Beware of the "late spring cold"! Health and protection in the alternating temperature

Spring is a warm and sunny season when everything comes back to life. Every year, "late spring cold" often occurs after the beginning of spring - a sudden low temperature weather phenomenon. In the outpatient clinic, we often hear complaints of sudden dry nose, tight skin, and general fatigue in spring. Some people even describe this feeling vividly - like "suddenly stepping on empty air when going down the stairs", and the body seems to lose balance in an instant. Now, let's take a look at the impact of late spring cold and give some easy-to-implement protective suggestions.

1. Understand: What is late spring cold?

Late spring cold often refers to a short and obvious sudden drop in temperature due to repeated invasions of cold air after the overall rise in spring temperature. It is common in the middle and late spring, when the weather is hot and cold, which will bring us a great "temperature difference shock". Late spring cold exists in China, and also occurs in the United States, Japan, North Korea, India and other countries. The reasons for its formation are not complicated. China's spring is a transitional period when the prevailing wind changes from winter monsoon to summer monsoon, but there are often intermittent cold air invasions from the northwest region. When the cold air moves south and confronts the warm and humid air in the south, the temperature fluctuates greatly. The later and stronger the cold air moves south, and the wider the temperature drop range, the greater the possibility of a large-scale late spring cold.

2. Impact: The impact of late spring cold on health

1. Cardiovascular system

Under drastic temperature changes, human blood vessels will suddenly contract due to cold, and then rapidly expand due to increased warmth. Repeated and drastic cold and hot stimulation can easily cause blood pressure fluctuations, increase the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases such as myocardial infarction and cerebral infarction, especially for middle-aged and elderly people.

2. Respiratory system

The unstable temperature in spring can easily reduce the defense function of the respiratory mucosa, allowing viruses and bacteria to take advantage of the opportunity to enter the body, thereby inducing respiratory diseases such as colds and pneumonia.

3. Skin and joints

When the temperature difference is large, the skin tends to become dry and sensitive, and may even feel tingling and itchy. The joints are also stimulated by the cold air, and some people may experience joint pain, which may induce or aggravate arthritis over time.

4. Daily discomfort

Many of us will feel weak and dizzy when the spring cold weather comes, just as the description of "the sudden feeling of stepping on empty air when going down the stairs" is actually caused by the brain, nerves, muscles, etc. being unable to adapt to the sudden temperature change.

3. How to deal with late spring cold?

1. Keep warm

Even if the temperature is suitable during the day, it will still be lower in the morning and evening. It is recommended not to take off winter clothes too early, especially for the middle-aged and elderly people and those with weak constitutions. It is best to wear "thick clothes on the bottom and thin clothes on the top" and pay attention to keeping the neck, waist and feet warm.

2. Soak your feet in warm water

You can soak your feet in warm water every night, which can not only promote blood circulation, but also help the body quickly restore warmth to reduce the discomfort caused by the cold.

4. Eat a healthy diet

1. Balanced nutritional intake

It is recommended to follow the principle of balanced diet in daily life, ensure adequate intake of protein, high-quality fats and complex carbohydrates, and choose more fruits and vegetables of various colors to obtain sufficient vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. This helps maintain immune function and overall health, and reduces the negative impact of temperature changes on the body.

2. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant dietary choices

Studies have shown that foods such as ginger, garlic, onions, and turmeric are rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients, which can help relieve inflammation in the body caused by temperature fluctuations. Adding these ingredients in moderation can not only add flavor to meals, but also enhance the body's ability to adapt to environmental stress to a certain extent.

3. Digestive system support

During warm seasons and periods of temperature fluctuations, it is recommended to choose easily digestible, fiber-rich whole grains (such as oats, brown rice or millet porridge), root vegetables and other low-fat high-quality proteins (such as fish or lean meat). Such a diet helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, supports the normal function of the digestive system, and provides the body with a continuous source of energy.

5. Exercise appropriately

Maintain adequate exercise

Moderate exercise in warm weather can enhance physical fitness, but be sure to avoid strenuous exercise during low temperatures to prevent vascular constriction and increase cardiovascular burden. Also, avoid strenuous exercise the day after drinking and drink more water after getting up.

6. Pay attention to environmental adjustment

Indoor temperature and ventilation

Keeping the room warm and ventilated in time can not only prevent the rapid invasion of cold air, but also ensure the freshness of the air and reduce the growth of germs.

VII. Scientific Basis and Suggestions

Many international and domestic studies have shown that sudden temperature drops are closely related to the risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and respiratory infections. For example, a drop in ambient temperature is significantly correlated with an increase in cardiovascular mortality; spring temperature fluctuations are also positively correlated with the incidence of respiratory diseases, etc. Based on these scientific data, we can strengthen protection during the late spring cold, pay attention to keeping warm and a reasonable lifestyle.

8. Finally

Although the late spring cold is only a short-lived weather phenomenon, its impact on health cannot be underestimated. We need to keep warm, eat a proper diet, exercise moderately, and maintain good living habits, so that we can effectively avoid the discomfort caused by the late spring cold and happily spend a warm and comfortable spring.

References:

1.Chen R, Yin P, Wang L, et al. Association between ambient temperature and mortality risk and burden: time series study in 272 main Chinese cities[J]. Bmj, 2018, 363.

2.Tian Y, Liu H, Liang T, et al. Ambient air pollution and daily hospital admissions: a nationwide study in 218 Chinese cities[J]. Environmental pollution, 2018, 242: 1042-1049.

3. Scientific analysis of late spring cold weather. China Meteorological News, April 13, 2011