WHETHER IT’S FOR A HAPPIER STOMACH OR DEEPER SLEEP, HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN SIFTING THROUGH WHAT’S ON OFFER…
STOPPING THE SNEEZE
Even if you’re not ‘into wellness’, you will be familiar with the bare bones of vitamin supplementation (i.e. trying to stave off a cold by eating three satsumas). But when it comes to staying well, will a daily multivitamin really cut it?
‘Often, we blame germs for causing our illness, rather than addressing weaknesses in our immune system,’ says pharmacist Shabir Daya, the co-founder of Victoria Health. ‘When researching immunity supplements, the key ingredients to look out for are vitamin D3, vitamin C, zinc and vitamin A.’
If you feel your immune system isn’t at its best but aren’t sure where to begin, your first step should be obtaining a simple blood test from your GP; this can help them identify any deficiencies, Daya says. He recommends opting for a quality targeted supplement that covers the essential nutrients, as well as adding a probiotic. ‘The health of our gut is the cornerstone to our wellbeing, so I always advocate that for our overall benefit.’
1 Zooki Vitamin C, £39.99 for 30 sachets 2 Well.Actually Vitamin D3 + K2 Liposomal Oral Spray Strawberry & Rhubarb, £19.99 3 Altrient Liposomal Vitamin C Sachets, £49.99 for 30 sachets
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AND... RELAX
For better sleep and dialling down stress levels, experts agree that lifestyle choices such as limiting screen time, reducing caffeine intake and incorporating regular exercise will make the most difference. But, says nutritionaltherapistLucyMiller, ‘a supplement could provide beneficial results for when you need extra support during busier or more stressful times.’
Melatonin, the hormone responsible for the body’s sleep-wake cycle, is available on prescription to alleviate short-term sleep difficulties; magnesium helps support the nervous system; while glycine is an amino acid that encourages serotonin production for a good night’s sleep. Miller’s go-to bedtime supplement, Cytoplan Cyto-Night, contains the latter two and Montmorency cherry, a natural source of melatonin. She’s also a fan of Higher Nature Serotone 5-HTP. ‘It provides the natural amino acid 5-HTP, which helps to support the production of the neurotransmitters important for improving rest.’
Continuous periods of high stress can affect the skin, stomach and hair, which is why The Nue Co.’s CEO and founder Jules Miller recommends taking a probiotic supplement, ‘To ensure that you’re maintaining a balance of good bacteria in the gut, thus protecting against potential inflammation.’ Adaptogens such as ashwagandha are said to be helpful for moderating the body’s physical and physiological response to stress. The plant is widely used in Ayurvedic practices and, although clinical res
