Summer has arrived! The days are getting longer and many of us are starting to enjoy time outside, looking forward to weekend BBQ’s, and of course the warmer weather. As we get ready to appreciate the summer months there are a number of lifestyle strategies that can be done to help stay healthy so the season can be enjoyed to the fullest.

1. Sleep: There’s nothing that beats a good night’s sleep! Lack of sleep has been associated with increased risk for many ailments, including mental stress. The number one tip the Mayo clinic has for improving sleep is to stick to a regular schedule with no more than 8 hours allotted for sleep.¹ They also highlight food suggesting the following: “Don’t go to bed hungry or stuffed. In particular, avoid heavy or large meals within a couple of hours of bedtime. Your discomfort might keep you up”.¹

2. Diet and Portion size: As the saying goes, we eat with our eyes. Using smaller plates and utensils tricks our brains into thinking we’re eating big portions. An analysis spanning more than 50 separate studies found that varying the size of the plate or bowl had a significant effect on the amount of food the subjects consumed.² Scary fact: doubling plate size can increase the amount of food you eat by over 40%!³

3. Movement: We hear about the importance of being active on a regular basis. While it is of course important to speak with your health care provider to determine which form is best for you, according the Harvard Health there are several tips they provide to avoid injury such as taking 5-10 min to properly cool down and warm up as well as staying hydrated.⁴ Listening to your body is also mentioned and it’s suggested to hold off on exercise if you’re feeling sick or very fatigued.⁴

4. Probiotics: Stress, rich foods and varying food choices can affect our digestive system adversely. Probiotics are friendly bacteria thought to play a role in helping to support gastrointestinal health.

Now, sometimes even when being physically active and trying to practice all of the healthy habits, life happens and we get run down. Did you know that certain probiotics not only help support gastrointestinal health but can also help reduce the duration of upper respiratory tract illness in physically active adults?

The brand-new Optima Adult 50+ does just that! And the good news is that it’s also shelf stable, so if you are an on-the-go active individual you can keep this with you wherever you may be (no refrigeration needed!).

What should you look for when choosing a probiotic?

• Storage: If you’re an “on-the-go” person – then a shelf stable probiotic that doesn’t require refrigeration may be your best choice.
• Guaranteed Potency: Probiotics are measured with “colony forming units” or “CFU” for short. So, look for products that have a CFU count that meets your needs.
• Strains: Does the probiotic include researched strains? Some examples of researched strains are Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM or Bifidobacterium Bl-04.
• Capsule: What type of capsule is used? Using a delayed release capsule can help ensure that the healthy bacteria get past the stomach and down to where you need them for maximum gastrointestinal effect.
• Gluten & Dairy: Not all capsules are gluten and dairy free. Check the label before purchase to ensure your probiotics meet your dietary tolerances.

The Primadophilus Optima line of probiotics is the “go-to” for the on-the-go probiotic user. The Optima 50 Billion Digestive Balance, Optima 50 Billion Women’s and the brand-new Optima Adults 50+ probiotics are shelf stable (no refrigeration required), provide guaranteed potency to expiry, and include researched healthy bacterial strains like NCFM and Bl-04. Both feature a delayed release capsule and are gluten and dairy-free.

Not only is Optima Adult 50+ helpful in supporting gastrointestinal health but is also reduces the duration of upper respiratory tract illness in physically active adults!

References:
1. Mayo Clinic. Sleep tips: 6 steps to better sleep – Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/sleep/art-20048379. Published 2017. Accessed March 27, 2018.
2. Holden SS, Zlatevska N, Dubelaar C. Whether Smaller Plates Reduce Consumption Depends on Who’s Serving and Who’s Looking: A Meta-Analysis. J Assoc Consum Res. 2016;1(1):134-146. doi:10.1086/684441.
3. Kahleova H, Lloren JI, Mashchak A, Hill M, Fraser GE. Meal Frequency and Timing Are Associated with Changes in Body Mass Index in Adventist Health Study 2. J Nutr. 2017;147(9):jn244749. doi:10.3945/jn.116.244749.
4. Harvard Health Publishing. 10 tips for exercising safely – Harvard Health. Healthbeat. https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/10-tips-for-exercising-safely. Published 2018. Accessed March 27, 2018.

About the Author: Nature’s Way Team

Nature’s Way began from a simple desire to do something more for people, to help enhance health and happiness, and is now a recognized leader in nutritional and dietary supplements around the world. Learn more at natureswaycanada.ca