As the weather gets colder, we all retreat to our warm homes. However, these seasonal transitions and cold weather unfortunately invite flu, colds, and respiratory tract infections. Living in a geography like Şanlıurfa, where winter has its own unique, sharp frost, keeping our body's defense walls strong is more important than ever.
As Private Lotus Hospital Internal Medicine specialists, we have prepared a guide for you consisting of healthy nutrition advice that does not deviate from medical accuracy, yet comes from our grandmothers and our kitchen. Come, let's look together at ways to turn illnesses away from the door.
What You Should Not Miss from Your Table
The foundation of the immune system is directly related to what we eat. Şanlıurfa cuisine, if adapted correctly, is a tremendous source of healing for the winter months.
- Homemade Bone and Meat Broth: Natural bone broth that you will add to your soups strengthens your intestinal flora thanks to the collagen, probiotics, and minerals it contains. Remember, the heart of immunity beats in the intestines. A steaming, seasoned bone broth soup is winter's most powerful natural antibiotic.
- Vitamin C and Antioxidants: Consumption of citrus fruits (orange, tangerine, lemon) is indispensable for these months. However, not only fruits; isot (red pepper flakes) and green pepper, which are indispensable to our region, are also tremendous vitamin C depots. Natural spices that you will use in your meals without exaggerating will speed up your metabolism and protect you against diseases.
- Garlic, Onion, and Ginger: This trio is like a protective shield offered to us by nature. Thanks to their strong anti-viral (virus-fighting) properties, they reduce your risk of infection. You can soften your throat by adding fresh ginger to your linden or lemon tea.
The Importance of Sleep and Rest
No matter what vitamin supplement you take, if your body does not rest enough, your immunity will collapse.
- Sleeping in an uninterrupted and dark room for an average of 7-8 hours a day ensures the secretion of the Melatonin hormone. This hormone plays a key role in the body's self-repair and the renewal of immune cells throughout the night.
- Especially when the feeling of illness slowly descends upon you, do not force yourself by saying, "I have nothing, I will overcome it on my feet." Resting at home in your warm bed for a day will prevent the illness from lasting for weeks.
Preventive Medicine and Medical Precautions
Of course, nutrition and sleep alone may not be enough in some cases. Medical precautions are of vital importance, especially for those with chronic diseases, the elderly, and children.
- Vaccination: It is the most scientific and reliable way to protect against severe diseases for individuals in the risk group to get flu and pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccines in the autumn months.
- Hygiene Rules: Washing hands with soap for at least 20 seconds after being in closed and crowded environments, and ventilating places frequently breaks the chain of infection.
- Know Your Blood Values: If you say, "Why am I constantly getting sick?" perhaps your Vitamin D or Iron store is completely empty. Before entering winter, you can have a simple blood test by meeting with our expert physicians in their field in our hospital and complete your missing vitamins under doctor control.
All these recommendations are general preventive in nature. If you feel that you have caught an upper respiratory tract infection, your fever does not drop, or you have difficulty breathing, it is best to consult our specialist physicians without losing time. Stay with health, peace, and healing; we wish you a beautiful winter season.