Summer time is over and autumn has arrived - a time to enjoy cosy jumpers and pumpkin lattes! However the changing season can also spell an outbreak of coughs and colds so it's even more important to look after your health.
Replenish your stock of immune-boosters
Keep yourself and your family healthy by replenishing stocks of immune health essentials now - try vitamin C, zinc or L-lysine or immune-supporting herbs like echinacea.
You may not already know but 70% of your immune system is in your gut so it makes sense to give your digestive health a boost with probiotics.
Other useful tip is to keep a hand sanitiser on your desk or in your bag and put them into your children's school bags too.
Plan a visit to the GP
Interestingly heart health concerns are more readily discovered during cold months of the year due to the effect cold temperatures have on circulation - basically your heart has to work harder when it's colder. Autumn is a great time to plan in a check up with your doctor so you're in top health before the winter starts.
Fall in love with the flavours of Autumn
Eating seasonal whole foods is a great way to increase the nutritional impact of what you're eating. Seasonal foods include butternut squash, pumpkins, beetroot, kale, Brussels sprouts, apples, cranberries and pears to name but a few.
Autumn is the perfect time to try out some healthy soup recipes. Soup is a fantastic way of condensing nutritional value and its both filling and comforting. Experiment with nutritional powerhouse spices such as turmeric and cinnamon for an extra healthful boost.
Get your glow back
Have you noticed that your skin and hair are looking a little dull and dry of late? Well it's because when the central heating goes on indoors it makes the air dry. This lack of humidity combined with cold temperatures outside, as well as the toing and froing between them, makes skin and hair dry and lackluster.
Ensuring that you're extra vigilant with the moisteriser is a must but what can make a huge impact on your skincare routine is hyaluronic acid - it attracts moisture to your skin and helps it to keep a fluid balance for a wrinkle busting plumping boost.
Hydrate from the inside
Staying hydrated is just as important in the winter as it is in the summer even though we're no longer sweating! The body uses water for everything so staying hydrated benefits digestion, fluid and mineral balance, waste removal, energy, mood, skin and joint lubrication amongst many other things.
As a guidelines men should be drinking about 3.5 litres and women about 2.5 litres every day!
Tackle stress before xmas holidays roll around!
Head into the festive season with a calm head by adopting some stress busting habits now. Taking time out to relax as part of your daily routine can really help, as well as getting regular exercise and fresh air - the English countryside is truly beautiful right now, get out and enjoy it! If you're in a built up area get out to a local park.
Try exploring the power of adaptogenic herbs such as rhodiola and L-theanine for easing physical and mental effects of stress.
Keep your sleep on track
Changing season can really throw our sleep schedules out of whack - the clocks going back as well as shorter days and getting darker earlier can leave us feeling tired. This is because when the sun goes down our bodies are triggered to produce melatonin, a hormone that controls our sleep-wake cycles.
A vitamin D supplement is essential in the winter months when our exposure to natural sunlight is minimal Being low in vitamin D also contributes to feelings of fatigue so ensure your levels are topped up by taking a supplement.
A healthy balanced diet is the best way to consume all the nutrients we need. Sometimes however this isn't possible and then supplements can help. This article isn't intended to replace medical advice. Please consult your healthcare professional before trying any supplements or herbal medicines.