How We Thrive in Winter

It's now November, and although the leaves are still hanging on, winter is coming. Since the temperature is starting to drop, we thought we'd share a few of the things we do to help our bodies thrive during the winter.

CAYENNE

Do you get cold hands and feet when the cold weather hits? (Or do you have this issue all the time?) Cayenne pepper can help boost your circulation and help keep your extremities warm. Don't like spicy food? No problem! You can buy cayenne pepper in capsules. As long as you take them in the middle of your meal, you won't feel the burn.

VITAMIN D

Have you ever heard of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)? To summarize, SAD is a seasonal depression that usually occurs in autumn and winter. It's symptoms are very similar to depression, except SAD occurs seasonally, not year round. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to SAD so we like to make sure that we take vitamin D during the dark winter months to help our emotional and mental health.

BONE BROTH

Who doesn't love a warm drink on a cold day? Although bone broth may not be as sweet as hot chocolate, it definitely has more benefits. Bone broth is a powerful anti-inflammatory, is great for healing your gut, helps fight infection, and promotes healthy bones, hair, and nails. Want to to try making a batch? Check out our bone broth recipe!

ESSENTIAL OILS

We know that they're trendy and everyone seems to be selling them these days, but they definitely can help you weather the winter months. Our winter favourites are: lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, and four thieves (based on a medieval recipe that fought plague). Lavender is very soothing and can help dry skin if you dilute it in some olive or coconut oil. Eucalyptus and peppermint are great for congestion. Peppermint is also a powerful anti-inflammatory. And if you do start to feel poorly, four thieves has helped me kill a few colds in their earliest stages.

GO OUTSIDE

Yes, I said it. Go outside. It may be cold, but it can actually be good for you. Cold weather helps your brown fat start burning off your white fat, and the cold burns more calories (if you're counting). Cold is also anti-inflammatory so a short winter walk may help your body's aches. And for those of you who share my passionate dislike of mosquitoes, they won't be around.

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Sources:

https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/natural-medicine/herbal-remedies/cayenne-pepper-herbal-remedies.htm

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/286496.php

https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/12/16/bone-broth-benefits.aspx

https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/aromatherapy/what-does-research-say-about-essential-oils

https://www.livescience.com/52080-essential-oils-science-health-effects.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/health-benefits-cold-weather_n_2528779

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