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Seasonal changes usually make us want to consider making changes in other parts of our lives to create that “fresh start” feeling. We often choose to make changes to our activity, nutrition, organization, wardrobe and more. Some of these changes help us simply recharge, and some are necessary—like changing out our winter boots for sandals when temperatures are higher.

Are changes in nutrition necessary during season changes? Let’s explore!

Spring

When spring rolls around, the days are getting longer and some of us winter hibernators may be starting to spend more time outside. Here are some things to consider for your nutrition when the sun is finally showing its face again. 

Vitamin D

Getting enough vitamin D, essential for bone health and many other functions, may not be as much of a concern in the spring as long as you’re spending time outside. Our bodies create vitamin D when exposed to the UVB rays of sunlight. There are a lot of variables involved in deciding how long you need to be outside to get the recommended amounts of vitamin D. Things like how far you live from the equator, your skin color, the season, and even the time of day can all affect how your body synthesizes vitamin D. 

• In spring and summer months when more of your skin is likely exposed to the sun, you don’t need to spend as much time outside as you would in the winter when it is not as strong and your skin is more covered due to the cooler temperatures. Spending about 10-30 minutes in the sun a few days per week is thought to be enough for sufficient vitamin D levels.

• The time of day can affect how well we make vitamin D as well. In the middle of the day the UVB rays are stronger and it does not take as long to synthesize. 

• Skin color can also affect our vitamin D. People with lighter skin manufacture vitamin D more quickly than people with darker skin. This means that people with darker skin need longer exposure to the UVB rays. 

The sun is the best way to get vitamin D as there are not many foods that naturally contain it. As with most things regarding nutrition, it’s all about patterns! Vitamin D is stored in the body’s fat cells so it is not as important to be outside each day, but rather a few days per week. So take advantage of those sunny days! 

Be sure to use caution with sunshine—too much of a good thing can be dangerous. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight without proper application of sunscreen can lead to sunburn and increased risk of certain types of skin cancer. 

Supplements* can also be a good source of vitamin D. Those who live in northern climates, have high risk of skin cancer, or have darker skin may benefit from vitamin D supplementation. 

Immunity

Cold and  flu season tends to linger into spring when the temperatures can be variable during the day. See the Fall section for more immunity boosting information.

Summer

The days are long and the sun is strong. Don’t forget your sunscreen even on cloudy days since summer sun rays are much stronger than during other times of the year. Here are some things to pay attention to in summer months to keep your body healthy.

Electrolytes

When temps are higher and we’re trying to keep up with the kids, we sweat more and lose more fluids and electrolytes. Electrolytes are minerals that help maintain fluid balance, muscle contractions (including your heartbeat), and chemical reactions in our bodies. Electrolytes also play a large role in how we feel overall. If we lose too many electrolytes and fluids when it’s hot outside or through extreme exercise, we can experience:

• Neurological complications, like seizures
• Dehydration
• Irregular heart beat
• Dizziness
• Dark-colored urine
• Weakness
• Muscle cramps

Staying hydrated with plain water when you are losing fluids through perspiration is one of the best ways to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. But extreme levels of perspiration may require electrolyte replacement. You can find electrolytes in: 

• Dairy
• Bananas
• Salty foods
• Drinks or drink powders infused with electrolytes/minerals
• Watermelon

Whole Body Summer Support

Summer schedules are usually hectic! Most of us are on the go and trying to spend as much time outside as we can. Our skin and bodies can usually use some extra healing power during the summer. 

According to Dr. Thaddeus Gala, here are some must haves to support your skin and body in the summer months:

• Antioxidants like fish oil and other omega 3 sources, vitamin C, and vitamin E are all anti-inflammatory and can help skin heal faster from sun damage and also help support your joints and muscles. 
• Collagen works to repair joints and muscles, and is really what keeps your body held together. It can also help skin damaged from the sun heal faster.
• Biotin supports your hair and skin. So, like collagen and antioxidants, it can help repair damaged skin. Biotin also works to heal muscles.

