The population was advised to switch to a protein diet.
Against the backdrop of low temperatures, snow, and cold affecting many regions, French media provided their audience with recommendations on how not to freeze.
Under the influence of cold, blood vessels in the toes and fingers constrict to protect vital organs. This phenomenon is called vasoconstriction. Blood from the extremities is directed primarily to the heart and lungs. That’s why our feet and hands feel particularly cold when the temperature drops.
To protect them as much as possible, one can wear thermal gloves, silk, leather, or regular wool gloves, or opt for mittens. Fingers held together will generate more heat.
It is recommended to regularly move the feet and ankles and to wear wool socks. In addition to warming the legs, wool fibers do not retain moisture, unlike cotton.
And finally, don’t forget to wear a hat, as nearly 30% of body heat escapes through the head.
To warm up, we often instinctively reach for herbal tea or hot chocolate. But this is a bad habit: if the drink is scalding hot, the feeling of warmth won’t last long. The brain will react by signaling the body to restore its internal temperature.
Then the body sweats and automatically cools down. To retain heat longer, it’s better to wait a few minutes for the water to cool down and use that time to warm your hands by cupping the mug.
To avoid freezing and getting sick, choose soups and dishes that combine both protein and complex carbohydrates. The digestion of protein raises body temperature faster than the absorption of carbohydrates or fats. This is because the body requires more effort to digest them, leading to an increase in temperature.
Pasta, rice, and other starchy foods will retain heat longer. Consuming vegetables and fruits will also enhance the body’s ability to warm up. Finally, dried fruits or almonds are very effective for quick warming.
It is also recommended to massage the lower back, hands, and shoulders for 30 seconds to a minute. This stimulates circulation and, consequently, heat production.
At any time of the day, after rubbing your hands together to warm them, you can also gently rub your face – the area of skin most exposed to the cold – to prepare the skin for the drop in temperature. And don’t forget the front and back of your ears.
Going outside from indoors can lead to unnecessary constriction of blood vessels, and you will feel the temperature difference much more acutely than if you set the thermostat to 19°C — the temperature recommended for living spaces.
The same applies to hot baths. Taking them too frequently weakens the upper layers of the skin and reduces its resistance to cold.
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