The clocks have changed – nights are darker, the days are getting shorter, it’s cold and damp. So how can you keep your spirits up and colds at bay?
It’s easy to forget to drink water when it’s cold outside and instead increase hot, caffeinated drinks in an attempt to keep warm. Each cup of coffee consumed will dehydrate the body by 2 cups of water. The body requires a minimum of 2litres daily to replace what is lost through the skin, urination, vapour when we speak/breathe as well as in stool. Without replacing this lost water dehydration will not only affect your appearance with dry skin and dark circles under the eyes but headaches, muscular pains, stiff joints, fluid retention and even kidney and bladder conditions most commonly as urinary tract infections.
Warm water with lemon and ginger is the perfect alternative, not only will the ginger boost your circulation, the lemon will lower your acidity levels and boost your metabolism leaving you with an overall sense of warmth and refreshment.
Exercise is key, embrace winter by getting fit and keeping active. Avoid becoming a recluse and hibernating away. Lie-ins alter our body clocks and can leave you feeling lethargic before the day has even begun. Instead get up at your usual time to avoid missing out on the precious few hours of winter daylight and try going to bed earlier.
A diet rich in fruit and vegetables is essential to keep your vitamin C levels high to help boost your immune system and keep you feeling brighter. Avoid quick fixes and empty calories that will quickly wear off leaving you craving more and inevitably gaining winter weight.
Find out more about with CNM’s Nutrition for Everyday Living Short Course, and Naturopathic Nutrition Diploma Course.
Article by Kate McBride, Naturopath and CNM UK Satellite Manager.
