Can we get sick from cold temperatures? In short - no. Lowering the air temperature to lower autumn and winter temperatures leads to a greater number of infections every year. One of the explanations is the fact that, due to the cold weather and shorter days, we spend less and less time in the fresh air. We close ourselves in a warm home and air it less, and the air we breathe is dry. On the other hand, lower temperatures and higher air humidity create favorable conditions for the reproduction of viruses and bacteria. But, apart from that, seasonal, like any sudden change in weather, has a significant impact on our immune system. Check what else happens in our body during periods of lower temperatures.
Lower level of vitamin D in the body
Most of us are familiar with the fact that vitamin D affects the metabolism and health of our bones, but you may not be so aware that it is also needed for the proper function of our immune system. Namely, the cells of our immune system (T-lymphocytes, B-lymphocytes and antigens in the cells) have receptors for vitamin D, and studies have proven that a reduced level of vitamin D in the body leads to an increase in the frequency of infections, especially respiratory ones.
We get vitamin D through food, but after exposure to UV B light, it is also produced by our skin (climate, season, use of sunscreen and skin pigmentation affect this). In the winter months, we spend more time indoors and therefore spend less time exposed to the already limited amount of sunlight.
In addition, due to the low temperatures, most of our skin is constantly covered and this represents an additional obstacle to our own production of vitamin D. Some studies show that the reduction of production starts as early as August, drops to the lowest values in November and remains so until March. The results of a recent study from London's Queen Mary University showed that vitamin D supplements can help prevent acute respiratory infections such as colds. i live.hr.
Increased secretion of melatonin
Melatonin, in addition to promoting sleep, also plays an important role in maintaining good immunity. It is a hormone that is primarily produced in a gland in our brain. Its excretion is influenced by the daily cycle of alternating light and dark. A short period of daylight, as well as low air temperatures, stimulate the production of melatonin. For these reasons, including our limited movement outside closed spaces, a significantly higher amount of melatonin is secreted in winter than in summer.
Higher novo melatonin in winter represents a natural way of defending the body during the most risky period for our health. Melatonin, as a powerful regulator of our immune system, reduces inflammation and stimulates specific immune responses. In other words, every sleepless night or hour of sleep less than the recommended seven hours, could have consequences for our immunity.
Lower temperatures encourage the reproduction of rhinoviruses
Temperatures near zero are not an ideal environment for germs, but the temperature in our noses during the fall and winter months is. Namely, in those periods of the year, under the influence of low outside air temperature, the temperature in the initial part of our respiratory system drops significantly below our body temperature.
Studies show that the favorable temperature for the reproduction of rhinovirus, the cause of almost every other cold, is below 37 degrees Celsius, and the average temperature in our nostrils in winter is 33 degrees. A team of Finnish experts confirmed that just three days of lower temperatures and less humidity in the air were enough for a significant increase in the number of respiratory tract infections.
The key difference between a stable and compromised immune system is our lifestyle habits. If we go to bed on time, eat a varied diet and are physically active, we can assess that we are taking care of the health and strength of our defense system. Unfortunately, we often remember too late to devote more time and attention to our immunity. Most often, we remember it when we get to bed or when we get sick. Although even then healthy lifestyle habits are important for faster recovery, timely treatment of symptoms is even more important. Autumn and winter respiratory diseases such as colds and flu, along with a stuffy nose, coughing and sore throat, can be accompanied by headaches and temporary pain in the muscles and joints.
Seven tips for naturally strengthening immunity
In order to reduce the chance of infection and strengthen your immunity, consider which of the following suggestions you could adopt.
1. Don't/Stop smoking: Tobacco smoking is one of the leading health risks worldwide. Nicotine, for example, is not only a neurotoxin, but also an immunosuppressant. In other words, nicotine reduces the effectiveness and reactivity of the immune system.
2. Increase the intake of fruits and vegetables in the dieti: Lack of certain micronutrients such as iron, copper and folic acid, as well as vitamins A, B6, C and E can cause a lower production of white blood cells which are crucial for efficient and timely immune reactions.
3. Get physically active: During and after physical activities, the body releases anti-inflammatory molecules and increases lymphocyte circulation, which reduces the frequency of contracting viral diseases, as well as the severity of symptoms.
4. Maintain a healthy weight: An excessive amount of adipose tissue can harm immunity. Fat cells are responsible for secreting inflammatory proteins that, when there are too many of them in circulation, can over time reduce the sensitivity of the immune system to "invaders".
5. Get enough sleep: A quality sleep of at least seven hours is essential for maintaining sufficient levels of melatonin in the body, which helps the immune system to function normally.
6. Take care of hand hygiene: Regular hand hygiene can reduce the incidence of digestive system infections by 31% and respiratory infections by 21%.
7. Stay away from stress: Psychological stress has a clear negative effect on immune responses from inflammation and healing to the development of cancer and autoimmune diseases as well as reactions to vaccines.
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