Health and Clinic Updates: January 2014 |
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5 Tricks to Block Winter Dryness Blues
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References
Ingredients 2-1/4 cups water Directions
(Serves two).
References
References
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Heaters keep you warm, but
they also wick moisture from the skin. And when you walk outside,
exposure to cold air and wind gives your outer layers an environmental
shock. Along with wintertime elements, not drinking as much water as
you would during warmer months, not getting enough fresh fruits and
veggies, and the nutritional deficit of your holiday leftovers, are all
pitfalls that contribute to drying out your skin, hair, eyes, nose and
mouth. Here are 5 tricks to block those winter dryness blues. 
A hearty cereal grain that
gets its distinct flavor from the roasting process it undergoes after
harvesting and cleaning, oats are a full-service addition to your
nutritional game plan, especially during winter. Oats are packed full
of fiber, including beta-glucan which helps maintain hydration within
your body. As an added bonus, the beta-glucan helps to stabilize blood
sugar levels and provides lasting energy, making oats a perfect
breakfast option. Studies have shown that beta-glucan also
significantly enhances immune system response time and boosts your
body's microbial defenses against invading pathogens. Additionally,
oats help lower cholesterol, and subsequently the risk of
cardiovascular disease and stroke. And studies have shown that the
oats' phenols interact synergistically with vitamin C to nearly double
the length of time LDL levels are lowered. Taking all of these things
into consideration, starting your day with a steaming bowl of oatmeal
will not only provide you with a slow-release of energy to help you
through a busy morning, but also it may amp up your immune system and
help protect you from rampant winter viruses like cold and flu. For
that extra defensive boost, ditch the coffee (a dehydrator) and pair
your hearty breakfast with an herbal tea or juice that is high in
vitamin C. 
A steaming bowl of healthy,
fresh-cooked oatmeal is a perfect way to warm yourself on cold winter
mornings. But remember, all oatmeal isn't created equal. Instant
oatmeal is often loaded with unnecessary sugars and should be avoided.
Instead, take an extra five minutes and use organic rolled oats. This
yummy oatmeal recipe is loaded with fiber, vitamins C, K, E, B1, and
manganese. It also offers the added bonus of over half of the daily
value for hard-to-find omega-3 fatty acids and adding almond meal lends
protein to the dish, making it a well-balanced and delicious breakfast.
Drinking
fresh, hot herbal teas during blistery winter months offers a host of
benefits. It warms your body and excites taste buds while increasing
hydration and replenishing important nutrients. A popular ingredient in
herbal tea blends, the vitamin C loaded Hibiscus packs a punch to dry
winter ailments with antioxidant and immune-boosting properties.
Hibiscus teas are commonly used around the world. Recent studies show
hibiscus may help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels, help
manage weight and act as a natural angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)
inhibitor. One recent study explored the antioxidant properties of
hibiscus tea on people. Researchers found that antioxidant levels drop
throughout the day, but hibiscus tea causes that level to spike within
an hour of consumption. The spike is short-lived, but significant
nonetheless. In another study, an international team of researchers
compared the antioxidant content of 3,139 foods, including hundreds of
beverages. Hibiscus tea, ranked high on the chart as one of the richest
in antioxidants. A healthy alternative to sugary fruit juices and
sodas, hibiscus tea is sour, but it's easy to sweeten up with Stevia,
and give yourself a tropical treat during winter months. Try this: soak
a handful of bulk, dried organic hibiscus flowers overnight and then
blend with a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger, a teaspoon of amla
(packed with properties that aid skin, immune function, digestion and
more), and a handful of fresh mint leaves to make a half-gallon.
Sweeten to taste with your favorite Stevia. This kid-friendly (it
tastes like fruit punch) recipe may be one of the highest antioxidant
beverages in the world.
Vitamin
A is complex. Contrary to popular belief, vitamin A is actually a group
of related nutrients, not a single nutrient. Each type of vitamin A
carries its own benefits and source of origin. Retinoid forms (retinol,
retinal, retinoic acid and retinyl esters) are found in animal-foods
and offer immune, inflammatory, genetic and reproductive-related
benefits. Carotenoids (various carotenes and xanthophylls) are found in
plant foods and most function as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
nutrients. The human body is able to effectively convert carotenoids
into retinoid forms within the body. Vitamin A has long been known for
its role in vision! But, did you know that recent studies have been
exploring the potential of carotenoids as anti-cancer and anti-aging
compounds, in part because of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
properties? Both categories of vitamin A offer benefits (namely immune
and anti-inflammatory) that go a long way during the winter months.
This winter treat yourself to vitamin A rich foods including yogurt,
eggs, chicken, shrimp, salmon, halibut, scallops, sardines, tuna, cod,
sweet potatoes, carrots, and leafy greens such as spinach, kale, swiss
chard, and collard, turnip, and mustard greens. Your whole body will
thank you.
Similar to employing a
humidifier in your home, steam treatments are a fantastic way
to rehydrate dry skin, hair and respiratory passages. Steam helps ease
congestion, sinus infections and inflammation within respiratory
passages. Additionally, the moist heat will hydrate your skin, enhance
circulation and unclog pores, giving your skin an unseasonably healthy
glow. Adding essential oils and herbs to your steam bath will boost the
health benefits of this therapy and promote mental
relaxation. Eucalyptus and peppermint oils offer anti-microbial and
anti-inflammatory properties. Chamomile, calendula and lavender are
excellent hydration aides. And dried hibiscus lends its antioxidant
properties to revitalize the respiratory system and skin.