Unless you live in sunnier climes (and don’t spend most of the day indoors), winter can take its toll on your health. A lack of exposure to sunlight can affect both our physical and mental health. Not only does the body need sunlight to produce vitamin D, but it is also thought to play a role in serotonin levels and overall mood. Have you heard of seasonal affective disorder or SAD? It's essentially the medical term for the winter blues.
Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium. According to an article published by Harvard School of Public Health, “being ‘D-ficient’ may increase the risk of a host of chronic diseases, such as osteoporosis, heart disease, some cancers, and multiple sclerosis, as well as infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis and even the seasonal flu.”
We’ve curated a list of items that will help you combat the negative health effects of winter and beat the winter blues.
Power D High Potency Provitamin D Treatment Drops by Zelens
Aside from keeping your teeth, bones, immune system and muscles healthy, vitamin D also works wonders for your skin. It’s a powerful antioxidant that reduces free radical damage, oxidative stress and boosts elasticity. These treatment drops from Zelens contain 7-Dehydrocholesterol – the main precursor of vitamin D. They restore the skin barrier function, replenish lipids and build resilience. Under the influence of sunlight, 7-dehydrocholesterol in the epidermis is converted to vitamin D3.
Solgar Vitamin D Tablets
See above! These things are important, so we've put two ways of getting your daily dose in.
Verilux Light Therapy Energy Lamp
Light therapy boxes have been recommended by medical sites as a way to relieve symptoms of SAD. They mimic outdoor light and research suggest this can cause a chemical change in your brain that lifts your mood. This UV-free lamp from Verilux has two brightness levels and two interchangeable lenses.
Cannondale Bad Boy 3
Getting a bike is a sure-fire way to beat the blues because one, you’re gonna have to go outside to ride the thing, increasing your exposure to sunlight, and two, aerobic exercise such as swimming, cycling, running or playing basketball is likely to boost serotonin levels.
Wireless Sport Headphones by adidas
Not prepared to splash out on a bike? Then get some good sports headphones and start jogging. This stylish pair from Adidas are sweatproof and as light as a feather, so all you have to worry about is curating the playlist.
Aesop Facial Lotion with Sunscreen SPF 25
Just because the days are shorter and the sky is grayer, you still need to wear SPF during the winter months. While UVB rays are more intense from early spring to early fall, UVA rays are present all-year-round and can cause genetic damage to cells as well as premature aging.
Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF30
Just because the days are shorter and the sky is grayer, you still need to wear SPF during the winter months. While UVB rays are more intense from early spring to early fall, UVA rays are present all-year-round and can cause genetic damage to cells as well as premature aging. This treatment from Dr. Jart’s Cicapair line provides SPF 30 protection, corrects redness and helps protect skin from environmental aggressors.
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