(NaturalNews) Cold weather months are notorious for colds, flus, bouts of low energy, and extra fatigue. Fight off germs and malaise with the best winter supplements. Natural supplements can boost the immune system and prepare the body for winter. Try these cold weather remedies to stay healthy and alleviate unpleasant symptoms.
Boost the immune system
A weak immune system leaves the body vulnerable to all the bugs that people share along with presents and holiday cheer. Vitamin A is crucial for a strong immune system and aids in tissue repair. It is also important for good eyesight. Men may benefit from 700 micrograms daily and women may take 600 micrograms.
Selenium is an essential mineral and antioxidant that boosts the immune system and may help protect against cancer. It is a common ingredient in multivitamins. Take 200 micrograms daily.
Vitamin C is a well-known friend to the immune system. Taking vitamin C helps the immune system fight off colds, but it also may help people who are currently ill get better faster.
Echinacea is perhaps the most famous supplement for battling bugs. This supplement comes from a native North American plant. It has antibiotic and anti-viral properties. Some herbalists call echinacea a blood purifier. It may contribute to more white blood cells that help to fight infections. Not everyone likes the taste of echinacea. Those who do can take lozenges and teas, but others can try tinctures and tablets, or take elderberry extract as an alternative. Elderberry is a traditional remedy for colds and flus.
Detoxify the body
Herbs help to rid the body of toxins, which improves overall health and helps the body to function optimally, especially the liver. Dandelion is a good liver tonic. Try it in tea or in a tincture.
Alcohol and holiday festivities go hand in hand, which results in damage to the cells of the liver. An ingredient in milk thistle called silymarin aids in repairing liver cells and could stimulate new cell growth.
Fight bloating and ingestion from all the extra winter eating with cynara artichoke, which stimulates bile production. The supplement may also aid growth of good bacteria in the intestines.
Fight fatigue with these winter supplements
Wintertime makes people naturally want to slow down, relax and eat comfort food. The cold weather and cloudy days make some people tired. Those not as severely affected by weather may also find themselves fatigued during the holidays or cold weather months thanks to added stress from traveling, planning and hosting relatives.
Winter supplements can fight off fatigue. Some people may benefit from a burst of iron. The body needs iron to make red blood cells, which transport oxygen to everywhere in the body. Without adequate oxygen, the body feels run down and eventually can become anemic. Increasing iron intake may improve energy and intellectual performance.
Iron is available in pills and liquid supplements. Women may benefit from 15 milligrams of iron daily. Men can take nine milligrams and kids could use two to nine milligrams, depending upon their age.
Another good winter supplement to battle low energy is Co-enzyme Q10. This supplement helps the body use more oxygen and thus fights fatigue and lethargy.
The small effort required to take supplements can result in a big payoff. Fewer sick days, more energy and a well-functioning body means happier holidays. People taking medication or other natural supplements may wish to consult a naturopathic doctor or other medical expert about the best winter supplements for them.
About the author: Sarka-Jonae Miller is a personal trainer, massage therapist, novelist, and blogger. Get more health and wellness tips on Sarka's Natural Healing Tips blog, Facebook page, or Twitter.
Sarka's debut novel, "Between Boyfriends," recently appeared on three Amazon best seller lists, including Comic Fiction, Humorous Fiction, and Women's Fiction. It peaked at #3 on the first two lists. The novel is available on Amazon worldwide. This is the second time in two months "Between Boyfriends" appeared in the top 10.
East County Magazine calls it the "ultimate chick-lit read." The Rancho Santa Fe Review newspaper says, "Over the course of the book, Jan, who is in her early 20s, begins to grow as a person and even strikes up a true friendship with a man, a first for her." Read a free sample on Amazon.
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