It's Harder Because Even Dogs Don't Catch It: Effective Ways to Recover from a Summer Cold.

There's a saying that "even dogs don't catch colds in summer," but in today's modern society, summer provides an environment conducive to catching colds. The main factors contributing to summer colds include temperature differences between indoor and outdoor spaces due to air conditioning, wearing lighter clothing, and reduced immunity due to extreme heat. Many people believe that deliberately generating heat and sweating a lot can help recovery from a cold, but this is a misconception. In this blog post, we will explore the correct ways to recover from a summer cold.

 

Excessive sweating when you have a summer cold can actually be harmful to your health.

 

Characteristics of a Summer Cold

Temperature Differences Between Indoors and Outdoors

Using air conditioning is essential in the summer. However, large temperature differences between indoors and outdoors can weaken the body's ability to regulate temperature, making it easier to catch a cold. Staying in strongly air-conditioned environments for extended periods can significantly lower body temperature and weaken immunity.

Decreased Immunity

Summer heat waves increase stress on the body and are a major factor in lowering immunity. When immunity is weakened, the body becomes more susceptible to infection by cold viruses. Additionally, dehydration can impede blood circulation, reducing the effectiveness of immune cells.

 

Ineffective Recovery Method: Sweating It Out

The Risks of Inducing Sweat

Some people believe that visiting a sauna or soaking in hot water to induce sweating will help recover from a cold more quickly. However, this can interfere with temperature regulation and even harm your health.

 

Interference with Temperature Regulation: Fever is a natural response that occurs when the immune system fights off viruses. Inducing sweat artificially can overstimulate the sympathetic nervous system, causing a rapid increase in body temperature. This suppresses the function of immune cells and slows down recovery.

 

Dehydration Risk: Excessive sweating can quickly deplete the body’s water and electrolytes. Dehydration increases fatigue and can impair kidney function. In children and the elderly, prolonged high fever can lead to serious health issues.

 

Effective Cold Recovery Methods

Maintaining Proper Body Temperature

Maintaining proper body temperature is important when recovering from a cold.

• Take a Lukewarm Shower: It is recommended to take short showers lasting no longer than 10 minutes with water slightly above or similar to body temperature. If you feel unwell, wiping your body with a lukewarm towel can also be helpful.
• Regulate Indoor Temperature and Humidity: Maintain indoor temperatures between 25-27 degrees Celsius and humidity between 40-60% to prevent mucous membranes from drying out. Use a humidifier or boil water to adjust indoor humidity.

Adequate Hydration

It is important to consume enough fluids when you have a cold because fluid loss in the body increases.

• Replenish Fluids: Drink lukewarm water, warm tea, or electrolyte drinks frequently to replenish fluids. It is important to drink small amounts regularly rather than consuming a large amount at once.
• Electrolyte Intake: Consume sports drinks or electrolyte drinks to replenish electrolytes lost through sweating.

Nutritional Supplementation

Adequate nutrient intake helps restore immunity.

• Vitamin C: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that enhances immune cell function. Consume citrus fruits, kiwis, strawberries, and other fruits and vegetables to supplement vitamin C.
• Probiotics: Probiotics promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut and help boost immunity. Yogurt, kimchi, and miso are fermented foods through which you can consume probiotics.

Proper Rest and Sleep

Adequate rest and sleep are essential for recovering from a cold.

• Sufficient Sleep: Sleep plays an important role in physical recovery and strengthening the immune system. Get 7-8 hours of sufficient sleep daily to recover from fatigue and boost immunity.
• Stress Management: Since stress can weaken immunity, manage stress through meditation or light exercise.

 

Lifestyle Habits to Prevent Colds

Personal Hygiene

Thorough personal hygiene is crucial in preventing colds.

• Hand Washing: Always wash your hands after going out and before meals to prevent the spread of viruses.
• Wearing Masks: Wear a mask in places with many cold sufferers to prevent virus infection.

Strengthening Immunity

Maintain lifestyle habits that strengthen immunity.

• Regular Exercise: Regular exercise helps improve blood circulation and boost immunity. Engage in light jogging or walking consistently.
• Balanced Diet: Maintain a diet rich in nutrients to maintain strength and strengthen immunity. It is especially important to have a diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Indoor Environment Management

Maintain a healthy indoor environment.

• Ventilation: Ventilate regularly to prevent indoor air from becoming stale. Fresh air helps boost immunity.
• Maintain Cleanliness: Keep the indoor environment clean to prevent the proliferation of viruses and bacteria.

 

Conclusion

Excessive sweating when you have a summer cold can actually be harmful to your health. You can effectively recover from a cold by maintaining proper body temperature, staying hydrated, supplementing nutrients, and getting sufficient rest and sleep. Additionally, managing personal hygiene, boosting immunity, and maintaining a healthy indoor environment are important for preventing colds. Enjoy a healthy summer by following correct recovery methods and preventive measures.