This is the time of year most of us have all been waiting for – long, fun filled days with lots of sunshine, ocean swims, picnics and carefree routines. But it’s no time to take a vacation from your health! This summer we want to help you look and feel your very best. That’s exactly why we have hand picked our top summer essentials to help you make the best of the beautiful weather ahead.

Boost your Energy with B vitamins

B vitamins are essential all year round but are in greater demand in the summer as they help to maintain our energy levels and deal with stress. Although you can take B vitamins individually, they are best taken as a complex to support your body. A few key B’s to note: Thiamine (B1) helps with digestion, energy production and allows us to withstand stress. Plus, we lose it easily through alcohol and sweat. Riboflavin (B2) helps us maintain healthy, glowing skin when we are spending extra time in the sun. Pyridoxine (B6) helps to produce our neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which aids the body’s ability to cope with stress and anxiety.

Get your summer glow with Collagen

To keep your skin looking nourished and healthy throughout the summer, I strongly recommend trying collagen. Unprotected sun exposure is the No.1 cause of premature skin ageing as it destroys the collagen and elastin in our skin. This can lead to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. As the most abundant protein in the body, collagen helps to provide strength and structure to our skin. It can increase skin elasticity and help the body’s skin repair process, thus encouraging the body to form new collagen. One of my all-time favourite brands, Nutra Organics have just released three yummy natural flavours of collagen powders that will surely leave you with a summer glow.

Add SPF to your daily skincare routine

The biggest skin-care trick up my sleeve this summer? Sunscreen, of course. Wearing sunscreen on your face every day is one of the best and easiest routes to having younger-looking skin for longer. It keeps the skin protected from the sun’s harmful, damage-causing UV rays that result in long-lasting skin damage like sunspots, skin sagging and wrinkles. SPF should be a staple in your beauty routine if you are looking for healthy, glowing skin. I recommend using at least SPF 30 during your day-to-day activities and an SPF 50 for any outdoor activities. SPF 30 blocks up to 97% of the sun’s harmful rays, therefore SPF’s that are higher than 30, will only increase your chances of total sun protection by a small rate. My top pick for summer is Wotnot’s 30 SPF Facial Sunscreen, not only does it provide broad spectrum sun protection, it’s all-natural skin-benefiting organic ingredients work to nourish and feed the skin leaving it primed and brightened.

Balance your gut with Probiotics

Picnics, BBQ’s and rosé filled evenings – some of the best things about summer are also the harshest on your gut. The festive season can leave many people with complaints of bloating, digestive issues and weight gain. Your gut is home to trillions of living microorganisms, plus it also accounts for 70% of your immune system. Probiotics are the “good bacteria” that when consumed in adequate amounts, provide an array of health benefits. From taking care of issues like constipation, diarrhea, bloating, low immunity and IBS. Also offering you a host of other benefits like weight loss, clear skin and better moods. Probiotics can be your biggest ally during the summer months. Fusion Health provide quality Probiotic supplements available for all ages.

Survive the silly season with Milk Thistle

Our livers are going to be in overdrive throughout the festive season as we enjoy fun parties and good company. Both food and beverages can impact our liver and cause an increase in toxin exposure. Making sure your liver is working at optimal level will mean toxins are efficiently processed and your body can recover quickly. Milk thistle has been used for centuries for detoxification and protection of the liver. It works by enhancing antioxidant activity in the body and can assist with the growth and regeneration of liver cells. Milk thistle is known to relieve symptoms of indigestion, heartburn, bloating and will help maintain healthy bowel movements.