Causes of winter fatigue, main illnesses
Winter fatigue is a completely normal occurrence. The main causes are a lack of sun and warmth, and shorter, more rhythmic days. This is why our bodies tire more quickly, resulting in difficulty concentrating, daytime sleepiness, a gloomy mood, and a lack of energy.
Additionally, in winter, our bodies are more susceptible to pathogenic attacks. Temperatures drop, homes are less ventilated, and we spend more time indoors.
A cold environment has several consequences: it strengthens the protective membrane of viruses which facilitates their proliferation, it causes a drop in our body temperature and harms the proper functioning of our immune system, the cold air dries out our respiratory mucous membranes which will no longer be able to properly fulfill their role as a protective barrier against external attacks.
The main winter illnesses are the flu, gastroenteritis, tonsillitis, and bronchiolitis. In all cases, prevention can help you get through winter more peacefully.
This is why it is useful to adapt your lifestyle during cold periods to combat this winter fatigue, in particular through a good diet, sufficient hydration as well as optimal sleep management. It is also important to keep in mind barrier gestures (hand washing, limiting contact, ventilating rooms, wearing a mask as soon as symptoms appear, etc.).
Diet and sleep
The body consumes very few extra calories during very cold weather, so there's no need to overeat. Eating a healthy, varied, and balanced diet is essential for maintaining your immune system. It's strongly recommended to focus on seasonal fruits and vegetables to boost your energy and ensure you get enough nutrients and vitamins. Honey is also beneficial for its antibacterial properties.
Vitamin C is the most important, it helps strengthen the immune system, and is found in citrus fruits: oranges, clementines, and mandarins. Iron and magnesium also help protect the body. Iron is found in red meat and black pudding; magnesium is found in cereals, legumes, green vegetables, and dried fruits: brown rice, lentils, broccoli, spinach, almonds, etc. In addition, you can find over-the-counter vitamin cures in pharmacies.
Exercise and sleep are excellent allies for staying healthy. Indeed, exercise helps the airways clear their own airways. A 30-40 minute physical activity practiced three times a week is recommended to strengthen the immune system and combat stress.
This can be a sport practiced directly at home (yoga, etc.), or outside (walking, running, etc.).
A tired body is weakened and less able to defend itself against attacks. This is why it is essential to adopt a regular sleep schedule. A sleep of 7 to 8 hours is optimal for recharging and starting the day well.
A good night's sleep is prepared throughout the day thanks to the various points previously discussed. It will help you improve your memory, concentration, and emotional management.
It's important to take time to relax in order to take care of your mind, and therefore your immune system. You can recharge your batteries mentally and physically by engaging in relaxation, yoga, meditation, and sophrology sessions. These activities help you take care of your body by reducing stress.
Hydration and the Hydratis solution
The main risk during winter is dehydration. As a reminder, the body is composed of 70% water. An adult loses an average of 2 liters of water per day, which is why it is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of water per day, or 10 to 15 glasses.
In winter, water loss is the same as in summer, but we tend to drink less regularly. However, 2/3 of the body's water mass is located in the intracellular space, where high concentrations of salts and minerals are found. To maintain this electrolyte balance , it is essential to remember to stay sufficiently hydrated.
Freezing air, the use of heaters, and winter illnesses (mainly fever and diarrhea) will contribute to dehydration. Health-wise, this will result in slowed physical and mental performance, fatigue , headaches, muscle pain, cramps, anxiety, low blood pressure, and bone problems.
The Hydratis solution enriches water with mineral salts, sodium, glucose, and trace elements. It allows the body to absorb water more quickly and efficiently while contributing to muscle recovery, reducing fatigue, and combating cellular stress. The lozenges are color- and preservative-free, and contain natural flavors (peach, wild berries, lemongrass, ginger, mint, anise, neutral).
Supplementing this water intake with foods rich in water (dairy products, fruits and vegetables: pear, apple, carrot, pepper, broccoli, salad, citrus fruits) is recommended.
Conclusion
Viruses circulate more easily in winter, and combined with physical or mental fatigue from the cold and lack of light, it's easier to get sick. Simple, natural solutions exist to maintain an efficient immune system during and in preparation for periods of extreme cold.
In the event of an illness causing complications to your overall health, do not hesitate to consult a doctor. This is especially true for fragile individuals who may experience breathing difficulties, prolonged fever, and sensitivity to dehydration.
