Seasonal Holistic Pick Me Ups

When cold and flu season arrives, why do some people get sick while others don’t? Researchers at Duke University infected 17 healthy people with a flu virus and found that only 9 of them got sick. Blood samples showed that immune system reaction, which determined sickness or health, began up to 36 hours before symptoms appeared.

To beat colds and flu, these natural remedies can be used by adults and children and have stood the test of time.

ECHINACEA:  A review published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found tat Echinacea effectively decreased the odds of developing the common cold by 58 percent and cut the duration of a cold by 1.4 days. Take it during cold and flu season. for children, look for alcohol-free versions.

ASTRAGALUS: The herb strengthens the immune system safely. Some herbal formulas contain a combination with Echinacea.

ZINC LOZENGES: Zinc acetate, gluconate or gluconate-glycine lozenges have been shown to reduce duration of colds.

HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES: These strengthen your body’s ability to fight off viruses. Popular ones include Oscillococcium to nip the flu symptoms in the bud or if you wait, to reduce duration of flu, and Coldcalm for colds.

STRENGTHENING IMMUNITY

To lower your chances of getting “bit” by seasonal cold and flu bugs, take these:

PROBIOTICS: Friendly bacteria in our digestive system are essential for healthy immune function. A study of nearly 500 adults, published the International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeautics, found daily probiotics plus a multivitamin, taken for three months in winter and spring, were particularly effective. And in a study of nearly 250 children ages 3 to 5., published in Pediatrics, those who took probiotics twice daily for 6 months missed one-third fewer days from child care. Probiotics reduced incidence of flu-related fever by 53 percent, cough by 41 percent, and colds by 28 percent.

VITAMIN C: At least 40 studies have found that vitamin C reduces the duration and intensity of colds and flu by up to 40 percent, when approximately 1 gram daily is taken for 2 months or more. One study, published in Advances in Natural Therapy, found that compared to a placebo, vitamin C resulted in 26 percent fewer colds, and severe symptoms lasted only half as long.

WELLMUNE WGP: Also listed on labels as WGP Beta Glucan, Wellmune WGP is derived from the cell wall of a proprietary strain of baker’s yeast. Numerous studies have shown that 250 or 500 mg daily reduced colds and flu., especially for people under stress, such as firefighters, marathoner, and medial residents – and enhanced energy.

Holiday Moods in Motion

ENERGY TAKES A HOLIDAY during winter. These dark, depressing days can leave you overweight, overstressed, or just over it. The solution? Short bouts of activity get the blood flowing, which instantly lifts your spirits. Exercise builds brain endorphins that help us feel happier and more positive about life.
So how do you pump up your pep when you’re feeling fat, frazzled, fried, or forlorn? We consulted four vitality specialists, whose favorite moves will boost your mood and resurrect your energy in just 10 to 15 minutes.
You’re Feeling: Fat Energy Transformer: Brisk Walking
If you found it hard to resist overeating during the holidays and even harder to squeeze in regular workouts, moderate cardiovascular exercise is a great way to get back in gear. Not only will you burn calories, but a brisk walk lets fresh oxygen and blood circulate through your body, making you feel more fit and confident nearly instantly.

Stride And Stretch To shake yourself out of your sluggish mood, try this 15-minute walking program.

