Common misconceptions about health on cold days

Cold air will give you a cold

One last thing to remember is that it is not the cold that makes you sick. It is the germs, bacteria and viruses that get into your body after you touch your nose, mouth or eyes without washing your hands.

Drink wine to warm up

Drinking alcohol may make you feel warmer, but it actually lowers your body temperature. Alcohol dilates your blood vessels, bringing warmer blood closer to the surface of your skin. This makes you feel hot for just a few seconds. As blood is diverted away from your internal organs, your body temperature drops.

No need to apply sunscreen in winter

Skipping sunscreen is a big mistake. People don’t realize that their skin is still at risk from UV rays during the colder months. In fact, the risk remains the same 365 days a year. UV rays penetrate clouds and reach the skin with no problem.

Do not exercise in cold weather.

Exercising in cold weather can have more benefits than exercising in warm weather. The body has to work harder in cold weather, which increases your metabolism and burns more calories. Exercise also releases endorphins and improves your mood, so exercising outdoors during the winter months can help combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), commonly known as winter depression.

Allergies will disappear in winter

Colds are often accompanied by sneezing and a runny nose, but these symptoms can also be caused by allergies. Dust mites, mold, or animal dander are still a problem because in cold weather, these pests tend to stay indoors more and closed windows lead to poor air quality. Allergy symptoms can resemble a sinus infection that won't go away.

Cold temperature causes hair loss

Cold temperatures do not necessarily mean more hair loss. Cold weather can actually increase the amount of hair. Just like dogs grow thicker fur in the winter, people may notice more hair growing in the cold to help keep them warm.

Lack of sunlight is the cause of winter depression

You may have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). In some cases, lack of sunlight can contribute to SAD because it causes the brain to produce less serotonin. Symptoms of “winter depression” include feeling tired all the time, low energy, weight gain, and poor concentration.

The head is where the most heat is lost.

It has long been believed that the head is where the most heat is lost, but studies show that when exposed naked in cold weather, the amount of body heat lost through the head accounts for only about 10%.

Women often gain 5kg in winter

The only way you can hurt your body during the holidays is to not use it. This is true for both women and men. People who don’t exercise, sit on the couch all day and snack will gain weight in the winter. People typically gain about 1 to 2 pounds during the cold season. The problem is that most people don’t lose that weight when the weather warms up, and the weight just keeps creeping back on.

Vitamin C cures colds

This is half true. Vitamin C has powerful antiviral properties and studies have shown that it can shorten the severity and duration of most colds and flus if you get enough of it. Foods rich in vitamin C help boost your immune system to help protect you from getting sick.

Eat when you have a fever, fast when you have a cold.

I don’t know of any doctor who would tell you not to eat when you’re sick. Your body is working to get better and needs all the energy it can get – but from good sources. Your body needs the right ingredients to fight disease and boost your immune system, not more calories. Drink plenty of water and eat healthy.