Eating healthy and Ayurveda will protect you from ailments that afflict people in winter. Winter has already marched on to our doors and as temperatures fall winter appetites can spin out of control. Winter brings in a lot of problems due to the dry and humid weather bringing changes drastically in our body. The drop in temperature aggravates cough, cold, pneumonia and acute bronchitis.
We even tend to eat more during the winter months, with the average person gaining at least 1 to 2 pounds and those who are already overweight likely to gain a lot more.
There are a number of factors that entice us to eat more during winter. Eating is not a problem, but unhealthy eating can be a big worry. Eating healthy during winter is very important to keep ourselves fit and warm during from the cold.
Dr Fatima Chatriwala, Dietician at Sterling Wockhardt Hospital, Vashi said, “Hot foods and drinks should be preferred more during winter in order to keep the body warm. Eating fruits and green leafy vegetables rich in Vitamin C can help boost up immunity and reduce the risk of infections.”
She added that there are 80 per cent more likely to get a cold in winter, so making sure your immune system is in tip-top condition is important. Milk and dairy products such as cheese, yoghurt are great sources of protein and vitamins A and B12. They’re also an important source of calcium, which helps keep our bones strong.
Winter even brings in common skin-related problems, such as infections, allergy, itching and rashes. Skin cannot replenish its moisture naturally due to less humidity in air. Low humidity due to indoor heating, hot showers and bath exaggerates this condition and skin is bound to become dry and irritated. Dry skin tends to crack and bleed. Cracked skin loses its ability to protect the body and increases the risk of infection.
Vaidya Smita Naram, MD at Ayushakti Ayurved said, “The best ways to keep the skin soft, healthy and moisturised during winter is to avoid long hours of bath, using body lotions, also twenty to 30 minutes of aerobic exercise everday can give your skin a healthy glow.” Ayurveda stresses on massaging body with oil during winter as it reflexes the muscles and joints from any kind of stiffness and relaxes the body.