Fall

Fall is like the perfect storm for germs. Temperatures are dropping, we’re spending more time indoors, and we’re gathering in crowds again for back-to-school and the start of the holiday season.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s been a lot of information and research on supplements and nutrients that support immunity. Nutrient deficiencies, even if you don’t have obvious symptoms, can often leave small holes in our immune system which bacteria and viruses can take advantage of. Here are the most common dietary sources and key players that work to regulate the immune system, fight off infections, and keep your immunity armor strong:

• Protein: Amino acids, the building blocks of protein, work directly to help fight germs.
• Vitamin A: eggs, organ meats, leafy greens, and orange and yellow vegetables 
• Vitamin D: fortified milk, salmon, tuna fish, and cod liver oil
• Vitamin E: vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds
• Vitamin C: citrus fruits, tomato products, and potatoes 
• Folate (a B vitamin): whole grains, leafy greens, fruits, nuts, beans, peas, seafood, eggs, dairy, and meats. 
• Zinc (mineral): meat, fish, and seafood, eggs, and dairy
• Selenium (mineral): whole grains, dairy, fortified grain products like cereals, and some fruits and vegetables 
• Magnesium (mineral): nuts, seeds, leafy green vegetables, and whole grains
• Pre and probiotics: supporting our gut health can be a key factor in our immunity levels 
• Probiotic food sources: Fermented foods for the win! Sauerkraut, kefir, yogurt, kombucha, tempeh, and other fermented foods contain helpful probiotics.
• Prebiotic food sources: Having a variety of plant foods like fruits, veggies, grains, and beans will help you get the prebiotics your gut needs. Bananas, garlic, onions, and more are all good sources. 

What About Herbal Remedies?

There are a lot of herbal supplements on the market geared toward immunity, like garlic, echinacea, elderberry, and more. Most of these supplements and compounds need more research in human studies to be more specific in how they work to help our immune system and to determine safe and effective dosing. 

Other lifestyle activities to consider to improve immunity include:

• Being sure to Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and whole foods most of the time 
• Getting enough rest 
• Having a way to manage and cope with stress  
• Moving your body most days 
• Avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and other substances
• Hand washing

Winter

Many of us tend to lose steam in the winter months due to shorter days, less sunlight, and cold temperatures limiting our outdoor activities. And let’s face it, spending a lot of time inside with minimal sunshine can also leave us feeling restless, tired, and blah. Can a change in your nutrition help you avoid the winter blues? Here are some nutrients to consider in winter.

Vitamin D

Many places in the Northern hemisphere do not get much sunlight in the winter and what sunlight there is has weak UVB rays that are unable to produce vitamin D in the body. Many medical professionals recommend a Vitamin D supplement during winter months. Talk to your healthcare practitioner about what dose is right for you.

According to many studies, vitamin D has also been linked to mood. Vitamin D deficiency often can cause mood changes, feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and fatigue. 

If you think you may be suffering from seasonal affective disorder or depression, reach out to your healthcare practitioner to discuss what treatment plan may be best for you.

Energy Levels

If you’re feeling extra tired and you’re getting enough Vitamin D, see if you are getting enough of the following vitamins and minerals: 

• B vitamins: meat, seafood, eggs, dairy, legumes, leafy greens, seeds, and fortified cereals and breads 
• Iron: fortified cereals, beef, spinach, beans, oysters
• Vitamin C: citrus fruits, tomato products, and potatoes
• Magnesium: nuts, seeds, leafy green vegetables, and whole grains
• Zinc: meat, fish, seafood, eggs, and dairy.

Bottom Line

So, do you need to take different supplements during different seasons? Maybe! If you feel you may be lacking some of the nutrients discussed above, it may be worth looking into increasing food sources during season changes or considering a supplement*. 

*This article is for educational purposes only. Always discuss supplements with your healthcare practitioner or a registered dietitian. There can be risks of having high levels of some vitamins, minerals, and supplements. 

