As the seasons shift, the transition can sometimes be jarring to our immune systems. Kids head back to school and encounter new bugs, routines change as we prepare for cooler weather, and the sudden onset of darkness after we “fall behind” can have an impact on our mental health. In the spirit of easing into the season, Seward Co-op’s Wellness departments are here to prop up your immune system before a busy holiday season, or just help you find more ways to rest and digest as the natural world around us settles into a slower pace, too.
Fall into Wellness
Rest
Many of us might need extra rest as the seasons change. Whether that means more naps and water, or taking a few additional supplements to make sure we sleep through the night, we have several options to choose from.
Magnesium is a naturally occurring mineral growing in popularity for its benefits for our bodily functions. The National Institute of Health states that “magnesium is a cofactor in more than 300 enzyme systems that regulate diverse biochemical reactions in the body, including protein synthesis, muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and blood pressure regulation.” All of this translates to a healthier body and mind.
Three main varieties of magnesium are being explored to meet different needs: magnesium l-threonate is suggested to help with memory, focus, mood, and anxiety support; magnesium glycinate is suggested to help with mental and physical stress support, sleep support, tissue formation, and heart health; and magnesium citrate is suggested to support muscle and heart function, as well as our bones and nervous system. If you’re looking to try it today, vitamin maker Natural Factors has options for each type of magnesium listed above, and woman-owned True Grace has their “Electro-Mag” packets that are full of electrolytes and magnesium, so you can kick off your wellness journey with ease.
Digest
The holidays are a time when many of us are bopping around, gathering with friends and family, to eat, drink, and be merry. But what happens when we loosen our belts a notch and we still feel a little bloated and full? There are three ways to battle the bloat and keep your stomach feeling top notch: probiotics, herbs, or enzymatic treatments.
Probiotics taken daily build up a gut-healthy microbiome that helps support your mood, bathroom regularity, digestion, and overall health. Herbal remedies like ginger, licorice, and peppermint tea all help support digestion, bloating, and discomfort. Enzymatic treatments like papaya enzymes help us digest easier, break down food into smaller more digestible molecules which better allows our bodies to absorb vitamins and minerals.
Try a little of each! Natural Factors source probiotics that are clinically tested to have compatible strains that don’t overpower or compete in the gut. Instead, they work together in the body. To try some herbal immunity, Mickelberry Garden makes a spicy and soothing Ginger Honey Tonic that is supportive to immune systems and digestive tracts. For more digestion support, Black-owned, Chicago-based sea moss company Natural Renewals has vibrant sea mosses to keep your gut in check.
No matter what you’re preparing for as the weather changes, make your first stop Seward Co-op Wellness departments at both stores to kick off your seasonal routine.
