Here in Canada, especially at Noorish HQ over here in British Columbia, we’re no strangers to the frigid winds, cloudy days and less-than-ideal temperatures that winter can bring.
While we’re bundling in layers, thick jackets, scarves and doubled socks, our bodies are going through numerous internal adaptations of their own at a physiological and subconscious level in order to stabilize our core temperature and function.
You know that shiver you feel when the temperature drops? That’s your body generating warmth by contracting your muscles! Then, it constricts your blood vessels (especially those closest to the surface of your skin), slowing the flow of blood to your hands and feet to conserve heat. This is formally known as vasoconstriction.
Ever wonder why you might feel hungrier, or can handle more food, in the winter months? This can happen because your metabolism is increased by your body’s attempt at producing more warmth through calorie burning. Metabolism and heat production are also increased through a raised level of hormones produced by your thyroid.
Winter Nutrition
To help our bodies stay optimal in function, temperature and comfort during the winter, it’s important to nourish them with nutrients that meet their cold-season production and metabolism changes.
First things first: keep up with your hydration! In summer, it’s easy to remember to grab a glass of water as it's warm, possibly dry and often a little sweaty - and what beats a cool, refreshing sip of water when it’s hot like that? You might not feel as thirsty once things cool off, but you still need water to fight off skin dryness, dehydration and fatigue.
Next, one of the most crucial nutrients you could supplement during this time is vitamin D. You’ve likely heard it called the sunshine vitamin, as we normally get the vitamin from sun exposure in the warmer months. This vitamin supports calcium absorption, keeping bones healthy and strong.
Additional nutrients of focus should include omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and support brain and heart health, as well as antioxidants, which help your body fight off harmful free radicals.
From a food nutrition standpoint, the focus in winter is on warming, nourishing, and grounding foods that support the body’s energy and help it withstand the cold. Here is a list of some wonderful foods that warm, nourish and ground you:
- Roasted root vegetables (rich fibres and complex starches supportive of digestion in winter)
- Bone broth (rich in collagen and essential minerals to nourish jing energy)
- Legumes (added to soups and stews)
- Dark leafy greens (nourish the liver and kidneys)
- Seaweed and algae (essential trace minerals)
- Black-coloured foods (black sesame, black beans)
- Warming spices (keep your inner fire and metabolism stoked)
- Nuts and seeds (healthy fats to keep your body constitution supple)
- Fermented foods (supporting gut health and immunity)
Additional Support & Armour
In addition to getting proper nutrients, you can add an extra layer of winter armour to your seasonal regimen by prioritizing sleep (improving immunity and function), staying active (additional immunity improvement and mood boost), managing stress through intentional rest/relaxation activities and, of course, layering your clothes, reducing the stress and demand for your body to internally crank the heat.
For even more nourishment, our Cocoa Sun Ritual Adaptogenic Sipping Chocolate is a superfood-filled way of warming up on a cold winter day. Packed with superfood guardians like maca, reishi, lion’s mane and cordyceps, this decadent treat will help to naturally boost your energy, support your immune system and enhance your overall mental health.
We also offer Cocoa Moon Ritual, for supporting your natural rest cycle, in addition to your overall health and well-being.
For immunity boosts by a simple spoonful, enjoy a daily bite of our Sunshine in a Cup Spiced Immunity Honey!
Now that you have a greater understanding of how your body reacts and adapts to the cold, you can now take proactive steps to support its efforts, and your health and enjoy the season to the fullest!
