Although viruses are common in the summer months, the second the schools are back in session and we’re all back in the workplace we notice the increase in colds, flu and stomach bugs. This is because, during the autumn and winter months, we spend a prolonged period indoors, even keeping windows shut, to combat that colder weather. This provides a perfect environment in which those viruses can spread and we’re all more susceptible to what’s going around. Of course, if you have a deficiency in some of the key vitamins and minerals, this too can increase the chances of you catching something. Here, we look at supplementing for the season.

Vitamins to take this time of year and why

During the autumn and especially in winter, we have a depletion of Vitamin D, which we predominantly get from exposure to the sun. The UK is in short supply of sunny weather at the best of times but especially so during autumn and winter and our access to any good weather is limited when we’re at work, for example. Vitamin D is essential for bone and muscle health but studies have also shown that it can increase our susceptibility to infection and adversely affect our sleep. The government and health officials that everyone in the UK takes a Vitamin D supplement from October to March to help maintain adequate levels.

If you suffer with any muscular or joint pain, you may have noticed that this is considerably worse in the colder seasons. It’s thought that any significant change in temperature can have an impact on how the muscles, bones and nerves work, causing an increased sensation in pain. Regardless, it is harder to maintain an optimal body temperature at this time of year. Magnesium helps to regulate muscle and nerve function and help treat inflammation associated with arthritis. As such, integrating a magnesium supplement into your routine can help to alleviate this pain and discomfort.

We also know that Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help you recover from colds and flus but it can also help you to avoid them. Vitamin C is commonly found in fruits and vegetables, typically citrus fruits, strawberries and peppers, foods that are commonly scarcer in the autumn and winter months. If you tend to follow a seasonal diet, there’s every chance you’re not getting sufficient doses of Vitamin C.

How to take your medicine

There has long been scepticism of the multi-vitamin and its ability to deliver health benefits. Instead, it’s better to take supplements for a specific need, or as personally recommended. Equally, pill form may not be the best mode of absorption. For example, magnesium can be absorbed through the skin and so magnesium baths (commonly known as Epsom salts) or lotions or oils with magnesium in, can be a method of supplementation that not only offers long term benefits but offers immediate relief. BetterYou have also devised innovative oral vitamin sprays, including Vitamin D and Vitamin C, that can be applied directly to the tongue for immediate absorption into the blood stream, meaning your body can make full and immediate benefit from the dosage, rather than having to wait for it to digest, where a proportion of the vitamin is lost in any case.

If you’re considering a supplement to boost your health this season, rather than go for a box standard multivitamin, try smarter supplementing with vitamins and minerals that can help you fight fit this season.

You may also like...