Winter Wellness: How does cold weather affect blood circulation and lung health? Experts explain

Winter can significantly impact your overall health. It can affect your entire circulatory system and cause strain. The cold temperatures during this season can constrict your blood vessels. This can negatively reduce the blood flow to your fingers and toes. This can put extra strain on your heart, which needs to pump harder to circulate blood efficiently.

Lack of physical activity during the winter can be the major contributor. This can further slow down your blood circulation, leading to freezing hands and feet and extreme tiredness even after taking enough rest.

The cold air in the winter can be harsh on your lungs. It can make them work harder than usual to perform various functions. ¡°Breathing cold and dry air can sometimes irritate your airways, especially for those with existing respiratory conditions like asthma. This irritation can narrow down your airways, which can make you experience a range of symptoms,¡± says Dr. Shahid Patel, consultant pulmonologist, at Medicover Hospitals, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai.

Why do your lungs work harder in cold weather?

The symptoms may include wheezing, shortness of breath, sore throat, and coughing. According to Dr. Patel, ¡°Your lungs work efficiently to humidify the cold air before it significantly reaches the deeper parts of your respiratory system. This can put extra pressure on your lungs.¡±

This is why it becomes crucial to take utmost care of your health, especially during the winter. Wear a scarf or mask to cover your mouth and nose. This can help reduce irritation. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids to keep your airways moist.

Many people face various types of illnesses during winter. ¡°The changing weather in winter weakens the immune system of many people. Due to the lack of sunlight in summer, vitamin D deficiency can occur. The main source of vitamin D is sunlight,¡± points out Dr. Samrat Shah, an internal medicine expert at Apollo Spectra Pune.

Ways to improve blood circulation in winter

To improve blood circulation, one needs to keep moving and stay active. This can be achieved by exercising regularly. Ensure that you eat nutritious and well-balanced meals, and stay hydrated, ¡°Use a moisturiser daily and wear enough layers to stay warm. headwear that fully covers your ears, wear mittens rather than gloves and pull on well-insulated socks when dressing for the weather. Instead of wearing one big coat, dress in several layers of loose, warm clothing,¡± advises Dr. Shah.

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