Winter brings snow and lower temperatures. Admittedly, this year has been short on both so far. Nevertheless, it is a time when our entire body is exposed to many external factors. Our immunity is weakened.
Our skin is also exposed to the cold and frosty air. If we do not pay attention to a proper, balanced diet, the body suffers from nutrient deficiencies.
Although many people run to the gym on January 1 in a fit of New Year’s resolutions, by early February only a handful remain there. As a result, we sometimes greet spring with a few extra pounds. How can we prevent all this? That’s exactly what we’re going to talk about in this article!
The vitamin alphabet
Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K. They are all worth taking care of. However, some of them are more important in the context of winter. The biggest challenge during a wave of illness is immunity. What should we be looking out for?
According to current research, it is crucial to provide the body with vitamin D. Remember that its main source is sunlight. In our geographic region, it is not possible to ensure sufficient supply naturally outside the summer months. Optimal conditions for skin synthesis in our climate are from April to September.
The recommendations of the Institute of Food and Nutrition state that vitamin D should be supplemented during the rest of the year. Elderly people should pay special attention to this. It is also advisable to additionally enrich the diet with products rich in it – such as fatty sea fish.
Another vitamin that is very often associated with immunity is vitamin C. Currently, scientists tend to believe that its amount in the body does not protect us from diseases. On the other hand, it has been proven that a high dose shortens the duration of the disease.
Besides supplements, citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits and lemons are also good sources of this vitamin. Interestingly, however, products that come from Polish plantations have a much higher content of this vitamin. What are we talking about here? Peppers (especially red) and amazing Polish superfoods, like the record holder in terms of vitamin C content – wild rose.
So let’s make sure to provide the body with these vitamins every day. This is especially important at a time when there is a risk of a decline in immunity. There is an abundance of vitamins in a daily serving of vegetables and fruits. If that’s not enough, you can turn to superfoods and supplements.
Healthy skin in winter
Maintaining healthy looking skin is not uncommon either. A very common problem is itchy, dry skin. This problem is exacerbated when we are exposed to cold temperatures, but also by a lack of good indoor air. It is important that the skin is sufficiently moisturized. We should pay attention to what shower gels and soaps we use every day.
It is possible that some may also irritate the skin. At the same time, it is a good idea to use proven skin care products. Emollients and high-quality skin care cosmetics for dry skin help.
Do not forget about sports!
For years, the official recommendations of the main health institutions in Poland and worldwide have put physical activity at the center of their guidelines. Doctors, dieticians and nutritionists unanimously emphasize that regular, moderate exercise is the key to health.
Thousands of articles have been written about the benefits of this approach. To make a long story short: The figure will benefit. At first glance, the visible effects are calories burned and excess body fat. Regular physical activity also reduces the risk of suffering from civilization diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes and obesity.