Outdoor temperatures continue to be hot! Summer heat and outdoor events can leave you feeling drained and exhausted. Mosquitoes and gnats can be a pesky nuisance causing itchy welts. Sunburns leave your skin sensitive and irritated. Summer storms bring high humidity, heat, and even flooding, creating opportunities for mold growth. Air quality can be a challenge. Prolonged heat exposure is stressful to the body as it increases oxidative stress often with decreased repair at night and cumulative strain. Here are some tips to help you stay energized and protected through the heat of summer.
Hydration & Electrolytes
As summer continues with record breaking temperature across much of the country, hydration remains important. In hot weather, you may need 2.5-3.5 liters or more of water per day. Sipping on water throughout the day is more effective than drinking large amounts a few times in a day as this can flush out electrolytes making you feel worse or contribute to muscle cramps or twitches, fatigue, and loss of heat tolerance, etc.
Electrolyte support is also important. Magnesium, potassium, and salt are especially needed with hot temperatures and sweating as they transport fluids into cells. Extra electrolyte intake may be necessary if you are active outdoors and sweating, have diarrhea, or have a tendency for low blood pressure. If you take prescription water pills/diuretics, please check with your practitioner as some medications may affect how your body uses electrolytes.
If you work or play hard outdoors and need electrolyte support, consider Potassium Plus and Muscle Mag. Salt may be added to water and foods and may be especially important for those who are “salt wasters” or experience low blood pressure. The RDI for sodium is 2,300 mg for healthy adults, but higher amounts may be needed during hot weather. One-quarter teaspoon of salt provides 500 mg. Himalayan or Celtic Sea salt naturally contain trace minerals and are healthier choices than common table salt.
Bugs
Do mosquitoes love you? Are you bothered by itchy bug bites? Mosquitoes are attracted to various scents from shampoo, lotions, or body sprays, as well as lactic acid, carbon dioxide, alcohol, high sugar, and acetaldehyde secreted in your skin, breath, or sweat.
To help your body clear metabolic compounds that attract mosquitoes, optimize your nutritional status with Muscle Mag, PQQ, Super Coenzyme B Complex, Sulfur Plus, and/or Mitochondrial Ultra.
It can also be helpful to modulate mast cell release of histamine which causes the itchy bug bites. Supportive nutrients include Vitamin C, Quercetin Phytosome + Luteolin, Repair Plus, and Super Coenzyme B Complex.
Sunscreen and Skin Health
Your skin needs extra protection during the summer. Hot sun, itchy bug bites, chemicals in pools, and work in the yard can leave your skin dry, irritated, and in need of some TLC.
Be mindful that chemicals in conventional sunscreen products have been shown to enter the bloodstream with just one application. Many of these compounds have been identified as endocrine disruptors. Thus, conventional sunscreen use adds more burden to the long list of other chemicals that interfere with your metabolism and endocrine function. Consider natural sunscreens as well as optimizing your antioxidants and nutrients to maintain skin health and protect against UV radiation.
Keeping your skin healthy is a year-round need requiring a reservoir of nutrients to maintain its glow and elasticity. For example, when used regularly, astaxanthin naturally accumulates in your skin providing stellar antioxidant support. Research shows that consuming 6 mg per day of astaxanthin over the course of several weeks provides protection against the effects of UVA and UVB radiation. It also aids the skin epithelial barrier helping maintain its strength and elasticity.
Additional nutrients that support skin health include: Glutathione Ultra, Grape Seed Extract, Green Tea Extract, Hair, Skin & Nails, Daily Protector Eye & Immune, and Daily Super E.
Mold and Mold Toxins
Heat, rain, humidity, flooding, and poorly functioning air conditioners increase the risk and likelihood of mold growth and presence of mycotoxins. These issues can lead to a stuffy nose, sinus congestion, postnasal drip, itchy or watery eyes, dry scaly skin, fatigue and brain fog.
Mold toxins can also provoke substantial oxidative stress to the brain. Exposure to mycotoxins from water damaged materials can cause mast cells and other immune cells in your brain and other tissues of your body to release pro-inflammatory cytokines and free radicals. This provokes oxidative stress to mitochondria and over time leads to accumulation of amyloid beta proteins in brain cells.
Nutritional support to enhance detoxification and clearance of mold toxins includes: Quercetin, Glutathione Ultra, Daily Detoxify, Daily Protector Eye & Immune, Oregano Oil, Tributyrin Plus, Fiber Helper, and others.
Wildfire Smoke and Air Pollution
Hazy, humid summer days from heat and wildfire smoke affect air quality. Irritation to your eyes, throat, and respiratory passages can occur from particulate matter in the air. Protecting the mucous membranes of these delicate tissues becomes essential. Nutrient support to consider includes: Daily Protector Eye & Immune, Astaxanthin, Immune Plus, and Quercetin.
The dog days of summer are enjoyable times of the year but can also be stressful. Ice cold beverages, sprinklers, pool time and the hum of the A/C are great resources to cool down. Nourishing and protecting your body from summertime challenges also helps you stay healthy.
Support your body during these challenges while you enjoy summer!
My summertime favorites are Astaxanthin, Grape Seed Extract, and Quercetin Phytosome + Luteolin. What are yours? There are many to choose from so if you would like help selecting the best supplements for your needs, please reach out to us for expert support at 800-717-9355. We are here to help you!
Additional Resources:
Potassium – A Valuable Mineral for Health
Sun Protection – What Makes Sense?
Sunscreen Dangers Continue to be Exposed
Sunscreen and Vaccine Adjuvants: As Harmless as You Are Led to Believe?
GMOs, Roundup, and Sunscreen Linked with Diminished Brain Resiliency
Mold Exposure Affects Brain Health, Focus, and Mood
Mold Allergies and Toxins – Damaging Effects Must Be Managed
Air Pollution and How to Protect Your Health Naturally
Summer Heat Stress – More Than Just Dehydration
Mosquitoes Bugging You? Nutrition Can Help
