Winter is absolutely on its way! As the days begin to get shorter and the nights cooler, it is super important to think about your health, so that you can get ready to fight those nasty winter bugs. We asked one of our WholeLife pharmacists, Niki, to share her top vitamins and supplements for this month, with a particular emphasis on immune health, as well as some classic staples.
Here’s what Niki had to say…
Coming into the winter months, I am particularly conscious about looking after me and my family’s immune health.
Some of the vitamins that I ensure to take/give to my family every winter are:
Astragalus or Andrographis
An Immune-defence herb like Astragalus or Andrographis can be found in a variety of formulations, either alone or in combination with other immune boosters. Astragalus and Andrographis have been used for years in traditional medicine to help build immunity and reduce the severity and duration of common colds.
Zinc, Echinacea, and Vitamin C
This combination of herb, mineral, and vitamin, further assists me in building immune defence to the various different bacteria and viruses that I may get exposed to in my profession. Zinc and Vitamin C also have an important role to play in wound healing.
Multivitamins
A multivitamin which has a good mix and concentration of the B group vitamins is always a great choice. As building blocks for your body, the B group Vitamins have a direct impact on your metabolism, energy levels and overall health and well-being. This is something I routinely take all year long.
Vitamin D
Again, something I like to take all year long, but more importantly coming into the winter months when we don’t get a lot of sun. An overwhelming proportion of our population is Vitamin D deficient and not aware of it, therefore it’s important to have this conversation with your doctor or pharmacist. Vitamin D is not only important to assist with absorption of Calcium, but it is also now increasingly being linked to a lot of other essential body functions like our immune and nervous system.
Probiotic
Probiotics are live microorganisms which assist in maintaining good gut health. These can readily be found in fermented foods or supplements. By restoring the balance of good bacteria in our gut, probiotics can assist with digestion, immunity and skin conditions like allergies and eczema.
Thanks for the tips, Niki! Let us know in the comments what kind of pharmacy tips you want to see next. Find more of our blogs here. Don’t to forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook!
#Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. This medicine may not be right for you, read the label before purchase. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. *Nutritional supplements may only be of assistance if dietary intake is inadequate.
