We know the anti-cold advice: you should dress warmly (without forgetting your head and hands), favor lukewarm drinks over fresh sodas, and do (a little) physical activity, at least 30 minutes a day. day. But did you know? You can also warm up … while eating! Because certain foods have the power to increase the production of heat by the body – we speak of “thermogenesis”. Yes, but here it is: to be warm in the middle of winter, you still have to detach yourself from these preconceived ideas that do more harm than good …
When it’s cold, alcohol warms up
What we believe. When the temperatures are negative, there is nothing better than a “little pick-up” to warm up. A good excuse to enjoy mulled wine at the Christmas market …
Why is this wrong. Alcohol does not heat up! Certainly, when one consumes an alcoholic drink, one feels a sensation of “heat”. Why ? Because alcohol dilates the blood vessels on the surface of the body. But the effect is only ephemeral: alcohol is also responsible for vasoconstriction (that is to say: a contraction of the blood vessels) which causes a loss of body heat – result: a few minutes after the mulled wine, we are cold again.
- The board. We replace the mulled wine with a hot chocolate or a Christmas tea, with cinnamon or ginger: these two spices activate the blood circulation … which warms up for good!
When it’s cold, a woolen sweater is enough
What we believe. The winter garment is of course the wool sweater – with its variations in mohair, cashmere or fleece. And to stay warm without sacrificing fashion, we opt for the big sweater on bare skin. So sexy!
Why this is a bad idea. Although warm, the traditional “big winter sweater” is not enough to protect against the cold. The good strategy is that of the onion, which consists in superimposing several clothes: thus, the thin layers of lukewarm air insulate us against the cold – this is the principle of double-glazed windows!
- The board. The onion technique allows you to reuse your fall wardrobe.
When it’s cold, you have to turn up the heat
What we believe. Is it freezing outside? No problem: turn up the thermostat and feel warm at home. You can even walk around in a T-shirt while it is snowing outside!
Why this is a bad idea. In addition to the ecological impact, increasing the temperature of the radiators inevitably leads to a greater thermal difference with the outside – which can lead to thermal shocks which can have consequences on health. In addition, bacteria and viruses proliferate more easily in a hot, humid and poorly ventilated environment – which can promote the flu, colds and bronchitis.
- The board. The ideal temperature in a house is between 19 ° C and 21 ° C. And we don’t forget to ventilate at least 10 minutes a day, especially the bedrooms.
Read also :
- Winter ailments: how to cope?
- She lives in Canada but suffers from a winter allergy
- How to warm up when it’s cold
- 5 ways to protect your skin from the cold
