6 supplements that are must-have during winter

The winter season brings with it mouth-watering delicacies and need for a cosy environment. But it also comes with extra stress and strain on the body as it makes it more prone to colds and coughs. However, a healthy and balanced diet, regular exercise, exposure to sunlight, and intake of

supplements

can boost immunity and overcome winter-related health problems.
Dietary supplements not only improve bone and heart health but also improve vision and significantly boost digestion. According to a report by FSSAI, the dietary supplement market will reach USD 10,198.57 million by 2026, which puts the industry at a growth rate of 22 percent year-on-year.

Why do we need dietary supplements?

Beat nutritional deficiency: Even though you may think you are consuming a carefully crafted balanced diet, which may not always be so. Intake of dietary supplements bridges that narrow gap in our daily meals and provides that extra punch for our immunity and well-being
Improved energy levels: Regular exercise and physical activities are a great way to keep us in shape and improve energy levels. Adding dietary supplements like magnesium to the winter diet is an additional benefit to further keep the energy levels up
Mood uplifters: Dietary supplements like

Vitamin D

help beat seasonal blues like feelings of anxiety and depression as they act as mood enhancers and help keep the mind and heart positive
Skin and hair health: If you are hoping to beat off ageing and have shiny locks, then adding supplements like Omega-3 is the right step in that direction.

Here are some important essential supplements that are a ‘must-have’ for winter

Vitamin C: According to Deepak Pal, sports and functional nutritionist, Sens Clinic, “Vitamin C has the ability to keep the body warm, as this not only has properties to beat off signs of ageing like wrinkles, fine lines, and even sun spots, but also ensures collagen production, which leads to a more youthful appearance. Vitamin C also boosts immunity and helps the body fight off seasonal allergies like sore throat and common cold, besides combating flu and seasonal viral infections during winters.”

Vitamin D: Sunshine is scarce in winter, and it is not always an option to take a quick afternoon stroll or bask in the sun during winter. Sunshine has Vitamin D, which makes the bones more robust and stronger. Since it is essential, supplements of Vitamin D –D2 and D3 both increase the vitamin in blood
Omega 3 Fatty Acids: Besides maintaining the nervous system and cognitive health, Omega 3 fatty acids spell good tidings for cardiovascular health and also scale down the chances of stroke. Omega-3 fatty acids also prevent degeneration of the eyes, help in creating a better sleep cycle, prevent inflammation, decreasing liver fat, and also help in combating anxiety issues. Certain studies also believe that omega 3 fatty acid foster a better sense of mental well-being.

Iron: Iron is required to produce red blood cells in the human body. These supplements are best taken on an empty stomach to promote maximum absorption. Lack of iron usually leads to conditions like anaemia, stomach problems, intestinal diseases, burns and even bleeding problems
Probiotics: Probiotics are fantastic for maintaining good gut health and is great at increasing the overall immunity of the human body. Probiotic supplements also help in maintaining weight and provide robust support for skin health. Probiotics also play a critical role in reducing inflammation
Vitamin K2: Vitamin K2 supplement keeps the body’s calcium level, blood-clotting system in check. It is also responsible for building stronger bones and keeping the arteries healthy.
Also, magnesium supplements offer numerous health benefits due to their role in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, as magnesium enhances cognitive function, relieves cramps, and helps maintain overall vitality and wellness. It also support muscle and nerve function, improve sleep, reduce stress, boost energy, and promote heart and bone health. They aid digestion, regulate blood sugar, and fight inflammation.
It’s a good idea to consult a medical professional before consuming any dietary supplement. Taking something off the shelf without prior understanding can lead to allergies, unwanted skin reactions, and can even trigger serious problems.