Winter is upon us. And with the cold and gloom, it can prove difficult to muster up the motivation to exercise, eat healthy, and lead a balanced lifestyle—especially with all the holiday celebrations.

So, what can you do to ensure your health and wellness stays on track? What common winter health issues should you watch out for? We’ve got all the tips below!

Common Winter Season Health Issues

The cooler weather goes hand-in-hand with cold and flu season. Most of us spend plenty of time indoors, leading to these viruses to pass more easily from person to person. On top of this, the cooler air leads to higher viral transmission, as well as potentially reduced resistance.

While we’ve all had a brush with the cold or flu, what else should you be conscious of throughout the winter months?

Heart Problems

Surprisingly, research indicates that heart attacks and strokes are more common during the winter season. So, why is this the case?

 Well, you can blame the cold weather yet again! The cold temperatures cause blood vessels to contract, raising blood pressure which leads to a higher risk of a heart attack or stroke. Your heart also has to work overtime to maintain a sufficient body temperature.

 Some individuals also experience varying degrees of lifestyle changes, such as becoming less active than in the summer. This may mean that certain physical activities, such as hiking, can be that much riskier for your health and your heart.

Weight Gain

With less physical activity (and potentially more delicious food around the holidays), many people gain weight during the winter. This all comes down to burning fewer calories than one consumes. Unfortunately, this can also lead to other problems in the long run, such as diabetes, heart disease, and joint pain.

Joint Problems

Many individuals with arthritis and joint problems notice their joint pain and stiffness increase during the cooler times of the year. In fact, studies show that cold temperatures actually do increase joint stiffness, whereas warmer temperatures reduce it.

Tips to Enhance Your Health During the Winter Season

So, how can you prevent your health from taking a hit this winter? Here are a few tips:

• Fill your plate with fruits and veggies first.
• Eat a healthy and balanced diet (Everything in moderation!).
• Continue to exercise regularly.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Get fresh air! (Yes, even in the winter!)
• If you’re sick, stay home. If a loved one is sick, limit contact until they feel better.
• Use relaxation techniques to reduce stress.
• Prioritize your sleep. The average adult needs at least 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
• Stay warm. In other words, bundle up when you head out in the cold!
• Wash your hands before you eat.
• Avoid touching your face.

In addition to doing the above, you may also want to add supplements to your diet to help your body combat common winter health woes. At Life Nutrition, we work hard to ensure all our supplements are sourced from natural and pure ingredients. A few that you may want to consider include Women’s Everyday Complete, Men’s Everyday Complete, Advanced Probiotics, Deep Sea Fish Oil, Prostate Power, Heart Strong, and NMN18000+.

When you support your health in the best way possible, you get the most out of your body and your life!