Got your winter coat out?

It’s time to check your vitamins too

Getting out from under the duvet is getting harder in the morning, it gets dark early in the afternoon, and a pack of tissues now lives in our bags. Just like our wardrobe, our daily routine needs a little adjusting for the colder months.

That doesn’t mean we should start taking vitamins by the handful from November. Instead, let’s look at how we eat, what might be missing from our diet, and what is really worth topping up. Vitamin D deserves special attention at this time of year: in Hungary, there isn’t enough sunlight in autumn and winter for our bodies to produce enough of it.

The approach of winter is a good time to take a little more care of ourselves and to choose our vitamins and minerals more mindfully.

Vitamin D, the winter basic
From October to March, there isn’t enough sunlight here for our bodies to produce enough vitamin D. It contributes to the normal function of the immune system and to healthy bones. If you focus on just one thing this autumn, make it this one. Check the right dose with your pharmacist or doctor.

Vitamin C, the familiar companion
It isn’t a miracle cure, but it is important for the normal function of the immune system. Your plate is the foundation: peppers, citrus fruit, sauerkraut, broccoli. If you eat less fresh fruit and veg in winter, a supplement can help fill the gap.

Zinc, the quiet helper
We talk about it less, yet it plays a role in the immune system and in keeping skin, hair and nails healthy. Not everyone needs to take it separately, but if your diet is less varied, it’s worth asking about.

Magnesium, all year round
It isn’t specifically a winter mineral, but it contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, and to the normal function of muscles and the nervous system. If you feel you’re not getting enough during the busier, darker weeks, take a look at your diet and top up if needed.

Omega-3, if fish rarely makes it to the table
EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart, and DHA also supports normal brain function. If you rarely eat oily fish, it may be worth considering a supplement.

Where to find them?
You don’t have to go far. At Lurdy Ház, you’ll find several specialist shops where staff can help you choose:

• BioTechUSA on the ground floor, with vitamins, minerals and fatty acids

• Scitec Nutrition with a wide range of food supplements

• Herba Forrás Organic Shop on the ground floor, opposite Deichmann: vitamins, herbs and teas

• Dr. Lenkei Életerő Centrum on the first floor: vitamins and minerals

• BENU Pharmacy if you’d like professional advice

Before you buy, check what you’re already taking. A multivitamin and a separately chosen supplement often contain the same ingredient, and more isn’t always better.

A hot cup of tea, a short walk in the sun and a few well-chosen vitamins. That’s a good way to start the winter.

Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.