The supplements you should be taking in winter
![Just a couple of supplements can give you a big health boost during the winter months [Photo: Getty]](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/fhLCpMGd6WsPk7x_UHkU1A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTU4Mw--/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/I7I.6UPRiZqVcOjWI0dkPw--~B/aD0yNzA5O3c9NDQ1OTthcHBpZD15dGFjaHlvbg--/http://media.zenfs.com/en/homerun/feed_manager_auto_publish_494/a10f9cc78cc87c58efc425bf9ad409c4)
As the nights start to draw in and the lurgy starts to spread around your office, itās more important than ever to take care of yourself.
One way to do this is to make sure your body has the best possible resources to deal with an onslaught of germs and the winter blues ā by adding supplements into your diet.
Hereās everything you need to knowā¦
Top up your sunshine
Vitamin D is usually produced in our skin after exposure to sunlight, and it is thought that low vitamin D is a factor in Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). āOur natural stores of vitamin D drop in winter and itās vital for immunity, so we need to keep ourselves topped up,ā says Dr. Marilyn Glenville, author of Natural Alternatives to Sugar.
According to Dr Glenville, there are two types of Vitamin D: D2 and D3. āVitamin D2 is made synthetically from fungus and plant matter. Vitamin D3 (also known as cholecalciferol) is the same type that is made by the body via exposure to sunlight,ā she explains. āResearch shows the D3 version as being far superior to the D2 version.ā
Dr Glenville recommends Natural Health Practice Vitamin D3 Support, which comes in blackcurrant-flavoured drops.
![Fish oil supplements are thought to make a lot of difference to your health [Photo: Getty]](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/B4RvZ5LGwJajHaK602lckA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYzOQ--/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/HZ4.PRriVc9zZLa9QuOjaA--~B/aD0yMjE3O3c9MzMzMjthcHBpZD15dGFjaHlvbg--/http://media.zenfs.com/en/homerun/feed_manager_auto_publish_494/3f429439af121c272fb2c5548f0cb3d2)
Stock up on fish oils
The right fish oil supplements can also be a winter mood booster. Dr Glenville says: āIād suggest a good-quality fish oil supplement containing the ideal ratio of 510mg DHA to 770mg EPA ā an omega-3 fatty acid thatās associated with improving mood.ā
She also suggests taking a general multivitamin and mineral supplement, as nutrients like B vitamins and zinc can help boost serotonin (a feel-good brain chemical).
Give your immune system some love
Surrounded by snuffles on the bus every morning? Give your immune system a bit of extra help. āIād suggest a good immune support formula combining zinc, vitamin C and beta glucans,ā advises Dr Glenville. āMost of these supplements also contain vitamin D so you may not need to take it separately.ā
But donāt waste your moneyā¦
Not all supplements are created equal. āIron ātonicsā can be a go-to supplement when people are feeling low and run-down in winter,ā explains Dr Glenville. āBut iron supplements should only be taken regularly if your iron stores are actually low ā something that can be tested by your doctor.ā
Instead, she suggests taking a multivitamin and mineral supplement to support āenergy and general wellbeing in winterā.
Though supplements are a great way to support your health, itās still important to prioritise getting the right nutrients from food. Dr Gill Jenkins cautions: āItās been suggested that vitamin C and garlic supplements may help reduce your risk of getting a cold, but always look to get your nutrients from your diet first.ā
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Read more from Yahoo Style UK:
How to save your dry, cracked hands in the winter
Natural cold remedies: How to feel better without heavy duty medicine