1. Begin by walking for 3 minutes at a relaxed pace to gradually warm up your muscles. 2. Pause to stretch your quadriceps by standing on your left leg, your left arm reaching out for balance. Hold onto your right ankle with your right hand and gently pull the ankle toward the back of your thigh. Hold for 30 seconds, then repeat on the left side. 3. Walk for another 2 minutes, going at a faster pace than in the warm-up. Hold your head high, lower your shoulders, and concentrate on drawing your abs in tight. 4. Increase your speed for 5 minutes. Pump your arms with each stride and keep drawing in your abs. Your heart rate should now be elevated. You ought to be able to carry on a conversation, but only with a little effort. 5. Reduce your heart rate by gradually slowing your pace for 3 minutes. Focus on your breathing, and include some deep inhales and exhales through your nose. 6. Stretch out your calves by standing with your feet a couple of inches apart, right leg front and left leg back, toes pointing straight ahead, feet flat. Bend your right knee and keep your left knee straight, feeling the stretch in your left calf. Hold for 30 seconds without bouncing, then switch legs and repeat.
Tips: Parks recommends building up to 10,000 steps per day. A step-counting device will help you achieve your goal. Or try the NL-2000 Activity Monitor ($54.95; digiwalker.com), which lets you plug in your age, height, and weight to get an accurate account of how many calories you’ve burned. * Wear supportive footwear as well as socks made of breathable fibers. * Drink water before and after your walk.
You’re Feeling: Frazzled
Got a million things to do and no time to do them? Most people, especially those balancing work and family, end up feeling frazzled several times a day. You need an exercise that provides mental clarity to help you focus on the task at hand. Qigong, an ancient Chinese healing art that offers unique breath-control techniques, can put you in a more centered frame of mind. The steady focus and concentration enable you to calm the chaos in your mind.

Monk Gazing At The Moon Find mental clarity–and a little peace in the chaos–with this standing meditation. 

1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. Raise your arms in front of your chest, with your hands at eye level,  palms facing each other, and fingers spread. Maintaining a straight back, “sit” in a shallow stance (shown). Relax the back so it doesn’t arch. Keep your eyes open, gazing through your fingers. 2. Keeping your mouth closed and the tip of your tongue touching the roof of your mouth, begin to breathe through your nose. 3. Take 3 deep breaths. After the third one, inhale fully, then exhale 60 percent of your breath capacity. 4. Inhale fully, then exhale 100 percent. 5. Inhale fully again, then exhale 40 percent of your breath capacity. 6. Inhale fully, then exhale 100 percent. 7. Inhale fully once more, then exhale 20 percent of your breath. 8. Inhale fully, then exhale 100 percent. 9. Take 3 deep breaths, then hold the position for 3 to 5 minutes, breathing naturally.
Tip: To keep physically balanced, focus your attention on your lower abdomen, about 3 inches below your navel, which is the body’s natural center of gravity. The Chinese call this center the Tan Tien, or “Elixir Field,” where the qi, or life force, is nurtured.
You’re Feeling: Fried Energy Transformer: Kundalini Yoga
Is “deflated” your primary state? You need to pick yourself up and get on with your day. Kundalini yoga practitioners do repetitive movements while focusing on a word or the sound of the breath. This repetition stimulates the nervous system, allowing you to decompress, re-energize, and awaken your senses.

Kundalini Torso Twist Whenever you feel burned out, try this technique

1. Sit tall in a comfortable crossed-leg position, with your fingers spread and resting on your shoulders. Keep your elbows in line with your shoulders and your belly drawn in. Close your eyes. 2. As you inhale through your nose, twist your torso from your waist to the left, keeping your hips still and allowing your shoulders and head to follow your trunk. Then exhale through your nose and twist to the right. 3. Repeat this twisting motion for 1 minute without stopping, eventually working up to 2 minutes or more. Let your breath guide you into each side of the twist. 4. When you’ve completed your minute (or more), slow the movement gradually until you come to a complete stop, then lower your hands to your shins and take 3 deep breaths to get centered and bring yourself back to a restful state.
Tip: Focus on the sound of your breath to let go of any distractions. 10. End with 3 more deep breaths. On the third, exhale through your mouth, then lower your arms to your sides.
You’re Feeling: Forlorn Energy Transformer: Strength Training
It’s common to get the blues this time of year; you need a workout that will give you a much-needed boost of positivity. Getting your body into shape with strength training does just that. Strengthening your muscles improves your posture, making you look taller and slimmer–a great confidence booster. It also releases feel-good endorphins, putting you on the road to physical and emotional wellness.

