Coughs And Sneezes, Spread Diseases
Well we are definitely heading into winter, and as the temperature drops the bugs and infections have started to do their annual round. We have had everything at home from winter sickness, to covid. Thank goodness we got it out the way early this year!
Not only that but the days are getting shorter and the nights are drawing in too.
I personally am not a huge fan of winter. I hate being cold and the darkness around mid December seems to bring my mood down a little.
Couple this with the onset of menopause and I really felt that this year I needed to prepare and get ahead of the game. So with this in mind, at the start of Autumn I sprang into action and made a few changes in regards to my health and mental wellbeing. I decided to do a vitamin injection course for the clinic, and of course to give myself the best fighting chance too.
This is the time of year when our immune systems are put to the test, battling various viruses and illnesses. To fortify your body's defenses and stay healthy during the winter months, one of the most effective strategies is to ensure your vitamin intake is up to par. In this blog, we'll explore the crucial role that vitamins play in bolstering your immunity during the winter season.
Understanding Winter Immunity Winter is notorious for being a season that can leave our immune systems vulnerable. Cold weather often means spending more time indoors, in closer proximity to others, increasing the risk of contagion. But with the right vitamins, you can give your immune system the support it needs to fend off illness.
Vitamin C: The Immunity Booster Vitamin C is arguably the most well-known immune-boosting vitamin. This water-soluble vitamin is essential for the growth, development, and repair of all body tissues. During the winter months, it's particularly vital as it helps stimulate the production of white blood cells, which are crucial in fighting off infections. Citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruits, are rich sources of vitamin C. You can also find it in strawberries, kiwi, and even bell peppers. Incorporating these foods into your winter diet can provide a substantial boost to your immune system.
Vitamin D: The Sunshine Vitamin During winter, many regions experience reduced sunlight, which can lead to vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is essential for the proper functioning of your immune system, as it helps your body produce antimicrobial peptides that combat bacteria and viruses. To ensure you get enough vitamin D, especially during the darker months, consider taking supplements and consuming vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), fortified dairy products, and eggs.
Vitamin A: Immune System Defender Vitamin A plays a critical role in maintaining the health of your mucous membranes, which act as barriers to viruses and bacteria. This vitamin also supports the development and function of white blood cells, helping to prevent infections. You can find vitamin A in foods like sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, and broccoli. Including these vegetables in your winter meals can enhance your immune system's ability to protect you.
Zinc: The Immunity Enabler Zinc is another essential nutrient for bolstering your immune system in winter. It is involved in various aspects of the immune response, including the production and function of white blood cells. Foods rich in zinc include beans, nuts, whole grains, and lean meats. Adding these zinc sources to your diet can aid your body's defence's against common winter infections.
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential water-soluble vitamin that plays a pivotal role in various bodily functions. It is particularly important for the health of your nervous system, the formation of red blood cells, and the metabolism of food. Vitamin B12 is unique among vitamins because it is not found in significant quantities in plant-based foods; instead, it is primarily derived from animal sources like meat, fish, and dairy products. Those who follow strict vegetarian or vegan diets may need to consider supplements or fortified foods to ensure they get an adequate intake of vitamin B12. A deficiency in this vitamin can lead to anemia, fatigue, and neurological issues, highlighting the vital role it plays in overall health.
Balanced Nutrition: The Key While these vitamins are vital for enhancing your winter immunity, it's essential to remember that overall balanced nutrition is the key. A diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains will not only provide the necessary vitamins but also other essential nutrients that support your immune system. In conclusion, boosting your immunity during the winter months is crucial for staying healthy and warding off common illnesses. Vitamins like C, D, A, and minerals like zinc play significant roles in this process. So, don't forget to fill your plate with immune-boosting foods to fortify your body and enjoy a healthy, illness-free winter season. Whilst vitamin supplements are great, less than 10% of the vitamins in traditional tablets or capsules are absorbed by the body.
With this in mind, our intramuscular wellness shots (vitamins D, C, B12 and lipotropin B complex) bypass the gut and get straight to work with 100% efficacy. I personally feel pretty good right now, even with a meat restricted diet.
If you would like a free wellness consultation at the clinic please book online. The £20 fee is deducted from your treatment or refunded if you decide not to proceed.
