Summer: the season of sun, surf, and staying healthy - yes, it’s possible!

For many of us, summer is a time to break out of the usual routine. Sunshine, holidays, relaxing on the beach with family and friends: everything we Kiwis look forward to.  

But the festive period isn’t always smooth sailing. Christmas brings stress and overindulgence; humid weather can sap your energy, and travel can affect your immune function and digestive health. 

Smart supplementation can help keep you feeling good through it all!

Support your energy levels (so you can keep up with the kids)

Holidays should recharge you - but the planning and execution can be somewhat stressful. Between travel logistics, family obligations, and managing finances and schedules, it’s no wonder that your energy levels can take a dip. 

A nutritious diet is key to supporting energy and overall wellbeing. But holidays can throw off your usual eating habits, and it’s easy to fall short of your usual 5+ a day.

This is where superfood powders can help! These powders are designed to top up your nutritional intake whenever you’ve missed out on fresh fruit and vegetables. The Nature’s Way Superfoods powder range combines the goodness of green vegetables and red fruits to support vitality and energy. And unlike fresh produce, they stay shelf-stable and easy to store for months. Just add to juice, smoothies, desserts, or even baking.

For even faster nutrition on the go, grab a gummy! Goli Supergreens Gummies are a great-tasting blend of super greens, probiotics, and essential vitamins. Super convenient and super yum! And for the kids, BePure Kids Daily Multi Gummies provide high-strength, bioavailable nutrients to support healthy immune function and daily energy.  

If your mood is also a little low - or your stress levels a little high - a B vitamin complex might be worth a try. The eight B vitamins play a key role in turning the food you eat into usable energy while supporting your mood and stress tolerance. BetterYou B-Complete is a daily oral spray designed for absorption via the sublingual membranes in your mouth. Perfect for travel and busy schedules: just spray and go!

Keep hydrated in hot weather (not as hard as you think)

New Zealand summers can be hot! Long days in the sun can cause the body to lose essential fluids through sweat, especially if you’re physically active. Kids are especially vulnerable to dehydration as they lose fluids faster and don’t always realise they’re thirsty. Older adults also need to be careful, as they may have diminished thirst sensation and other health concerns. 

But let’s face it: most of us still struggle to hit that 2-litre mark, which means we’re all at risk of losing essential fluids that the body needs to function properly. Dehydration and the resulting electrolyte imbalance can lead to symptoms such as muscle cramps, fatigue, headaches, and dizziness. 

Nothing Naughty Electrolyte Hydration Powder contains essential electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium to support recovery and energy replacement. And it’s so delicious that getting your fluid intake won’t feel like a chore. Good for training days, outdoors adventures, or recovering after a big night.

Support your immune system (because being sick sucks) 

Ills and chills may be fewer in summer, but they still get around! The bugs most commonly associated with summer chills are usually passed around through coughs, sneezes, and touching contaminated surfaces or objects. This can happen very easily with all the social gatherings and shared tables in summer, so remember to wash your hands frequently and always cough or sneeze into a tissue or your sleeve. You could also support your defences with Nutra-Life High Strength Vira-Immune Support, which contains high-potency olive leaf and patented Pelargonium extract along with Vitamin D and Zinc to support your immune health. 

For something different, Healtheries Boost Immunity combines bioavailable Vitamin C with Zinc and Echinacea in easy-dissolve tablets. Choose between orange or berry flavours for a delicious, effervescent drink. 

Keep your gut happy (even while indulging!)

Christmas pudding, trifle, and barbecued lunches are the flavours of a Kiwi summer - but they’re not always kind to your gut. Treats are fine occasionally, but too much sugar and saturated fat can upset the delicate balance of healthy bacteria in your gut. Picnics and parties can also mean that food is left sitting in the warmth and air for longer than it should, increasing the risk of gastrointestinal issues.  

Tummy upsets are the last thing you want on holiday - but this is when they’re most likely to strike! Support your gut health and overall wellbeing throughout the summer with Inner Health Plus Double Strength, which provides 50 billion live probiotic bacteria from two well-researched strains. No refrigeration required - just pop them in your travel bag. Inner Health Digestive Defence is also a good choice over the indulgent period as it contains a specific strain shown to support digestive comfort, healthy bowel function, and help relieve bloating. 

For the kids, Nature's Way Probiotic Choc Balls are an easy and delicious way to support inner health, with 2 billion live bacteria and the prebiotic inulin per serve. Each choc ball contains real chocolate, so nobody will argue about taking them! 

For emergencies, keep some Activated Charcoal on hand. Charcoal works by adsorbing irritants in the gut and supporting the body’s natural elimination process. 

Remember - supplements can help to bridge any nutritional gaps when your usual ‘healthy’ routine changes, but they won’t replace a healthy diet and regular exercise. Make the most of the fun and festivities this summer while filling up on leafy greens and fresh fruits (they’re in season!) and encouraging everyone to join you for a hike or a round of beach cricket. 

And for all your other summer essentials, pop into Bargain Chemist! With over 25 stores around Aotearoa, you’ll be sure to find one near you this summer. And if not, check us out online! 

Always read the label and use as directed. Vitamins are supplementary to a balanced diet. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.