You've probably seen the headlines or heard the news stories about inflammation inside our bodies. This can be a tough concept to grasp, because you can't necessarily see the inflammation. It's not like a cut that becomes inflamed with infection or a sprained ankle that's swollen and inflamed. But there are signs of chronic, internal inflammation if you know what to look for. 

Chronic Inflammation

Acute inflammation is a very normal reaction that takes place in your body when there's been an injury or illness (like that sprained ankle or when you have a virus). It's simply your immune system's way of removing something in your body that is harmful or just shouldn't be there. 

Chronic inflammation, however, is another story. 

Sometimes, the body is unable to overcome or repair the damage. This can lead to the body slowly building up an internal inflammatory response that can last months or years. Scientists now believe that inflammation is behind many diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, allergies, COPD, chronic kidney disease, Alzheimer's, irritable bowl disease, and arthritis.

So while you might not be able to see signs on the outside of the body, there can be signs and symptoms that you experience as a result of chronic inflammation, including:

• Body pain
• Chronic fatigue and insomnia
• Depression, anxiety and mood disorders
• Gastrointestinal complications like constipation, diarrhea, and acid reflux
• Weight gain or weight loss
• Frequent infections (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493173/) 

Stop Fanning the Flames of Inflammation

The good news is that you can calm the inflammation inside your body. 

• Reduce your processed sugar intake. This doesn't mean avoid sugar at all costs, and it definitely doesn't mean avoid natural sugars found in fruits and vegetables! But if your normal go-to's tend to be highly processed foods with added sugar, maybe consider swapping them for something more sustaining and less inflammatory, like whole grains, fruits, and veggies with a protein or healthier fats (like avocados and tuna). Side note: Beware assuming that "healthy" food is healthy for you. Even healthy foods can react in unhealthy ways inside your body. Get into the habit of paying attention to how you're feeling after you eat and as the day wears on. Do you feel bloated and "puffy"? Inflammation could be a culprit. 
• Move Your Body. Studies show that consistently moving your body can help decrease inflammation. The type of exercise matters, though. When you engage in high intensity exercise without giving your body ample time to recover, it can increase inflammation and deal your immune system an unhealthy blow (we do have a solution for those of you who like your high intensity exercise, so keep reading...).
• Get your ZZZZs. You may be laughing right now, especially if you have little ones, but sleep deprivation is no laughing matter. Getting the sleep you need (ideally 7-9 hours/night for adults), will help in the long run. It's during sleep that human growth hormone is produced (hence, why it's also important for your little ones to be getting the shut eye they need, too), and your body heals and regenerates new cells (among a host of other things!). Create a bedtime routine for both you and your kiddos. You'll all be happier...and less inflamed. 
• Master your stress. Have you read the VitaMom Club blog post on stress? If not, go read it now. Chronic stress is one of the leading contributors of chronic inflammation and can lead to depression, heart disease, and decreased immunity. 

Lastly, chew on this. Turmeric (curcumin) has been shown to have major anti-inflammatory properties. But here's the thing. It's difficult to get enough of the curcumin that's found in turmeric to really make a difference in inflammation. That's why we've packaged it in a yummy gummy (sorry, couldn't resist that rhyme haha). We include black pepper in our formulation, because our bodies absorb curcumin better when it's combined with black pepper. 

While it's impossible to fully avoid inflammation, it's important to start taking control of it where you can. Include daily self-care--no matter how small--as practicing consistently is what produces progress. Here's to you mom! xo

In the last post, we discussed what stress is (like you needed that lesson haha) and what it does to your health. We also talked about some simple ways to manage your stress. In this post, we look at the root causes of your stress and how to dig them out. 

Getting to the Root of It

Stress-relieving techniques are necessary and absolute lifesavers sometimes (lifesaving for you…and your kids!). But for chronic stress that just isn’t going away, it’s important to figure out the real root of it so it can be dealt with.

