WHETHER jetting off somewhere warm, camping at one of the UK’s iconic festivals or just getting ready to enjoy time in the garden, summer is just around the corner – and it’s time to get prepared.
Like any new season, the change in temperature, diet and lifestyle can put extra stress on our bodies so it’s important to know which vitamins, minerals and botanicals can keep you feeling your best.
Dr Sarah Brewer, nutritional consultant at leading vitamin gummy brand, Nutrigums, shares her take on which supplements to pack in to your suitcase this summer – and the first one might surprise you.
Vitamin D – because we can’t predict the weather
“Vitamin D is best known for helping to maintain healthy bones and teeth. It is also being increasingly recognised as supporting the activity of the immune system that is responsible for fighting infections..
“Vitamin D is one of the few nutrients your body can make by itself – but its production in the skin only starts when the UV Index is greater than 3. However, even when the sun is shining, many people don’t make enough vitamin D in their skin due to age, using sunscreen or covering themselves up.
“One study found that people aged 62 to 80 years synthesised four times less natural vitamin D than those aged 20 to 30 years old, so it’s especially important for people in this age bracket to consider taking a Vitamin D supplement to boost their natural supplies – and everyone should consider it this summer, when our British summertime weather can’t always guarantee those sunny days...”
Vitamin A and Biotin – to keep skin and hair healthy against the elements
“You have between 100,000 and 150,000 active hair follicles on your scalp. These need a steady supply of nutrients to continue producing strands that are strong and glossy, but because hair is deemed ‘non-essential’ in the body, the supply of nutrients is reduced during times of stress, or if you’re vitamin deficient.
“In the summer, the need to protect your hair increases, as the warm, dry weather makes it prone to brittleness, and dips in the pool or sea can also lead to unruly hair that needs some extra care. I recommend taking a supplement specifically designed for this purpose, such as our Hair Vits, which will provide the key nutrients you need.
“These include Biotin and Zinc, which work by supporting healthy hair and reduce brittleness. Biotin can also help to maintain heathy skin and Zinc helps to keep strong nails, so it’s a must for beauty lovers. In addition Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant vitamin and supports collagen production for healthy skin
Vitamins and Botanicals – to help through those hot, stuffy summer nights
“We’ve all been there, lying awake for hours on end during those long, hot, stuffy summer evenings and at times it can feel unbearable. Alongside measures to cool you down, such as investing in a fan or opening a window, there are specially designed supplements made for bedtime that could help.
“Dozy Bears, for example, are packed with vitamins and botanicals that can support a restful night, such as Vitamins B6 and B12 which are well known for helping to support a healthy nervous system and psychological function. and botanical ingredients such as chamomile and lemon balm, which have been traditionally taken for a relaxing sleep. With the addition of other nutrients such as vitamins C, B2, B3, B5, the amino acid Tryptophan and the botanical Griffonia this product formulation makes a nutritious gummy ideal for a moment of peace for those that take it.”
Magnesium – to restore electrolytes and keep you feeling fresh
“Magnesium is an essential electrolyte in the body which helps to keep your cells hydrated and functioning properly, so this is a must for all festival goers, where your days are filled with dancing and it’s not always easy to drink as much water as you’d like.
“It is actually my favourite mineral as it is needed for more than 600 metabolic reactions in the body, many of which are involved in releasing the energy locked up in fatty acids and glucose. It also helps to contribute towards normal muscle function. A lack of magnesium is one of the most common mineral deficiencies, though it is often not recognised as blood levels don’t accurately reflect what's actually in your body, so most people could benefit from taking a magnesium supplement in some form, like Nutrigums’ Magnesium Citrate, combined with vitamin C.”
Prebiotics and Prebiotics – to keep your gut happy as your diet changes
“There are lots of reasons why your diet may change in the summer, whether you’re trying to manage your weight, switching your lunch from soup to salads to cool down in the heat, or making food swaps to make your intolerances manageable while going away.
“Whenever your diet changes, it could affect your gut so it’s a good idea to pack it with friendly bacteria to keep everything in balance. Our Bio-Cultures gummies contain 12 different strains of live bacteria, while our Happy Fibre is a specialist product that provides inulin fibre, which is derived from chicory root can act as food for friendly bacteria in the gut.
“It’s also a good idea to guard against micronutrient deficiencies with a multivitamin and mineral supplement, such as our Multi Vitality supplement. This is another essential for festival goers. While food vans have certainly had an upgrade over the years, no matter how many snack bars or bags of chips you eat, it will always pay off to support your levels of essential nutrients with a multivitamin too.”
All Nutrigums supplements derive from a pectin fruit fibre base which comes from fruit making them suitable for vegans and vegetarians alike.