Always sick in winter: as soon as the temperatures drop after a lovely summer, our noses start running, we sneeze our way through everyday life and drag ourselves from one cold to the next. We also hear about so-called flu waves almost every year.
Why are we so often sick in winter?
For this reason, researchers and scientists have long wanted to find out what connection there is between cold and illness. But as luck would have it, no connection was actually found at all.
So it should be noted at this point that the cold or winter and everything associated with it has absolutely nothing to do with illness. But why then do we get sick more often in the cold months?
Pathogens are insensitive to cold
This fact actually speaks even less for the idea that we are particularly susceptible to colds and the like when it gets cold. But it is actually the case that pathogens, bacteria and viruses cannot survive in cold environments. So more has to happen than just the temperature outside dropping before we get sick. But what?
The immune system is to blame!
In fact, pathogens must already be present in the body for low temperatures to be responsible for an illness. However, it is not the cold that is to blame, but the fact that our immune system has a lot to do and is put under a lot of strain in cold temperatures. This is the only way that the pathogens that are already present can trigger an illness.
And one more thing: people who have a cold and become ill start to feel cold, not the other way around. So it is clear that we don't first feel cold and then become ill, but the other way around.
So if our immune system is to blame for colds, then logically we need to strengthen it. How? In the cold winter months, we should pay more attention to our diet, lots of vegetables, fruit and lots of water. Unfortunately, many people don't really think about drinking a lot in the cold months, after all, it is usually only recommended in summer due to high temperatures. But one thing is certain: the body needs at least the same amount of water per day in winter as it does in summer.
And what about the risk of infection?
People who spend less time outdoors in winter and more time indoors are at a higher risk of infection than others. In winter, we don't work with the windows or doors open, we turn up the heating, ventilate less and hardly ever go out into the fresh air. Ideal conditions for viruses and bacteria. This means: Don't just go outside for a smoke break! A winter walk doesn't harm our immune system in any way, but rather strengthens it.
Sick in winter - exercising, drinking lots of water and eating healthily are definitely not things that should only be done in summer. If you want to do something extra for your immune system, you can get special vitamin tablets from the pharmacy.
For example, we often suffer from a vitamin B deficiency in winter due to less daylight and sunlight. Our skin produces this vitamin with the help of sun and light and unfortunately it is produced less on its own in winter. However, if you spend time outside regularly, you don't even need it.
Healthy through autumn and winter: 5 tips for the cold season
Autumn doesn't just bring colorful leaves, mushrooms and beautiful sunsets, it also gets colder and darker. There are sniffles and coughs everywhere. The autumn storms bring down the mood and the leaves fall from the trees. Everything looks bare and gray. And then the temperatures drop below zero. The heaters are running at full speed. The dry air, wind and cold make the body more susceptible to colds. Freezing rain falls on the streets - traffic jams on the way to work are inevitable.
1. Walks in the fresh air
Even when it's stormy and raining, regular exercise in the fresh air is good for the body. Long walks and sport get the circulation going. Blood flow is stimulated and the immune system is better equipped to fight cold viruses. The endurance sports of jogging and cycling are particularly suitable. Suitable clothing should always be chosen for all outdoor activities.
2. Eat a diet rich in minerals and vitamins
A diet rich in minerals and vitamins is generally very important. But it is especially important to pay attention to this in the cold season. Fruit, vegetables, freshly squeezed juices, but also whole grain products, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs can be on the menu. Luxury foods such as chocolate are also allowed in moderation. They often lift the mood, especially on gray days.
In the autumn months, you can often still harvest local winter vegetables such as kohlrabi, broccoli and kale, as well as fruit such as apples and pears, which still contain a lot of vitamins. Turnips, potatoes and mushrooms are also readily available and usually inexpensive. Delicious and healthy meals can be prepared using just these ingredients.
3. Drink a lot
It is not only in summer that it is important to provide the body with sufficient fluids. In the autumn and winter months, it is also advisable to drink between 1,5 and 2 liters of fluids in the form of mineral water, fruit teas or fruit juice spritzers. The dry air from heating has a negative effect on mucous membranes, meaning that bacteria can spread more quickly and cause infections. Regular fluid intake moistens the bronchi and flushes away bacteria.
4. Ventilate properly
In the cold season, we spend more time indoors than outdoors. This makes it all the more important to ventilate the rooms regularly and well. As a rule, it is sufficient to open the windows fully for five minutes each morning, midday and evening. Of course, these are only guidelines, as smoking, cooking and animals in the household usually require repeated ventilation.
5. Get enough sleep
In addition to a healthy diet and plenty of exercise in the fresh air, the body needs enough sleep to stay healthy. Our bodies need periods of recovery, especially when they are stressed by cold temperatures and wind. This of course also applies to our minds.
Sick in winter – hard time for our joints
The cold winter months are always a challenge for our bodies. Not only are we particularly susceptible to colds, our joints also suffer in the cold season. However, pain in the joints can also indicate serious illnesses and should be taken seriously.
When joint pain becomes dangerous
Every year, the cold and damp winter weather really gets to us. Many people feel stiff when they get up in the morning, and their hands and knees hurt. Even if it looks like a minor ache at first, such symptoms can be a sign of serious joint problems. It is therefore important to be clear whether the symptoms are caused by sensitivity to the weather or not. If you are unsure, you should always consult a doctor and not waste any unnecessary time.
Take your body’s warning signs seriously
Pain in the hands or feet, knees or hip joints is one of the most common illnesses that we all have to deal with at some point. Of the approximately 400 known illnesses, some can be treated quite well with tried and tested home remedies. One of the most well-known illnesses is osteoarthritis, a form of joint wear. Around one in two people over the age of 50 suffers from this illness to a greater or lesser extent.
Inflammatory rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, is more dangerous. In this disease, the body's own immune system attacks the joints. The disease usually occurs between the ages of 20 and 30 and is usually not recognized until much later. Rapid treatment is essential. Anyone who has swollen, red or overheated joints for several weeks at a young age should definitely go to the doctor. A blood test can then quickly determine whether a rheumatic disease is present, which can then be treated accordingly.
Arthritis, for example, can be treated quite easily with cold snaps. Even though it sounds paradoxical and cold weather often worsens the symptoms of the disease, cold treatments can still alleviate the symptoms.
Prevention helps
Fortunately, not every morning pain in the joints is a sign of a serious illness. A person's sensitivity to the weather often plays a decisive role. Even early arthrosis cannot necessarily be recognized immediately in such cases. However, to prevent possible illnesses, kneeling, walking downhill and climbing stairs should be avoided as much as possible. However, all other forms of exercise are very helpful and important.
Everyone experiences a pulling or pain in their joints from time to time. At first, this is no reason to worry. Only when the pain occurs regularly and gets worse should you consult a doctor. In general, a good amount of daily physical exercise is a good prophylaxis against all kinds of joint diseases.
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