What is winter wellness?

With winter time fast approaching it’s important to start thinking about whether or not your medicine cabinet and Kitchen cupboards are stocked well enough to cope with that sudden cold snap. Winter time is known for its shorter days and longer nights, and with that comes the almost unavoidable chance that you, or indeed a family member, will catch some sort of a winter cold. A cold virus is known to transmit faster in the cooler winter weather too, so it’s no wonder that during these current Covid times, the Government's Chief Scientific Adviser (Sir Patrick Vallance) has been warning of a potential surge in respiratory viruses for the NHS in 2021.

When should I be concerned about a cold?

It's important to remember that most winter colds aren't too severe and should start to disappear after a week or 10 days. With that said if symptoms persist, or your winter cold symptoms (regardless of severity) have lasted more than 3 weeks, then seek the consultation of your doctor, perhaps over econsult to avoid spreading your symptoms within your local surgery.

How do you stay healthy in the winter?

Our five simple winter wellness tips are as follows;

1. Rest.
2. Consume plenty of fluids.
3. Wash your hands regularly with Soap & water.
4. Try to keep away from those who already have a winter cold.
5. Consider the use of Supplements, such as Vitamin C, & basic OTC medicines, which can be purchased from your local pharmacy.

Why is vitamin C important in winter?

Vitamin C has long been regarded to offer Immune Support to your Body, which in turn should help to protect you from a common cold. Citrus fruits, such as a Lemon or an Orange, are extremely rich sources of vitamin C, which is why they often appear in many natural remedies and OTC (over the counter) medicines.

How much vitamin C do I need in winter?

To reduce the risk of a winter cough or cold, it is said that men should look to consume approximately 220 mg of vitamin C a day, while women should look to consume 190 mg.

Is it normal to have low vitamin D in winter?

Yes, absolutely! As previously stated, winter is known for its shorter days, longer nights & subsequent lack of sunshine. People tend to go out less in the cold too, making it difficult to obtain optimum levels of the 'sunshine vitamin', Vitamin D.

What does vitamin D do in the winter?

Consuming appropriate levels of vitamin D during the winter should ensure that your body is more resistant to Inflammation and infection.

What drinks are high in vitamin D?

You may wish to consider Oat Milk, Almond Milk or Soy Milk, with most brands being fortified with vitamin D.

Should you take zinc in the winter?

As Zinc is known to aid the body in the fight against bacteria & viruses, there’s no harm in keeping zinc-based lozenges handy this winter. Lamberts Zinc Plus 100 Lozenges and Solgar Flavo Zinc Lozenges - Pack of 50 are two worthy contenders.

Is a salt bath good for colds?

Let’s be honest, who doesn’t like a good soak in a hot bath on a cold winter's day? However if you swapped your usual bubble bath for some Epsom Bath Salts you could not only relax those tired & aching muscles of yours but also help potentially boost your Immune System by increasing white blood cells.

Is echinacea really effective?

It might be! To find out more about how Echinacea could help you this winter I urge you to read my previous blog “Echinacea: A passing trend or wonderful winter remedy?”

Written by our content writer, Mark @wellfedseasider on Instagram.