Nature Made Blog

Superheroes may only exist on the pages of comic books, but you, too can be a hero when it comes to protecting the citizen that matters most: you.

Superfood!–There are certain foods, when ingested, that can grant your immune system the strength it needs to defend your body. Superfoods that can help to bolster your immune system include apples, carrots, salmon, and nuts and grains.

Vitamin D-fense –Vitamin D is a super way to help your immune system stay strong. Vitamin D has been shown to help in maintaining joint and muscle comfort, as well as in supporting proper absorption of calcium.

Recharge Your Batteries – Part of being a superhero is knowing when to retreat back to your secret hideout and rejuvenate yourself for thefuture.Rest is a great way to help your immune system recover.

Evasive Tactics – Sometimes, the most devious foes are ones that can’t be seen. In order to protect yourself and those around you, remember to wash your hands and not spread germs by coughing or sneezing into the air. Cough or sneeze into your sleeve instead, and be careful about touching handrails and other places where a lot of other people have had their hands.

Immune health is not necessarily a superpower in the comic book hero sense, but it can help to extend your wellbeing and overall health. What precautions do you take in order to defend and protect yourself from immunity invaders?

- Jeremy

With the holidays around, kids are out of school and can get into trouble. I’m not talking about the misbehaving kind of trouble, but I am talking about the trouble that can come with the season. It can be difficult keeping the kids safe, but there are a few things you can do to keep them healthy.

• Get Some Vitamin D – Keeping the kids indoors due to inclement weather is a good idea, but it is important to make sure they get plenty of Vitamin D. They may already not be getting enough Vitamin D, but the winter weather can make it worse. A Vitamin D supplement is a good option to make sure your kids stay healthy and strong.

• Ginger Tea – Ginger in tea can help aide in digestion – great for helping to combat upset tummies from too many sweets.

• Humidify – My parents used to put a humidifier in my room if I wasn’t feeling well, and I don’t know how it worked or why, but I knew that it always made me sleep wonderfully. Here’s a recipe from Health, Home and Happiness for making your humidifier more effective and to help your child sleep a little better.

• Don’t Forget to Brush – Kids and dental care go together about as well as chocolate and dirt, but even if they don’t like it, it is still necessary for healthy teeth. Sweets during the holidays mean that it is extra-important to make sure the kids brush their teeth.

• Good Ol’ Vitamin C – There’s nothing quite like Vitamin C: it can help maintain the immune system, and is a powerful antioxidant. Though a lot of citrus fruits contain Vitamin C, supplementing with a Vitamin C chewable might not be a bad idea for the winter months.

• Wash Up – I wonder why people DON’T wash their hands. It isn’t difficult in any way, nor is it really inconvenient to take 30 seconds to wash up after using the restroom or after using your hands in public.

• Stay Warm – When your body temperature drops, so does your immune system’s ability to fight off germs. Keep the youngsters inside by the hearth to keep them safe and healthy. It’s also a good idea to wear layers or maybe even invest in that blanket with sleeves you’ve been wanting.

• Food is Good – No, not all food is good for you, but there are some nutrient rich foods out there that make great winter dishes. Try hearty vegetables such as kale, squash, or green peas. If the kids don’t like any of these, you can always try feeding them oranges or cranberries as a snack.

Sometimes it is harder than others to keep your children at their healthiest, and winter is certainly one of those times. Surely there are tips you can help me add to this list, so please let me know if there are any safeguards you like for your own little ones.

- Jeremy

Winter weather is either well on its way, or already here for some. One of the perils of a winter that sets in quickly is that you might not have time to prepare yourself for the cold. It will never cease to surprise me how quickly Jack Frost starts knocking down my door every year.

So this year, I’m taking the nip in the air as fair warning to get myself prepared mentally and physically for the oncoming winter. Here are some ways you can help protect your own well-being this winter, too.

• Get Active – Though it might not seem like the type of weather that makes you want to jump out of bed and start doing jumping jacks, maintaining a moderate level of activity during the winter can be beneficial for your immune system and keep you well during winter. You don’t need to necessarily go for a three-mile hike every day, but it is a good idea to do some exercise to keep yourself healthy.

• Take Your Vitamins – During the winter season, it is more important than ever to make sure you’re getting the right vitamins and nutrients in your diet. Eating foods high in Vitamin C (citrus fruits), as well as seasonal vegetables (kale, potatoes, squash) can help give you the nutrients you need. You might find it helpful to supplement with other vitamins, such as Vitamin D, Zinc, and Vitamin B in order to maintain energy and a healthy immune system.

• Get Rest – Rest is crucial to maintaining a healthy immune system, so don’t forget to get some during the winter weather. I’m not suggesting hibernation, but there is definitely some merit to catching enough Z’s when it’s chilly outside.

• Eat the Good Stuff, Too – With all the sweets, treats and everything delicious under the sun at your finger tips during the holidays, it is easy to give in to the temptation and eat stuff of which you might not normally partake. So try to balance the intake of sugars by eating foods full of good protein and even good fats. Try eating fresh fish or foods with natural oils, like coconut or olive oil.

• Drink Fluids – I’m talking about WATER, here, folks. Water, and not alcohol or other tempting holiday beverages, is one thing you can get plenty of, and quite easily. Cutting out sodas and coffee can be difficult at first, but easy once you put your mind to it. Drinking green tea is a great alternative to coffee, as it can give you energy, but also stave off appetite and give you plenty of antioxidants.

• Moderation – One of the many winter health tips to keep in mind is to do what you do in moderation. People tend to eat, party, and live excessively during the winter months, so be aware of how thin you are spreading yourself before you try to take on more than you can handle.

These tips should be a part of your daily routine, but also don’t forget to dress appropriately and try to maintain a good mood to keep away those winter blahs. How do you prepare your mind and body for winter weather?