Just when you think you’ve got your supplement routine firmly established, we’re here to tell you that you might need a shake-up for spring.
After what felt like the longest winter, the days are finally brighter and the weather is changing, making it the perfect time to start on the path to a healthier life. You may already feel like you’re trying to do everything right, whether it’s accumulating plant points each week, exercising consistently, maintaining good sleep hygiene, or doing your best to avoid stress, taking a seasonal approach to health can give your efforts an extra boost.
Supplements can play a role in supporting your health, but rather than seeing them as a quick fix, think about streamlining your routine to suit the season. That being said, it is always wise to consult a registered health professional, such as a nutritionist, before introducing any new supplements. And remember that nourishing your body through whole foods should always be your top priority, so supplements should complement (rather than replace) a balanced diet. As winter ends and spring approaches, certain nutrients may become more important. Here’s an overview of what you should consider.
As the seasons change, changes in diet, environment, and activity naturally cause changes in the microbiome. Longer days mean more travel, eating outdoors, and changes in daily routine, all of which can temporarily throw your gut out of balance. Taking probiotics during this time can help maintain healthy gut flora, support digestion, and keep your immune system strong. For maximum benefits throughout the digestive system, it is worth choosing a formulation that contains several well-studied bacterial strains, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
There’s been a lot of noise around collagen for a while now, and for good reason. This protein (the most abundant protein in the body) supports skin elasticity, hydration, and overall firmness. During spring and summer, increased sun exposure and warmer temperatures (it doesn’t have to be that hot to have an effect) can accelerate skin moisture loss and collagen breakdown. Supplementing with collagen (particularly hydrolyzed collagen peptides) can help maintain skin hydration, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and support natural repair processes. Combining collagen and vitamin C-rich foods can further boost collagen synthesis and protect your skin from seasonal environmental stressors. While most collagen supplements contain animal sources, vegan alternatives are also available, making it easy to find the option that’s right for you.
You don’t have to be an athlete, or even an experienced gym goer, to benefit from incorporating electrolytes into your daily life. These minerals, which are important for maintaining fluid balance, muscle function, and nerve signaling, are lost through sweat. Even a slight increase in body temperature can make you feel tired, sluggish, and prone to convulsions. This is where the benefits of electrolytes come into play.
Summers in the UK are nothing like those in Dubai, but the Met Office predicts 2026 will be the hottest year on record in four years, with unusually high temperatures already recorded in March. Replenishing electrolytes on hotter-than-usual days by hydrating with mineral-rich foods and targeted supplements can help maintain energy levels, support workout performance, and keep your body functioning at peak performance in warm weather. Electrolytes usually come in powder sachets or dissolvable tabs, so you can easily add them to water to stay hydrated on the go.
Magnesium is an “all-rounder” mineral that supports everything from stress to sleep, so generally speaking, it’s one of those supplements you just need to supplement with. Magnesium is used by the body to support hundreds of daily processes and is readily available in foods such as dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and legumes. But even with a balanced diet, many people don’t get enough, and their bodies need more, especially during times of stress. Certain drugs, such as some antibiotics and acid reflux proton pump inhibitors, can reduce the rate of absorption, and even if you are taking GLP-1 drugs, your levels may drop due to decreased appetite. Magnesium bisglycinate or magnesium citrate are two highly absorbable forms to choose from when it comes to supplements.
Supplements you may no longer need
Nutrients that are not needed much in spring…
Vitamin D is needed for brain and bone health, but unlike most other vitamins, which are readily absorbed from the diet, the main source of vitamin D comes from sunlight. From March to September, the sun’s UVB rays are high enough to penetrate the skin, so unless you fall into the category of people who need supplements year-round (dark-skinned people, shift workers, the elderly, etc.), it’s probably safe to forego the bottle during the spring and summer months.
In winter, vitamin C supplements are often used as a buffer against colds and infections. In the spring, that pressure is alleviated by exposure to sunlight, increased activity, and fewer viruses circulating. That’s not to say that vitamin C isn’t important, but you can get it from seasonal fruits and vegetables such as strawberries, citrus fruits, spinach, and peppers, which are generally well absorbed by the body.
Energy levels often drop in the winter, so CoQ10, a compound that boosts cellular energy production, is a popular supplement to take during the dark, cold months when fatigue is more noticeable. But in the summer, your energy naturally benefits from longer daylight hours and increased physical activity. You may also be able to avoid supplementing with energy-boosting supplements such as CoQ10 and incorporate more CoQ10 foods into your diet, such as fatty fish such as salmon and sardines, nuts and seeds, chicken, and spinach, given that your body usually produces sufficient amounts naturally when you’re active and eating well.
#Supplements #stop #spring