The need to stay hydrated is not news and like the meme says “Don’t forget to drink water … You’re basically a houseplant with more complicated emotions.” But as we transition to cooler months, what we drink and how we boost our beverages becomes even more important. Shifting from beating the heat with hydration and electrolytes to focusing on building immune systems, protecting skin and battling the winter blues can all be supported by adding some function to your daily sips.
1 | HELLO H2O
Clean and simple water is still at the top of the list and intake remains the same throughout the year. Set your daily water goals and sip away. But water is also the perfect vehicle for added nutrition and support.
2 | COLLAGEN
Collagen is everywhere these days and rightly so. It is the building block for all connective tissues like skin, hair, nails, ligaments, cartilage and muscles. Bonus is that it has little to no taste and can be added to both hot or cold beverages. Marine collagen (sourced from fish) is mostly used for more superficial wellness such as wrinkles, tight skin and hair growth while bovine collagen (sourced from cows) is great for joint care, muscle function and gut health. We suggest starting the day with a scoop in your coffee or smoothie and adding some through the day to your soup or afternoon tea.
3 | VITAMIN C
Proven to support the immune system, it is a must-sip product to add to your daily routine. Available in a variety of delicious, flavoured packets, they transform your water into a delicious drink. Vitamin C is also involved in the production of collagen and absorption of iron, making it even more beneficial.
4 | ADAPTOGENS
This is a fancy word for a group of products that help your body adapt to changes like stress, immune function, anxiety and overall wellbeing. Mushroom powder blends are at the top of our list for must-try adaptogens. While there is a fungus for every function, a mix of mushrooms is a great place to start. These can taste on the earthy side so tend to taste best in hot drinks like cocoa or blended into stronger flavoured smoothies and enjoyed earlier in the day.
5 | MOOD ENHANCERS
While many wellness herbs can technically fall under adaptogens, ultimately they have a more specific use and help support us by elevating or calming our mood. Holy Basil, Ashwagandha and Maca are the most used products to help support a balanced mood, reduce stress, increase energy and even increase libido. These products can all be found on their own in tincture or powder form and can easily be added to your daily beverages. Calming products like Holy Basil and Ashwagandha are best taken later in the day while Maca is a great boost for morning or to beat that midafternoon slump.
6 | MAGNESIUM
Magnesium may not have the same trendy hype as collagen, but it is a must have for soothing and replenishing our muscles and relaxing at the end of a long day. Magnesium is a mineral that is lacking in many and is critical for muscle function, relaxation, reducing inflammation and improving sleep. There are many delicious magnesium citrate powdered drinks that can be enjoyed warm or cold and best drank within an hour of bedtime.
7 | GREENS
Greens are available in powder or liquid and are loaded with every essential nutrient. They offer convenience when looking to increase your nutritional intake but not munch on veggies all day. They also help keep your body more alkaline which helps with disease and illness prevention. Depending on the product we suggest taking them first thing in the morning.
While all of these boosters sound amazing, finding the ones that work best for your wellness goals is what’s most important. Not sure where to start? Come in and speak with any of our knowledgeable wellness team members or send us a message online
