contains 20 billion live bacteria per capsule, from four “carefully selected strains.”
Also known as probiotics, live bacteria help to fight off “bad” bacteria in your body and help to fight infection.
Lactobacillus, which helps to fight harmful microbes while aiding in nutrient absorption, and Bifidobacterium, which prevents harmful bacteria from sticking to your insides, are the two main bacteria in these capsules.
They are available in several dosage options ranging from three billion live bacteria to 100 billion.
5. Ashwagandha
Not necessarily for immune health, Ashwagandha is vital for overall wellbeing, happiness, and resilience.
Ashwagandha is a small evergreen shrub native to India, Africa, and the Middle East that helps the body “adapt to physical and mental stress.”
It has also been shown to improve sleep health and mood regulation.
Adding Ashwagandha to your diet ahead of Winter can help to keep you happy and healthy as the duller days begin.