- Apart from just wearing heavy jackets, and socks and covering yourselves with blankets, is there anything else that can be done?
- Nairobians have so far been hit by the chilly weather leaving many hunting for solutions to keep themselves warm.
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Imagine a situation where it is cold, chilly and Misty in your vicinity.
During this period, you are shivering while drinking water but unsure of how to keep warm.
Apart from just wearing heavy jackets, socks and covering yourselves with blankets, is there anything else that can be done?
Nairobians have so far been hit by the chilly weather leaving many hunting for solutions to keep themselves warm.
According to the Chairperson of the Nutrition Association of Kenya Henry Ng'ethe, Kenyans should endeavour to consume foods rich in Carbohydrates.
He says that having breakfast rich in complex carbohydrates can keep you warm during the cold season as they are retained in the body for 3-4 hours.
Ng'ethe noted that carbohydrates are not highly refined and therefore provide sustainable energy and keep one warm for a longer period.
"Complex carbohydrates will help one have sustained energy for 3-4 hours a day. They also heat up one's body because they contain a lot of energy," Ng'ethe said
Additionally, they contribute to the overall well-being of the body due to their fibre and vitamin contents.
The nutritionist has noted that a cup of porridge which has cereals content will take longer before it is digested therefore providing energy that heats the body.
He has also pointed out that snacks such as nuts and seeds contain antioxidants essential for overall health support and help pump the body with important micronutrients and vitamins.
"Snacks such as groundnuts and flaxes are very high in healthy fats which insulate the body and keep it warm. They also contain fibre, proteins and essential minerals that help build the body," added the nutritionist.
Herbal tea, according to Ng'ethe, helps increase internal heat and circulation of blood.
Herbal tea may contain ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, lemon and mint which have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties that help fight respiratory infections during the cold seasons.
Nutritionist Ng'ethe adds that taking 8-10 cups of warm water a day helps keep the body hydrated as a lot of water is lost to sweating as people try to dress warmly during the cold season.
"The body loses a lot of water during the cold season because people dress warmly. One should take 8-10 cups of water," said Ng'ethe
The nutritionist advises taking fruits as they help adrenaline glands regulate body temperatures and help regulate the energy lost by the body due to their magnesium and Vitamin content.
Henry Ng'ethe is also a nutrition specialist and nutrition consultant.
According to Stamford Health, root vegetables such as beets, carrots and turnips are plentiful during cold seasons as they are packed with essential nutrients which give the immune system the boost it needs to protect one from colds and flu.
These nutrients include beta-carotene and vitamins A and C.