RIO Fitness Chicago® Exercise & Nutrition Blog

RIO Fitness Chicago® Tip:

The winter season is linked to kidneys, adrenal glands, and the bladder; when these bodily systems are out of balance, it depletes energy and leads the way to illness. During the cold months of winter, people are more prone to colds, flu, poor circulation, low vitality, and seasonal mood disorders. To stay healthy, happy, and vital:

1) Get your 8 hours of sleep every night. Try taking a 20-30min easy walk before bed to improve the quality of your sleep.

2) Light therapy. Studies show that exposure to sunlight stimulates the pineal gland, which affects the production of other brain chemicals such as serotonin, the neurotransmitter sometimes called the "mood chemical." It also boosts your immune system, waking up the activities of the natural killer cells that patrol our borders looking for intruders and cancer cells.

3) Avoid cold and raw foods, reducing salt to protect your kidneys, and increasing bitter flavors (like kale). Have a warming diet including leeks, onions, and turnips. Iron-rich foods also can help warm you up: try spinach, broccoli, dried plums, oats, quinoa, sunflower and sesame seeds, walnuts, yams, squash, kale, garlic, scallions, and parsley.

4) Drink warming tea to keep your vitality fired up. Steep 1 teaspoon of any of the following in 1 cup of hot water: ginger, cinnamon, and clove. Or try Winter Tea to expel cold, warm your kidney/adrenal system, and stoke your sensual fire.

5) Herbs can protect your energy reserves and boost your immunity. Astragalus and ginseng are considered to be adaptogens -- natural substances that improve the body's resistance to physical and environmental stress, thereby enhancing the immune system.