(Family Features) When cold winds blow, it’s essential to take
extra steps to protect your health. There are a number of techniques
that can help keep your immunity high and your body in good condition to
support wellness all season long so that you can enjoy the chillier
months.
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There’s no magic formula for feeling your best, but consulting your
health care provider is always a good idea when you’re contemplating new
ideas to promote better health.
Get up and moving
Without frequent use, muscles and joints can weaken and grow stiff,
limiting your mobility. Exercise is also an important step in balancing
your caloric intake, and physical activity gets your blood pumping,
which has numerous benefits for heart health. The Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a minimum of 150 minutes each
week (or 30 minutes per day, at least five days each week) of moderate
activity, such as a brisk walk, yoga class or bike ride.
Additionally, winter brings fewer hours of sunlight during the day,
and per the National Sleep Foundation, darkness naturally causes the
brain to release melatonin, a hormone that triggers sleepiness. Exercise
can counteract this drowsiness, as the endorphins released through
physical activity cause a natural increase in energy levels. Studies
show that endorphins can also elicit positive feelings and reduce the
perception of pain, which can lower stress levels to help keep you
mentally and physically well.
Spice up your routine with herbal supplements
Whether to supplement your diet with additional vitamins and
nutrients or to give you a specific, targeted boost, herbal supplements
can help support overall health. For example, the supplement turmeric,
derived from root extracts of the Curcuma longa plant, is widely
regarded to have numerous positive health implications.
[post_ads]“Since 2013, turmeric has dominated the market as the top-selling
ingredient in herbal supplements,” said Chris Oswald, licensed
nutritionist at Nature’s Way. “As research on turmeric grows, consumers
continue to recognize the health benefits of this amazing botanical.”
Turmeric can be added to several foods, but to ensure a steady,
adequate dose, Oswald recommends a turmeric-based herbal supplement,
like the Turmerich line from Nature’s Way. The line combines a blend of
premium ingredients in two unique formulas, Turmerich Heart and
Turmerich Joint. Both supplements feature turmeric extract along with a
strong suite of herbal and specialty ingredients for comprehensive,
targeted support. Each supplement uses 400 milligrams of standardized
turmeric root extract per serving to boost ingredient potency,
maximizing potential health benefits.
Get ample rest
Adequate sleep allows the body to rejuvenate itself naturally,
promoting a better mood, improved system function and increased stamina
throughout the day. The National Sleep Foundation recommends older
adults get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night for optimal health.
Beyond a good night’s sleep, be sure to take some mental downtime, too,
to minimize stress and anxiety, both of which can have a negative impact
on your health. Find ways to relax through meditation, reading or
listening to soothing music, which can help rest your mind and body.
Boost immunity
Fresh fruits and vegetables offer vitamins and minerals that can play
an important role in immune health. Studies have shown that vitamin C,
which is found naturally in several fruits, is essential for stimulating
growth and repair in the body. During the winter months, when fresh
fruit can be harder to find, supplements like Echinacea & Vitamin C
from Nature’s Way can be another source of vitamin C.<
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Maintain skin health
As the body’s largest organ and the first line of defense against
physical harm, the skin is particularly susceptible to wear and tear.
During the winter, frequent exposure to harsh elements, from dry air to
biting sleet, can have serious impacts on skin health.
You can take steps to minimize painful redness and flakiness or
cracking by regularly moisturizing your skin with fragrance-free lotions
and herbal oils. They can create a protective barrier between your skin
tissue and potential pollutants and irritants, and should be applied
generously to areas that are most likely to be exposed, like your hands
and face. Also remember to bundle up to prevent the impact of stinging
winds, and avoid unnecessary time outdoors when conditions are
especially harsh.
Find more winter wellness tools at naturesway.com or Facebook.com/NaturesWayBrands.
Fast Facts on Turmeric
As a root native to Southeast Asia, turmeric has played a role in
Chinese and Indian medicinal traditions since ancient times. Here are
some other facts you may not know about this botanical:
- Turmeric is a relative of the ginger root.
- Turmeric adds the yellow color to foods such as Indian curry and yellow mustard, and is often used as a dye for its rich pigment.
- When dried and ground, the underground stem of the turmeric plant can be used to make capsules, tablets, teas, oils and more.
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