Have You Ever Asked Yourself, Why are People Always Getting Sick During the Winter Time?
Or more like, why do I get sick? You start coming up with far-reaching answers or theories such as: maybe you got a cold because of the colder winter weather (it’s right in the name!)
Keep reading for your questions to be answered, and stick around for a pro tip on how pineapple can help your immune system become stronger than ever this holiday season!
Setting the Facts Straight
Experts say you are more likely to be exposed to airborne illnesses during the winter months, but not because you’ll get stuck in the rain or snow.
In a twist, it’s actually avoiding the bad weather that leads to the spreading of sickness. Cold weather forces people to be in enclosed spaces longer, increasing the risk of infection. On top of that, viruses tend to live longer in colder temperatures and lower humidity—two signature traits of weather patterns during winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
“When we’re in a time of low humidity…the virus remains in the air for a sufficiently prolonged time so that the person who is sufficiently close to me can breathe it in,” explains Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University. But there is one more reason why we get sick more often in the winter: a lack of Vitamin D. According to Dr. Arielle Levitan of NorthShore Medical Group, “Our Vitamin D levels tend to be lowest at this time of year.” Vitamin D is an essential vitamin that our bodies need to support our immune health, and the most common way for people to get their supply of Vitamin D is from sunlight. People who live in northern states have low sunlight exposure between November and March, leading to a weakened immune state.
How to Avoid Getting Sick During the Winter
So, how do we prevent from getting sick? As we’ve learned throughout the global Covid-19 pandemic, disinfecting surfaces, covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and washing your hands are simple ways that can help protect you from a variety of illnesses. Lastly, listen to your body and treat your symptoms right away. That can mean taking proper medication, drinking warm liquids, and getting enough rest to heal your body.
Where To Get Nutrients and Vitamins
Now, for the most important factor of ALL: your immune system. The immune system is composed of cells and proteins that defend the body against infections (like the common cold). It’s important to support it in every way possible, such as getting enough vitamins and nutrients.
So, let’s talk about Pineapple!
The power of pineapple is ENORMOUS! There are more health benefits than you could imagine, but, to keep it simple, pineapple is a powerhouse full of nutrients.
Every pineapple comes loaded with Vitamin C, helping your immune system pack a punch against incoming disease. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that defends certain body areas, fighting sicknesses and giving the immune system a boost. Not only is pineapple high in vitamin C, but it contains manganese, a nutrient for energy production, and vitamin B, which aids in enzymatic reactions needed for energy production. Pineapple also contains high amounts of bromelain, an anti-inflammatory enzyme that fights infections and kills bacteria.
From fighting the flu to being a super delicious fruit, there are many reasons to incorporate pineapple into your daily routine, add you can do so easily by adding pineapple into your water, smoothies, fruit bowls, even a glass of juice. The opportunities to add in pineapple are endless!
This season, make sure to protect and support your immune system and while you’re out at the store stocking up on cold medicine, don’t forget to grab a pineapple or two.
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