Winter wonder by Wholefoods Nutritionist Julie Ann Kelly
Stressbusters: Winter brings with it a new season of college modules, exams and all the pressures that go along with projects and deadlines. For those of us in the 9-5 world, winter brings with it cold day, dark mornings and evenings, and the stresses of getting around in the deteriorating weather. Rhodiola is a mental adaptogenic herb that may help maintain normal mental function, helping to bring clarity of mind and a sense of calm. An adaptogen helps the body adapt to stresses of various kinds, whether heat, cold, exertion, trauma, sleep deprivation, toxic exposure, radiation, infection, or psychological stress. Terra Nova provides fresh freeze dried Rhodiola in an easy to swallow capsule. A.Vogel Passiflora is another food supplement which is particularly useful for supporting those prone to worrying or feeling ‘under pressure’, helping to maintain a healthy response to stress.
Fight that Flu: The change of moving from the joys of the summer to the clouds of winter can take its toll on our bodies. We need to give them a helping hand to adapt so we can prevent a health crash. Beta Glucans have been noted for several uses including immune function. These in combination with other immune products such as Kyolic Garlic (odourless), Vitamin D and probiotics provide a good buffer to see you through the climate change. For a super all-in-one, try Quest Immunebiotix – handy to take on the go as they don’t need to be refrigerated. Increasing Vitamin C at this time of year may also prove beneficial. Higher Nature’s Immune+ is a great blend vitamin C with blackcurrant, black elderberry and bilberry, which provide a good source of flavonoids and anthocyanidins.
Festive Cheer: With Winter comes Christmas. With Christmas comes food… drink… and lots of it! Nelson’s Nux Vomica is a basic homeopathic digestive remedy used to relieve nausea, sour burping, gas, bloating a few hours after eating, indigestion, heartburn, after effects of overeating, eating rich foods or spicy foods. Milk thistle extracts are widely used to protect the liver against toxins and to control chronic liver diseases. One of its active constituents, Silymarin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and it may help the liver repair itself by growing new cells. A. Vogel Milk Thistle is available in tablet form. As the liver repairs itself at night time it is helpful to take 1-2 tablets before bed, and again in the morning for optimal function. Nelson’s Arnica 30C is also useful for the shock to the body that over indulgence brings!
Combat the Blues: Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as winter depression, winter blues, summer depression, summer blues, or seasonal depression affects many people, some of whom do not realise what they are experiencing. People who experience the condition often show symptoms of classic depression including insomnia, anxiety, irritability, decreased appetite, weight loss, social withdrawal, and decreased sex drive. People with depression have been noted to have low levels of Vitamin D. Several studies have investigated the use of high doses of Vitamin D in the treatment of SAD with extremely positive outcomes. Quest Vitamin D 400IU is a one a day chewable tablet that tastes great and makes it easy to reach the high doses that the research requires.
The body may need a little help to accustom to the change in weather, diet and lifestyle: Start the day with Terra Nova’s Life Drink – a complex drink packed with super greens, mushrooms, berries, omega oil, digestive enzymes and probiotics. And what’s more it tastes neutral – so can be added to your preferred juice, or enjoyed on its own with water. Handy single sachets are now available for on-the-go. Alternatively, Quest Super Once a Day is a nutrient dense multi-vitamin which is easy to digest by the body and contains high doses of the B-Vitamins which are essential for energy metabolism in the body.
