Christmas and the new year come with very cold and snowy weather. Even though there are significant differences compared to different decades ago due to global warming but the effects are still around. If you are in North America, the Nordic countries, and some parts of Europe, there are high tendencies you’ll still feel very low temperatures despite climate change. However, people living in this area already know about the health issues that come from such weather. For a new visitor, or someone who just migrated and this is their first winter experience, you need to have a measure in other to make you stay healthy.
Low temperatures increase the risk of getting sick and even heart attack as the heart would be more stressed as blood vessels conserve heat. This could lead to shallow breathing, and slight thickening of the blood especially when exposed to a consistent winter storm. These are preventable with multiple ways of staying healthy and fit throughout the winter period
6 Ways to stay Healthy and Fit during the Winter
1. Indoor Exercising or Gym
During winter, your body is likely not stressed as you are cool with reduced sweat. Exercising in winter makes your body work harder than usual and it doesn’t only help with physical health but also the cardiovascular system. As stated earlier, in cold weather, the heart works harder to pump blood around your body, exercising and workouts will help keep your heart health upright. Exercises are preferably done indoors to get the best out of it and make you healthy. In addition, this also boosts your immune system against winter colds and flu, burns more calories, and improves your mood.
2. Eating Healthy
This is part of everyday activities, but much more needed and wisely selected during winter. The most common deficiency the winter cold cause is with the blood heart, and also respiratory. Foods that increase blood flow and help with circulation include; Leafy food, tomatoes, walnuts, onions, fatty fish, beets, citrus fruits, etc. Another category of foods that helps are the ones that digest faster like eggs, bananas, potatoes, and chicken is best for nutrition in the winter period.
3. Get the winter gadgets
Most people are aware of how much they detest the cold and actually have an allergy to it. When it gets below freezing and most individuals aren’t dressed appropriately, I swell up and develop itchy, unsightly hives all over my body. And allergy medications like Benadryl are used to treat it. Naturally, the main concern is keeping warm. You better believe my Christmas list just got 12 items longer! These 12 tech products are incredibly cool, contemporary ways to stay warm.
4. Get Frequently Hydrated
In couple with eating healthy and maintaining nutrition, hydration also helps fend off the effect of winter in your system. During winter, it’s hard to notice when your body is sweating, or even dehydrated. Perspiration and much clothing worn could make your body become dehydrated without knowing or feeling it. It’s best to have a regular intake of water, importantly in a good amount after every meal and possibly at a decided interval. There are smart waterbottles that could set your interval and track your intake level. They are important for the body to generate heat enough to have a healthy body temperature. Hydration also helps the body’s ability to prevent hypothermia.
5. Almonds and Peanuts
Dates and nuts like almonds, walnuts, and peanuts are known to increase body temperature. Almond consumption during the cold months can boost immunity. Almonds’ high glycemic index can help you maintain a healthy digestive system. Your body will be able to fight off colds if you soak the almonds for a fortnight and then take them in the morning as almond milk. If almonds are soaked, they aid with digestion. In addition, compared to fresh fruits, dried fruit has up to 3.5 times as much fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
6. Make use of any sunlight that shows up
In general, morning sunshine is a significant source of cholecalciferol or vitamin D3, but because it is scarce in the winter, take advantage of the times when it does. The majority of people can produce appropriate amounts of vitamin D through summertime sun exposure, but for many, wintertime synthesis can be insufficient. To get enough vitamin D throughout the winter, you might need to spend at least 2 hours in the sun. Additionally, exposure to the sun during the winter may lessen these mood issues.
