Fall is here! Everyone enjoys the season’s colorful leaf displays, football games, and pumpkin spice madness. But unfortunately, autumn is also the start of cold and flu season. Ugh!
The cooler temps may tempt you to cuddle up inside and indulge in comfort foods. But don't give up on your healthy summer habits just yet, ok? It's more important than ever to maintain your exercise routine, eat healthily and get enough sleep. Your immune system will thank you.
Ready to finish the last weeks of the year strong and healthy? Take a peek at our four fall tips that can help make your wellness goals a reality.
1. Get Outside!
For many folks, sweltering summer heat means a lot of time spent inside air-conditioned homes, offices, and gyms. Cooler fall temps offer a welcome outside reprieve as leaves are turning and crunchy underfoot.
Those outside fall activities offer tremendous health benefits, including boosting your immune system. Sun exposure bolsters vitamin D levels and may even help you heal faster.[i]
Plus, exercising outside is a natural antidepressant and helps ward off seasonal affective disorder (SAD), depression and anxiety because sunshine naturally increases serotonin, a hormone that affects your mood. And exercise itself produces endorphins, another feel-good hormone that boosts your mood and reduces pain.[ii]
2. Pumpkin: Beyond Pies and Lattes
Yes, we know it's the season for pumpkin spice EVERYTHING. But did you know that pumpkin is a healthy fall superfood? That's right; pumpkin is packed with vitamins A and C, which can help boost your immune system. Its supply of vitamin E, iron, and folate may strengthen your immunity as well.
Plus, it’s naturally low in calories, too. (Pumpkin pie excluded!) Try a slow cooker turkey pumpkin chili, soup, or lasagna. The Internet is bursting with Great Pumpkin recipes! And don’t forget to save the seeds after you carve that jack ‘o lantern. Pumpkin seeds and seed oil are rich in fiber, protein, magnesium, and antioxidants, which have been shown to provide health benefits.
3. Eat Immune Boosting Foods
Pumpkin isn't the only seasonal immune booster out there. With the threat of cold and flu knocking at your door, it's wise to load up on vitamin C-rich foods such as limes, oranges, and grapefruit.
But vitamin C isn't the only immune-boosting vitamin in town. Consider adding turmeric to your favorite dish. Studies show this spice may improve your immune response due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.[iii] Other immune-supporting foods include broccoli, sweet potatoes, spinach, ginger, garlic, green tea, and almonds.[iv]
4. Supplement Wisely
Everyone can use a little immune and digestive support, whatever the season. Good health starts in the gut, especially when it comes to immune-system support.† Fortunately, Zenwise® offers a supplement that checks all the boxes.
BlockAID™ contains four strains of probiotics, including clinically proven, shelf-stable Reliably Alive™ DE111®, to promote healthy digestive health and immune function.† This AVA-certified Vegan supplement also includes Elderberry, Echinacea, Zinc, and Vitamin C for additional immune system support.
For more advice about the best supplements for your individual needs, contact our knowledgeable customer service team. Reach them at support@zenwise.com or M-F from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST at (800) 940-1972.
And as always, all Zenwise® products are backed by the "Eat Freely...or it’s Free" guarantee!
Zenwise. Then Eat.®
†These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
[i] https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/a-prescription-for-better-health-go-alfresco
[ii] https://www.piedmont.org/living-better/7-health-benefits-of-outdoor-exercise
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