Light, Life and Health The Magic of April
By Anni Dahms
Founder of the retail chain ANNI’s VITAL SHOP.
Nurse- & Health specialist, Biopath and Nutritional Adviser.
You can read Annis Newsletter in the following languages:
“A pencil always leaves a mark. In the same way, you should know that everything you do in life will leave a mark. So try to keep that in mind in everything you do.”
(The Pilgrimage – Paulo Coelho)
Every April, I remain wary of starting something new or unexpected on the first of the month. After all, it’s the one day of the year when it’s socially acceptable to fool others. As a child, we had two apprentice watchmakers who loved to trick me on April Fool’s Day. They thought it was absolutely hilarious to tease me, and every year I fell for it happily. Even now, as an adult, I don’t quite trust the news on 1st April – whether it comes from the media or people trying to play tricks.
April is truly a capricious month, which I find exciting due to its often unpredictable weather. The word ”April” comes from the Latin ”aperire,” which means ”to open.” That is, the earth opens up to be sown and prepared for the summer harvest.
Spring Calls for Lighter and Healthier Food
I love spring, and now it is finally arriving, at least according to the calendar. As the days grow lighter, our appetites shift towards lighter fare. Fresh produce becomes more flavourful, juicy, and vibrant – full of nutrients and wonderful solar energy. We’re tempted by carrots, potatoes, onions, spinach, beetroot, radishes, and lovely asparagus. These pair beautifully with freshly caught fish and delicious eggs from free-range hens, maybe combined with yoghurt and cheese, served with a healthy bread free from gluten and butter. Supplement with lean meats, poultry, and dairy.
Beetroot tops my list of favourites. It’s a true superfood. The only limit to its preparation is your imagination. It’s one of the heartier vegetables, packed with fibre. Beetroot is a rich source of minerals, especially iron, and vitamins such as A and C. It’s one of the healthiest choices available, low in calories and very filling. It can be used in countless ways – in smoothies, salads, raw dishes, and soups. Historically, beetroot was used as a medicinal herb to treat iron deficiency and infections.
Many people are deficient in magnesium. Thankfully, we can eat our way to replenishment with a variety of foods, including my favourite – dark chocolate. It’s also found in rye bread, oats, nuts, avocados, bananas, figs, chia seeds, almonds, and spinach.
It is important to include the vital mineral zinc in your daily diet. Your body best absorbs zinc from protein-rich foods such as meat (especially red meat), nuts – especially cashews, Brazil nuts, and almonds – as well as whole grains, milk, cheese, and eggs. Vegetables, fruits, and potatoes contain only small amounts of zinc.
Remember to drink high-quality water, ideally 1.5 to 2 litres a day. Water is essential for proper functioning. It is the best way to quench thirst and helps maintain a healthy body temperature. If you’re not a big water drinker, try mixing in sparkling water or adding a bit of lemon or mint. Adequate hydration is crucial to optimal function.
Salt is also important for the body. It helps regulate fluid balance and is naturally present in bodily fluids such as sweat and tears. However, most people consume too much salt. The recommended maximum is 5g per day – about one teaspoon. Eating salty food is a habit for many, but try replacing salt with fresh herbs instead.
If you have stinging nettle leaves in your garden, get used to enjoying a lovely cup of nettle tea, perhaps mixed with chopped mint and grated ginger. It’s said to strengthen the rhythm of life. Nettle is rich in iron and vitamin C and can also be cooked like creamed spinach.
Easter lamb is a tradition in many households and is considered a true spring favourite. It tastes fantastic when slow-roasted with salt, garlic, and thyme. Lamb is rich in B vitamins, especially B12, which supports the nervous system and is important for blood health. It’s also a good source of potassium, iron, zinc, and selenium.
If you drink coffee, choose a flavourful one with low acidity, perhaps blended with one of the healthy mushrooms, such as Reishi, Tremella, or Maitake.
