3 tips to keep your health in check

Is work making you stressed? Maybe you’re not getting the sleep and nutrition you need? From November 7 to 13 celebrate Natural Health Product week by checking in with yourself. This Canada-wide celebration of the benefits natural health products is the perfect time to brush up on some health and happiness tips recommended by Michelle W. Book, in-house holistic nutritionist for the Canadian Health Food Association.

1. Get the most from your diet. Prepare balanced meals for your family that are rich in organic foods. Health Canada reports that the majority of Canadians consume excessive calories, salt, and sugar yet fail to meet their nutrient needs. In fact, many adults don’t consume enough minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium. They also fail to get enough vitamin D and fibre from their diets. If you think you’re deficient in one or more of these areas, talk to your healthcare practitioner about natural supplementation to achieve the nutritional balance your body needs. It may be as simple as adding a multi-vitamin to your regimen to fill in any gaps.

2. Keep the bugs at bay. Flu season is upon us and one thing is certain — you’re neither healthy nor happy when you’re sick. Not only that, but being sick can lead to lethargy, anxiety, and even depression. To get the boost you need to stay healthy during the worst of the season, make sure you’re getting a regular dose of probiotics that’ll help keep your immune system ready to tackle invading bugs. In case something does slip past your best defenses, zinc is a great way to help reduce the length and severity of a cold or flu.

3. Hit the sack. A good night’s rest will help your body recover from the gym, boost the immune system, balance your mood, and improve your work performance. If you have trouble falling asleep, you may want to try magnesium which helps the brain settle down at night. Other options include melatonin, which helps regulate sleep patterns, or valerian, a root that’s been used medicinally for thousands of years to reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep.

During NHP Week, identify your own holistic healthy habits to keep everyone in the family healthy and happy. Find more information online at nhpweek.ca.

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