A vitamin boost can beat the "winter blues"

Are you feeling weak, tired, depressed or having trouble focusing? Your diet may be the source. Key vitamins and minerals could be missing that are important for your body to function. These deficiencies can lead to symptoms that could easily be brushed off as the “winter blues.” Add more of these vitamins and minerals to your diet:

• Iron: Low iron levels can lead to anemia, tiredness, lack-luster skin and nails, weakness and trouble fighting infections. Eat more iron-fortified foods, whole grains and dark green veggies to boost your iron levels. 
  
  
• Vitamin B12: Not enough of this vitamin can lead to weakness, constipation, tiredness, poor memory, confusion and anemia. You can give your vitamin B12 intake a natural boost by eating more fish, meat, eggs or dairy. Due to the animal-based sources, this deficiency is more common in vegans or individuals who do not commonly eat those foods.  
  
  
• Vitamin D: Low levels of Vitamin D could lead to fatigue, muscle aches and weakness. This vitamin is often lacking in our diets, but exposure to sunlight can help make up the difference (which is why deficiency is most common during winter months). Look for foods fortified with Vitamin D or talk to your doctor about taking a supplement. 
  
  
• Vitamin C: A deficiency can lead to tiredness, inflammation, slow healing, joint pain and bleeding gums. Increase your Vitamin C by eating more citrus fruits, cantaloupe, strawberries, green and red peppers, broccoli and brussel sprouts.