Essential Vitamins and Minerals for Spring
Even with a varied diet, most of us need a daily supplement of vitamins and minerals. Your body uses them for numerous functions, and as we age, we lose the ability to produce and absorb certain ones. Vitamins A, D, K, and C help maintain healthy skin, mucous membranes, and bones. If you’re struggling with fatigue, a good B vitamin may help. You could also add a bit of B2 (riboflavin), which contributes to reducing tiredness. If you’re over 50, consider taking B12 as a lozenge to ensure absorption.
The Sun and Its Beneficial Effects
Here in Spain, the long sunny days are beginning. We can finally spend many hours outdoors. April is a wonderful spring month with sunny, warm (but not too hot) weather. The sun is both invigorating and life-giving. Enjoy the sunshine, but take care not to get sunburnt. If you have sensitive skin or spend a lot of time outside, sunscreen may be necessary. And don’t forget sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.
Great Supplements for an Active Lifestyle
Most of us feel more active as the days become lighter and warmer. This has a positive impact on our mood. Good vitamins and minerals give the body a strong start and help maintain energy levels, which can help prevent many lifestyle diseases. To ensure the whole family is covered, there is a Danish-developed series:
Omnimin includes a range suitable for the whole family. Omnimin is a broad-spectrum multivitamin. OmniX is designed for those wishing to avoid iron and vitamin K. OmniGravid meets the increased nutritional needs of women before, during, and after pregnancy. Omnimini Multi is for children aged 3 to 10.
Vitamin B12 – Essential for Energy and Concentration
Be aware that B12 is not found in plants, so if you are strictly vegan, be especially mindful of possible deficiencies. Symptoms may include a red, burning tongue, low mood, and difficulty concentrating.
Magnesium – The Body’s Essential Mineral
Many researchers claim that a large portion of the population lacks magnesium. Symptoms can include muscle cramps, twitching, or shaking. Magnesium is poorly absorbed if you lack vitamin B6. Irregular heartbeat can also be a sign of deficiency.
Q10 – The Energy Source of Your Cells
Q10 controls energy production in the mitochondria, the powerhouses of our cells. If we lack Q10, we become tired, sluggish, and less effective. Q10 plays a key role in the heart. If concentrations drop by more than 25%, the heart may weaken. Severe fatigue may be a sign of Q10 deficiency.
Vitamin D – The Sunshine Vitamin for Bones and Immunity
Vitamin D helps regulate the immune system. Everyone talks about vitamin D these days. All the attention has made sunbathing trendy again, but be mindful when enjoying the sun. Vitamin D supplements are important and necessary for healthy bones. Remember that D vitamin is produced from cholesterol in the skin.
Zinc – For Immunity and Skin Health
Zinc deficiency can be serious. Zinc is one of the least toxic trace elements. Symptoms of deficiency include poor appetite, hair loss, low immunity, eating disorders, and wound healing issues.
Vitamin C – The Immune System’s Best Friend
Vitamin C is anti-inflammatory. A lack of it can contribute to nearly all diseases. It strengthens the immune system against viruses, bacteria, and yeasts. As a water-soluble vitamin, it must be replenished daily. Deficiency is believed to increase the risk of heart disease and cancer.
As the World Shakes, Life Continues to Bloom
The world feels more threatening than ever. News of war and conflict fills the headlines daily. Disease, greed, unemployment, crime, and general unrest are ever-present in the media, bombarding our daily lives. In my view, the world has become both more peaceful and less peaceful. Many forces are working towards peaceful coexistence and saving the planet. There are ongoing efforts to stop wars and reduce other forms of violence.
Amid all the hardship, the miracles of April continue to unfold, just as they always have. April is when nature truly opens up. The air becomes warmer and the days grow longer. Trees and bushes turn green. Flowers and plants bloom, showcasing their vibrant colours. I take great joy in hearing birdsong in all frequencies. It is said that birdsong is the holiest form of music. Beautiful yellow brimstone butterflies flutter busily about. Insects swarm and hum once more. During my morning walks, I can hear the delightful drumming of the woodpecker.
It all feels like a festive celebration of Mother Earth’s life. Even though the world is full of pessimism, it is important to remain optimistic, to believe in a just and good future, to nurture hopeful ideas, and to trust in all the wonderful things still happening around us – as nature blesses us with a colourful spring.
