Here’s Tip #4: Supplement

There are so many supplements advertised to take to keep your body healthy, especially during winter months. It can be really confusing and many people may just say “forget it”. So, if you are going to take 2 supplements this winter these are the two I recommend:

-Probiotics - Take a probiotic blend supplement. The quality and amount is crucial. Stick to a trusted manufacturer and 40 billion CFU (colony forming units) per day. Probiotics are marketed for digestive health, but remember that something like 80% of the immune system is tied into the digestive tract. Keep your digestive tract healthy and your immune system will thank you. I’ve personally tried many different brands and the one that I’ve found that works best for me is Dr. Zimmer’s 7 Blend Good Bacteria www.zimmernutrition.com. A little pricey, but it’s been worth it for me.

-Vitamin D- Your body produces it when your skin is exposed to the sun. So in colder temps when your skin sees a lot less of the sun, supplement it. Although the FDA suggests that the average adult needs 400 IUs of vitamin D, many other studies suggest that the average adult needs anywhere from 3000 to 4000 IUs. A blood test is the only way to determine the exact amount your body needs. I’ve found that Puritan’s Pride High Potency Vitamin D is a very good quality and really cost effective www.puritan.com

*As always, check with your doctor and do your own research before supplementing.