Our bodies endure wear and tear from environmental toxins, poor nutrition, and inactivity.  The importance of taking a multivitamin is crucial during the winter months because of our increased comfort (unhealthy) food consumption, stress, lack of exercise and sunlight. In order to supplement for a stronger immune system, we recommend taking a vitamin daily to help to replenish depleted nutrients.

Here are the top 5 vitamins and minerals our bodies need more of in the wintertime:

1. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that is required for metabolic functions in the body, including tissue growth and repair, production of antistressor hormones, and production of interferon which is an important immune system protein. Our Chiropractic Doctors recommend 5,000-20,000 mg of vitamin C daily to help protect against immune system deficiencies.  Vitamin C is commonly found in the foods we eat, so along with taking a daily multivitamin, try consuming more peppers, dark leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, and tomatoes.

2. Vitamin D

Lack of sunlight leads to most of us becoming deficient in vitamin D, in the winter . Our Chiropractic Doctors recommend 1,000-4,000 IUs a day to maintain health and boost immune system production.  Vitamin D plays a key role in our health, and without it our cells do not function properly. Our cells do not absorb the minerals they need to develop. Whenever you have a chance to soak up some rays this winter, give yourself at least 15 minutes of sun time for best absorption. A proper diet and consuming adequate amounts of nutritious food are crucial during the change of seasons. Some common foods that are rich in vitamin D are fatty saltwater fish, dairy products, and eggs.

3. Iron

Iron is important for energy! It helps blood to carry oxygen throughout the rest of your body, so that our bodies can function at their prime. Iron is also in charge of boosting immune function, which is helpful in the wintertime with the cold and flu season upon us. Taking a vitamin with iron in it, or taking an iron supplement alone can be very beneficial in the winter. Make sure to also consume more dark leafy greens, red meat, beans, and seafood.

4. Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral that is important for prostate gland function and growth of reproductive organs, protein synthesis of collagen formation, maintaining a healthy immune system, and fighting off free radicals. Zinc lozenges have been reported to be effective in relieving symptoms of the common cold and reducing the duration of colds too! Try consuming more zinc with spinach, beans, nuts, and beef. We also recommend our zinc lozenges for a boost to your immune system this winter.

5. Folic Acid

Folic acid is helpful in fighting the winter blues. It helps to prevent heart disease, supports healthy cell growth and production, and helps to prevent diabetes. Common foods you can find folic acid in are: beans, peas, avocado, nuts, and broccoli. Folic acid, along with all these top 5 vitamins and minerals, can be found in our AVED-Multi Softgel Daily Vitamins which contain an adequate daily recommendation.

Your body’s nutritional needs are as unique to you as your appearance.  The first step toward wellness is to ensure you are getting the correct amount of the proper nutrients with the help of vitamins and supplementation.  By understanding this, you can improve the state of your health, ward off disease and illness, and maintain a harmonious balance to health in the way nature intended. 

Here at The Winchester Institute of Chiropractic Health and Wellness, we provide our patients the best quality vitamins and supplements on the market.  Standard Process, Anabolic Laboratories, and Pure Encapsulations are all pharmaceutical-grade supplement companies, offering the most rigorous testing for purity and quality.

Stop by our office today to learn more about our vitamins and supplements or to purchase a bottle.

The Winchester Institute of Chiropractic Health and Wellness is easily accessible, located right outside of Columbus Ohio, neighboring the suburbs of Hilliard, Powell, Westerville, Worthington, Lewis Center, Plain City, and Marysville.

To learn more about our massage and Chiropractic services in Columbus and the surrounding area, contact our Dublin Ohio facility, e-mail or call 614.760.5555 and our helpful staff will be happy to schedule your visit.