These 4 cooling drinks might make your winter coughs and colds worse: Nutritionist expert reveals the hidden risks

While the onset of winter means warm and tightening evenings and celebrations, for many, it also signals the onset of the season of constant coughs, colds, and congestion. While the onset of winter is normally attributed to the reduced temperatures, there is considerable evidence to indicate that your diet could play a majorly pivotal role in effectively making your system vulnerable to all the winter ailments. Certain foods possess an innate ability to act as a coolant, and when eaten during the winter season, they decrease the internal temperature of the body, raise the level of mucus in the body, and make the body’s immunity vulnerable to winter ailments. A recent Instagram video by Khushi Chhabra, a holistic nutritionist, tells us about four key food elements to stay away from during the winter season.

Cooling drinks that can backfire in winter

• Sattu

Sattu is made from roasted gram flour and is highly recommended as a coolant, protein-rich drink during India's hot summer months. While this natural coolant helps the body from getting overheated and keeps it hydrated during summer, it can do just the opposite during winter. As Khushi explains, this drink can drop the core body temperature in the colder months of the year, thereby weakening the body's defenses against viruses. Apart from that, the cooling action of this drink may trigger excess mucus production, which could worsen the congestion and predisposition to coughs and colds. She further said that during winter, one should avoid such foods and instead take warm, easily digestible food like lentil soups or porridge to maintain warmth in the body while taking care of immunity.

• Fennel water

Fennel seeds have become famous for their digestive and detoxifying properties. Fennel water, whether boiled or steeped with these seeds, is one of the most consumed things to help with digestion and staying hydrated. However, Khushi said its cooling nature, so beneficial during summers, is, conversely, disadvantageous during winters. Ingesting this fennel water every day during winter may invite mucus to build up in your respiratory tract and can increase the chances of congestion and chronic colds. Instead, she suggests substituting fennel with warming herbs such as ginger or cinnamon, which support circulation, respiratory health, and overall immunity during the chilly months.



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• Smoothie of Fruit and Curd

Fruit and curd smoothies are refreshing yet healthy summer treats. Rich in probiotics and vitamins, this combination cools your body and causes an excess production of mucus. Khushi says that the excess intake of fruit-and-curd smoothies in winters creates congestion, blocks your sinus pathways, and increases the chances of catching a cold. For frequent winter coughs and congestion, she advises warm fruit compotes, spiced yogurt preparations, or smoothies served hot with warming spices like cardamom or ginger, for the nutritional benefit sans the cooling effect.

• Coconut water

The properties of coconut water make it a very hydrating and electrolyte-balancing drink. But being intrinsically 'cooling', its consumption in excess is best avoided during winters. In fact, drinking lots of it during winter may lower the body's temperature, which might directly affect the resistance power by making one more prone to seasonal infections. According to Khushi, it is better to restrict the amount of coconut water or drink it at room temperature to keep the body warm. Warm herbal teas or soups can help in hydration by aiding immunity and respiratory health.

Practical tips to avoid a cold and cough

• Avoid cold or cooling foods during winter to prevent weakening of immunity.
• Include warm and moist foods in your diet to support body warmth and overall health.
• Ensure proper sleep to strengthen the immune system.
• Engage in moderate exercise to maintain physical fitness and immunity.
• Manage stress effectively, as it can impact overall health and susceptibility to illness.
• Minor adjustments in diet, especially avoiding cooling foods, can help reduce the frequency of colds.
• Staying mindful of these holistic practices supports respiratory health and prevents coughs during the winter months.

Role of internal warmth in immunity

Conditions like winter coughs and common colds are also worsened by the loss of the internal warmth of the body’s physiological functions to some extent. The cooling properties of food can cause the production of mucus to escalate, as well as slow down the circulation of the blood, thus affecting the body’s natural defensive mechanism against invading microorganisms, according to nutritionists like Khushi, who stress that keeping the body warm with food can greatly help regulate the mucus production as well as the natural defenses of the body.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy New Year wishes, messages and quotes !