True Potential Health Service’s owner and director Dr. Jacqui Fleury, ND offered tips to stay healthy through Saskatchewan winters during an interview with Nicole Barrington at the Sheaf.
Supplement Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiencies are prevalent among Canadians, especially during the winter months. As we weather tough Saskatchewan winters, many of us enjoy the luxury of cozying up inside. However, if we’re not exposing our bodies to sun everyday, then we’re not going to be producing Vitamin D.
Vitamin D plays a vital role in our health and is important for many bodily functions, including cognition, supporting our energy levels and the health of our immune system, and muscle strength.
Vitamin D can be supplemented orally or through light therapy with specialized lamps. Vitamin D deficiencies can vary from person to person, and your naturopathic doctor can offer blood tests to assess your levels and offer tailored recommendations to support your health through the winter.
Get Enough Omega-3s
Here in Saskatchewan, along with other landlocked Canadians, we may suffer from a lack of Omega-3 fatty acids in our diets because we do not consume enough fish.
Omega-3s provide anti-inflammatory benefits and support digestive, cardiovascular, and cognitive health. Not all fatty foods will provide you with these healthful Omega-3s, and adjusting your diet plan to limit artificial and trans fans is key!
Saskatchewan-grown flax seeds are a great source of Omega-3s. High-quality supplements can also help. Blood tests are available through your naturopath or from home to assess your levels of Omega-3.
Focus on a Balanced Diet and Exercise
A balanced diet and exercise should be the primary focus of a preventative health plan. Common-sense strategies can be the best place to start when thinking of how to stay healthy this winter.
Focusing on incorporating more whole, nutrient-rich foods into your diet and limiting sugar-laden processed products can make a big difference in how you feel. Get outside when you can to enjoy some exercise, fresh air, and UV rays.
If you need help building your winter health plan, book an appointment with Dr. Fleury, ND.
Read the full article at the Sheaf.
