Why do we put on weight in winter? Why do we feel so slow and congested? And why is it that we seem to catch every little bug going around in the colder months? The answers to these questions are more connected than you may think.
When cold days roll around for another year our first action is usually to rug up, protecting our bodies from the cold. When we do this, we reduce our production of Vitamin D through the skin. Most of us are deficient in Vitamin D, and this deficiency has been shown to have an effect on our gut cells, immune system and sleep cycles; leading to digestive, immune and sleep issues.
Cortisol also plays a role. Winter is a stressful time in Australia -end of financial year deadlines to meet, wildly fluctuating weather patterns, and being stuck indoors on a cold rainy day can make anyone stir-crazy! When we get stressed our adrenal glands produce cortisol, a stress hormone that helps keep us alert and ready for danger. However, this useful hormone can turn nasty of we have too much of it circulating around, as it leads our bodies to pack on extra pounds to safeguard against hard times ahead and it also weakens our immune system if it stays too high for too long. Stress also makes us reach for the comfort food – usually high-calorie, and high in sugar – so we produce more feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, and temporarily relieve our stress. The result? We become more prone to colds and flu, and we look and feel heavier and slower.
An influx of high-calorie food, less fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin D, and raised cortisol all have an effect on the liver, slowing down its metabolism and detoxification pathways, meaning it takes longer to process food, drinks and chemicals and clear them from the body. As a result, we can feel sluggish and slow, have a hard time waking and eating breakfast, and our bowel movements can slow down resulting in constipation. The situation is worse for women, as a sluggish liver can become overburdened with excess estrogen, leading to menstrual imbalances, mood disorders, and further weight gain!
So, what are some of the strategies we can employ to beat this cycle of stress, sickness and sluggishness?
- Stress less! Remind yourself that this is a temporary time of the year, and don’t take things too seriously. Make time in your day for you, time to relax and reflect. Drink a nice warm cup of tea, treat yourself to a massage, or take a cosy nap. Key herbs: Passion flower, lemon balm (Melissa), chamomile and tulsi (Holy Basil) are all great herbs when taken as a tea, and they reduce cortisol levels, giving you a sense of calm and clarity. Oats (Avena sativa) are also used as a herbal medicine, and eating a bowl of oats in the morning actually helps to reduce cortisol levels and regulate the adrenal glands.
- Fire up that liver! Increase the detox power of your liver by incorporating bitters into your day. This will increase bile production and stomach acid, and speed up digestion in the stomach, as well as regulating bowel movements. Getting adequate sleep and drinking warm lemon water on rising will also help fire things up – simply squeeze half a lemon in warm water and drink.. Key herbs: Dandelion root tea is wonderful as a coffee-like beverage first thing in the morning. It tastes rich and earthy, and with its bitter compounds, it does a great job of stimulating the liver.
- Get more Vitamin D. Expose your bare skin to direct sunlight for 20 minutes each day, if possible. This will increase your body’s production of Vitamin D. You may need to take a supplement if you feel you can’t meet this goal in winter – speak to your naturopath or GP.
- Beef up your immunity! The combination of actions above will all contribute to stronger immunity, by improving gut health, reducing cortisol and increasing Vitamin D. But you may need a bit more help if you suffer from a chronically low immune system. Key herbs: Echinacea is widely known to increase immunity. Elderberry syrup is fantastic for reducing the duration times of colds and flu, and also preventing further sickness. And if you have the sniffles, one of the best remedies is YEP tea, made with yarrow, elderflower and peppermint. Treat yourself, and remember to rest!
- Get professional herbal advice. If you are suffering from chronic stress or insomnia, low immunity or long term digestive issues, it’s always best to see a professional herbalist to help you form a comprehensive, tailor-made plan, including custom blended high potency liquid herbs and lifestyle advice, to get you on track to wellness. Make sure they are registered with a professional association, like ANTA or NHAA, to ensure they have had full, bachelor degree training and insurance. Make your herbalist your new best friend, and your body will love you for it!
By Jade Donovan BHSc WHM MNHAA
Jade Donovan is offering half price initial herbal consultations in July.
To book, call 0402 190 008 or go to www.fiveelements.com.au
