Winter is a season when the immune system tends to weaken due to cold weather and dry air. The body is less able to effectively block invading viruses from outside, increasing the risk of various illnesses. Pay attention to signals of decreased immunity sent by the body and take extra care of your health.

 

Signs that your immunity has weakened

 

▶ Mouth ulcers = When immunity drops, various symptoms appear inside the mouth. This is also why canker sores often develop when you are tired or under stress. When immunity weakens, blood circulation problems occur, leading to poor blood supply to the salivary glands, which reduces saliva secretion. At this time, the amount of antibiotics also decreases, making the body more vulnerable to infection, resulting in the development of mouth ulcers. Herpetic stomatitis is also common. This occurs when a person with the herpes virus has a weakened immune system, showing symptoms of multiple small blisters about 2-3mm around the lips.

Frequent colds = When immunity drops, cold viruses easily invade the body, making colds more likely. At this time, symptoms are more severe than usual and do not heal easily. Usually, when you catch a cold, symptoms such as runny nose, cough, and slight fever last for 3 to 4 days and then disappear. However, in a state of significantly weakened immunity, symptoms last longer than this and high fever may occur.

 

Frequent indigestion = When symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea persist after eating, it may also be due to weakened immunity. Stomach pain or enteritis can also cause frequent stomach aches. When immunity is low, the ability to eliminate bacteria or viruses that enter the gastrointestinal tract decreases. Additionally, an increase in harmful bacteria in the intestines can lead to internal inflammation.

 

▶Shingles=Shingles is a common disease that occurs when immunity drops. Shingles is a disease caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus that had infiltrated the body during childhood and remained dormant. The varicella virus can remain hidden for decades without symptoms and suddenly become active when immunity weakens. If blisters or red bands appear on the skin along with pain, it should be suspected. Treatment with antiviral drugs or similar medications should be started within 72 hours for a good recovery.

 

Vaginitis = In women, a weakened immune system can also cause vaginitis. The vagina naturally has many bacteria, most of which are beneficial bacteria that help maintain a slightly acidic environment inside the vagina to fight off pathogens, so it usually doesn't cause problems. However, when the body's immune system weakens, beneficial bacteria decrease, and harmful bacteria such as fungi or Trichomonas increase, leading to vaginitis. This can cause itching of the external genitalia, a strong odor from vaginal discharge, and changes in the color of the discharge from usual.

 

 

Getting enough sleep and consuming vitamin B and beta-carotene can help.

 

When abnormal signals appear in the body, efforts should be made to restore fallen immunity. The most important factor for boosting immunity is sufficient sleep. Sleeping well for 7 to 8 hours enhances the attack ability of white blood cells, T cells, that eliminate virus-infected cells, and reduces cortisol secretion, thereby increasing immunity.

In winter, since the body consumes a lot of energy to adapt to the cold, it is important to consume nutrient-rich foods. Vitamin B boosts immunity and is effective in recovering from fatigue and generating energy.

 

Vitamin B is abundant in grains, nuts, legumes, fish, eggs, dairy products, spinach, and broccoli. It is also good to eat foods rich in beta-carotene such as pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and tangerines. Proper intake of beta-carotene helps activate immune cells called NK cells.

 

 

During the winter season, seasonal depression and stress can also negatively affect immune function. It is advisable to find your own stress relief methods such as deep breathing, meditation, or exercise to maintain mental health. Exercise promotes blood circulation and activates immune cells, so even in cold winter, it is recommended to take walks during the day or do yoga, pilates, or stretching indoors. As colds and flu are currently prevalent, attention should also be paid to hand washing and hygiene management.

 

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If my body lacks vitamins

It seems like a signal is being sent.

 

Vitamin B is found in ▲cereals ▲nuts ▲legumes ▲fish

▲Eggs ▲Dairy Products ▲Spinach ▲Broccoli

 

Fortunately, I eat dairy products and eggs every day.

It's good, but the others are not so much.

 

Today, spinach was served at the hospital cafeteria.

Maybe I should have eaten a little more.