Every year, you vow to embrace the magic of the holiday season and savour cherished moments with family and friends. But the busyness of the season can sometimes make the holidays feel, well, a little less magical! To safeguard your well-being during this festive time, pause, inhale deeply, and read on.

The Power of B Vitamins

Many of us may wish there was a magic solution to navigate the holidays unscathed, supporting our overall well-being, cognitive health, and stress resilience while ensuring ample energy for the season. Prolonged periods of stress can lead to inflammation, compromised immune function, and nutrient depletion, with B vitamins playing a vital role in this context.

B vitamins are essential for thousands of biochemical body processes. Although some B vitamins can be synthesized in the gut, their water-soluble nature and limited retention often result in common deficiencies, causing familiar symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, decreased appetite, irritability, and nervousness during the holidays. To maximize absorption, opt for a B complex with active B vitamins. Remarkably, over 60% of the population lacks a crucial gene responsible for converting inactive B vitamins into their active forms, contributing to these deficiencies and symptoms.

Health First Active B Supreme delivers essential B vitamins in their active forms for a comprehensive solution. Two capsules daily provide the recommended adult intake, with added choline and inositol. This dynamic blend supports heart health, neurotransmitter production and proper cell formation while fostering balanced blood sugar levels and mood balance.

Menopause and the Holidays

Women often shoulder added responsibilities, not just during the holidays but all year long. For menopausal women, stress may be intensified due to fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels. What proactive strategies can aid resilience?

Health First Whole Woman Supreme was thoughtfully created with your well-being in mind. It combines EstroG-100^® and key adaptogens to enhance your health and overall wellness. EstroG-100^® is a blend of three herbs – Angelica gigas, Cyanchum wilfordii and Phlomis umbrosa – traditionally used in Chinese medicine. Study participants showed an average symptom reduction of 86% after just one month of use, experiencing relief from hot flashes, insomnia, mood disorders, fatigue, vertigo, rheumatic pain, and vaginal dryness.¹

To further bolster your well-being, we’ve included lion’s mane and reishi medicinal mushrooms, astragalus, and American ginseng. These components support a healthy stress response by acting as adaptogens, which help restore balance to the body, promoting a calm state during times of high stress and offering energy when needed.

• Lion’s mane and reishi provide polysaccharides, which help support digestion and stress response.
• Astragalus supports the immune system and boosts energy levels.
• American ginseng helps alleviate restlessness and nervousness, while also aiding in blood sugar balance.

The 6 Steps to Feeling Magical

Effectively managing stress during the holiday season requires a combination of lifestyle strategies and natural health supplements. Here are key recommendations to consider:

1. Prioritize Rest: Find moments for rejuvenation, whether a cat nap before an event or getting to bed a little earlier a few times each week.
2. Set Boundaries: Grant yourself the freedom to decline certain engagements if your schedule feels overwhelming.
3. Practice Active Self-Care: Carve out time for balanced meals and regular moderate exercise to nurture your well-being.
4. Indulge Mindfully: Be intentional about indulging in holiday treats, listen to your body’s hunger cues, and stay hydrated to distinguish between thirst and hunger.
5. Monitor Caffeine Intake: An extra cup of coffee might seem tempting under pressure, but excessive caffeine can heighten anxiety and strain already stressed adrenals.
6. Incorporate Key Supplements: Several supplements, along with the two we mentioned above, can support you during the holiday season. Consider Ashwagandha Supreme and L-Theanine Supreme to combat stress and Sleep Supreme or Magnesium Bisglycinate 200 Supreme to support healthy sleep.

Remember that by addressing stress from multiple angles, you can experience more balanced relief, fostering a healthier and more enjoyable holiday season. Added benefits of supplements like Active B Supreme to support energy, cell health and immunity, and Whole Woman Supreme to support a healthy mood, stress response, energy levels and balanced blood sugar levels, you can achieve a more manageable and happier holiday season!

Reference:
Chang, Albert, Kwak,  Bo‐Yeon, Jae Soo Kim, Kwontaek Yi. The Effect of Herbal Extract (EstroG‐100) on Pre‐, Peri‐ and Post‐Menopausal Women: A Randomized Double‐blind, Placebo‐controlled Study 2 September 2011

About the Author: Health First Network

Health First Network is Canada’s leading membership group for independent health & wellness retailers and the exclusive supplier of the premium Health First supplement brand. There are over 140 independently owned and operated retail Members across the country. Click here to learn more about Health First.