By: Hello Doctor
By: Hello Doctor
Autumn and winter bring with them some threats against which we must be prepared, such as a greater risk of flu and colds.
However, these seasons can also be very dangerous for bone health, as the cold affects the joints and wears down connective tissues. Learn here why this happens and how you can prevent it.
Low temperatures , especially during winter, they cause the blood vessels to contract, making it difficult for blood to circulate.
This affects, above all, the muscles, which will be irritated by the lack of oxygen, will have difficulties to carry out their functions correctly, and, therefore, will will produce contractures and different types of pain.
This leads to joint stiffness and overload, and the deterioration of cartilage, which, in the long term, can lead to bone diseases.
Specialists warn that this exposure to cold is more harmful in children under 12 years and older than 60.
This is due to the inability to correctly modulate the response of the autonomic nervous system (either due to lack of development or wear, respectively), which is responsible for closing or opening the arteries to regulate blood flow.
The best time to take care of our bones is during the first 20 years of life. At that age, one can work better on bone mass and thus prevent many diseases that weaken bones and connective tissue, and make them more vulnerable to cold.
To counteract the effects that low temperatures generate on our body, you can follow these tips:
One way to take care of your joints is by keeping them in constant operation, that is, in movement.
For this it is advisable not to neglect physical exercise, since the joint movement generated by sport helps to maintain active connective tissue, strengthens muscle mass and improves circulation.
It is also advisable to avoid certain habits, such as smoking or consuming alcohol in excess, as this can cause stress on the connective structures and increase pain.
It seems obvious, but one way to combat the effects of low temperatures is by choosing our clothes correctly.
We must keep our joints isolated from low temperatures, even more so if we practice sports outdoors.
Food is very important to take care of our bones and joints from low temperatures.
Experts recommend consuming minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium, and vitamins (especially D), while incorporating foods capable of promoting detoxification of the body, eliminating fluids and toxins.
You can meet these requirements by including the following in the diet options:
Until significant scientific evidence from trials is available in humans, people are interested Those who use herbal therapies and supplements should be very careful.
Do not abandon or modify your medications or treatments, first talk to your doctor about the potential effects of alternative or complementary therapies.
Remember, the medicinal properties of herbs and supplements can also interact with prescription drugs, with other herbs and supplements, and even alter your diet.
Sources consulted: Comprehensive Natural Medicines Database, US National Library of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institute of Complementary and Alternative Medicine.