Winter is coming, and not just for the last season of Game of Thrones. As the cold winter months head our way, the weather will ultimately change and so will our bodies. The cold hits us with the strength and speed of a UFC fighter and you may not know what happened to your body until it hits you. However, if you pay attention to these tips, you may just prevent yourself from using up all your sick leave and spending extra time in bed.
Your Heart Gets Cold in the Winter
Just like cold emotions, cold weather also puts a strain on the heart. Lower temperatures make your blood vessels and arteries narrow and restrict the flow of blood and oxygen to your heart. This ultimately increases your chances of a heart attack or stroke during the cold, winter season. Therefore, you need to take care of your heart by participating in some good old cardio and strength-building exercises which will lower your fat mass, while increasing your volume of muscle. Cardio can help regulate your body flow and increase the amount of oxygen that enters your body. Those sweaty sessions at the gym can also help you increase your immunity against other winter germs. According to a study by Appalachian State University, people that exercise at least 5 days a week took 43 percent fewer sick days in the winter.
The Drop in Temperature Plummets Your Testosterone Levels
As your body ages, you’ll start to notice a drop in testosterone levels. The same thing also happens when there is a drop in temperature. Researchers at the Baylor College of Medicine found that during the winter, men’s estrogen levels increase and the production of testosterone decreases. The lack of sun during the winter months can also affect these levels and make them plummet even further. This leads to low energy, poor sex drive, trouble sleeping, and increased shifts in mood. However, you can combat the weather by taking a few testosterone inducing tips. First, you’ll want to get plenty of Vitamin D. A study showed that men who supplement their diet with 3,000 IUs of Vitamin D in the winter ended up with 25 percent more testosterone. Next, you’ll want to be sure that you’re hitting the gym often and getting enough fats in your diet. These will both help you to maintain your levels of testosterone and even build them back up if they start to fall. If you feel as though these tips don’t work, you can also visit your doctor and ask for a testosterone consultation.
The Cold Sensitizes Your Teeth
Do you know that feeling that you get when you bite into something cold? To some people, it’s a piercing pain and to others, it can feel like a dull pinch to your teeth. Well, this painful bite can also happen when the winter wind hits your face. Oral sensitivity can increase during the winter especially if you have existing issues such as hairline fractures in your teeth, eroding hardware like fillings, crowns or bridges, exposed roots, or gum issues like periodontal disease. Therefore, you’ll want to take extra care of your teeth during the winter. Be sure to brush your pearly whites at least two times a day and try to use a toothpaste especially designed for sensitive teeth. It will also help if you wear a scarf when you’re outside and prevent the wind from making its way to your teeth.
Winter is coming and it’s looking to battle you. However, you can be sure to win the fight by preparing your body and protecting yourself before you head into the fighting ring.