Start by asking yourself what your major sources of stress are. Go ahead—list them out.

Next, choose one of these sources. Ask yourself what exactly about this stressor is stressing you out? 

For example, if your work is stressing you out, what exactly about your job is the problem? The actual type of work? A co-worker? Your boss? The pay? The hours? The commute? What?

Once you’ve narrowed down this root, let’s uproot it! 

Can you…

Change your perception of the stress? This is like the “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure” phenomenon. What stresses one person out, another let's roll off her back. Sometimes when we get rolling in that stress mode, we allow everything to stress us out.

Is this thing really worth you stressing out over…including the effect it’s        having on your health and your family? How can you change your perception of it? One way is to look at the lessons you’re learning from it. What pearls of wisdom can you take from this situation? Offer up some gratitude for these lessons!

Change your reaction to this stressor? There’s a difference between reacting and responding. When we react to a stressor, it’s that knee-jerk, emotional reaction. There is no thought to the reaction. It’s automatic and usually emotionally-fueled.

A response, however, is more thoughtful. You take a little time to take that deep breath (hello, parachute…). This gets some of that lifesaving oxygen to your brain so you can make a more rational response.

When you’re faced, for example, with a continuously irritating, cranky co-worker (or family member...) (your saber-toothed tiger), 1. Take a step back (physically and/or figuratively), 2. Take a deep breath, 3. Respond.

If this person is used to your knee-jerk reaction, by responding instead of reacting, you might be surprised at the response you get back from them! Hey, a little shock value never hurts (the shock coming from them expecting you to freak out on them...but then you don't)!

Take action. Let’s say you’ve tried letting things roll off your back (changed your perception) and you’ve changed your reaction (way to be responsive!), but the stressor persists and you can’t take it any longer. What action might you need to take? 

In the case of your job, do you need to look for a new one? Is there a conversation that needs to happen with your supervisor? Do you need to ask for more money? Do you need to transfer to a different department or shift?

Here’s the thing to remember: there are ALWAYS options, even when it feels like there are none! They might not be ideal for the long-term, but they can act as stepping-stones to get you out of a current situation and headed to where you want to be. You just have to be willing to get creative, brainstorm possible solutions (stepping-stones), and take action.

Here’s to less stress! xo



Okay, aside from trying to be cutsie with the title (sing it to the tune of "I'm Sexy and I Know It"), there's nothing cute about stress. Studies show it affects almost every area of our bodies, including our brains, hearts, guts, immune systems, and endocrine systems (which includes sexual hormones and function). When we’re stressed out, we don’t think or focus as well (“Squirrel!”), our moods are wonky, and our memory wanes…

Where was I? Oh, yes. STRESS! 

Research also suggests that chronic stress can be a culprit in causing inflammation inside our bodies. Inflammation is, in turn, a major contributing factor in diseases like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, gut issues…the list goes on and on.

But not all stress is bad. If a tiger came roaring into your house, the “Fight, Flight, or Freeze Instinct”—your body’s natural stress response—would kick in. Now, I can’t say which one of these you would choose, but I’m guessing “flight”. In other words, RUN! This is acute stress and the flight stress response in this case definitely has its benefits!

The problem, however, is when your fight, flight, or freeze response is constantly switched on, as is the case for many of us in this modern age. And while most of us no longer need to run from saber-toothed tigers anymore, our brains don’t differentiate between a true, immediate physical threat and ones that tend to threaten us mentally and emotionally over the long haul. Work stress, family stress, relationship stress, financial stress… This all adds up to chronic stress, and this is the stress that causes chronic inflammation and ailments.

What’s a Mom to Do? 

For starters, take a deep breath…in through your nose…and slowly out your mouth. You might think deep breathing is some woo-woo distraction, but there is science behind it.

Studies show that deep, diaphragmatic breathing stimulates the vagus nerve (Let’s go to Vagus, baby!). The vagus nerve is the largest cranial nerve. In Latin, vagus means “wandering”. And wow, does this nerve wander! It starts at the back of your brain and branches down and out, touching nearly every major organ in your body, including your heart, lungs, and gut.