Twisting Walking Lunge This multi-muscle exercise utilizes not only the upper and lower body, but also the abdominals, making it a fast way to shape up all over. Adding in the balance challenge forces your muscles to work harder to stay upright and stable.
1. Warm up by walking on a treadmill or outside for 5 minutes, pumping your arms as you go. 2. Stand with your feet about hip-width apart, holding a ball in front of your chest. Keep your elbows bent and close to your ribs, and your abs pulled in. (If you’re new to strength training, use a volleyball or other lightweight ball until you are comfortable with your balance and stability. Those who are more advanced can use a 3- to 5-pound medicine ball; find one at spriproducts.com.) 3. Take a step forward with your left leg, bending both knees to 90 degrees. Your front knee should stay over your ankle as your back knee approaches the floor. When you are in a full lunge, rotate your torso and shoulders to the left, taking the ball to your left hip as you draw your abs in tight [A]. 4. Rotate back to center, then push off the back foot and lift your right knee to hip height as you raise the ball above your head [B]. Keeping the right knee lifted, toss the ball up in the air and catch it. 5. Take a step forward with your right leg to repeat the sequence on the opposite side. 6. Continue lunging forward, alternating sides. Start with 1 to 2 sets of 10 to 12 repetitions, building up to 15; add a set when you’re ready.
Tip: Hold your gaze steady–don’t let it wander. Keep your posture erect and your abs drawn in to stabilize your balance as you perform this exercise.

Holiday Health Concerns Solved

The holiday time is here and from jet lag to indigestion, we at OMG are hear to make your season bright. Check out some of our solutions to the most common winter woes.

Holiday hazard: JET LAG After you cross time zones, it takes a few days for your body’s internal clock to adjust to the new light/dark schedule, especially if you’ve traveled west to east. The resulting jet lag can make you feel tired (but unable to sleep), headachy, disoriented and dizzy.
To the rescue
When you arrive at your destination, try to get on the local eat/sleep schedule, spend some time in sunlight (it helps reset your clock) and exercise to improve sleep quality.
Eat a high-protein breakfast and minimize your intake of caffiene, alcohol and simple carbs, all of which further disrupt sleep.
Melatonin helps reset your internal clock; take 5 milligrams right before your new bedtime on the first night, and 1 to 3 milligrams for two more nights.

Holiday hazard: INDIGESTION Celebrating the season often revolves around eating large quantities of rich foods, resulting in gas, bloating, reflux (heartburn) and other gastrointestinal problems. Overindulging in alcohol and simple carbs (more dessert, anyone?) can compound symptoms.
To the rescue
Exercise gently to stimulate digestion.
Fennel seeds may combat gas and bloating; after a meal, chew two to five seeds thoroughly and swallow.
Ginger can quell nausea and indigestion.

Our OMGRX Line addressed both of these holiday ailments through aromatic topical application. www.omgalternmed.com

~ Travel Tonic  •Helps redress any imbalances in the central nervous system •Soothe your nerves and muscles •Help in boosting your immune system, keeping your body in a healthy state of equilibrium •Relieve stress and encourage alertness

~ Put Intestinal Fire-out Massage Lotion •Balance gastric acid (hydrochloric acid) secretion •Basil and Peppermint aid in digestion •Lavender soothes the nervous system and is anti-spasmodic •Bergamot helps with anxiety and nervous tension to guarantee optimal food processing •Kiwi extract has a very high level of actinidin, a protease enzyme that is known to behave in the same way as the natural enzyme, pepsin, present in the stomach. Kiwifruit is also a rich source of naturally occurring vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium, potassium and essential fatty acids, all of which facilitate and ease the process of digestion.

Fruit and Medication: Death Results Rising

The number of medications with the potential to interact with grapefruit and  cause serious adverse health effects has jumped from 17 to 43 in the last four  years, warns a researcher.

The number of drugs when mixed with grapefruit that can lead to serious  health problems, including sudden death, has skyrocketed, warns a Canadian  researcher who first discovered the toxic link.

