With days getting shorter this year and the reduced amount of sunlight, this time of year can sometimes cause problems for certain sensitive individuals. SAD syndrome, or Season Affective Disorder, can cause depression, fatigue, insomnia and cravings for carbohydrates. It has been suggested that this condition may be caused by a reduction of Vitamin D which is normally synthesised in the skin from sunlight.

One of the roles of Vitamin D is the synthesis of hormones, particularly serotonin which is the happy hormone. Studies have shown that the production of this hormone is suppressed in SAD sufferers, suggesting that a lack of sunlight and Vitamin D may be the cause. Not only may Vitamin D help our mood, but it certainly is essential for calcium uptake and hence the strength and mineralisation of our bones. During winter we may not be getting enough. Therefore safeguard yourself by taking Lifeplan Vitamin D 400iu tablets. This product is easy absorbing, contains the maximum level of Vitamin D required daily and is suitable for vegetarians.

If your joints are creaking or feeling stiff this winter, try eating plenty of essential fatty acids which are found in oily fish (mackerel, herring, salmon) flaxseed oil and walnuts. Cut down on saturated fats found in meat, dairy and baked foods which can increase inflammation in the joints and hinder the absorption of essential fatty acids.

Also consider taking Lifeplan Joint Action Extra a supplement which contains glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM. These natural substances are required for the maintenance of healthy joints, tendons, ligaments, connective tissue and synovial fluid. Although these ingredients can be manufactured in the body, the production is compromised by the ageing process and over-use of the joints. Therefore the elderly, athletes and people who have manual jobs may wish to supplement with this product. Try one to two Joint Action Extra tablets for a minimum of six weeks.

We all know how easy it is to over-indulge at Christmas time and pile on a few pounds. Why not make a head start on everyone else and keep your blood sugar levels down so you won’t want to eat too many mince pies or drink too much mulled wine! Chromium is a mineral renowned for its role in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and therefore may be able to control hunger cravings, particularly for foods high in carbohydrates. Chromium is naturally found in the soil, though due to intensive farming methods and over-processing of foods it is often deficient in most diets. Therefore it may be better to ensure an adequate supply by supplementation. Chromium picolinate is one of the best forms of chromium available since it is readily absorbed. Take one Lifeplan Chromium picolinate capsule each day with breakfast.

Constriction of the blood vessels due to the cold weather can cut off the blood supply to the extremities. Therefore help to maintain healthy blood flow by reducing caffeine and alcohol intake and increase your consumption of water, herbal teas and oily fish. Also alongside this take herbs such as Lifeplan Ginkgo Biloba and Lifeplan Ginger , which help to maintain healthy circulation, making us feel warm all over! Both of these herbs are available in standardised forms, which guarantees a high potency of the active ingredient in each dose.

Your grandmother was right when she said that you can catch a chill from the cold. Latest research has shown that cold weather does suppress the immune function, by reducing blood flow to our white blood cells which are required to fight infection. One of the most important nutrients which is involved in stimulating the immune system is zinc, which is found in seafood, cereals, pumpkin seeds and cheese. If you eat little of these foods then you may wish to supplement with a high strength supplement such as Lifeplan Zinc Amino Acid Chelate , which contains the RDA and maximum permitted level of zinc in one tablet! Each 15mg tablet contains easy to absorb zinc and is suitable for vegans.

Echinacea is a renowned herb which has been used traditionally to strengthen the immune system, particularly over the winter period. Though Echinacea has not been shown to cure colds and coughs, it has been suggested that it may help to ward off respiratory illnesses. Therefore take a high dose throughout winter - such as Lifeplan Echinacea Time Release 1000mg tablets. Not only are these one a day tablets high potency but they are the only Echinacea product on the market which is released gradually into the system over a period of two to three hours. This helps the body to assimilate the herb gradually and more efficiently than those products that are not timed release.

Each tablet contains Echinacea purpurea which has been standardised to contain a guaranteed 2.7mg of polyphenols, the active ingredient. This product is also registered with the vegan society.