The vagus nerve is part of the parasympathetic nervous system, not to be confused with the sympathetic nervous system, which cranks your heart rate and breathing up (you know, when you get “nervous” or “all nerved up” and jittery?). You can remember the difference with the prefix “para”. Think…parachute. It slows you down when free-falling. Stress is your free-fall, the vagus nerve is your parachute.

Other tools to add to your stress-less toolbox include various grounding techniques and self-care. While bubble baths and pedicures can certainly be a part of your self-care routine, when you’re a mom, sometimes simply peeing alone with no kids at the bathroom is an act of self-care. Some others: taking a shower and applying a little lip gloss, shaving your legs, eating something that doesn’t resemble boxed mac and cheese, calling a friend, reading a book composed with words that are above a first-grade level…

Self-care can be whatever you need it to be. And ultimately, self-care is really family-care, because as the saying goes, "If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!"

[Read Part 2 of this post to help get to the root of your stress!]

We hear you on this one!

First, cut yourself some slack! You’ve housed and birthed a human being (and yes, sex is what put you in that position to begin with, but still…). And if you’re breastfeeding, you may feel like your breasts’ purpose has changed from sexual to baby feeding vessels. OK, they kind of have, but they can be both (hear us out…).

For women especially, libido (a.k.a. sex drive) is part mental. If your head isn’t in the game, your body won’t be either. For example, one recent study suggests that for women, getting sexually aroused or “turned on” starts in the mind. As you start thinking about sex, what you’d like your partner to do, what you’d like to do to them…your body in turn becomes aroused.

(Cue a skidding car…) But let’s get real. You have young children. You might have older children. No matter how old your kids are, life with them brings stress—and plenty of it. And stress is one obstacle to a budding libido.

Decreasing your stress is important—for many reasons—but you don’t have to get rid of your kids to get rid of the stress (although some days…). There are many things you can do right now, including blasting your favorite music and dancing around like a mad woman (add a vacuum and microfiber cleaning cloths to your performance and you could be accused of multi-tasking and having a clean house…but I digress…), sipping on some green tea, and locking yourself in the bathroom with your earbuds in (so you can’t hear the pounding and “Moooommmy!” on the other side of the door) with some soothing music and just…breathe…

Joining stress is fear—as in fear of getting pregnant again. If you had a high-risk pregnancy, if this whole pregnancy and baby situation has just been plain stressful on every aspect of your life, or if you just hated being pregnant…the thought of doing the act that put you in that position in the first place can seem freaking scary, undesirable, and impossible to relax enough to enjoy it. There are many ways to address your fears and anxiety, so try them out.

Experts will also tell you that being physically and mentally exhausted is also detrimental to libido, so make sure you get a good night’s sleep.

(Crickets…)

OK, so right now you’re rolling your eyes or laughing your butt off, but as difficult as a good night’s sleep might be at this point in your life, it’s still important to do what you can to get one. Kids have bedtime routines. Adults need bedtime routines, too!

Start preparing your body an hour or so before you plan on hitting the hay. Lower the lights in your house—darkness is good, because it allows your body to produce melatonin, the hormone necessary to get and keep you asleep.

Get off your devices! Not only do they blast light in your face (read the previous tip), but they’re also stimulating. C’mon! Your brain needs a break! If you insist on being on a device, use the nighttime setting or blue light glasses to relieve the eyes from the type of light that keeps you up. Try to stay away from news stories, conversations, or movies that rev you up.

Use bedtime to show a little gratitude. Writing down what you’re thankful for in a journal at bedtime has several benefits, including falling asleep faster and staying asleep longer. This is a great exercise to start with your kiddos, too…even on those days when the baby wouldn’t stop crying, the kids wouldn’t stop fighting, the laundry and dish bombs went off in your house, and you were on your fourth day with no shower…there is still something to be thankful for.