In an article in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, David Bailey, a  scientist at the Lawson Health Research Institute in London, Ontario, said more  than 85 drugs, many of them highly prescribed for common medical conditions, are  known to interact with the pink fruit.

He first made the link 20 years ago.

But the number of medications with the potential to interact with grapefruit  and cause serious adverse health effects has jumped from 17 to 43 in the last  four years, as new drugs have been rolled out, Bailey said.

“How big a problem are such interactions? Unless health care professionals  are aware of the possibility that the adverse event they are seeing might have  an origin in the recent addition of grapefruit to the patient’s diet, it is very  unlikely that they will investigate it,” Bailey said.

Generally patients don’t say they eat grapefruit and doctors don’t ask, he  lamented in the article.

Grapefruit poses a risk when mixed with certain drugs because it inhibits an  enzyme that metabolizes ingested drugs, resulting in the drugs entering the  bloodstream at full force, which can lead to overdosing.

Some of the drugs known to interact with grapefruit include anti-cancer  agents, heart drugs, pain medications and drugs to treat schizophrenia. All of  them are administered orally.

It doesn’t take much grapefruit to have an effect. Drinking a single glass  of grapefruit juice with medication can lead to serious side effects, including  gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney failure, breathing problems and sudden  death.

Other citrus fruits such as Seville oranges and limes can have similar  effects. But they have been studied less.

~ Thanks to NYC Daily News

BedTime Workout Routine

Get your mind out of the gutter! While sex does burn calories, you can perform a legitimate workout in your bed. I’ve designed this one to focus on symmetry and balance while tightening and toning those places that you might otherwise want to keep covered up. Best of all, you can literally do it in your pajamas.

Don’t dismiss this as some gimmick: This workout is backed by science and based on the idea of proprioception. If you haven’t been following my blog, this is basically the feedback loop between the body and the brain. When you perform a workout on an unstable surface, which in this case will be your bed, you train your brain to fire more rapidly in order for it to adjustment your body’s position. The body reacts by re-stabilizing, which results in greater muscle recruitment, balance, and symmetry in your hips (great for post-baby bodies or preparing your body for labor) and working stability muscles, especially in and around ball-and-socket joints such as the shoulders and hips.

And, to top it all off, you are going to burn more calories working out on an unstable surface versus performing these same movements on the floor of your bedroom.

Perform the following moves back-to-back without rest for 30 seconds each, doing as many reps as possible. Repeat the entire sequence for a total of two to four circuits.

1. Inchworms: Begin in a push-up position with your hands directly under your shoulders and your legs fully extended. In one movement, reach your right hand back toward your navel while driving your left knee to your right hand, connecting just under your belly button. Return to the starting position and repeat with the opposite hand and knee. Continue alternating until time is up. 

2. Caterpillars: For this advanced version of the inchworm, begin in a push-up position. In one movement, reach your right hand back toward your navel while driving your left foot to your hand. The two will connect just under your belly button. Retract and repeat, alternating sides. 

3. Unicorns: Begin in a push-up position. Simultaneously raise your right arm and left leg as high as possible. Be sure to keep both limbs fully extended. Retract and repeat with your left arm and right leg,  and continue alternating. 

4. Geisha-ups: Begin in a modified push-up position with both hands directly under your shoulders, knees on the bed. Lower your body to perform a push-up. As you raise your body up, push backward until your butt rests firmly on your heels and both arms are fully extended as if you are performing child’s pose. Retract and repeat. 

5. Bottle caps: Begin in a seated position, feet flat on the bed with arms fully extended behind you. Push both your hands and feet into the bed while elevating your hips and belly button to the ceiling so that you form a table with your body. In one movement, lift your right hand and left knee to meet over your navel. Return to the tabletop position and repeat with your opposite hand and knee. Continue alternating until time is up.

