Looking after your health and wellbeing is essential all year round, but summer’s just built differently.
With its sun-soaked days, you need to bring your A-game!
Whether you’re chasing the perfect tan, spiking volleyballs at the beach, or enjoying a sun-drenched picnic in the park, it’s all about making the most of the season.
But let’s be real, staying healthy and energized can be a challenge amidst all the fun.
That’s where these supplements come in, ensuring you feel fantastic and ready for anything.
Here are the best vitamins and supplements to support your nutrition and wellness this summer!
Vitamin A: Protect Your Skin
Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining overall health and wellbeing.
It supports vision, immune function, cell growth, and reproductive health.
During summer, Vitamin A is particularly important because it helps repair and protect the skin from sun damage.
And we all know how bad sun can be for your skin and hair.
Well, at least I do, and trust me – you don’t wanna go there…
Vitamin A acts as an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals and protecting your skin from UV-induced damage.
Free radicals are basically bad stuff that turn your healthy cells into bad cells, better known as cancer cells.
You can get Vitamin A from foods like sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, and dairy products.
Vitamin C: Boost Your Immunity
If vitamin C was a kid in the class, it would be the most popular one.
The king of all vitamin is well-known for its immune-boosting properties.
It acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from damage and supporting the body’s natural defense mechanisms.
In the summer, Vitamin C helps counteract the oxidative stress caused by increased sun exposure.
It also promotes hydration and supports collagen synthesis, keeping your skin healthy and vibrant.
And you’ve probably heard of collagen, as almost all skin care products nowadays are filled with it.
And it’s not just a selling point.
Vitamin C is abundant in citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and broccoli.
Vitamin D: Soak Up the Sunshine Vitamin
Vitamin D, often referred to as the sunshine vitamin, is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
It helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus, crucial for bone health.
During the summer, increased sunlight exposure boosts Vitamin D levels, which can also positively impact mood and mental wellbeing.
That’s why people working night shifts often feel down as their body lacks vitamin D.
While sunlight is a primary source of Vitamin D, you can also find it in foods like fatty fish (such as salmon and mackerel), fortified milk, and egg yolks.
Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrate Your Skin
One more supplement that almost everybody’s talking in the past couple of years is hyaluronic acid.
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body, particularly in the skin, connective tissues, and joints.
It’s known for its exceptional ability to retain moisture, making it an effective hydrating agent.
In summer, when the heat and sun exposure can dehydrate your skin, hyaluronic acid helps to replenish and lock in moisture, keeping your skin smooth and healthy.
Hyaluronic acid is available in many skincare products and supplements, and it shouldn’t be hard to find it.
But if you want to find a natural hyaluronic acid source, add bone broth, leafy greens, and soy-based foods to your diet.
Apple Cider Vinegar: A Multipurpose Aid
Although apple cider vinegar isn’t exactly a supplement by definition, I decided to include it in this list as it works like magic!
Apple cider vinegar is known for its numerous health benefits.
It can aid digestion, support weight loss, and even help with skin health.
You can incorporate apple cider vinegar into your diet by adding it to salad dressings, marinades, or drinking it diluted with water.
Collagen: Maintain Skin Elasticity
Collagen is a protein that provides structure to your skin, hair, and nails.
As we age, our body’s collagen production decreases, which can lead to wrinkles and sagging skin.
Supplementing with collagen can help maintain skin elasticity and hydration, which is particularly beneficial during the summer months when sun exposure can accelerate skin aging.
Collagen can be found in supplements and foods like bone broth, chicken skin, and fish.
Multivitamins: All-in-One Support
A good multivitamin can provide comprehensive support for your overall health, filling in any nutritional gaps in your diet.
During summer, when you’re more active and exposed to the sun, a multivitamin can help ensure you’re getting all the essential nutrients you need to stay healthy and energized.
Look for a multivitamin that includes vitamins A, C, D, and E, as well as essential minerals like zinc and selenium.
Staying on top of your nutrition with the right supplements can help you enjoy a healthy and vibrant summer.