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During seasons of fluctuating temperatures and weather conditions, feeling less than your best is a downright unpleasant experience. We’ll show you how to cope with those weather changing sickness symptoms so you can stay moving!
Why Do Weather Changes Make You Sick?
You may think the sudden change in temperature alone causes the sweeping epidemic of runny noses and temple-throbbing headaches. However, studies show that in addition to the change in outdoor conditions are the culprit, such as a sudden rise in humidity, dryness of the air, or frequent cold gusts.
Changes to one’s routine, such as staying indoors for longer than normal, might trigger a negative immune response resulting in sickness. If you’re susceptible to seasonal allergies, these conditions can have an even greater effect. So how can you cope, or better yet prevent these weather change sickness symptoms?
Reactionary - Quick Tips for Treatment
While preventative measures are always better, checking the forecast won’t always help guestimate the changes to come. Here are some helpful tips for quick treatment:
Stock up on vitamin C intake
Vitamin C is an amazing immune system booster, and serves as a natural/quick-acting pick-me-up during sick seasons. Oranges, lemons, and other fruits are a great raw source of vitamin C, as are certain dietary supplements that come in pill or powder form. If you’re under the weather already, it’s not too late to increase your intake.
Drink LOTS of Water and Fluids
When you’re sick, replacing the fluids that you’ve lost is paramount to recovering faster, as is replacing electrolytes with drinks like Gatorade and Pedialyte. Fluids also serve to loosen up mucus and phlegm, as well as reduce headaches and migraines.Â
Try hot tea with honey
Ginger tea for example has anti-inflammatory qualities that help keep viruses at bay, and cold symptoms from progressing to respiratory illnesses. Honey has been shown to carry antibacterial properties, and can especially help soothe a sore throat when mixed with a hot tea.
Bring on the soups
Chicken soup really is good for the soul! Nutrient-dense soups carry various vitamins and minerals that promote good immune health, and help alleviate sinus pressure (which is especially great for seasonal allergies). Soups that are rich in sodium can also help soothe a sore throat. Note that these soups don’t always need to house meat products, as veggie-based soups/broths are equally effective.Â
Tips to Avoid Weather Change Sickness
Stay active in your daily regimen
While you definitely want to stay in bed if you’re sick, staying active if you’re feeling well can help keep you immune system firing on all cylinders. Physical activity also promotes cardiovascular health, which is great for keeping sickness at bay. As a goal, try 20-minutes of heart-health activity 3-4 times per week, and reduce the consumption of alcohol and tobacco use.Â
Wash your hands and be germ-free
With the emergence of COVID-19, we’ve seen first hand how healthy hygiene practices can go a long way as far as preventing sickness and viral spread. This is also beneficial when drastic environmental changes cause many around you to feel under the weather, and can help prevent the spread of more debilitating illnesses like the flu. If you’re still stocked up on hand sanitizer from the height of COVID season, you’re in good shape!
Make certain supplements a mainstay
In addition to a healthy diet dense in fruits and vegetables, simple supplements like a daily multivitamin can go a long way in staying and feeling healthy year-round. Other immune-boosting supplements to consider are vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and elderberry (in tablet or syrup form).