~ Thanks to Shape Magazine

Natural Sunscreen Ingredients

Thanks to an increasing body of research on the UV-protective qualities of fruits, herbs and other plant-based ingredients, sunscreen manufacturers will soon tap more than minerals and chemicals for their formulations.

Beyond resveratrol and lycopene, which have been gaining momentum as plant-based sun care for several years, new research highlights propolis, strawberries, turmeric and more.

Check out the leading contenders with this roster of ingredients showing promise both for topical and ingestible applications.

Golden serpent fern

A tropical plant found in the Americas, golden serpent fern is touted for its ability to help ease skin inflammation issues such as psoriasis. New research published this month in Alternative and Complementary Therapies shows it also has sun-protective potential, acting as an antioxidant and helping to combat effects of excessive UV exposure when taken orally. In the study, 7.5 mg/kg of a golden serpent fern extract significant reduced sun damage in individuals with light complexions.

Green tea

The same research from Alternative and Complementary Therapies showed that applying green tea extract topically and taking it internally helped to maintain skin elasticity, which sun exposure can negatively affect. Plus, drinking a 2 to 3 percent green tea beverage reduced UVB skin damage.

Propolis

No longer taking a back seat to honey, beeswax and royal jelly, this resin-like material that honeybees collect from the buds of poplar and cone-bearing trees is gaining popularity in skin care and supplements. Next could be sunscreens. When applied to mice, a 16 percent concentration propolis cream provided an SPF 20, according to research.

Strawberries

We know it’s one of the healthiest antioxidant-rich foods on earth, topping the ANDI list of the most nutrient-dense fruits. But a new study published in the Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry showed that strawberry extract—rich in antioxidants anthocyanidins and anthocyanins—also may display topical skin care benefits. According to the research, at a concentration of .5 mg/ml, strawberry extract helps to protect against UV radiation and reduce DNA damage.

Caffeine

When ingested, caffeinated beverages such as coffee may help fight UV-related skin cancer. But you don’t need to drink it to get the benefits: A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows caffeine has UV-fighting potential when applied topically as well.

According to the research, it may help guard against certain skin cancers by inhibiting ATR, a protein enzyme in the skin, leading to 72 percent fewer cases of a form of skin cancer called squamos cell carcinomas in mice. This adds to caffeine’s other topical benefits, including helping to reduce inflammation and cellulite.

Resveratrol

Found in the skins of grapes, some berries, raisins, peanuts and cocoa, this potent antioxidant has been gaining attention as a key antiaging ingredient for its ability to fight free-radical damage from the inside.

A more recent study, published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, showed that grape flavonoid antioxidants may also help prevent UVA and UVB damage when applied topically.

Lycopene

The main antioxidant in tomatoes, lycopene decreases inflammation and inhibits a tumor-promoting enzyme when applied to skin.

U.K. research also has reported that consuming tomato paste may protect against sunburn and sun-induced skin aging. About 5 tablespoons tomato paste with 10 grams olive oil daily to 10 volunteers for 12 weeks increased their UV protection by 33 percent, compared to 10 control subjects

Turmeric

This Ayurvedic spice helps to fight skin-damaging free radicals and tame inflammation. Plus, new research further supports its ability to prevent sun-related skin aging.

According to a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, turmeric has photo-protective qualities, plus helps increase sebum production for overall skin hydration and restoration.

Blue-green algae

In addition to impressive antioxidant and nutrient values (chlorophyll, B vitamins, beta-carotene and fatty acids), this algae also has UV-fighting potential, reports Harvard Medical School.

The reason: Blue-green algae is photosynthetic, meaning it gets energy from sunlight. Because not all sun’s rays are beneficial to blue-green algae, it filters out harmful ones, producing small molecules that shield it from solar radiation. This action is much like UV-protective ingredients used in sunscreen.

Should You Eat Breakfast?

