Hyderabad: Poor diet could trigger winter ailments

Hyderabad: With the winter set in over the city in about a week, nutritionists are advising people to be careful in terms of the diet that they follow since from the start of the season. Winter is known to trigger hibernating health ailments.

Winter is difficult especially for patients suffering from asthma, pneumonia and other respiratory problems. Medical experts said those suffering from respiratory ailments should avoid anything taht is cold. They should avoid refrigerated items, keep themselves warm and consume warm food such as soups made of items which contain high amounts of nutrients, Omega 3 fatty acids, proteins and fibres.

Besides, people suffering from allergies and respiratory disorders should avoid the dust while pulling out old woollens to wear in the cold.

Dr Zeenath Fathima, a consultant nutritionist, said, “As soon as winter sets in, people start coming to hospitals with complaints of knee and joint pains. Especially for arthiritis patients, the cold weather increases the pain. Another problem that would be prevalent in the season would be inflammation. These health issues can be avoided if taken proper precautions are taken over the diet.”

The nutritionist said that consuming seasonal foods like sweet potatoes and bananas which are  very rich in sources of potassium, vitamin C and fibre and iron would help tackling the seasonal pains.

Vegetable and chicken broth would be good to consume in the season. Also, flax seeds, walnuts,avocados and sea foods, especially fish, are a great source of Omega 3 fatty acids, which help in reducing inflammation.