As the UK’s cold snap and gloomy weather are expected to persist through the weekend, focusing on our health has never been more crucial. The Met Office has warned that parts of the country may experience snow this weekend, with the chilly, overcast conditions continuing into the beginning of next week. Despite the cold, there are many effective ways to enhance your health and wellbeing during these winter months.
By boosting your immune system, staying active, and fuelling your body with seasonal foods, you can maintain vitality even when the temperatures drop. How does cold weather impact our health?. Cold weather places additional strain on the body, impacting various systems and making it more vulnerable to illness. Our immune systems also tend to function less efficiently in colder months. “This is partly due to reduced vitamin D levels from lack of sunlight and lower exposure to fresh air,” explains Enayat.
But, there are some simple yet effective tips to help you thrive in colder weather to ensure your health doesn’t take a backseat. 1. Be smart with layering. “Rather than piling on thick, heavy clothing, opt for temperature-regulating fabrics that help maintain body heat while allowing moisture to escape,” recommends Enayat. “Merino wool and technical performance-wear can help keep you warm without overheating or sweating excessively, which can actually make you feel colder when damp.
“Additionally, keeping extremities warm – such as hands, feet, and head – is key to preventing heat loss, as these areas are highly vascular and prone to rapid cooling.”. 2. Optimise hydration with electrolytes. “Many people drink less water in winter, but hydration is just as important as in summer, especially since dry, heated indoor air can lead to dehydration, dry skin, and brain fog,” says Enayat.
“Adding electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and magnesium) to your water helps enhance cellular hydration, keeping your energy levels stable and preventing dehydration-related headaches and fatigue.”. 3. Consume warming foods. 4. Eat more vitamin C and zinc-rich foods. “The immune system can become more vulnerable during seasonal changes, so supporting it with vitamin C and zinc, found in citrus fruits, bell peppers and pumpkin seeds, is crucial,” says Murthy.
5. Get vaccinated. Check with your GP to see which vaccines you are eligible for. 6. Make sure you exercise regularly. It’s important to be consistent with your exercise routine, whatever the weather. “We know that exercise directly correlates with a strong and effective immune system,” says Foster. “People often exercise less in the winter because the weather is not so good, but you simply have to keep going.