Why You Need to Eat Breakfast
Starting your day with a meal
that combines unprocessed or minimally processed grains (oats, Muesli, quinoa) and protein (Greek yogurt, eggs)
improves overall health and your ability to lose weight. Here’s why: Eating
breakfast sets your body up to better metabolize lunch through a phenomenon
known as the second meal effect. The second meal effect describes a
biochemical shift that occurs in your body as a result of eating breakfast that leads to better blood sugar control
after lunch. This doesn’t happen when you skip your morning meal. But
simply eating breakfast isn’t enough.

What You Should Eat for
Breakfast
Most traditional breakfast foods are high in
carbohydrates/sugar, low in fat, and low in protein (i.e. a bowl of cereal). If you
improve the overall nutritional quality of your breakfast, you’ll reap
benefits beyond just the second meal effect. Here’s your simple plan to makeover
the morning meal:

1.
Improve the quality of carbohydrates you’re eating for breakfast. The Cereal
F.A.C.T.S. 2012 report recently released from the Yale Rudd Center for Food
Policy & Obesity found that 63 percent of the cereals in commercials viewed
by adults have a sugar content higher than 20 percent.  Opt for the lower sugar,
high fiber, minimally processed breakfast grains (oats, sprouted grain cereals, etc.) for better focus and mental
performance throughout the morning.

2. Add protein. Having protein-rich

meals throughout the day is a key strategy in maintaining calorie-burning
muscles. Plus, one study found that breakfast was the only meal of the day in
which increased protein helped in satiety and fullness. Make sure your breakfast
contains protein-rich foods like eggs, egg whites, Greek yogurt, or a protein
shake to reap these two metabolic advantages.

The Bonus
Benefit
From a physiological standpoint, I have always found that
starting the day with a nutritious breakfast sets the tone for a day of healthy
eating. By having a well-rounded and nutritious breakfast you are sending a message to
your body that you are going to do what it takes to be fit and healthy. A
unifying characteristic of most of the perennially lean and healthy people that
I know and have coached is that the all eat breakfast.

Here’s one of my
favorite hearty breakfasts:

Blueberry Crunch Yogurt
Bowl
About 500 calories (40% carbohydrates, 30% protein, 30%
fat)

Ingredients:
2/3 cup fresh or frozen
blueberries
¼ cup sprouted grain cereal
1 cup fat-free plain Greek
yogurt
½ scoop vanilla protein
1 Tbsp Chia seeds
2 Tbsp chopped
walnuts

Directions: Mix all the ingredients together in
a bowl and enjoy.

Are You Running Into Wrinkles?

We’re (obviously) huge fans of exercise and the myriad benefits that accompany it, such as weight loss, better health and an improved immune system, and stronger bones. However, we’re not such huge fans of the loose, saggy skin that some people claim can result from different forms of long-term exercise, such as running. Since we’re not ready to hang up our running shoes quite yet, we want to look more into this phenomenon of the saggy “runner’s face” and find out if there’s anything that can be done to prevent it.

Many factors affect your skin’s  elasticity, including genetics and lifestyle habits, so it’s not just runners who suffer from sagging skin, but some medical experts say that it’s common in long-time runners, especially those who spend a lot of time outdoors.

Any high-impact exercise, like running, causes a jolt to the skin, which can tear up the collagen in the skin. It doesn’t happen over night, but it is one of the downsides to running.

Although it takes a long time for your skin to break down, there’s not a lot you can do to repair it once your facial muscles start to sag. Mini-face lifts and fat transfers can help to improve your skin texture a bit,  but there’s nothing that can restore the original elasticity.

Take heart, runners! While nothing can reverse the process once it starts, there are things you can do to prevent your facial skin muscles from sagging in the first place. If you’re trying to lose weight, maintain a slow, steady weight loss of about 1 to 2 lbs per week; this will give your skin time to adjust to the fat loss and minimize the amount of sagging you see. Remember to wear a broad spectrum suncreen when you’re outside. A healthy diet will also help—fresh fruits and vegetables are packed with carotenoids (think lycopene in tomatoes, alpha-carotene in carrots, and beta-carotene in spinach), that promote cell turnover and strengthen your skin cells.

