Summer Survival Guide
Summer is here, and with it comes the excitement of spending time outdoors, soaking up the sun, and socializing with friends and family. But summer can also be a time when we’re more likely to experience hangovers, sunburns, and other health problems. Steer clear of a summertime slide and read on for some natural ways to have fun and also practice self-care. Here is your summer survival guide!
One of the best ways to add joy to your life is to get your body moving, preferably outside. In the summer, movement means a natural release of serotonin and also a big dose of vitamin D from the sun. Bonus if you add friendship and laughter to the mix. It’s always ok to move in ways you feel comfortable, but try spicing it up with an activity that is outside your comfort zone. Here are a few fun things to try out if you haven’t already:
- The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources boasts, “There are over 1,300 miles of state trails in Minnesota, ranging from paved, railroad-grade bike trails to natural terrain for horseback riding, and a world class mountain biking system. Find your perfect trail with our trail start-up guide.”
- Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) is one of the fastest growing water sports. Try one out for yourself at some of these top notch locations!
- Cornhole, anyone? Or maybe lawn bowling? Whatever your choice, lawn games can be a great way to get social and move your body at the same time.
Once you get outside, don’t forget to protect your skin. While we don’t recommend a particular brand of sunscreen, we encourage you to look at labels before purchasing something from the store. Make sure your sunscreen is:
- Free of parabens and sulfates
- Free of known carcinogens
Instead of a sunscreen full of toxins, consider something natural that includes zinc oxide as an alternative.
Let’s keep it real. When enjoying fun in the sun people often indulge in adult beverages to excess. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it causes your body to lose fluids. Dehydration can contribute to hangover symptoms such as headache, fatigue, and dry mouth. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you’re drinking alcohol (we suggest adding an electrolyte powder). Neighborhood Naturopathic also offers these natural remedies that can help mitigate a hangover:
- IV Hydration. Before a big weekend, stop into our IV clinic. Our naturopathic doctors, along with our highly skilled nurses, provide personalized IV nutrient protocols for a truly individualized experience. Unlike other IV hydration services and clinics, we create your IV treatment the day of your appointment. We customize it to your specific health care needs, diagnostic evaluations and goals — helping you achieve optimal wellness and performance.
- Essential Nutrients. Through our online dispensary, we offer several nutrients that support hydration and help to combat the effects of over indulgence. One example is the B vitamin complex. The B vitamins in B-Complex Plus are essential nutrients required for optimal health and functioning of numerous systems and biochemical reactions in the body, including energy production, brain, liver and nerve cell function, and muscle tone in the GI tract.
While we recommend having fun in the sun, it’s important to take care of yourself at the same time. Using natural methods, you can move your body, protect your skin, and stay hydrated while having the time of your life. Neighborhood Naturopathic offers free 15 minute initial consultations if you are interested in learning more ways to enjoy summer naturally!
If you live in the Minneapolis/ St. Paul area and are curious about a naturopathic approach to your health or have questions about supplements, or IV Nutrient Therapy that might support your overall wellness, click here to schedule or call (612) 259-8529.
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