How to protect yourself from the cold

From food to clothing. From a few little tricks around the house to the right heating level. Not to mention specific precautions for children, the elderly, and even our pets, who aren't always able to protect themselves from low temperatures. Coping with the cold doesn't mean falling into the trap of wasting money on useless and expensive "preventative" medications. Or the usual... Dietary Supplements, another absolute waste. Natural remedies are more than enough.

Index of topics

How to protect yourself from the cold

A healthy diet. Plenty of water throughout the day. Exercise whenever possible. And avoid dry air in your home. Many people waste money on prescription drugs or pharmaceutical products to protect themselves from the cold, while natural remedies are more than enough. Those practiced in our homes by older generations.

The bitter cold and freezing temperatures can cause significant harm , especially to the most vulnerable, such as the elderly, children, and newborns. Colds, fevers (even very high ones), sore throats, and coughs: these are the most common consequences of the Great Cold, from which we have failed to adequately protect ourselves. What can we do? Here's a simple and comprehensive guide that includes some precautions to take at home or in the office, especially for those most at risk; the most suitable diet for freezing temperatures; and simple things to do, especially by wrapping up warm, which can also help our pets.

Here are some simple tips on how to protect and defend yourself from the sudden drop in temperatures.

Cover the walls of your home by applying some insulating panels: this will allow you not only to make your home warmer but also to save on heating bills.

If you have insulated the walls but the house is still cold, it is time to check that there are no drafts coming from doors and windows. In this case, you can try to solve the problem by installing double-glazed windows. If you're looking for a more economical solution, try installing draft excluders near doors and windows.

Set the temperature of the Home heating Between 19 and 22 degrees Celsius, to prevent the air from drying out and maintain the right level of humidity. This also helps prevent the risk of cold weather: temperature fluctuations between indoor and outdoor spaces.

If you use electric stoves Avoid close contact with your hands and other body parts when using electric heaters or other heat sources to avoid possible burns. Electric blankets and heaters should always be turned off before bed.

Pay particular attention to children Very young children and elderly people who are not self-sufficient. Above all, try to stay in frequent contact with elderly family members or neighbors who live alone and make sure they have everything they need. For the elderly, and not only them, it is advisable to get the flu vaccination every year. It is also useful as a first line of defense against the coronavirus.

Anti-cold foods

Also, remember that the bitter cold can also be fought at the table : a proper diet is essential for strengthening the immune system and staying healthy during the winter when it's easier to get sick.

Consume at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, foods rich in vitamin E beta-carotene capable of stimulating the immune system.

Never miss out on pasta, meat, legumes, milk and fish necessary for the right intake of fiber and proteins.

Remember to drink a lot water and if you're not very thirsty, at least try to replenish your fluids with herbal teas.

Finally, avoid alcohol. because they can cause excessive dispersion of the heat produced by the body and promote the onset of hypothermia.

If possible avoid going out during the coldest hours of the daya, especially in the early morning and in the evening, especially if you suffer from particular pathologies such as cardiovascular or respiratory diseases.

Wear appropriate clothing And never forget your gloves, scarf, and hat at home. And when you make your choices, keep the weather in mind: if, for example, a windy day is forecast in the middle of winter, you'll need a jacket that can protect you more than a coat when you go out.

Try to protect yourself from sudden changes in temperature as well when you move from a hot to a cold environment and vice versa and if you have to go on a trip, bring some blankets with you too.

How to protect animals from the cold

Finally, our anti-cold guide cannot fail to include some simple tips to protect our four-legged friends from the cold :

If you are going out for a walk and it's raining outside, when you get home don't forget to dry your pets well.

As regards nutrition, during this period choose more energetic foods so as to also allow your dog or cat to maintain the right body temperature.

Herbal teas to protect yourself from the cold

There are some herbal teas that are particularly suitable for fighting the cold, and since they are made with natural products, they still provide some benefits to our body.

Herbal tea with honey Chestnut, lime, chili pepper, and ginger. The herbal tea water should be heated to 70 degrees Celsius and steeped for five minutes. Then you can begin drinking.
Echinacea, thyme, and rosehip herbal teas. They are particularly recommended for preventing...influence due precisely to the violent drop in temperatures.
Nettle tea. Just 30 grams is enough, steeped for about ten minutes.
Herbal tea with cinnamonIt promotes superficial blood circulation, and thus helps warm the entire body.
Herbal tea witheucalyptusThis is another ingredient that is very suitable for protecting against the cold: you can add a few drops (or a peel) of lemon.

Hand cream against the cold

A good hand cream is also useful for protecting yourself from the cold. The options available at pharmacies and perfumeries are endless. However, you can try making your own cold-fighting hand cream at home with this recipe.

Necessary

Two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
Two tablespoons of shea butter
Two tablespoons of beeswax

Preparation

Place the ingredients in a bowl and cook over low heat.
Pour the mixture into a glass container and let it cool.
We apply the homemade cream to our hands, massaging them for a few minutes.

The best ways to protect yourself from the cold