Strengthening the Immune System in Cold Weather: Best Practices and Advice
The immune system forms the body’s defense mechanism by providing resistance against diseases. A strong immune system supports a healthy life by reducing the risk of developing diseases. Cold weather is a time when you are more likely to get sick than usual, so you may need to boost your immune system even more. You can find information about the steps you can take to support the immune system in cold weather in the rest of the article.The Impact of Cold Weather on the Immune System
Cold weather is a period when upper respiratory tract infections such as influenza and colds are more common due to reasons such as the body’s inability to get used to the temperature change, the individual’s inability to adequately protect himself/herself and the increase in the time spent indoors. In addition, not eating an adequate and balanced diet, not moving enough and getting less sunlight during this period can cause the immune system to weaken. As a result of the weakening of the immune system, which constitutes the body’s defense mechanism, the resistance against harmful microorganisms decreases and the likelihood of contracting diseases increases.
How to Prevent Weakening of the Immune System in Cold Weather
A series of lifestyle changes such as avoiding harmful habits, taking care to eat an adequate and balanced diet, and paying attention to sleep patterns are important steps that contribute to body defenses. Some of the measures recommended to be taken in this direction in cold weather are as follows:- Vitamin C: Vitamin C, a good source of antioxidants, is effective in preventing diseases and treating existing diseases. Consuming vitamin C daily in cold weather helps to reduce the risk of diseases by supporting the strengthening of the immune system.
- Folic Acid: Folic acid, which supports cells to renew themselves, is an important vitamin that supports the immune system. Consumption of fish, broccoli, legumes and green leafy vegetables supports the body’s resistance system against diseases by providing folic acid intake.
- Vitamin A Vitamin A is a vitamin with anti-inflammatory (anti-inflammatory) properties. Regular and balanced consumption of vitamin A, which directly supports the immune system, contributes to the prevention of diseases. In cold weather, eating foods containing vitamin A, such as carrots, eggs and oranges, can help reduce the likelihood of catching flu, colds and flu.
- Vitamin E Vitamin E is a vitamin with antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are molecules that help neutralize substances called free radicals, which have harmful effects on the body. Regular and balanced consumption of foods containing vitamin E supports the immune system thanks to the antioxidant properties of the vitamin.
- Zinc Consuming foods high in zinc, such as oilseeds, milk and seafood, supports the body’s defense mechanism.
- Avoiding Harmful Substances: Harmful habits such as alcohol and smoking negatively affect the body’s defense mechanism. Quitting or limiting alcohol and smoking is important in this respect.
- Exercise Regular exercise is a lifestyle change that contributes to strengthening the immune system.
- Drinking Hot Drinks: Drinking hot tea, coffee and herbal tea during periods of exposure to cold weather helps prevent colds and flu. In addition, consuming green tea in cold weather when the time spent at home increases helps to reduce the negative effects of sedentary life by supporting metabolism.
Sleep and Rest: The Body’s Self-Repair Process
Sleep is an important process in which we relieve the fatigue of daily life and allow our body to rest. Melatonin is a hormone that is responsible for the regulation of many biological functions in the body and requires night sleep for its production and release into the body. The melatonin hormone secreted during sleep also supports the strengthening of the immune system. Busy daily life can prevent routine hospital check-ups. Today, developments in health technologies offer individuals the opportunity to receive health services remotely. online health service enables online physician consultation without the need to go to the hospital. If you want to protect and improve your health, you can make an online physician consultation and take steps in this direction thanks to the 24/7 health service.You may be interested in : Online Health Service
