Busting the Myth of Catching a Cold From the Cold!

We've all heard it - "Put on your hat or you'll catch a cold". This is simply not true.

Contact with a cold/flu virus is the only way that you will potentially get sick.

This is a question that I get asked often: Won't the cold cause me to get sick?

Let's dive into it:

As the fall and winter approaches, so does the age-old myth that braving the cold weather will leave you vulnerable to the common cold. But, not to worry! It's time to shed light on this chilly misconception and explore why catching a cold from the cold is nothing more than a frosty fable. Let us debunk the myth and discover the real factors behind the seasonal sniffles.

The Virus, Not the Cold Breeze: The most important takeaway– it's not the cold weather that's the culprit; it's the rhinoviruses. These microbes thrive in cooler temperatures, leading to an uptick in colds during the fall and winter months. But, it's not the cold itself that gives you the sniffles; it's the increased likelihood of being in close quarters with others, providing the perfect breeding ground for these viruses.

Time Indoors: During colder seasons, people tend to spend more time indoors, often in close proximity to one another. The real risk lies in the increased likelihood of person-to-person transmission. It's not the cold air outdoors; it's the cozy indoors that facilitate the spread of those notorious rhinoviruses.

Dry Winter Air Cold air isn't the problem here; it's the dryness that often accompanies winter weather. Dry air can weaken the mucous membranes in the nose, making it easier for viruses to take hold. It's not the chilly breeze; it's the lack of humidity that can make your nasal passages more susceptible to viral invaders.

Immune System Status: The idea that cold weather weakens your immune system is another common misconception. In reality, your immune system is a formidable defender year-round. It's how well you take care of yourself – proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and stress management – that determines your resilience against colds. So, don't blame the cold; focus on fortifying your immune fortress!

As winter settles in, remember that the cold itself is not the enemy – it's the perfect storm of factors that create a conducive environment for cold viruses to thrive. So, next time someone warns you to bundle up to avoid catching a cold, set the record straight. Arm yourself with the knowledge that it's not the winter winds but the circulating viruses that pose the real threat. Stay warm, stay healthy, and let's put this myth on ice once and for all!

The Caveat & Confusion: there are times where you should steer clear of the cold and this is likely where the myth was born. If you are exposed to a virus and in the early stages of getting sick, the cold can worsen your condition.

Stressed Immune System - Don't Add Fuel to the Fire: When your body is fighting off an impending illness, your immune system is already working overtime. Cold therapy, which can place additional stress on the immune system, may divert valuable resources away from the battle against the impending infection. Instead of aiding recovery, exposure to cold could potentially prolong the duration of your illness.

Increased Susceptibility to Infections: Cold therapy can lead to a temporary decrease in body temperature. This drop may weaken the body's defenses, making you more susceptible to infections, especially if you're already on the verge of getting sick. It's like opening the door for more germs to sneak in at a time when your immune system needs all hands on deck.

Risk of Worsening Symptoms: While cold therapy is known for reducing inflammation in certain contexts, applying it when you're already sick might have the opposite effect. Cold exposure can potentially exacerbate symptoms like congestion and coughing, making you feel even more miserable than before.

Disrupted Rest and Recovery: One of the body's natural responses to illness is to increase its internal temperature, creating an environment less conducive to the growth of certain pathogens. Cold therapy could disrupt this natural process, hindering your body's ability to effectively combat the impending sickness.

Based on all of this, it may not be advisable to practice cold exposure if you generally have a compromised immune system. Always speak with your doctor before starting any new practice such as cold exposure.

If you are otherwise healthy, this would be particularly true of children and adults in good health, than you most certainly shouldn't have any trouble with safe levels of cold exposure.

Small stressors (Hormesis) only serve to strengthen your immune system, increase longevity and if practiced regularly, will keep you healthy and well positioned to more easily tackle any cold virus that comes your way, whether you encounter the virus in a warm or cold setting.

So if you're interested in any of the following benefits and you are generally in good health, go get cold and do it often!

Benefits

• Mental and Physical Resilience

• Instant boost in mood and energy levels

• A sense of accomplishment

• Great hair and skin

• An increase in Brown Fat (the good kind!) - Kids have more brown fat which is why they don't feel the cold as easily

• Longevity benefits

• Strengthened immune system

• Emergency Preparedness - you will know what to do if you unexpectedly fall into a cold body of water!

• Meditation benefits - the cold quickly brings you into the present

• You will be harder to kill

Cold Exposure Techniques

• Cold Showers

• Shiver Walks - walk outside in the cold wearing only a shirt and shorts

• Cold Plunge - get a cold plunge tub or find a creek, river or lake nearby

• Ice Face Plunge - dunk your face & neck in a bowl of ice water

• Cryotherapy

Embrace the cold and watch your life change for the better!

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