Bottom line? If you love running, don’t give it up. As long as you lead a healthy and active lifestyle, the benefits to running outweigh the potential side effect of sagging skin. ~ Shape Magazine

Health and Wellness With a Cherry on Top – The New Superfruit

Before a workout

Runner who drank a glass twice a day for a week before a strenuous race had significally less muscle soreness afterward than those who drank a placebo juice. Previous research has suggested that drinking cherry juice helps muscles recover better from a strength-training workout.

Before Bed

A new study in the European Journal of Nutrition found that adults who had two daily glasses of tart cherry juice slept 39 minutes longer, on average, and spent significantly less time awake in bed compared to those who drank a non-cherry based fruit cocktail. For better zzz’z, researchers advise having a glass 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime.

Any OMG time

Cherries and their juice are a rich souce of powerful class of antioxidants called anthocyanins, “Studies suggest that eating cherries has the potential to lower heart disease risk.

OMG! Catching a Cold by Having a Cold?

While mom may have warned that you would catch a cold from going outside in chilly weather with a wet head or without a jacket, experts say it’s a myth. “Bad weather does not cause colds,” says Carl Olden, MD, a family practitioner in Yakima, Wash., who explains that Alaskans and Canadians living year-round above the Arctic Circle have no more winter colds than folks who live in Australia. “These are old wives’ tales from an era when we had no ability to treat fever or other complications of infection. Folks created myths to explain what happens to protect their children from getting sick.”

Cold Weather Myths
Cold weather’s association with colds probably evolved from confusion, similar to beliefs about the origin of malaria. “Bad air around swamps was once believed to cause malaria,” says Anatoly Belilovsky, MD, a pediatrician in Brooklyn, N.Y. “Mosquitoes, also plentiful in swampy areas, actually carried the disease. Cold air and respiratory disease are connected, but the connection is more complicated than just ‘cold causes colds.’”

On the contrary, cold weather appears to stimulate the immune system, according to a study by the Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, says Dr. Belilovsky. “Researchers examined the immunological responses to cold exposure and found that acute cold exposure, such as going outside without a jacket, actually appears to activate the immune system.” This occurs in part by increasing the levels of circulating norepinephrine, one of the body’s hormones, which works as a natural decongestant.

Weather as an Indirect Cause of the Cold
While simply stepping outside in cold weather without a jacket doesn’t cause a cold, hypothermia (the lowering of the body’s core temperature) suppresses immunity, which can lead to colds. “Most cold symptoms are produced by the body’s immune system physically responding to the rhinovirus,” says Belilovsky. “So, someone with a stronger immune system in the cold will produce more [mucus], while the one with the weaker immune system will sniffle longer, but less dramatically.” The person with the weaker immune system probably will have more complications, such as sinusitis or ear infections, Belilovsky adds.

Cold weather may be indirectly responsible for colds, however. Vasoconstriction — when blood vessels close to the outside of the body, such as those found in the nose, narrow — leads to dryness. “This dryness compromises the nose’s ability to filter infections,” Belilovsky explains. “On returning to warm air, rebound vasodilation occurs, where your hands get pink and your nose starts running as blood returns to it.” The cycle continues if the runny nose is severe enough to cause mouth breathing. Bypassing the nose’s ability to filter inhaled air, combined with dry indoor air, allows the inhalation of virus-bearing mucus, which may trigger colds and lower respiratory infections.

Cold-Induced Asthma
“Cold-induced asthma can certainly masquerade as a recurrent cold when it is not severe enough to produce acute attacks,” Belilovsky cautions. People may think that going outside with a wet head or no jacket solely causes a cold, but people in the early stages of an illness may actually feel hot. As a result, they may go outside without proper clothing and return with a full-blown fever. This makes it appear that the cold weather triggered a cold, when it fact it had already been under way.

~ Source: Everyday Health