In addition to warm clothes and comfort foods, many people begin taking new supplements in the winter. Some people believe that supplement consumption in cold weather gives the body more nutrients. But is it true?
What is the Relationship Between Supplements and the Seasons?
Seasons come and go. Changes in the environment influence our lifestyle both directly and indirectly. For example, we all know that our skin notably changes when the weather gets colder. In the winter months, it becomes drier than it is in the summer. This variation, along with other seasonal factors, causes changes in the demands of the body. This is where supplements can be a saving grace that helps you meet your nutritional demands. Here are some wintertime changes that may occur and how you can remediate them:
Low Temperature: Chest Infections & Dry Skin
Winter makes everyone more prone to chest infections and the flu. Research shows that Vitamin C supplements add a layer of defense against infections and they are even known to reduce the duration of the common cold. Micronutrients, such as zinc, also lower the number of days that someone is sick.
Weather that is dry with low humidity causes the skin to lose hydration and crease, which accelerates the aging process. Vitamins A, E, and C, as well as collagen, are skin replenishment supplements that are quite helpful in the winter.
Lack of Sunlight: Vitamin D Deficiency
There is much less daytime sunlight in the colder months, and the body’s Vitamin D production also drastically drops during this time of year. So a person’s risk of Vitamin D deficiency increases quite a bit as a result. Health experts specifically recommend that people begin taking Vitamin D supplements in autumn and winter to help the body’s stores of this vitamin remain above 30 ng/mL.
Less Physical Activity: Muscle Cramps
Feeling tired in cold months is natural. Your bodily functions, particularly the musculoskeletal system, need proper energy to be active. Muscle cramps are a common problem in cold weather that typically results from sedentary activities or a lack of activity altogether. Taking vitamin supplements that contain iVitamin D3 and calcium prevents your muscles from cramping. Calcium is an important adjunct to Vitamin D3, since it helps the body better absorb and utilize this substance.
Winter Blues: Disrupted Eating & Sleep Patterns
Ever wondered why you feel sad in winter? Seasonal affective disorder (also known as SAD) is yet another phenomenon brought on by winter. Some people also refer to this as the winter blues.
People who have winter blues suffer from persistent sadness and low energy, which impacts the regularity of their eating and sleeping. Research actually shows that about 15% of Canadians and 20% of the UK suffer from winter blues.
Many people also cut down on or entirely forego their routine exercise in winter. This leads to increased fat accumulation in the body. Ultimately, it also causes someone to become overweight or obese and eventually causes people to feel tired and sad.
Therefore, many people who suffer from winter blues take special nutraceutical supplements that elevate their mood on dark winter days. Taking Vitamin D before the winter blues set in helps to prevent symptoms of depression.
“Winter is the time for rest, for warm food, for a friendly talk beside the fireplace; it is the time for home.” – Maliyah Marks
Google Supplement Queries Soar in the Winter
Because of the increasing demand, supplement sales rise in the winter to accommodate the seasonal changes in the population. You can observe the population’s interest in and demand for nutraceuticals by monitoring statistics via Google Trends.
During the winter, you will see that Google Trends is usually full of queries regarding immunity-boosting supplements like zinc and Vitamin C.
Where Can You Choose the Supplements Best for Winter?
Nutrastar has 200 seasoned nutritional supplement professionals who deliver quality nutraceuticals. We also offer a trusted partnership with pharmaceutical brands to further enhance our products in the long run.
To Wrap it Up
So, are supplements more impactful in the winter? The answer is, yes! Since peoples’ lifestyles vary quite a bit in the winter, supplements can make up for the body’s nutritional deficiencies. And, while you should take care of yourself consistently throughout the year, people must be more careful about nutrition, exercise, and energy levels in the winter.
