Winter can be a mentally challenging season due to gloomy days and a lack of vitamin D. Seasonal depression can be a direct result for people who lack vitamins they usually get an abundance of in the summer or other seasons. Luckily, there are ways to get your necessary vitamins to make you feel a little bit better throughout the cold days of winter.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is crucial for your body. Not only does it boost your immune system, but it also strengthens your bones and gives you the calcium nutrients that you need. Because vitamin D helps fuel your body in the summer, it can have the same effect in the winter if you intake it daily.
Some foods that contain high traces of vitamin D are salmon, tuna, orange juice and mushrooms.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is important for the immune system, especially during the winter when viruses are going around. It can help detox your body which is also important when flu season comes around. Taking a vitamin C supplement or incorporating it into your routine through a drink can help boost your immune system. It can also help your skin when dryness and redness occur.
Tomatoes, citrus fruits and potatoes are foods you can incorporate into your winter diet to get in some vitamin C.
Zinc
Zinc is a mineral great for when your body is feeling under the weather. Many people take zinc supplements to help their body strengthen against COVID-19. If you have lost your sense of taste or smell, zinc can actually help. It can also help boost your metabolism and digestion.
If you are looking to get some zinc into your foods, try eating pumpkin, red meat, shellfish or legumes.
Vitamin B
Vitamin B is surprisingly one of the vitamins that supply energy which in the winter can be hard to maintain due to gloomy days and the lack of sunlight which naturally gives you a boost. This vitamin is really important, especially for people who suffer from seasonal depression.
Foods with high levels of vitamin B are eggs, leafy greens (think spinach or romaine lettuce), milk, salmon and oysters.
Vitamins important minerals to help your body function the best it can. Even when it is not winter, vitamins can help your body immensely. Even if you are a relatively healthy person, vitamins can help when you get sick and prevent any issues your body may face.
If you end up trying any of the vitamins we suggested and feel a difference, tweet us @VALLEYmag.
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