Sudden changes in temperature adversely affect the human body, increasing the risk of respiratory diseases such as rhinitis, flu, bronchitis and pneumonia. These diseases can arise because despite the low ambient temperatures, the body needs to spend more energy to keep itself properly warm, thus decreasing its natural defenses.
With so much effort to keep body temperature close to 36ºC the production of white blood cells decreases and the person is more likely to be infected with viruses and bacteria that can proliferate freely in the human body. To aggravate the situation, closed environments with little direct light or air circulation, increases the proliferation of viruses and bacteria in the environment, thus making a scenario prone to diseases.
In addition to respiratory diseases, cold weather also affects blood pressure, being particularly severe in people who suffer from high blood pressure or heart disease because the blood gets thicker and it takes more effort from the heart to pump the same amount of blood.
Therefore, in case of hypertension it is very important to check the blood pressure weekly, take the medicines indicated by the cardiologist every day, in the right dose and respect the diet indicated by the nutritionist, avoiding salt and foods rich in fat and sugar.
Know how to recognize the first symptoms of a heart attack.
Because we feel cold and what happens to our bodies in winter
With low temperatures the body needs more energy to protect itself, avoiding hypothermia, and that is why when we feel cold, we can chatter our teeth, keep our hairs on end. In addition, the risk of respiratory diseases increases and also of high blood pressure and heart attack. Other changes that become present include:
- We are more sleepy, because melatonin is stimulated by the darkest and overcast days; We are more hungry, so that more calories are accumulated in the form of fat to protect the body; We pee more during the day and at night, because we sweat less; The skin and hair are dry because the hot water in the bath removes the natural oil from the skin and hair; The bad mood appears because people are less comfortable; Sexual intercourse decreases because it can be uncomfortable to have intercourse in the cold, with cold hands and feet, and it is also more difficult to be aroused by the blood viscosity.
In addition, we also get the tip of the nose, hands and feet are usually cold because the blood circulation chooses to be more focused on the main organs of the body, heart, brain and kidneys, so that there is no lack of energy for its proper functioning. But in some cases this can be an allergic reaction to the cold, know what the symptoms are and how the cold allergy is treated.
What to do to fight the cold
The best way to fight the cold is to dress properly and that is why it is important to wear long-sleeved blouses, pants, socks and closed shoes, as well as a good coat to warm up your body. When temperatures are much lower than normal, and you need to be outdoors, it can also be useful to wear a hat, scarf or scarf and gloves to protect the ends of the body.
In addition to winter clothing, other strategies to protect yourself from the cold are:
- Avoid cold drinks and meals, preferring warm teas, soups and broths; Consuming alcoholic beverages such as red wine or hot wine helps to warm up, however, it is not advised to drink more than 1 glass of wine a day and those who have difficulty controlling themselves do not you shouldn't even get close to drinks; Take a warm bath and wear warm clothes, right after ironing; Put sheets with flannel fabric on the bed, because cotton and satin are naturally cooler to the touch; Avoid drafts and sudden changes in temperature, but keep at least a crack in the window open for air to circulate.
Care not to feel cold is especially suitable for babies, children and the elderly who have thinner skin, and have more difficulty dealing with cold. However, it is important to know how to balance the right dose to avoid overheating, which is also harmful to health. If you have a baby, check to see if he looks sweaty by placing his hand directly on the back of the neck and on his back and if these areas are damp, it is advisable to remove a layer of clothing. Here's how to tell if your baby is cold or hot.