Making sure you’re eating a well-rounded, balanced diet (and not just the “mom diet” of foraging off your kids’ plates…) goes a long way in helping boost your sex drive, too. Adding a little insurance with a vitamin supplement won’t hurt, either.

Exercise has also been shown to help improve a woman's libido. Of course, if you have an aversion to it, it might seem about as appealing as having sex right now. But exercise has also been shown to help you better deal with your stress, sleep better, and improve body image. Our tip: avoid exercising to burn calories and lose weight (seriously, it makes it more of a chore). Instead, do it for the other reasons, including healing your body after pregnancy and delivery, and staying strong enough to carry the infant carrier, diaper bag, 10 bags of groceries, and the pizza for tonight's dinner all at once...and still be able to open the door with your teeth.

Birth control and other medications, including antidepressants, can also send your libido to MIA status. I remember going on one form of birth control and thinking, “Wow, this is some amazing stuff! No worries about getting pregnant. I have no desire to have sex at all!” 

Lastly, consider your beliefs about your body. Have they changed—for better or worse—since having a baby? Do you feel sexy? Do you feel desirable? How has your body changed? Do you now have stretch marks or varicose veins? Are your boobs leaking milk? Do you feel anything but a sex machine?

Pssst…it’s all normal!

Try having a conversation with your partner about how you're feeling regarding your body. Chances are, they'll help put your mind at ease.

Show your body—the one that houses, births, and feeds other human beings—some respect! Seriously! Stop hating on it and honor it by taking good care of it. Self-care is not selfish! Even super heroes need a little time to recharge—including a little action in the sack when you feel like getting back in the game.

*As always, we recommend seeing your healthcare provider if this really becomes an issue for you and your relationship. 

Vitamins, nutrients, minerals, macros... We’ve all heard these terms but many of us don’t know the difference between them or what the heck they’re for! What most of us do know is that we need them for our bodies to work the right way and to feel our best.

We get most of our nutrients from food, because our bodies don’t make them—or can’t make enough of them for us to be strong and healthy. But what exactly are they and what happens if you don’t get enough? Can you get too much? Here’s a quick nutrition 101 to get those questions answered!  

First up, macronutrients. Macronutrients, also called “macros”, refer to the carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in your food. All food consists of different amounts of these components. Macronutrients are what gives your body energy, also known as calories (here at VitaMomClub, we prefer the term energy!).  

Food also contains micronutrients, which are the vitamins and minerals you need to keep your body running smoothly. Without them, you may end up with nutritional deficiencies, which can interrupt growth and cause some serious health conditions. Each nutrient has specific jobs and each one is very important for different parts of your body. For example, Vitamin C helps hold parts of your body together, while some minerals, like calcium, help with bone health.  

Can I get everything I need from food? 

While getting most of your nutrition from a variety of food choices is recommended, vitamin and dietary supplements are exactly that—supplements to your nutrition from food. They are especially important if you’re deficient in nutrients, or if there’s a possibility of being deficient in nutrients due to your eating style, where you live, or different health conditions.  

Does ‘‘getting too much of a good thing” really apply when it comes to vitamins and minerals?

Sometimes it can. Our bodies are usually able to get rid of most water-soluble vitamins (Vitamin C and all of the B Vitamins) when we get too much, but very high doses can sometimes cause problems long-term. Fat-soluble vitamins, Vitamins A, D, E, and K, have a higher risk of vitamin toxicity because they stay in our body’s tissues. Minerals can be toxic in high amounts as well, especially in children. 

But, not to worry! Vitamin and mineral toxicities are not very common and taking supplements is ‘Generally Regarded As Safe’, or GRAS, by the FDA (GRAS means that a group of experts agreed that a particular product is safe when used per manufacturer instructions).  

Bottom line, supplements are a great, safe way to support overall health and nutrition! Remember to always check with your healthcare provider about taking supplements and to keep them in a safe place, away from children.