Seasonal changes bring unpredictable temperature changes. This causes that our body is not well prepared to face diseases. Bundling up isn’t everything when it comes to avoiding colds. Drinking plenty of water and taking care of our general health is the key.
When the season changes we tend to get sick, because the temperature is high one day and low the next. Especially it happens with the passage to and from the winter. To prevent this from happening, read the following article, where you will learn how to avoid colds and flu with changes in weather.
Both winter and autumn are synonymous with seeing everyone sick and with colds. It is all due to temperature changes that affect our defenses. It is at this time when we should pay more attention, control the variables so that the climate does not take us by surprise and start the coldest seasons sick.
Many people downplay this stage and it is essential. It could be said that it is even more important than when we are already in winter because at that moment, the body will have become accustomed to the low temperatures. But when we are still sometimes hot and sometimes cold, the body does not know how to react well.
What are colds due to?
While we are at home or in the office there is no problem, since we will surely be well-conditioned. But everything changes when we go out. Our defenses are put into action, but this is not always enough. Clothing is the main tool to fight viruses and diseases that hang around in the air. Choose the most appropriate according to the temperature of that day. Not because we are in autumn we have to wear something without a coat.
It is important before going out to lower the heating or wrap up. Thus, the body temperature does not suffer peaks. These weaken the defenses and give free passage to the cause of colds and flu.
But it is also good to be forewarned and prepared throughout the year. How? With a good diet and a healthy life.
The diet must have all the essential nutrients, especially vitamin C. It protects cells and creates new defense barriers. According to the article Nutrition and immunity, by A. Ortiz-Andrellucchi, published in 2007, vitamin C increases the proliferative capacity of C lymphocytes and improves the immune system, reducing the number of infections.
Fiber is very important also because it is vital to have good health and not be vulnerable to external agents. Various studies, such as the one published in the journal Hospital Nutrition in 2010, related fiber consumption with beneficial effects on the gut microbiota. This is linked to promoting the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.
Tips to avoid getting sick with climate change
Complies with basic hygiene
Wash your nose as soon as the first symptoms are noticed, such as being a sneeze. It is very important that you always have clean hands.
Strengthen your defenses with natural remedies
It can be a glass of hot milk with honey or orange juice with honey. You should consume it every two or three hours.
Regarding honey, although it has been used since ancient times as an aid to respiratory health, the EFSA or European authority for food safety has rejected the claim that this is true. It indicates that neither can we affirm that honey stimulates the immune system due to a lack of scientific studies to corroborate it.
Orange juice contains a significant amount of vitamin C, the properties of which we have already discussed above.
Never let your feet get cold
If necessary, put on an additional sock. This also includes within the home. If your feet get wet in the rain, wipe them dry immediately. You can also carry an extra pair of socks in your bag. There is nothing like cold or wet feet to catch colds.
Follow a good diet
As said before, diet is essential. Do not let many hours go by without eating something. Have a complete breakfast in the morning. Eat more fruits and vegetables (especially those that give you vitamin C) and leave out fast food or very sugary foods.
Drink plenty of fluids
This is recommended throughout the year, but more when we are facing the change of season. By being well hydrated, the body is more resilient. You can also consume juices and teas, always natural.
Insulate the home well
Check that the windows and doors do not have spaces where cold can creep in. Cover the slits with adhesive tape, prevents drafts.
Cover yourself with a blanket while on the couch and be careful not to sleep uncovered. Put rugs in the living room or bedrooms.
On warmer or warmer days, take the opportunity to open the windows and ventilate. This will reduce the presence of mites, viruses and other microorganisms that can cause disease.
Wear warm clothes that you can take off
Many say that you have to dress like an onion when we are in those days where the temperature can play tricks on us. In this way, you can gradually remove layers that are warmer.
The one next to the body must be made of cotton to absorb perspiration. Thermal shirts are very good because they do not allow body heat to go away.
Wrap yourself in three layers, take the outermost off when you get indoors. The intermediate will depend on how cold or hot you feel.
Do not forget the accessories
As stated above, it does not matter that the calendar indicates that winter has not yet arrived. If it’s cold (or if you feel it), don’t hesitate to bundle up.
Take advantage of accessories like a hat, gloves or a scarf. These can be removed or added at any time. If it seems excessive, you can opt for neck scarves, for example.
Avoid crowded spaces
It is true that we cannot stop traveling by subway or bus, but you must know that there is the focus of the diseases. Wear a scarf to cover your nose and mouth. As soon as you get home or to the office, wash your hands well.
Avoid going to shopping malls, for example. In the case of going to a hospital, follow the same steps as when using public transport. If a friend or family member is sick with the flu or a cold, it is best to reduce contact.